Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Cura VS meshmixer

Compare Cura VS meshmixer and see what are their differences

Cura logo Cura

Cura aims to be a end solution for personal 3D printing with RepRap based machines.

meshmixer logo meshmixer

meshmixer is an experimental 3D modeling tool for making 3D mashups without too much hassle.
  • Cura Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-23
  • meshmixer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-29

Cura features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Cura offers a straightforward and intuitive user interface, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced 3D printing enthusiasts.
  • Open Source
    Cura is open source, allowing developers to contribute and customize the software according to their needs.
  • Wide Printer Compatibility
    The software supports a wide range of 3D printers, making it versatile for different hardware setups.
  • Regular Updates
    Cura is frequently updated with new features, bug fixes, and improvements, ensuring it stays current with industry standards.
  • Advanced Settings
    Cura provides advanced configuration options for users who want to fine-tune their print settings.
  • Predefined Profiles
    The software includes predefined profiles for various materials and printers, simplifying setup and reducing print failure rates.

Possible disadvantages of Cura

  • Resource Intensive
    Cura can be demanding on system resources, particularly during slicing operations, which might affect performance on lower-end PCs.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, delving into the more advanced settings and features can be daunting for beginners.
  • Limited Support Features
    Although Cura has a large user community, its official support options are somewhat limited compared to some commercial alternatives.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Some users may experience compatibility issues with specific printers or firmware versions, requiring manual adjustments and troubleshooting.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Despite regular updates, users may occasionally encounter bugs or glitches that can impede the slicing or printing process.

meshmixer features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Meshmixer has an intuitive interface that makes it easier for beginners to get started with 3D modeling and sculpting.
  • Versatile Toolset
    It offers a wide array of tools for 3D design, including sculpting, surface smoothing, and mesh mixing.
  • Supports Multiple File Formats
    Meshmixer can import and export various file formats, making it highly versatile for different project needs.
  • Free of Cost
    Meshmixer is available for free, providing access to powerful 3D modeling tools without the need for any investment.
  • Useful for 3D Printing
    The software comes with features specifically designed to assist with 3D printing, including tools for checking an object’s printability.

Possible disadvantages of meshmixer

  • Performance Limitations
    Meshmixer can become slow or crash when handling complex or highly detailed models.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    While it is good for basic and intermediate tasks, it lacks some advanced features found in more comprehensive 3D modeling software.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite the user-friendly interface, novices may still encounter a learning curve when navigating through the extensive set of tools and options.
  • Windows and Mac Only
    Meshmixer is only available for Windows and Mac, leaving Linux users without access.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Users sometimes encounter bugs and glitches, which can hamper the workflow and necessitate workarounds.

Analysis of Cura

Overall verdict

  • Cura is widely considered a highly effective and reliable slicing software option for 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its combination of ease of use, extensive functionality, and continuous development ensures that it remains a popular choice in the 3D printing community.

Why this product is good

  • Cura, developed by Ultimaker, is widely regarded as a top-tier slicing software for 3D printing. It offers a user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and reliable performance. Cura is known for its robust community support and frequent updates, which include new features and improvements. It supports a broad range of 3D printers and file formats, making it a versatile choice for both beginners and experienced users. Its open-source nature also allows for continuous development and contributions from the community.

Recommended for

    Cura is recommended for anyone involved in 3D printing, from hobbyists and beginners to experienced professionals. It's particularly beneficial for those who require versatile and customizable slicing options while also seeking an easy-to-use interface. Given its wide compatibility with various 3D printer models and its strong support community, Cura is a valuable tool for both personal projects and professional applications.

Cura videos

CURA 4.0 vs CURA 3.6 3D Printing Slicer Feature Review

More videos:

  • Review - T3 Micro Hair Dryers review: Cura & Cura Luxe
  • Review - A CURA vale a pena? | Crítica, Filme de Terror

meshmixer videos

Playing around in Meshmixer 3.0 - Very Impressed!

More videos:

  • Review - Top 5 Must Know Meshmixer Tricks for 3D Printing - FREE
  • Review - 5 More Reasons you need Meshmixer for your 3D Printing Projects

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Cura and meshmixer)
3D
35 35%
65% 65
Architecture
100 100%
0% 0
Photos & Graphics
0 0%
100% 100
CAD
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using Cura and meshmixer. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, meshmixer seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 13 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Cura mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Cura yet. Tracking of Cura recommendations started around Mar 2021.

meshmixer mentions (13)

  • Making 3D models 100% solid
    To add a bit to what others are saying. Mesh mixer is sometimes a great tool for some of this. Source: over 1 year ago
  • strange wavy patterns, don't think its z banding
    Ah right. If you can't get the source file, you could try smoothing them out in meshmixer. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Hollowing prints
    The quickest fix I know is to use the free meshmixer. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Editing STL files
    There are programs such as Meshmixer specifically intended to do that, others such as Blender which can do a good job (but beware of missing surfaces or inside-out triangles) and some CAD programs such as Fusion 360 which have the ability to convert meshes. Even Tinkercad can make some changes. It's always better to get a CAD file in a common interchange format such as a STP (STEP) file if you can, though. Source: about 2 years ago
  • All 50+ "Complicated" Autodesk software explained in 12 minutes [Super high effort useful video]
    Meshmixer seems to be no longer in developement, with their integration of similar features with fusion360 according to their site https://meshmixer.com/. Source: over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Cura and meshmixer, you can also consider the following products

Slic3r - STL-to-GCODE translator for RepRap printers Here comes Slic3r! Its features are: - speed

Blender - Blender is the open source, cross platform suite of tools for 3D creation.

Repetier - Software for controlling RepRap style 3D-printer like Mendel, Darwin or Prusa mendel.

Sculptris - Sculptris: Enter a world of digital art without barriers.

MatterControl - MatterControl is a free, open source app that lets you organize and manage your 3D prints.

Sketchfab - Sketchfab is an industrial design software tool is useful for ideation and for beginners in the industrial design field.