Experience the Power of PrusaSlicer 2.6 – The Latest Version of the Popular 3D Printing Slicer

PrusaSlicer 2.6 is the latest version of the popular open-source 3D printing slicer software developed by Prusa Research. This new version brings exciting new features and improvements that can help take your 3D printing to the next level. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about PrusaSlicer 2.6 and how you can download and start using it for superior prints.

An Overview of PrusaSlicer 2.6

PrusaSlicer has been one of the most popular slicers for desktop FDM 3D printers for years. It started as a fork of the open-source Slic3r project and has been under active development by Prusa Research, the company behind the beloved Prusa 3D printers.

The software is completely free, open source, and compatible with most desktop 3D printers. It’s known for its powerful print configuration options, intuitive interface, reliability, and ability to produce high-quality prints.

Version 2.6 is a major update that introduces some exciting new capabilities:

• Organic supports – Create more efficient supports that use less material and are easier to remove
• Text embossing – Easily emboss text and images right into the 3D model
• Improved cutting tool – New options for cutting models into separate parts
• Paint-on supports – Intuitive way to manually place supports where needed
• Ironing improvements – Better control over the ironing process for smooth top layers
• And much more including improved support generation, new infill patterns, model editing tools, and dozens of smaller enhancements.

Overall, PrusaSlicer 2.6 aims to make 3D printing easier while expanding the possibilities of what you can create. Keep reading to learn how you can start enjoying the benefits of this powerful new release.

Key Features and Improvements in PrusaSlicer 2.6

Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout new capabilities and improvements available in PrusaSlicer 2.6:

Organic Supports

Supports are structures printed alongside the model to prevent overhangs from drooping or collapsing. They’re essential for 3D printing more complex geometries.

PrusaSlicer 2.6 introduces “organic” supports that use far less material and are easier to remove after printing. This is achieved by printing supports in a branching tree-like pattern that uses only the minimum required contact area to the print.

Organic supports can reduce support material usage by up to 60% compared to the previous rectilinear pattern. This saves on filament use while also making support removal quicker since there are fewer contact points with the print.

Text and Image Embossing

A great new feature in PrusaSlicer 2.6 is the ability to emboss text, logos, and images directly into the 3D model. This allows permanently embedding information like serial numbers, logos, text, QR codes, and more into the physical print.

The new text and image embossing tools make the process easy. Just import an image file or enter text, then adjust the depth and location on the model. It’s a great way to customize prints.

Improved Cutting Tool

The cutting tool allows slicing models into separate parts for easy removal after printing. This is useful for prints like molds, casting patterns, or models too large for the printer bed.

In PrusaSlicer 2.6, the cutting tool gets several enhancements. You can now preview the cut lines on the 3D model, have them automatically generated along sharp edges, and assign different extruders to the cut parts. This makes utilizing the cutting tool even easier.

Paint-On Supports

Expert users will love the new paint-on supports feature. This lets you manually paint support structures onto the model in areas that really need it.

Paint-on supports are great for providing support only where you want it, such as small overhangs on an otherwise support-free model. It offers precise control compared to auto-generated supports.

Ironing Improvements

Ironing is a feature that smooths out the visible print layers on top surfaces. PrusaSlicer 2.6 expands the capabilities with new settings to adjust the pattern, spacing, and speed of the ironing process.

This allows dialing in ironing specifically for your printer, filament, and model to get the best possible top surface quality. The ironing preview mode also makes it easier to visualize the results before printing.

How to Download and Install PrusaSlicer 2.6

If you want to start enjoying all the new features and improvements in PrusaSlicer 2.6, here is how to download and install it:

1. Go to the official PrusaSlicer download page: https://www.prusa3d.com/prusaslicer/
2. Under “Current version” click the Windows or MacOS download link depending on your system.
3. Open the downloaded file to launch the PrusaSlicer installer. Follow the prompts to install PrusaSlicer 2.6 on your computer.
4. The installer will automatically check for updates to download the latest stable version. This should be 2.6.
5. Once installed, PrusaSlicer 2.6 will launch. You may need to accept the usage agreement on first run.
6. By default PrusaSlicer 2.6 will import your profiles and settings from any previous PrusaSlicer install. Just verify your settings and you’re ready to use it!

The process is quick and easy. And remember, since PrusaSlicer is open source the software itself is 100% free to use.

Using PrusaSlicer 2.6 for Better Prints

Now that you have PrusaSlicer 2.6 installed, here are some tips to make the most of its features and create better quality and more customized 3D prints:

• Take advantage of the new organic supports for reduced material use and easier support removal. Adjust the “Contact Z distance” setting to fine-tune overhang performance vs print time.
• Embossen text, logos, serial numbers, etc. right into prints for customization. The embossing depth setting controls visibility – lower values for subtle embossing, higher for pronounced results.
• Enable the new concentric infill patterns for a cleaner surface finish and easier cleanup on top facing surfaces like molds or dishes.
• Use the improved cutting tool to slice models into multiple parts. The new “Print bed adhesion” setting helps keep cut parts stuck down during printing.
• For perfectly smooth print surfaces, experiment with the expanded ironing settings to dial in optimal ironing for your specific printer and filament.
• Paint-on supports are great for providing support just where needed without wasting material. Use them strategically on small overhangs and bridging.
• Take advantage of the new sinking setting to embed models into the print bed for better first layer adhesion and bottom surface quality.

With its revamped supports, text embossing, cutting tools, and expanded configuration options PrusaSlicer 2.6 makes printing more efficient and expands the possibilities of what you can create. Take time to explore all the new settings to see how they can work for your printing needs.

What Users are Saying About PrusaSlicer 2.6

PrusaSlicer 2.6 has been warmly welcomed by users who appreciate the thoughtful new improvements:

• “The new organic supports are amazing! Much easier removal and less ugly support marks on the print.”
• “Love the new concentric infill option – gives a great finish on top surfaces and is easy to sand for painting.”
• “Embossing text and images directly into prints is really handy. No more forgetting which print is which!”
• “Much better cutting tool integration now. Automatic cut lines along sharp edges make it a breeze to cut up models.”
• “Wow, the ironing quality is incredible with the new settings. Top layer porn!”
• “Nice to see PrusaSlicer still innovating. This is by far my favorite slicer.”

Early feedback from the 3D printing community confirms PrusaSlicer 2.6 hits the mark with useful enhancements that improve real-world printing. Users agree this is one slicer update you don’t want to miss.

Conclusion

PrusaSlicer 2.6 brings 3D printing to the next level with powerful new capabilities like organic supports, built-in text and image embossing, an improved cutting tool, and expanded configuration options. This free, open source slicer makes getting better quality and more customized prints easier than ever.

The new smart support structures minimize material use for greater efficiency. Embossed text and serial numbers provide new options for personalization. And settings like the enhanced ironing produce incredibly smooth prints.

Whether you’re new to 3D printing or an experienced pro, PrusaSlicer 2.6 has something for you. Download it today to see how its innovative features can help take your print quality to new heights. With PrusaSlicer 2.6, you have an incredibly capable and reliable slicing partner ready to help make your 3D printing dreams a reality.