PrusaSlicer Update Boosts Cornering Speed & Fixes Annoying Surface Flaws

PrusaSlicer has received an update. Release 2.9.4 comes with a short but sweet changelog, featuring two changes that could really benefit users, and it all comes down to kinetic energy and outer walls.

The core feature of this release is the integration of Junction Deviation, a new motion planning technique that replaces an older setting known as “Jerk”. Jerk often results in the printhead slowing too much at corners, or alternatively forcing its way too quickly around them, the end result being a lackluster surface finish.

Junction Deviation fixes this by providing the printer’s firmware a much better method of navigate corners, leading to improved print times and even improving on, or at least maintaining a good surface quality. This is achieved by calculating the maximum acceptable change in the printhead’s kinetic energy as it travels from one segment of a path to the next. Much like a racing car, this means achieving the highest possible speed through corners, and does it without sacrificing print quality or causing unwanted vibrations.

For now at least, this upgrade is enabled by default on the new Prusa Core One L, but the release summary notes that a phased rollout for other printers will follow via future profile updates.