Cura doesn't have connector generation. I built a plugin, and a one-click installer, that does.

OrcaSlicer and PrusaSlicer offer tools for creating mechanical connectors like plugs, dowels, and snaps during multi-part printing. However, Cura lacks this functionality and also lacks an official plugin API for developers to add such features officially. This gap is what cura-connect aims to fill.

The plugin comprises two phases: the first focuses on a geometry engine to calculate connector parameters such as clearances, angles, and tolerances independently before integrating with Cura. The second phase integrates with Cura's UI, allowing users to place and adjust connectors on split models in real-time. These phases were tested against a live Cura 5.13 installation to ensure accuracy, not just through unit tests.

One crucial issue addressed was that connectors were originally sized based on the overall bounding box of a model, which doesn't work for hollow or thin-walled objects like vases. The revised system sizes connectors using the printer's actual profile settings, wall thickness, and line width, and validates them against the real model geometry.

To facilitate easy installation, a cross-platform installer was developed and added to the repository. Unlike previous versions, this installer can locate the existing Cura installation and automatically place the plugin in the correct folder structure required by Cura. This installer eliminated the need for waiting for Marketplace approval.

The submission to the Marketplace is still under review, but the current installer provides the same functionality. Early adopters from the 3D Printing Pakistan community, using it on Creality and Qalam machines, have provided valuable feedback that will guide future improvements. The repository with the plugin can be found at https://github.com/rx290/cura-connect.