Cura 3.5.1 Saves Files as .ufp

[CTotten 4]

I just updated by Ultimaker Cura to version 3.5.1.  After I get a print set up in Cura, and I save it to my desktop for later use, I noticed the sliced file is being saved in a *.ufp file format, instead of the *.gcode format that my previous version of Cura (3.1.0) saved as.  Is this expected?  I am not familiar with this format.  Cura does not seem to recognize this file type (as in I can select Open File in Cura, and it will show me all the saved G-Code files, but not these new UFP files).  I have not saved any new files to my thumb drive yet to use on the printer.

The files I am working with are using the S5 profile so that I can see how many extra production components I can fit onto the build plate on an S5.  I currently have a 3E, so I am trying to convince my boss to get an S5 to increase our production capacity, as well as to take advantage of the new features on the S5 (particularly the "fully supported" composite materials and the new CC print core).  Anyway, maybe the UFP file format is exclusive to the S5 profile?

 

Any help would be appreciated.

Edited October 24, 2018 by CTotten

[CTotten 4]

OK, so as I typed the original post, I realized I should have checked a 3E profile setup.  Using the 3E profile, the default file type is G-Code.  The UFP file type can be selected as the file type for the 3E.  It appears the default file type for the S5 profile is UFP, but G-Code can be selected from the file type drop down.

Still wondering what the UFP file type is, and what it is used for.

[ctbeke 28]

It's a new format we use for S5. It's basically a ZIP archive with the toolpath (G-code) and a preview image attached so we can show that on the S5 touch screen (and Cura Connect web interface). The format is fully open and specified on GitHub: https://github.com/Ultimaker/libCharon. It's an implementation of the OPC format (like docx is as well).

[CTotten 4]

8 hours ago, ctbeke said:

It's a new format we use for S5. It's basically a ZIP archive with the toolpath (G-code) and a preview image attached so we can show that on the S5 touch screen (and Cura Connect web interface). The format is fully open and specified on GitHub: https://github.com/Ultimaker/libCharon. It's an implementation of the OPC format (like docx is as well).

Thanks.  That makes sense based on what I have read on the S5 setup.