The Best Multi Color 3D Printers for Vibrant and Detailed Prints

3D printing technology has come a long way in recent years, with advancements in materials, print quality, speed, and features. One area that has seen significant innovation is multi-color 3D printing, which allows you to print objects in multiple colors in a single build.

While most desktop 3D printers are limited to single color printing, there are now several options for affordable multi-color 3D printers for hobbyists and professionals alike. Multi-color 3D printing opens up new possibilities for creating more vibrant and detailed models and prototypes.

In this article, we will look at the best multi color 3D printers across various price ranges and use cases.

How Multi Color 3D Printing Works

Most standard desktop 3D printers rely on fused filament fabrication (FFF), which uses a single color filament for the entire print. Multi-color 3D printers add additional extruders or filament swapping mechanisms to allow switching between multiple filament colors within the same object.

There are two main approaches used:

• Multi-extruder 3D printers have multiple print heads or extruders that can use different color filaments. The printer switches between the extruders when needed to change colors.
• Filament swapping 3D printers rely on a single extruder, but have an automated mechanism to pause printing and swap to a different color filament when needed.

Multi-color 3D printing does require more precision and skill to master, as you have to strategically design and position color changes within your model. But the results can be incredible, with full-color objects that would not be possible on standard single color 3D printers.

Key Advantages of Multi Color 3D Printing

Here are some of the biggest benefits that multi-color 3D printing provides:

• Vibrant and realistic colors within a single print. This allows you to add accent colors, textures, and fine details.
• Eliminates the need for painting or post-processing to add color. The colors are embedded into the print.
• Allows multi-material capabilities for advanced applications. Different colors can represent different materials or material properties.
• Enables color-coding of designs for improved visualization and communication. Easily color-code components, layers, or features.
• Ideal for prototypes, models, artwork, sculptures, miniatures, game assets, accessories, and educational tools.
• Cost-effective compared to other full-color 3D printing methods like binder jetting. Multi-color FFF or SLA printers are relatively affordable.

Best Multi Color 3D Printers

Here are our top picks for the best multi color 3D printers across various applications and budgets:

Overall Best: Prusa MK3S+ Multi Material Upgrade

The Prusa i3 MK3S is arguably the best mid-range 3D printer for its reliability, print quality, and community support. With the Multi Material Upgrade 2.0, it can be expanded into a dual-extruder multi-color printing powerhouse.

The MMU2S upgrade adds a filament switching mechanism with a buffering smart extruder. It automatically snips and switches between up to 5 different filament colors loaded into the buffer. PrusaSlicer makes it easy to assign colors and position the layer changes.

The MK3S+ paired with the MMU2S offers unmatched print quality and consistency. Once calibrated, it just works. The excellent PrusaSlicer software and 7×7 mesh bed leveling also ensure excellent first layer adhesion when color switching.

Another benefit is the flexibility to use dissolvable filaments as well as standard PLA, PETG, TPU, or exotic filaments. This allows for water-soluble supports and multi-material capabilities.

The MK3S+ Multi Material kit offers the best balance of high-end dual extrusion technology made accessible and reliable for hobbyists. It’s an investment but pays off with consistent quality multi-color and multi-material prints.

Best Budget: FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite

The FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite is a great entry-level dual extruder 3D printer with a budget-friendly price point. It offers an enclosed heated chamber, auto-leveling print bed, and a touchscreen interface.

Dual nozzle extruders allow you to print using two different color filaments. The extruders are fed from FlashForge’s easy to load spools mounted on top of the enclosure. Filament runout detection helps avoid failed prints.

The Adventurer 3 Lite boasts good print quality for its price. The dual extruders can be easily calibrated and dialed in. The onboard software makes it simple to assign colors to specific regions and generate the appropriate toolpaths.

While the build volume is limited at 150 x 150 x 150 mm, it’s a highly capable starter printer for small multi-color prints, prototypes, and miniatures. Reliable pre-configured hardware and software make this plug-and-play printer newbie-friendly.

Best SLA: Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K

For ultra-detailed miniatures and jewelry, an SLA printer with multiple resin vats can achieve incredible multi-color prints. The Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K is one of the best large format SLA 3D printers with this capability.

It features an impressive 8.9” 4K monochrome LCD screen for insane pixel resolution down to 35 microns. The open resin vat design allows you to switch between multiple vats pre-filled with different colored resins mid-print for seamless transitions.

The Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K can blend up to 4 colors in a single hyper-detailed print. The excellent UV curing from its focused laser LED array ensures good cross-layer adhesion when color switching.

For paintable tabletop miniatures, multi-color prints with gradients, mixing filament colors, and fine color control, the Mono X 6K is an excellent SLA option. The large build volume lets you print multiple minis in different colors together. Just be prepared for some post-print cleanup between color changes.

Best Specialty: Origin One Multi-Material Printer

For ambitious engineering applications requiring advanced multi-material 3D printing, the Origin One is an industrial workhorse. It combines up to three independent extruders with a soluble support liquid for complex mixing, gradients, and embedded support structures.

The independent extruder system allows for precise mixing or switching between three materials on the fly. Soluble supports enable intricate designs impossible by traditional FFF printers.

Parts can be printed with unique material properties like soft rubber grips, rigid plastic bodies, and flexible joints all in one build. Various materials like ABS, nylon, polypropylene, TPE, TPU, and more are supported.

Origin’s proprietary P3 technology optimizes print paths for minimal transition waste and consistent extrusion. Geometric analysis helps improve accuracy for multi-material prints.

For industries from medical devices to aerospace, Origin One offers the most advanced multi-material and multi-color 3D printing capabilities in one reliable production-ready system. The starting price tag reflects its pro-grade engineering and build quality.

Most User-Friendly: Ultimaker S3

Known for their sleek design and reliable performance, Ultimaker 3D printers also stand out for their usability. Combined with the Dual Extrusion Kit, the Ultimaker S3 becomes one of the most user-friendly options for multi-color printing.

Effortless NFC material recognition auto-configures print settings when swapping filament spools. The touchscreen interface makes it simple to adjust settings and monitor progress.

Dual extruders with an optimized cooling system and ultimaker build plate allow reliable print performance across a wide range of materials. Print quality is excellent thanks to the 0.25 mm nozzle capability and active bed leveling.

Once calibrated, it just works. Ultimaker Cura integration takes the guesswork out of color assignment and toolpath generation. Seamless material switching for transitions between colors produces crisp, clean multi-color prints.

For design studios, classrooms, and tinkerers who value reliability and ease of use, the Ultimaker S3 with the Dual Extrusion Kit hits the sweet spot.

Best Large Format: Raise3D Pro3 Dual

For extra-large multi-color prints, the Raise3D Pro3 with dual extruders can’t be beat. Its massive 305 x 305 x 605 mm build volume dwarfs most desktop printers.

Dual extrusion enables printing with two colors. The Pro3 Dual uses Raise3D’s technology to minimize ooze and ensure crisp transitions between layers. Independent dual hotends allow using different nozzles or print settings for each extruder.

Premium components like an all-metal frame, linear rails, and quiet stepper motors result in smooth, accurate printing. The printer is also rated for high-temperature engineering filaments like ABS and nylon.

For printing oversized sculptures, costume pieces, props, cosplay armor, and more, the Pro3 Dual offers an enormous build volume paired with reliable dual-extrusion capabilities. Large scale multi-color prints up to 30 inches tall are possible.

Most Affordable: Monoprice MP Mini Deluxe SLA

On an ultra-tight budget but want to dip your toes into multi-color resin printing? The Monoprice MP Mini Deluxe SLA gives you the basics for under $250.

The Mini Deluxe adds a second resin vat compared to Monoprice’s base model. This allows you to pre-fill each vat with a different colored photopolymer resin. While the print process requires manually swapping vats between colors, the results can be impressive from such an affordable printer.

The resolution is limited at only 35 microns, but the dual vats enable color blending and gradients to take miniatures and jewelry to the next level. Be prepared for some tuning to get the colors to align correctly between layers.

For new users, the low cost and compact size make this a great starter printer to experiment with multi-color resin printing on a budget. Just be sure to budget for plenty of resin too!

Multi-Color Printing Tips and Tricks

Here are some top tips for getting the most out of your multi-color 3D printing:

• Take time to properly calibrate your extruders/heads to ensure optimal alignment and consistency between colors.
• Watch your retraction settings between color changes to avoid ooze and unintended mixing. Shorter retractions and restart distances help.
• Minimize the number of color changes where possible to reduce transition waste and failures.
• Experiment with model orientation to optimize the positioning of color transitions and overhangs.
• Use software paint tools to assign colors only where needed rather than entire layers to minimize transition points.
• Choose layer heights that evenly divide into your nozzle size to ensure clean transitions between colors.
• Allow some overlap between colors for better adhesion rather than trying to achieve perfect registration between layers.

Ready to Try Multi-Color 3D Printing?

Adding multiple colors in a single 3D print opens up new possibilities for more vibrant and functional prints. From ultra-detailed miniatures to room-filling cosplay armor, multi-color 3D printing provides exciting new capabilities.

With a range of dual extruder and filament swapping options now available at reasonable prices, multi-color 3D printing is within reach of hobbyists and professionals on any budget. Just be prepared to upgrade your 3D design skills alongside your hardware for positioning colors strategically within models.

We hope this overview gives you a great starting point for selecting the best multi color 3D printer for your needs and budget. Let the colors flow!