Standard desktop 3D printers can typically only print single material objects in a single color. But various methods exist for full color 3D printing using multiple colors within one model. We’ll examine key technologies from fused filament fabrication to powder bed methods that enable printing objects in vivid, realistic multi-colors.
Why Multi Color 3D Printer Is Valuable
Here are some of the benefits and applications of full color 3D printing:
- Allows 3D printing final products in realistic colors vs monochrome prototyping.
- Suitable for art pieces, sculptures, decorations requiring aesthetic colors.
- Useful for color coding parts like electrical wiring harnesses or assembly diagrams.
- Ideal for medical models showing realistic human anatomy and tissue colors.
- Enables brands to 3D print colorful product prototypes for design evaluation.
- Gravity-casted metal molds can replicate colors from a multi-material 3D printed master pattern.
While single extruder printers remain the most common, various methods now exist for unlocking the full spectrum of color with 3D printing.
Methods for Multi-Color 3D Printing
Here are the most popular current technologies used to achieve color 3D printed objects:
Multi-Extruder 3D Printers
By carrying multiple filament colors simultaneously, these FFF/FDM printers can print color mixes. The Prusa MK3S Multi Material Upgrade kit exemplifies this, mixing and matching from four filament inputs.
Single Extruder With Filament Switching
With precisely timed filament switching, a single extruder can change between filament colors layer-by-layer. The Mosaic Palette devices automatically perform this filament splicing.
Full Color Extruders
Special nozzle assemblies mix primary filament colors then blend them through microfluidic mixing before extruding. The Inkspire true full color extruder and Kodak NGEN mix CMYKW filaments.
Binder Jetting
Inkjet deposition of colored binding agents allows full color binder jetting powder bed printers like the HP Jet Fusion 300/500 models. Vibrant, multi-material parts are possible.
Photopolymer Jetting
UV photopolymers are precisely jetted and cured layer-by-layer. Objects made on Stratasys PolyJet printers can incorporate rigid opaque colors into transparent materials for unique effects.
Multi-Color FFF 3D Printing
Most accessible and affordable is FFF fused filament fabrication done using either multiple extruders or filament color switching.
Multi-extruder printers can interleave layers of different colored filament to build full color models. The Prusa MK3S kit adds a second extruder, allowing printing color mixes. More exotic options like the Ultimaker S5 provide up to six filaments choices.
Using just a single extruder, you can switch between filament colors to create color layers. Devices like the Mosaic Manufacturing Palette and Palette+ automate this filament splicing so models print smoothly without user intervention beyond initial color selection.
This works best for color designs with discrete regions of color rather than frequent pigment changes. True full color blending requires mixing the filaments.
Full color extruders handle this by combining primary filaments then mixing and blending them into the full gamut of hues and pigments. The Inkspire true color extruder provides 0.1mm nozzle resolution for photographic quality results.
Powder Bed Fusion Color 3D Printing
In powder bed fusion printing processes like selective laser sintering (SLS) and multi-jet fusion (MJF), color is achieved by dyeing the raw plastic powder feedstock different pigments.
This allows efficiently producing full color parts from a single powder reservoir by binding the colored powder selectively layer-by-layer into complete objects with relatively smooth gradients and transitions between colors.
HP’s commercial MJF printers lead this space, providing vivid color parts in durable nylon materials. Small batches of customized color 3D prints can be created cost effectively.
Photopolymer Jetting Color Printing
Photopolymer jetting methods used in PolyJet printers involve jetting and curing tiny UV-sensitive liquid photopolymer droplets. By depositing combinations of colored rigid and clear flexible photopolymers, these machines can achieve exceptionally smooth color gradations and multi-material properties.
Stratasys machines like the Objet/Stratasys J750 allow composite models with rigid color plastics joined to soft transparent materials. Colors mimic ABS plastics for prototyping, along with rubber-like properties impossible with FFF printing.
Photopolymers closely imitate injection molded parts with superb multi-color blending. The fine 0.014mm resolutionprovided by state-of-the-art print heads results in remarkably smooth surface finishes.
Pros and Cons of Main Multi-Color Methods
Multi-Extruder FFF
- Mixes distinct colors together on layers
- Wide material selection in each extruder
- Affordable multi-material upgrade kits available
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- Limited to typically 2-4 colors
- Visible discrete color regions
Single Extruder Filament Switching
- Only requires single extruder printer
- Change filament on the fly for color layers
- Palette makes this automated
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- Requires discrete color regions, not blending
- Precision alignment needed for clean transitions
Full Color Extruders
- True full color blending
- 0.1mm nozzle for photographic quality
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- Specialized hardware required
- Limited materials compared to FFF
Powder Bed Fusion
- Efficient full color parts in one build
- Smooth color blending from dyed powder
- Durable plastic materials
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- Requires high-end specialty printer
- Smaller build volumes
Photopolymer Jetting
- Exceptional color blending and gradients
- Multi-material capabilities
- Mimics injection molded plastics
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- Photopolymer properties differ from thermoplastics
- Smaller build volumes
- Requires expensive specialty printers
Weigh your specific application needs like print quality, cost, speed, and materials when choosing a method. Desktop fused filament options strike the best balance for accessible color 3D printing.
Applications for Multi-Color 3D Printer
Considering their unique capabilities, full color 3D printers excel at:
- Medical models requiring realistic colors to visualize anatomy
- Artistic sculptures, miniatures, game assets with aesthetic colors
- Color-coded visual aids and educational models
- Prototypes and concept models using product-like colors
- Manufacturing tools like multi-color jigs, fixtures, and patterns
- Presentation pieces customized with company logos and branding
- Architecture renderings with color-coded materials
- Molds for casting realistic colored parts in silicone or metal
Getting Started With Multi-Color 3D Printing
Thanks to the range of technologies now available, 3D printing vivid objects in full color is within any user’s reach:
- Multi-extruder printers like the Prusa machines provide an affordable starting point for exploring multi-color possibilities.
- Single extruder users can experiment with automated filament color switching add-ons like the Palette devices.
- For advanced full color blends, devices like the Inkspire true color extruder upgrade even basic printers.
- To print with realistic high-resolution color gradients, consider contracting photopolymer or HP Multi Jet Fusion through commercial services for specialized needs.
Don’t be limited to single color FFF printing – implementing solutions for multi-color 3D printing enables new opportunities for art, education, manufacturing, and visual communication.
