Geeetech A20M 3D printer, adopting open source GT2560 control board, delivers mix-color objects and greatly enriches your 3D printing life. Keeping the good performance of Geeetech’s portfolio of 3D printers, it aims to provide users with quality printout and satisfactory printing experience.
- Creality LD002R LCD Resin 3D Printer with Air Filtering System and 3.5' Smart Touch Color Screen Off-line Print 4.69' x 2.56' x 6.29' Printing Size 4.5 out of 5 stars 383 Misc.
- First up on our list is the XYZ Printing da Vinci Color.This multicolor 3D printer uses its jet technology to print out full color 3D printed objects. Base material used with this printer is white PLA, which the printer colors by using its CMYK filament cartridge.
- 3D Pen Filament 320 Feet, 16 Colors，Each Color 20 Feet, Bonus 250 Stencils eBooks - 3D Pen/3D Printer PLA Filament 1.75mm, High-Precision Diameter and Kids Safe Refill 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,205 $16.99.
As technology continues to evolve, lesser-known markets are beginning to come into their own. One such area that is starting to spread its wings is 3D printing. This industry has shown that it has a place in the world of consumer technology during the past few years.
Even though this industry isn’t as mainstream as other technologies yet, it is still making significant noise in the tech sector. But what about those that aren’t as familiar with 3D printing?
That’s where we want to help. Choosing the right color 3D printer can be challenging. So, with that in mind, what should you consider when selecting a color 3D printer? Let’s take a look at some criteria to consider as you make your decision.
Best Multi Color 3D Printers
Now that you have an idea of what to look for as you search for the ideal multi-color 3D printer, here are a few of the top options to consider.
XYZ Printing da Vinci Color – Best Desktop Option
da Vinci ColorOne of the only true desktop 3D printers for full spectrum color printing, the da Vinci also is one of the easiest to use out of the box.
First up on our list is the XYZ Printing da Vinci Color. This multicolor 3D printer uses its jet technology to print out full color 3D printed objects. Base material used with this printer is white PLA, which the printer colors by using its CMYK filament cartridge.
So that it doesn’t waste ink, the Da Vinci only colors the filament layers that are visible on the print bed, rather than the entire item. If you’re interested in a smaller version of this printer, it also comes in a mini. However, the smaller option only uses one cartridge whereas the bigger version uses four.
If you have a home office, this is the ideal multiple colors 3D printer for you. It allows you to have a 3D printer in your home without taking up a lot of space. Plus, the option of an even smaller unit makes this printer appealing to anyone who doesn’t have a lot of room to maneuver.
Where to Buy? Pick this one up via this Amazon listing here.
Read More: XYZprinting da Vinci Mini Review: Does it Work?
3D Systems ProJet CJP 660 – Best for High Build Volume or Large Scale Projects
The ProJet 660 offers a full color 3D printing experience that will have you creating high-quality pieces in no time. By depositing liquid color and using it as a binding agent, the ProJet makes use of its Color Jet Printing process to print amazing items.
This multicolor printer offers a capacity of 508 x 381 x 229 mm, which makes it one of the most productive options on our list. With this ProJet CJP660, you’re getting both a high-resolution print and high build volume. Using the CJP 660 means you can easily create large-scale concepts and models at any point during the development process.
ProJet says it can print faster than other technologies and multicolor printers on the market (multi color print, single batch). Whether or not that’s true, you can create a large 3D model (using the excess build volume) within just a few hours. Plus, if you’re creating a project that doesn’t require filament color, the CJP 660 will print 35% faster if you’re only using black and white.
HP Jet Fusion – Best for Intricate and Complex Designs
The HP Jet Fusion multicolor 3D printer focuses on allowing various binding agents to deposit onto plain materials in the additive manufacturing process. With this process, which HP calls “Voxel Transforming Agents,” you can manipulate not only the color or your project, but also the texture.
Additionally, you control the density, translucency, and many other features that allow you to print exactly what you want the way you want it. There are up to eight various agents to choose from, all giving you the 3D print you desire.
If you’re color 3D printing intricate designs with integrating complex parts, then the HP Jet Fusion multicolor 3D printer is a great option. You’ll be able to produce functional, fully-formed pieces with plenty of detail. This 3D printer is great for small or medium-sized businesses that want to focus primarily on design and functionality.
ComeTrue T10 – Best for Faster Print Speeds
This multi color 3D printer utilizes sandstone as its base material. This plater-like and neutral powder is colored and solidified with the ComeTrue process that allows for the colored liquid to bond to the agent itself.
At that point, you’ll need to put the pieces into a dry vacuum device – which you purchase separately – to get rid of any remaining powder by using an airbrush. The ComeTrue10 is a solid multicolor 3D printer, but the entire process takes some getting used to.
If you want to print your pieces quickly, then the ComeTrue T10 might be the right multicolor 3D printer for you. Of course, remember that sometimes you’ll sacrifice print quality for speed. However, the T10 does provide additional features like multiple use cases, a wide range of applications, and the ability to print complex parts.
Rize XRIZE – Best for Beginners
If you’re in the market for a professional multi-color 3D printer, then take a serious look at the XRIZE. This unit uses a combination of ink-jetting technology, along with its proprietary Augmented Deposition process to provide pieces that are strong and vibrant.
Additionally, the XRIZE multicolor printer also deposits Release Ink – a special proprietary material – into the support structures and the piece itself. This makes it easy for users to quickly disconnect the support materials. Doing so leaves the piece smooth, which means users don’t have to mess with a lot of post-processing.
Even though this multicolor 3D printer offers professional-grade print quality, it’s still a great printer for beginners. It’s easy to use and setup and doesn’t require a lot of pre and post-process effort. The XRIZE works with environmentally friendly and recyclable materials and makes things simple for those that are unfamiliar with the world of color 3D printing.
What Will You Use It For?
This Is arguably the most important item to consider while you’re making your choice. What do you plan on doing with your color 3D printer? Are you going to make large or small items? Do you plan on 3D printing in batches?
What applications do you plan on using? What types of moulds will you use? What about tooling, fixtures, and casting? You’ll want to answer these questions to have a solid idea of which color 3D printer will work best for you.
What Features Are Most Important to You?
After you decide what you’re going to do with your multicolor 3D printer, you’ll want to determine which features are a priority. Different products offer different features with different qualities.
Each 3D printer is going to provide a different level of surface finish, resolution, and accuracy. Which of these features are most important to you? Determine that and you’ll have a solid idea of which 3D printer fits your needs.
Color 3D Printing Surface Finish
Surface finish is important for a few pieces. Keep in mind that you can smooth the surface of your item after its done 3D printing, however, it’s usually best to choose a 3D printer that does this for you.
There are a few reasons you want to select a printer with this feature. First, it reduces the total amount of time it takes to produce an item since nothing needs to be done post-processing. Plus, if the smoothing process isn’t done properly there could wind up being problems.
Color 3D Printing Resolution
Next up on the list of features to consider is the printer’s resolution capabilities. Some 3D printers only print with the minimum resolution possible. However, there are also options on the market that offers excellent resolution, so determine how important this feature is to you.
Remember that the layer height (layer thickness) is what tells your 3D printer what resolution to print. The lower the designated layer height, the higher the resolution you’ll get on your printed item.
Color 3D Printing Accuracy
Last, but definitely not list, is the accuracy of your multicolor 3D printer. You want complex pieces and geometrical parts to print just the way you expect them to, so you want to be sure you’re getting a 3D printer that can handle it.
Additionally, if you plan on 3D printing pieces that will need to be put together later, accuracy is of the utmost importance. Accuracy is definitely something to keep in mind as you decide which 3D multicolor printer makes the most sense for you.
3D Printing Speed
If you’re unfamiliar with 3D printing speed, it’s measured by inches printed each hour. Of course, the amount of time it takes to print your item depends a lot on the size and complexity of its design.
Oftentimes, speed will also depend on the type of different material you’re printing with. Take all these factors into account before you settle on a multi-color 3D printer. Sometimes the ones that brag about their speed aren’t the ones that can handle heavy workloads.
Also, remember that just because you’re getting higher speeds doesn’t mean you’re getting precision. Some 3D multi-color printers sacrifice on accuracy in favor of higher speeds. So, if you’re planning on printing parts that require extreme accuracy, a high-speed printer may not make sense for you.
3D Printer Build Size
When it comes to the size of your printer, you’ll want to primarily think about how much room you have and what you plan on printing. That’s because you can find multi-color 3D printers that are big enough to fill a closet while others are small enough to sit on a desk.
Most 3D printers specify their build size, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the right one. Just be sure you don’t ignore the printer’s build size. If you wind up printing items that are bigger than your 3D printer build size, you’ll wind up with a useless printer.
Multi Color 3D Printer Material
Next, let’s take a look at what type of material you plan on using with your multi-color 3D printer. Were you aware that today, there are a wide variety of materials available to choose from? And the list keeps growing!
When 3D printers launched, the only option was photosensitive resin. But as 3D printing technology has progressed, multiple materials and options have come into the picture.
Of course, selecting the materials for your 3D printer may depend entirely on what you plan on printing. So, for instance, if you need to print items that need to be durable or flexible, you want to be sure you choose a material that allows for those capabilities.
In today’s 3D printing market, there are a wide variety of materials available. There’s even a good possibility you’ll find varying degrees of print quality with the type of material you select. That’s why it’s critical that you know exactly what you’re printing and what type of material you’ll need.
For example, if you plan to print using PLA filament (vs PETG filament, ABS filament, or a different filament), then your 3D multi-color printer will have to work with that type of material. Chances are you’ll want to use various types of materials for color 3D Printing, so try to find a printer that will accept different color and material options.
FAQs About 3D Printers
Can my 3D printed items be sanded?
Plastic parts made of FDM (FDM 3D printer vs SLA printer) are capable of being sanded with belt sanders or by hand. Think of it as sanding down an automotive part of a piece of wood. The nice thing about sanding is that it doesn’t cost a lot and is and effective method for getting a smooth finish on your print.
Sanding is one of the most commonly used techniques for finishing a 3D-printed part. You can sand and smooth nearly all your pieces with the exception of a few tiny parts.
What is the life expectancy of a PLA print?
A decent 3D printed piece will take roughly 6 months to start showing signs of stress and decay. This will show up in the form of cracks and lines in your piece. Of course, the length of time it takes depends largely on the conditions in which the piece resides.
While you may notice that the piece isn’t as perfect as it once was, in the right conditions, your printed project may last up to a decade and a half.
Are the parts I printed on my 3D printer airtight?
With a high-quality 3D printer, you can now print watertight printed object such as canisters, cups, and containers. This type of technology makes it possible to create 3D prints that will float or even hold water.
So, what are you waiting for? Go print that 3D boat you’ve always wanted and give take it for a swim!
Can I make money using my 3D printer?
Sure, you can! One of the simplest ways to earn a little extra money is by using your multi-color 3D printer to create items and 3D object models and sell them. There are sites available online through which you can sell your goods, or you can always create your own.
List your multi-color 3D printer as a service available to others and have them pay you for any items or pieces that you print.
Final Thoughts: Best 3D Printer for Color
Getting started with color 3D printing is not an easy thing to do, which makes it all the more important that you find the printer that fits your needs. It is a difficult task, but one that needs to be taken seriously.
The fact that 3D printers and the materials they need can be costly makes the decision that much more important. Chances are you don’t have an unlimited budget, so buying a multi-color 3D printer more than one time likely isn’t an option.
That’s why it is crucial that you consider each and every feature you want prior to making your final decision. These printers are costly and are designed to serve specific purposes and functions. That doesn’t mean they’re not worth it.
Be sure to find one that meets your needs and expectations. Focus on the details. What requirements does your multi-color 3D printer have to have? As you do your research, you’ll discover that the choices will be narrowed down to less than a handful of options.
Once you’ve found a few you like, you’ll be able to find the one that fits what you need. If need be, make a list and check off the items as you complete your search. Remember, you don’t need a multi-color 3D printer that has all the best bells and whistles.
You need one that has the features and functionality that suits your purposes. Look for that, and you’ll wind up with exactly what you want.
da Vinci ColorOne of the only true desktop 3D printers for full spectrum color printing, the da Vinci also is one of the easiest to use out of the box.
Recommended Reading on Desktop 3D Printer Options and 3D Print Filaments
As of this writing, full-color 3D printing is still in the early stages. Well, at least on the consumer or desktop level, considering industrial full-color 3D printers, the ones that cost well over $10,000, have been around for some time. This is one of the barriers preventing desktop 3D printers from expanding to more applications and being more widely adopted, especially for business.
The good news is that, while full-color 3D printing on the consumer level is still far from being as developed as single-color 3D printing, there are existing workarounds to produce multi-color models, one of which is obviously using a dual extruder 3D printer. For those tired of single-color prints, check out the following solutions.
Multi-Color Printing via the Manual Method
While it requires a more involved process and can be unreliable sometimes, producing multi-color prints with just a single extruder is possible. You can do this by pausing mid-print and initiating a filament change – a process normally used for when the loaded filament is about to run out. Once the print is paused, simply switch to a different filament and then resume the print.
This process can be done either manually or with the help of a slicer like Cura. The former method is not the most recommended. It’s a lot more laborious since it requires you to watch the print progress like a hawk and manually pause the print at a certain point. With the help of a slicer, a filament change command can be inserted in the code, which causes the print progress to automatically pause at a specific point, allowing you to swap a different filament.
Although some require more tinkering than normal to get it right, many desktop 3D printers on the market support this kind of multi-color printing, from budget models to high-end ones. One of the best for the job is the Original Prusa i3 MK2S, which sells for about $600 in its kit form. It’s an absolute workhorse that can produce great prints even with the stock components. The newer MK3 is also a fantastic option, though that one will cost you around $750 for the kit.
For a more economical option, the Monoprice Maker Select v2 – which goes for less than $300 and is notable for being one of the best cheap 3D printers on the market – is a solid choice. Keep in mind that not all 3D printers behave in the same way. Before green-lighting an actual print job, do several tests first and see how your 3D printer reacts to the inserted filament change command.
Multi-Color Printing with the Mosaic Palette 2
The above process isn’t the only way to produce multi-color prints with a single extruder 3D printer. With the Mosaic Manufacturing Palette 2, you can print up to four colors using one nozzle and with no need to pause mid-print to swap out a different filament. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, the good news is that it’s legit. The bad news is that this particular method will cost you at least $600.
The successor to the Palette+, the recently launched Palette 2, which ships out this November, is an accessory that takes up to four filaments and splices them into a single strand, allowing for hassle-free multi-color printing. It’s got its own built-in touchscreen interface and can connect via SD card or USB. Unlike the multi-material upgrade for the Original Prusa i3 series (more on this later), the Palette 2 is an external accessory that doesn’t necessarily have to be mounted on the 3D printer itself.
Compatible with PLA, PETG, flexible filaments, and dissolvable support materials, the Palette 2 is an interesting equipment that turns a regular single extruder 3D printer into a multi-material machine. And like its predecessor, it can work with a wide selection of products, including the MakerGear M2, the Wanhao Duplicator i3, the Creality CR-10, the Robo R2, and the LulzBot TAZ 6, among others. Some products don’t come with full compatibility, though, especially with regard to the Canvas Hub add-on.
Mosaic Manufacturing is also offering a souped-up model in the form of the Palette 2 Pro, which sells for about $800, placing it in the same price range as the Original Prusa i3 MK3 kit. According to the manufacturer, the premium model has better construction, featuring a better cooling system and 20 percent faster splicing speeds. In regard to compatibility, the Palette 2 Pro is similarly rated for 1.75-millimeter filaments and can work with some of the most popular 3D printers on the market.
While the Palette 2 is a neat add-on that makes multi-material printing more accessible, it has one notable limit that might discourage some people: it can’t mix colors. It merely splices the filaments, producing a single filament strand with alternating colors. This means the available colors depend on the base color of the loaded filaments. The main thing about the Palette 2 is the convenience, as it eliminates the need to manually swap out filaments mid-print.
Multi-Color Printing with the Prusa MMU 2.0 Kit
Prusa Research’s (MMU) kit is another accessory that makes it possible to produce multi-color prints with a single nozzle setup. The current model is the MMU 2.0, which started shipping just last August and sells for just around $300, making it significantly cheaper than Mosaic Manufacturing’s multi-material tool.
Unlike the Palette 2, the new MMU 2.0 can only work with the Original Prusa i3 MK2.5 and MK3 out of the box, with no major tinkering required. But on the plus side, it can print with up to five different filaments, resulting in more colorful prints. It’s better than the original MMU in a lot of ways, featuring new electronics and a completely redesigned structure. It keeps the direct drive system of Prusa Research’s 3D printers and has a single PTFE tube, which makes it look less complex.
Equipped with smart features such as a filament sensor, power loss recovery, and a smart wiping system for reduced filament waste, the MMU 2.0 is a fantastic accessory for those who own the MK2.5 or MK3. It mounts easily onto the frame and is more open-source, which isn’t surprising considering Josef Prusa’s commitment to the open-source movement. As of this writing, the MMU 2.0 can print with ABS, PLA, PETG, and dissolvable materials, with upcoming support for flexibles.
Like the Palette 2, the MMU 2.0 is not capable of mixing colors, so don’t expect full-color printing. In spite of this limit, it can still produce colorful prints, featuring the print quality the Original Prusa i3 series is known for. For MK2.5 and MK3 owners, the MMU 2.0 is the no-brainer pick for a multi-material add-on. For everyone else, Mosaic Manufacturing’s multi-color tool is more ideal.
Color 3d Printers
Multi-Color Printing with Dual Extruders
While some 3D printers allow for a seamless process, changing filaments mid-print to produce multi-color models can be inconvenient. The chief reason is that even with an auto-pause command in place, the process still relies on you to make the actual filament change. What if the filament change command kicks in while you’re asleep or out of the house? And that’s assuming you’re comfortable with leaving a 3D printer running without supervision.
A dual extruder 3D printer addresses that speed bump. Since it’s already loaded with a pair of filaments, there’s no need to pause mid-print to insert a differently colored filament. It can print in dual colors from start to finish without any form of manual intervention – unless the filament runs out, of course. This is one of the two main advantages of dual extruder 3D printers, with the other being the ability to print dissolvable support materials for more complex models.
There are two kinds of dual extruder 3D printers: one with dual nozzles mounted on a single carriage and one with dual nozzles each mounted on an independent carriage. The Ultimaker 3 is an example of the former while the BCN3D Sigma is an example of the latter. With independent dual extruders, you can print two copies of the same model at the same time, boosting your productivity. But there’s a reason the market isn’t full of such 3D printers: they are more complicated to use.
For multi-color 3D printing, a regular dual extruder 3D printer, one that features a single mount for the dual nozzles, is good enough. But don’t expect it to be as fast as a single extruder 3D printer, considering the additional weight on the print head affects the print speed.
Considering there are fewer options, shopping for a dual extruder 3D printer is easier compared to when shopping for a single extruder 3D printer, especially when you set the price limit to $1,000. As mentioned in our guide to the best dual extruder 3D printers, the Ultimaker 3 is the best on the market. It’s a professional-grade machine that, once tuned-up, can produce print after print with little to no issues. The bad news is that it sells for well over $3,000, not exactly the most accessible price point for most folks.
For those on a tight budget, the popular FlashForge Creator Pro is more suitable. It’s one of the most reliable 3D printers on the market. It has a large community and comes mostly assembled. The Qidi Tech I, a Creator Pro clone, is also a solid option for those who can’t spend more than $700 on a dual extruder 3D printer. If independent dual extruders interest you, check out the MakerGear M3-ID and the aforementioned BCN3D Sigma and its big brother, the Sigmax – all of which are on the expensive side.
Multi-Color Printing with the XYZprinting da Vinci Color
The XYZprinting da Vinci Color is an interesting machine that combines Fused Filament Fabrication with inkjet technology to produce full-color prints. It sells for over $3,000. Combine that with the running costs, and the da Vinci Color is one expensive machine overall, though not on the same level as the industrial ones.
Using CMYK ink cartridges found in regular 2D printers, the da Vinci Color’s process is easy to wrap your head around. It uses a special color-absorbing filament as the base material. The inkjet technology drops pigment on the model as it prints. That’s it. No complicated tricks or anything. It simply combines a couple of existing technologies to make full-color 3D printing possible.
There are downsides to this method, though. Obviously, combining two different processes opens the door to more potential problems. While the da Vinci Color can produce full-color prints, the results are not as vibrant as you might expect, at least compared to hand-painted models or those produced by multi-material printing. Since the color is underneath the filament, the colors don’t stand out that much.
Ignoring its ability to produce full-color prints, the da Vinci Color, as a normal 3D printer, is probably decent at best – an assessment that also extends to the manufacturer’s other 3D printers. It’s an enclosed machine in the same mold as the da Vinci 1.0 Pro. It has a good build volume and features a 5-inch touchscreen interface, the latter of which easily separates it from the other models in the da Vinci series. It can connect via Wi-Fi and includes an auto-calibration system that speeds up the initial setup, a magnetic print bed, and a side-mounted spool holder.
While it sounds more interesting than the other methods mentioned here, the da Vinci Color’s process is still not a full-fledged solution to full-color 3D printing on the consumer level. Some say it’s just a gimmick while others cringe the minute they read it’s from XYZprinting, a company known for its use of proprietary materials, which is a big turn off in the 3D printing community. Until a significant amount of customer feedback and reviews pop up, we won’t know just how viable the da Vinci Color is when it comes to full-color printing.
Multi-Color Printing with the M3D Crane Quad
Da Vinci Color 3d Printer
The recently launched M3D Crane Quad is another interesting option. It uses a multi-material system similar to Mosaic Manufacturing’s Palette 2 and Prusa Research’s MMU 2.0, featuring a large print head capable of mixing colors directly. According to M3D, the brand behind the Micro, the Crane Quad can create over 50,000 colors with the company’s own CMYK filaments.
Color 3d Printer Xyz
A lot of people are not convinced by this solution, though, considering M3D’s reputation and the fact that the Crane Quad appears to be just another Prusa-based 3D printer with a gimmick. We’ll see how things go once we get a good look at the Crane Quad’s performance. It’s up for just around $500, another reason lots of people are skeptical about it.