Guide To Multi-Color 3D Printing with SelfCAD

It’s a fact that almost everyone owning a 3D printer is wondering how to print their 3D models in multi-colors because of the emergence of different 3d printing materials. Multicolor 3D printing is a process in which multiple colors are directly applied to the object during 3D printing and numerous color combinations can be made this way. The 3D printer uses a software, called slicing. In order to do multi-color printing, the 3D model needs to be designed using multiple parts that can later be printed in different colors. SelfCAD 3D editor provides amazing 3D tools that are easy to use and is perfect for multicolor 3D printing.

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Even inexperienced users new to 3D design can start modeling using SelfCAD with great ease. Our is affordable for everyone, online and is used by professional designers, students, and teachers alike.

Before starting your multicolor print on your 3D printer, a 3D model of the multi-color object needs to be created using SelfCAD 3D editor and two files will be required for export.

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The first file includes the physical size and shape of the object to be printed and the other - includes the color and texture details and can be created in SelfCAD as well.

SelfCAD Textures

Those two files are then uploaded to the program again as a single ZIP file. After uploading the model, you will need to generate G-Code using the SelfCAD’s builtin slicer, then the composite of the multicolor print's models details will then be sent to the printers for multicolor printing.

During multicolor 3D printing, the object is printed layer by layer with two printing heads coloring and holding the object. (You will need a printer with a dual extruder. If your 3D printer has a single extruder, check to see if it has an option to pause your print. During this time, change the filament and then restart printing.) Once the object is printed, it is manually picked up for further processing. Excess powder is then removed by hands or with pressurized air and then it is placed in a cyanoacrylate bath. After this treatment, the object solidifies and the colors get additionally enriched. During the last step, the object is given a Varnish coat. This protects the object from different types of light exposures.

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It is important to note:

• 3D printing filament used for a multicolor object should be of the same diameter, preferably from the same manufacturer.

• The material used should have the same flow qualities and should print at the same temperature if you don’t want to alter it during printing.

Your multi-color 3D model is now ready and we hope you had fun designing and printing it!