Would you like to know which is the most effective Multi-Color 3D Printer on the market for 2022?
That’s where you belong.
Here’s what we’ll be doing today:
- Investigating multicolored 3D printing;
- Analyzing its viability for creators who might be interested;
- A quick guide to how to choose the best color 3D printer for home use;
- There’s a lot more…
In the last decade, we have already made so much progress, even though 3D printing is still in its infancy. This is just the beginning.
Printing in multiple different colors is one area of continuous innovation.
Like most 3D printing innovations, multi-color printing first appeared on industrial machines before emerging on desktop printers.
We’re ready to begin!
Multicolor Vs. Full Color 3D Printers
In order to understand 3D printers that can print multiple colors, we must begin with an important distinction.
These printers are sometimes referred to as “full color.”.
However, this term is more often associated with industrial-grade printers that can produce intricate color scalability and manipulation (I included the XRize Rize on the list as an example).
However…
In this article, we will mainly discuss multicolour 3D printers, which can typically only handle a limited number of different colors but which normally fall under the category of “personal 3D printers.”.
They are smaller and cost less.
Multicolor printing is still quite an experimental field – much less so than its industrial counterparts.
Due to the small number of personal 3D printers that are capable of printing in multiple colors, I intend to look at every new option that hits the market, including dual extruder printers, which each print a different color, and multi-color printer upgrades.
Top 7 The Best Multicolor 3D Printer Reviews:
1. Geeetech A20M – Most Affordable
In my opinion, Geeetech’s A20M multicolored 3D printer is the best option it offers.
It is a big plus that the A20M is so inexpensive given that the field is still highly experimental.
Actually…
It is still a great deal for anyone looking for a reliable dual extruder. Furthermore, the dual-extrusion 3D printing technology usually works well, and the setup is a breeze.
My favorite feature of this 3D printer however is that it allows me to mix colors in any way I want.
Personal 3D printers do not offer features such as these, and they are unheard of at this price point.
It is possible to print in two different colors (in stripes or similar) or you can mix and/or grade your colors for an entire spectrum of colors.
A second, almost identical 3D printer from Geeetech exists – the A20. Multicolor printing isn’t possible on this printer since it uses a single extruder.
Pros
- Good value for the price
- Technology that mixes colors well
- Service that is second to none
Cons
- Clogs persist
- Poorly designed plate cover
2. XYZPrinting Da Vinci Color – Best High-End
You’re probably going to find this 3D printer first when searching for a personal 3D printer.
The reason is very good.
With the da Vinci Color, personal printers have offered full color capability for the first time ever.
Despite having some bugs, this 3D printer provides a designing experience that’s miles above that of a lot of other 3D printers.
Designers are almost totally in control of all aspects of their designs using the full color capabilities of the Da Vinci, including the exterior color of the building.
In the modern era, you can print virtually any design that you can imagine with the right schematic.
Hands-free calibration is another feature of the da Vinci Color, which will save you time on calibration.
The few prints I tried this feature on seemed to work well, even though I did not have much time to test it extensively.
Apparently, this printer is available in two sizes.
Pros
- Full-color printing is possible
- The device can be calibrated without touching it
- Colors that are beautiful
Cons
- The amount of money was substantial
- Concerns about ink cartridges
3. LOTMAXX Shark – Best For Beginners
As a result of my research for this article, I just discovered it if you have not heard of it yet. The company has recently achieved success on Kickstarter.
It was a good decision, regardless!
Shark’s coolest feature is color mixing, which is just one of its many features.
Like the previously examined Geeetech, the Shark has dual extruders, which make full-color mixing possible.
With the Shark, I experienced no clogging, however, in contrast with the Geeetech.
Along with its removable touchscreen, resume printing functionality, and laser engraving option, the Shark offers a myriad of features that make life easier.
Pros
- They are made from excellent quality nozzles and extruders
- It’s got it all
- Touch screen that can be easily detached
Cons
- Build plates are not adhering
- Setup of the second extruder proved challenging
4. Tenlog TL-D3 Pro – Best Overall
A Tenlog TL-D3 Pro is unique in that it features two extruders and two nozzles.
Using this feature, you can print two identical items in two different colors at the same time. Alternatively, you can print to two different media.
One of the most common (and increasingly affordable) adaptations is the dual-extruder design.
There are a number of other 3D printers that are going to adopt this capability soon, without saying too much (you can change the colors, double the model’s creation rate, etc.).
Additionally, both of these nozzles can be used in conjunction with the same product, whether it is to print in multiple colors or to fill in a support filament.
It would be nearly impossible to narrow down a list like this for this 3D printer due to its Swiss Army Knife-like array of capabilities.
How long will it take to assemble?
Within 30 minutes of receiving the half-assembled D3 Pro, I put it together with the assistance of online videos . Instructions were limited, but they were adequate.
It makes a low humming sound despite its low noise level. In comparison to my Ender 3 Pro, the Ender 3 is noticeably quieter.
The custom STL files have not proven problematic thus far, and the results appear to be better than those from Tenlog’s test files.
It is the lowest cost independent 3D printer that has both dual extruders and dual colors available today.
In general, you should buy this 3D printer.
Pros
- The ability to mirror images
- Assembly and setup are easy
- The warranty is included
- Quietly operates
Cons
- Customers are not treated well
- Both extruders require filament
5. FlashForge Creator Pro – Most Reliable
Speed: 100mm/sec | Print Volume: 227 x 148 x 150mm | Filament Type: ABS / PETG / PLA / PVA | Color Mixing: yes | Extrusion: dualxtruders on the list have all been open-air.
I have always thought this was a good aesthetic design, but in most objective terms, it has positives and negatives.
The FlashForge Creator has dual nozzles, just like the previous 3D printer, but it does not have independent nozzle functionality (and doesn’t mirror images).
It does, however, have a substantial metal frame and can print faster on a single object than two independently operated heads.
Also, the enclosed design reduces warping due to better temperature control.
But…
As well as increased ventilation options for PLA printing, FlashForge went the extra mile with its design.
Finally, don’t underestimate the build platform’s reliability.
Most of the issues I’ve encountered with printing have been related to build plates, leveling, and covers.
I was so relieved to get a solid, perfectly level plate.
Pros
- Enclosure
- Built plate of excellent quality
- Variety of filaments
Cons
- A few nozzles clogged
- Beds are not automatically leveled
6. XRize Rize – A Look-See At An Industrial Full Color 3D Printer
The point of this one is to have fun (unless you’re a large-scale industrial manufacturer, of course).
As such, it’s interesting to see the price difference between desktop-style multicolor 3D printers and a full-color industrial model like the Rize.
What is the price of the Rize?
The cost of these services isn’t listed on the website, so you’ll have to ask for a quote.
Regardless…
As I noted during my preliminary research, based on some of the other sites I came across, the price should be somewhere around $55,000 – brand new.
Moreover, it’s far from being the most expensive full color 3D printer available.
You can get a full color 3D printer for a few dollars.
In other words, what benefits are you getting from these color 3D printers that compared to the alternatives aren’t available?
The full-color 3D printer that I have selected sits at the top of my list when it comes to precision and control.
This printer, similarly to the da Vinci Color (among our most expensive desktop 3D printers), prints with inkjet toner (like a traditional 2D printer).
However…
A full color 3D printer of this price offers much, much better color control than the DaVinci.
It is also possible to print logos, QR codes, and literally any graphics you can imagine over a 3D print.
This is amazing.
As well as fully-color printing, it comes with many industrial features like heated build chambers, automated filament swapping, and digitally encoded ink cartridges, among others.
More than anything else, the XRize offers a preview of what a future desktop 3D printer may look like.
As a result…
Computer-based desktop 3D printers are often based on industrial-grade 3D printer technology, with a smaller, cheaper scale, of course.
Add-Ons
Multicolor 3D printing can be done by many color 3D printers. Others need extra assistance.
Multicolor add-ons for color 3D printers are gaining popularity as a way to create excellent and low-cost multi-color creations. It is usually cheaper to buy one of these instead of buying a new printer altogether, and they are often compatible with a wide range of models (although you should always check for cross-compatibility before purchasing one).
7. Mosaic Palette 2 – Best Color 3D Printing Add-On
A variety of cross-compatible adjustments can be found in this handy add-on.
Having Mosaic on hand means that it covers the vast majority of the 3D printing market, as it is compatible with both Bowden and Direct-Drive 3D printers.
Actually…
Visit the Mosaic site to find out if your machine can run the add-on. Make sure.
It is basically modified printers that have the same capabilities as multi-extruder printers.
There are four filament extruders in Palette 2, each of which can be loaded with a different color or material.
Since the 3D printer creates its own filament line by combining filaments, the mosaic filament line can be used just like any other filament line.
This filament line allows you to use multiple colors simultaneously (because the filaments are combined into one line).
In addition to others of the same kind on the market, it is one of the best upgrades on color 3D printing.
It is important to get your initial setup correct to get solid, well-defined patterns, logos, and color switches.
Regarding integration…
… I’d say it’s a bit mixed up.
It shouldn’t be too challenging to integrate the Mosaic into your print setup if your base multicolor 3D printer is solid and supported by this technology.
Despite this, however…
3D printers are known for being finicky in the first place, so this upgrade does add to the complexity of your printer.
In my own experience, integration was seamless, and I received a few solid prints quickly.
It’s worthwhile to mention that plenty of reviews say the opposite.
Upgrade options for 3D printers are, of course, plentiful. A separate upgrade kit from Prusa is also available, the Multi Material Upgrade Kit. The downside of it is it only works with Direct Drive systems and does not support Bowden designs. Therefore, I prefer Palette 2.
Pros
- Compared to a new 3D printer, it can cost less
- Excellent control over color
- The ability to print in color versus dual-extruder models
Cons
- There has been an increase in the complexity of the print setup
- A multicolor 3D printer must be compatible with the current technology
Buyer’s guide :
Having a printer that prints in multiple colors is really useful when it comes to 3D printing technology. With a wider variety of colors, it is easier to produce more complex and interesting designs. There are a few things you should keep in mind when purchasing a multicolor 3D printer.
Precision
A high-precision printer is essential when it comes to producing tiny miniatures with a detailed and outstanding look. My recommendation would be to choose a printer that is accurate to plus or minus 0.1 millimeters.
Filaments It Can Use
The most popular and widely used filament on the market is PLA. Despite this, PLA filaments are not the only option. Other filament types, such as ABS, can be used with certain FDM printers. This is why ABS printers are much more in demand than PLA-only printers since ABS printouts are generally more durable
Print Volume
Before buying a printer, think about how many copies you will need. The maximum print volume of most 3D printers is around 220 x 220 x 250 millimeters, depending on the manufacturer.
Brand
In terms of 3D printers, GeeeTech is a lesser-known brand, but it is known for its multi-color printing. There is no coincidence that three of the top five picks are Geeetech devices.
Signs of Quality
In addition to their precise printing abilities, 3D printers need to possess a number of other characteristics that distinguish them as high-quality printers. Among the many features are automatic bed leveling, filament detection, improved adhesion, anti-warping, and safety features to prevent overheating.
Cost
It’s likely you won’t find a decent multi-color 3D printer for less than $300. The good news is that you may find one for around $600. I recommend checking prices as you compare 3D printers with multi-color capabilities. For those concerned with cost, my top choice is the Geeetech A10M, which is both my favorite and the least expensive of the top five picks.
Customer Ratings and Reviews
As a new technology, 3D printing still has a lot of teething problems and requires lots of troubleshooting. Therefore, customer evaluations and reviews of 3D printers are typically quite critical. It is better to evaluate negative consumer reviews as a learning tool rather than letting them deter you from purchasing a 3D printer.
Alternative Options for Multi-Color 3D Printers
Also available are multi-color 3D printers and dual-extruder 3D printers that print in two colors. There are several alternatives, however. Multicolored filaments, especially silk ones, are often beautiful, especially the multi-colored ones. Alternately, you can acquire a color 3D printer adaptor, but these are rather rare.
FAQs:
Is it possible to print with many colors on a 3D printer?
When you do an internet search for multi-color 3D printers, you’ll find a lot of articles that refer to “full-color” 3D printers instead of the real thing. Despite their existence, multicolor 3D printers are still rare. Many people who want to 3D print in multiple colors simply put a multi-colored spool of filament into a regular FDM 3D printer and wait for the results. In order to control when your 3D printer changes spools, you should use a dedicated multicolor 3D printer or one with double or triple extruders.
How Do You Achieve Graded Color Effects?
Honestly, the simplest way to create a graded color effect on a 3D printer is to use a multi-color spool that already has a color-graded effect. However, there is a clear disadvantage to this approach – you have no control over when the print changes color. Among my top picks, the Geeetech A10M, is my top choice if such an element is important to you.
Overall, the best multicolor3D printers are those that can produce high-quality prints with consistent results. Consider the features that are most important to you when choosing a printer and do your research before purchasing. You can create anything you can imagine with the right printer!
A Few Final Thoughts…
Those are the top multi-color 3D printers that are available (affordable), one crazy-expensive product, and an alternative to everything!
3D printers should be selected based on their color.
By considering the specific projects you intend to do, you should select the right tool for the job. It’s likely you have some exciting ideas already prepared if you’re going to upgrade to multicolor 3D printing.
Color combining is one of the strengths of some of these 3D printers.
There is no other system on the list (except the XRize) for color control like the Da Vinci. However, the price is higher, and there are a few concerning bugs.
Lotmaax Shark, for example, has a lot of excellent side features.
The TenLog is another example of a design with dual nozzles that allows for very exciting applications.
In any case, the best color 3D printer will come down to your personal preferences, so I’ll let the decision making process flow to you.
It won’t take long for you to print 3D prints.
