Best color 3D printers have set the 3D printing mart ablaze with their all-around capability of providing great vibrant colors to the parts created using these awesome 3D printers. The full color 3D printers are able to 3D print in various photorealistic colors and are often used for prototyping, signage, and product design. This article has been designed to take you on a “Tour de Full Colour 3D Printers”, providing you all the details, characteristics, and knowledge about these printers regardless of the fact that you are a newbie in this field or an expert.
Full colour 3D printing is the technique used by these printers, it is the capability or ability to mix different filaments or inks together to obtain precise shades and gradients, similar to regular 2D paper printers. The best color 3D printers have graced the market with great aplomb and is gradually increasing in stature, owing to their ability of providing photorealistic coloured final parts and accessories.
The best multi color 3D printers are designed specially to help you add your desired colors either directly or indirectly through various methods and processes. Though being a fresh and relatively new printing technique, it has garnered a great amount of popularity not only among professionals but also beginners as well.
Best Color 3D Printers
What is The Best 3D Printer For Color 3D Printing?
👉 Best Dual Color 3D Printer Under 500$ -: LOTMAXX Shark
👉 Best Multi Color 3D Printer Under 500$ -: Geeetech – GIANTARM A10T
👉 Best Full Color 3D printer Under 1000$ -: TENLOG TL-D3 Pro
👉 Best Budget Dual Color 3D Printer -: QIDI TECH X-Pro
👉 Best Enclosed Color 3D Printer -: Flashforge Dreamer
👉 Affordable Best Multi Color 3D Printer -: JGMAKER Artist-D Pro
👉 Inexpensive Best Multi Color 3D Printer -: GIANTARM Upgrade A10M
👉 Best Educational Color 3D Printer -: Flashforge Finder Lite
👉 Overall Best Industrial Color 3D Printer -: R QIDI TECHNOLOGY i Fast
👉 Best Color 3D Printer For Kids -: da Vinci Mini Wireless Color 3D Printer
Best Color 3D Printer Reviews
Best Full, Dual And Multi Color 3D Printers To Buy
1
LOTMAXX Shark 2 in 1 FDM Dual-Color 3D Printer
Best Dual Color 3D Printer Under 500$
LOTMAXX Shark 2 in 1 FDM Dual-Color 3D Printer with Dual Extruder, Laser Engraving, Print Size 235x235x265mm
out of stock
Amazon.com
as of 28/03/2023 09:53
Features
- 【3D Laser Printer】LOTMAXX 3D Laser printer integrates the functions of 3d printing and laser engraving. Laser kit included, Laser Size: 235*235, Rated Power 1600mW and Supports 10+materials.
- 【Dual Extruder 3D Printer】This FDM 3D Printer is Equipped with two all-metal extruders, it supports automatic dual color filament switching in a single nozzle. With two all metal gears equipped on each extruder, it provides better and more accurate prints.
- 【All Metal Frame & Quick Set-up】LOTMAXX SHARK pre-assembled 3D printers have a full-metal body with unique color. 95% of the machine is pre-assembled already, printing right out of the box.
- 【More Features】1: 4.3" Removable TFT Touch Screen 2: All Ultra-Silent Drivers 3:Magnetic heated bed 4: Exclusive fan design 5: Resume Printing 6: Meanwell Power Supply
- 【NOTE】:For safety reasons, the factory default voltage setting is 230V. For users in the U.S. Please switch it to 115V in advance, otherwise the machine will not turn on.
2
Geeetech – GIANTARM A10T Upgraded Multi Color 3D Printer
Best Multi Color 3D Printer Under 500$
Geeetech - GIANTARM A10T Upgraded Multi Color 3D Printer with Three Extruders With Magnetic Bed, Build Volume as 220x220x260mm
out of stock
Amazon.com
as of 28/03/2023 09:53
Features
- 【Multi-Colors Printing】This FDM 3D Printe use 3 in 1 Extruder module,supports printing with different colourful filaments on a single nozzle. Each extruder has 3 metal gears, providing a smoother feeding performance. The three color 3D printer machine automaticly switches filaments, you can print colorful models easily.
- 【Resume Print Function】Shielded by its power supply from voltage spikes and power outages. A10T can resume printing from the last recorded extruder position after suffering unexpected power outages, saving your time and reducing waste.
- 【All Metal & Fast-Assembly】GIANTARM A10T Mix-Color 3D Printer has full-metal body and come with 95% Pre-assembly, stable and durable.complicated parts such as cantilever, gantry, and nozzle have been assembled before leaving the factory, get printing right out of the box, you can assemble it effortlessly and get ready within 15 minutes.
- 【High Powered & Safty Power Supply:】The A10T 3D printer come with a high-quality power supply, with 2 separate fuses to protect your printer from unexpected power surges, that can heat the build surface to 90*C in just 5 minutes.
- 【Technical Support】We provide life-time technical assistance and 24hour professional customer service,please free to contact us with any question about the 3D Printer.
3
TENLOG TL-D3 Pro Independent Dual Extruder 3D Printer With 300 Degree High Temperature Nozzle
Best Full Color 3D printer Under 1000$
TENLOG TL-D3 Pro Independent Dual Extruder 3D Printer With 300 Degree High Temperature Nozzle, Silent Mainboards TMC2209 Drive, 600W Power Supply, 11.8''x11.8''x13.8''
out of stock
Amazon.com
as of 28/03/2023 09:53
Features
- INDEPENDENT DUAL EXTRUDERS: 3D printer is ideal for efficient and sturdy prints
- THREE MODES: Dual material, duplicate mode, and mirror mode to allow you to use extruders in tandem or independently for more efficient printing
- NEAR-SILENT PRINTING: A mute motherboard and direct drive extruders are designed to print near-silently for non-distracting design work
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE: 3D printer can be assembled in less than 5 minutes; you'll be up and printing quickly
- BOROSILICATE GLASS BED: Distributes heat evenly for less warping and smooth printing; prints can be extracted from the bed by hand following cool down
4
QIDI TECH X-Pro Dual Color 3D Printer
Best Budget Dual Color 3D Printer
QIDI TECH X-Pro Dual Color 3D Printer With WiFi Function, Dual Extruder, 9.1x5.9x5.9 Inch
$499.00
in stock
Amazon.com
as of 28/03/2023 09:53
Features
- ★★★★★【Friendly Reminder: There is one spool of red color PLA, one spool of white color ABS filament, please check the filament before printing and use the correct settings to print.】QIDI TECH 3D printer, equipped with the latest dual extrusion technology, occupied the overall leading position in education, engineering, design and home/hobby printing.
- X-Pro 3D Printer Kit features conditional breakpoint printing and upgraded 4.3 inch touch screen, Smarter and easier operation.Mute printing.
- Durable and high temperature resistance 6mm aviation grade aluminum build platform, can be heated up to 120℃. Removable curved metal plate make it more convenient to remove the model after printing, which is widely appreciated by users.
- The QIDI TECH 3D Printer with metal platform support rod, which upgraded to 12mm, and also including upgraded parts like motor, main board, and mechanical structure, ensuring more stable printing.
- R QIDI TECHNOLOGY provide free one year warranty.
5
Flashforge Dreamer Fully Enclosed Color 3D Printer With Dual Extruder
Best Enclosed Color 3D Printer
Flashforge Dreamer Fully Enclosed Color 3D Printer With Dual Extruder, WIFI, Touchscreen
out of stock
Amazon.com
as of 28/03/2023 09:53
Features
- Dual extruder – Support dual color print and dual material print.Flashforge Dreamer make it come true that more complicated prints can be printed perfectly
- Heating bed – Rapid steady heating prevent model warping much easier to take down models.It's suitable for various 3d printer filament PLA,ABS,PETG,TPU etc
- Intelligent leveling – Dreamer features an intuitive calibration detection system to assist leveling. you’re well instructed with clear messages on the touchscreen display. And all of these make calibration much easier and more precise
- Out of the box – Dreamer is suitable for industrial design,tool design,architecture designer,mechanical designer etc
- What you get – Flashforge 3d printer Dreamer,12 months warranty, lifetime technical assistance and 12 hours professional customer service
6
JGMAKER Artist-D Pro Large IDEX Dual Extruder 3D Printer
Affordable Best Multi Color 3D Printer
JGMAKER Artist-D Pro Large IDEX Dual Extruder 3D Printer With TMC2209 Direct Drive, X Axis Optical Endstop, 300X300X340mm.
$599.00
in stock
Amazon.com
as of 28/03/2023 09:53
Features
- Large Build Volume: Ultra-large forming volume allows you to print single model up to 300*300*340mm, or two of the same/mirrored model at the same time up to 111*300*340mm by utilizing its "duplicate" or "mirror" mode.
- Ultra-Silent Motor Driver: Come with TMC2209 ultra-silent driver, as well as 32-bit motherboard, Artist-D Pro delivers silence-oriented upgrades, ensures smoother movement under a quiet environment.
- Quick Nozzle Replacement: Featuring an Extruder module with an innovative one-button "Nozzle Ejectable" system, easy to swap nozzles, or quickly replace the nozzle in the event of a clog.
- Branded Power Supply: MeanWell power supply, more trustworthy with better quality and service, ensure stability and safety for operation.
- Optical Endstop: it is more accuracy and precision than merchanical limit switch. Artist- D Pro is equipped with industrial-grade linear guide—to deliver smoother performance with less friction and higher precision.Pls call our after sales sevice in US if you have any questions phone No.: (806)269 0498
7
GIANTARM Upgrade A10M Mix-Color 3D Printer with Dual Extruder
Inexpensive Best Multi Color 3D Printer
GIANTARM Upgrade A10M Mix-Color 3D Printer with Dual Extruder, Resume Printing, Filament Detector and Build Volume as 220x220x260mm
out of stock
Amazon.com
as of 28/03/2023 09:53
Features
- 【Mix-Color Printing Function】Dual extruder module and 2-in-1-out hot end- Dual extruder realize printing multiple colors on same piece, allow you customize colors, DIY unique colors .
- 【Printing-Resuming】A10M 3D Printer come with filament detector and break-resuming capacity, if the electrical power is off, prints can be resumed from the last layer, save your time and reducing the waste.
- 【Fast-Assembly】GIANTARM A10M Mix-Color 3D Printer come with 90% Pre-assembly, the modularized design provide you with easier assembly.
- 【Large Printing Area】A10M Keeping Prusa I3 Printer gantry with 220*220*260mm³ makes the best of the building platform guaranteeing excellent printing quality for big printing project.
- 【Technical Support】We provide life-time technical assistance and 24hour professional customer service, please free to contact us with any question about the 3D Printer.
8
Flashforge Finder Lite Color 3D Printers With Removable Platform, Touch Screen For Houses, School
Best Educational Color 3D Printer
Flashforge Finder Lite Color 3D Printers With Removable Platform, Touch Screen For Houses, School, Build Volume (140 x 140 x 140 mm)
out of stock
Amazon.com
as of 28/03/2023 09:53
Features
- Slide-in build plate allows you to draw it out of the printer and then remove the finished 3D prints more easily . at the same time , it can minimize damages or offsets to the build plate
- The patented nozzle structure has been upgraded several times and the wire is more even and smooth, which all improve the surface quality of model and lower risks of extruding jams.
- Finder Lite features an intuitive calibration detection system to assist leveling. you’re well instructed with clear messages on the touchscreen display. And all of these make calibration much easier and more precise.
- Out of box,lower energy.A fun STEM educational experience in mechanical engineering and electronics.
- Flashforge Finder Lite 3d pinrter, 12 months warranty, lifetime technical assistance and 24 hours professional customer service.
9
R QIDI TECHNOLOGY i Fast Industrial Grade Color 3D Printer
Overall Best Industrial Color 3D Printer
R QIDI TECHNOLOGY i Fast Industrial Grade Color 3D Printer With Dual Extruder, Super Large Print Size 360×250×320mm
$2,499.00
in stock
Amazon.com
as of 28/03/2023 09:53
Features
- 【Faster printing】Fully industrial-grade structure, using the second-generation Qidi dual Z-axis structure, all of the original motion structure is upgraded to linear guides, with the high temp extruder, the filament extruding is faster and smoother, the printing accuracy is higher .The printing speed is increased by 20%, it is set to print easily at 100cc per hour.
- 【Freedom in the choice of the filament】 Qidi iFast can print almost all kinds of filaments which suitable for FDM 3D printers on the market, such as PLA ,PLA+ ,ABS ,PETG, NYLON,etc. The iFast 3d printer equipped with a heated chamber, which can be heated to 60°C. The excellent mechanical structure can produce more robust manufacturing-grade parts.
- 【Freedom in manufacturing of the complex parts】 Qidi iFast is equipped with automatic dual extruder, which can automatically adjust the left and right extruder up and down according to the software. With the PVA (water-soluble) support, it is very suitable for printing manufacturing-level parts with complex structures and realizing precision manufacturing.
- 【All metal high temp extruder】 Compared with the normal brass nozzles which on the market, it is more durable and prints smoother. The iFast 3d printer is pre-installed with dual extruder, and the print size is 330×250×320mm.
- 【Excellent user experience, large UI interface】It’s equipped with self-developed QIDI slicing software, two modes can be selected: normal mode and expert mode. The normal mode is suitable for novices, the parameter system has been intelligently set, no other operations are required, it is very simple. Expert mode is suitable for experienced users, who can deeply participate in modifying parameters and personalized printing models.
10
da Vinci Mini Wireless Color 3D Printer
Best Color 3D Printer For Kids
da Vinci Mini Wireless Color 3D Printer With 6"x6"x6" Volume
out of stock
Amazon.com
as of 28/03/2023 09:53
Features
- The da Vinci Mini streamlines its printing function through a single-button print design as well as providing different colored LEDs to indicate printing conditions.
- The da Vinci Mini can connect wirelessly to your home network for easy 3D printing throughout your home, office, or classroom.
- Use XYZware to connect to your network and experience it's updated slicing precision and computing efficiency, shortening the preparation time required before printing.
- The da Vinci miniw prints only with XYZprinting's bio-compostable, non-toxic PLA filament. The PLA filament derives from natural materials, such as sugarcane and corn starch, and has gone through various tests to ensure that it is DEHP-free and Heavy Metal-free.
- XYZprinting provides free 3D design software xyzmaker, free XYZ 3D gallery,and free 3D printing Curriculum on XYZprinting steam.
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Types Of Color 3D Printing
How Does Color 3D Printing work?
Full Color 3D printing has been around since 2005, but despite being a very young technology, it already offers a lot of design and manufacturing solutions. Generally, we can divide color 3D printing into direct and indirect technologies. Direct color 3D printing uses a filament that already contains a color. Indirect color 3D printing applies the color from an external source. Let’s dive into this pool to find out which technique is better.
Direct color 3D printing
Direct color 3D printing allows you to use a colorful filament to 3D print your models. It works with FDM technology. You can achieve bright colors and nice details, depending on the 3D printer and the quality of filament you buy. Direct color 3D printing, however, won’t allow you to mix the colors, so the effect won’t be photo-realistic.
FDM: single extruder
It is possible to achieve colorful prints even if the FDM printer has just a single extruder. What do you need to do to achieve that? When you send your 3D files for 3D printing, set multiple tasks using your slicing software. The software will produce a g-code with instructions for the 3D printer to stop at a certain level. Then you switch out the filament and the printing job is restarted.
While it’s the most obvious way, it can be quite time-consuming and a bit risky. But there are also solutions where you use one extruder to combine multiple filaments. Then, your model needs to contain information about which parts use certain colors, and the device outputs the colors into the extruder. The video below shows this case of multicolor 3D printing.
While it’s the most obvious way, it can be quite time-consuming and a bit risky. But there are also solutions where you use one extruder to combine multiple filaments. Then, your model needs to contain information about which parts use certain colors, and the device outputs the colors into the extruder. The video below shows this case of multicolor 3D printing.
FDM: multiple extruders
Another solution for direct color 3D printing is 3D printers with multiple extruders. This is not such a new development, a dual extruder is used especially for printing dissolvable supports. But you can also use them to print with two colors of filaments. There are different devices available on the market, some with even 4 extruders.
Indirect color 3D printing
Indirect color 3D printing applies the color from an external source during the printing process. This technology is much more precise and allows for a more realistic appearance of the 3D prints, but in most cases, the process requires professional knowledge. It is important for you to remember that indirect color 3D printing uses CMYK color mode and you need to take that into consideration when preparing your model.
ColorJet technology
With ColorJet technology you have a choice of 36 000 colors! Your 3D files need to carry the color and texture information before it’s sent for multicolor 3D printing. During the 3D printing process, fine, sandstone-like powder is used. A layer of the material is spread, then the printing heads apply color that adheres to the layer. The next layer is spread and the process repeats.
The results are pretty impressive! Thanks to the wide range of colors, you can achieve so much more than with direct color 3D printing. This solution is especially interesting for designers to present proof of concepts to their clients, architects to produce visual models, and for game character production.
The results are pretty impressive! Thanks to the wide range of colors, you can achieve so much more than with direct color 3D printing. This solution is especially interesting for designers to present proof of concepts to their clients, architects to produce visual models, and for game character production.
Ful Colour Resin 3D Printers – PolyJet Printing Technique
PolyJet technology works with liquid resin and prints at impressive 16 microns which assures very fine detail and good surface finish of your 3D models. In between the layers, color is applied and cured with UV light. This technology lets you adjust even the level of transparency of the colors.
HP Jet Fusion
HP’s 3D printing solutions are revolutionary in the world of Additive Manufacturing. HP’s engineers started by studying light and how to use it in order to produce evenly colored 3D printing, at the quality of regular 2D printers.
These full colour 3D printers use an innovative binding agent to fuse the plastic powder locally. The color is applied at a level of 3D printing DNA called the ‘’voxel’’, a three-dimensional pixel. Thanks to that you can achieve color 3D printing even with very complex objects.
These full colour 3D printers use an innovative binding agent to fuse the plastic powder locally. The color is applied at a level of 3D printing DNA called the ‘’voxel’’, a three-dimensional pixel. Thanks to that you can achieve color 3D printing even with very complex objects.
Desktop Full Colour 3D printers for indirect color 3D printing
Some companies take yet another take on indirect color 3D printing in order for it to be reachable from your desk. There are a few ways to deal with that. One of them is actually using paper. CMYK inks are dropped on the paper and then the layer of paper is die-cut and fused with the next one. The downside is the risk of the ink spreading or bleeding.
Another solution is the ink absorbent filament. Full colour FDM 3D printer lays a layer of the filament and before the next layer is applied, it drops CMYK ink. This technology is impressive, although the results can be quite soft and translucent. Check out Da Vinci Color to discover more.
Another solution is the ink absorbent filament. Full colour FDM 3D printer lays a layer of the filament and before the next layer is applied, it drops CMYK ink. This technology is impressive, although the results can be quite soft and translucent. Check out Da Vinci Color to discover more.
Features To Look Into The Best Color 3D Printers
Buyer’s Guide
In the 3D printing industry, the term “multicolor” is sometimes used as a synonym for full-color. Multi colour 3D printers allow users to obtain photorealistic 3D models with limited post-processing required. This is useful for rapid prototyping as well as for the manufacturing of end-use products.
Use-case
The end application will determine the functional requirements that your 3D printed parts need to fulfill, which, in turn, will determine the best printer for your case. Are you looking to create prototypes? Is a smooth surface or an excellent visual appearance a critical factor for your application? Are material properties and durability a more prominent requirement? Or maybe you are looking to create end-use functional parts to support the internal operations of your organization, such as jigs and fixtures.
Materials
There is a close connection between every 3D printer and the materials it can use. When you choose a particular 3D printer, you are limited the material options that are available to this technology. For example, FFF/FDM printer produce parts from thermoplastics while SLA printers from thermoset resins.
Resolution
The resolution of the prints depends on two printer characteristics: the smallest feature size it can produce and its minimum layer height. The minimum feature size depends on the 3D printer’s setup. For example, the most common nozzle diameter of an FFF 3D printer is 0.4 mm, so they cannot produce details smaller than this limit. Laser-based 3D printers, like SLA and SLS machines, can produce parts with much greater detail, as the laser spot size of these machines is typically between 0.1 – 0.2 mm.
Software & Connectivity
3D printing is a digital manufacturing process, so the software a machine uses is as important as its hardware. Each printer usually comes equipped with the software (called the slicer) that is used to prepare the CAD files. The capabilities of these slicing software can vary greatly. For example, they typically include preset parameters that are optimized for each 3D printer and material. Automations like this simplify the workflows while using the printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Queries On Best Color Printers
🤔 Can 3D printers print in color?
Earlier printing in colors was not a possibility but with recent developments in the 3D printing technology printing in full colours or multiple colors. The best color 3D printers has set the 3D printing market ablaze with its ability to add colour to your models and designs created by you. Moreover, it is becoming highly popular among the professionals and beginners.
🤔 How does full colour 3D printing work?
Full colour 3D printers use various additive manufacturing techniques to add colour to the models designed by you. A colour mixture is added to a powder based printing technique, whereas there are various coloured filaments that can be used to obtain multicolour designed merchandises.
🤔 What should I know before buying a full color 3D printer?
Before buying the best color 3D Printer you should probably know the following factors -:
Use-case, or where and how you will use it.
Materials that you will use.
The resolution of the prints obtained.
The software compatibility and connectivity.
Use-case, or where and how you will use it.
Materials that you will use.
The resolution of the prints obtained.
The software compatibility and connectivity.
🤔 What is support material in 3d printing?
The ‘support material’ refers to the low-density structure that is created with the 3D printed object that provides support to the object and can be easily dissolved during the post-processing. This basically required to support overhanging or undercutting sections present in your model. A low-density format is used to 3D print objects with these support materials.
🤔 How do you make a multi color 3d printer?
A single extruder can also be used to 3D print multicolor objects by changing the filaments from time to time as per the requirements, but the best option would be to use a multi-extruder 3D printer as it allows you with more freedom of using various color filament at the same time without making your work complicated of changing the filaments from time to time.
Final Verdict
Future Scope Of 3D Color Printing
Until recently, the best color 3D printers were exclusive to expensive industrial additive manufacturing systems from brands such as Stratasys or 3D Systems. Today, more affordable (under $10K) desktop full-color 3D printers also exist. When we say multi color 3D printer, we do not mean that the 3D printer can print the whole spectrum of colors, but several different fixed colors in one model. Colored filaments are printed in certain places in the model, creating parts made from a restricted number of block colors, but these colors are bold and stand out. Color 3D printing is now possible, and depending on the 3D printing technology employed, the number of colors you can achieve will be more or less important.
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