Többszínű 3D nyomtatás: mitől lesz jó és mennyibe kerül? – szemléltető illusztráció

Multicolour 3D printing: quality and cost

The cost of multicolour printing depends on how often the printer changes colour, as well as how many colours you use. A simple label and a pattern that needs colour changes on every layer can cost different amounts.

What does AMS do?

AMS is an automatic material switching system. It can switch between different filaments in a properly prepared print job. The coloured surface can therefore be created during printing rather than by painting afterwards.

Model colours may be assigned to separate parts or individual surfaces. Feasibility depends on the file, materials and production settings, so show your colour preferences alongside the model.

Why can two two-colour objects have very different prices?

Imagine two signs. One has white lettering only in the top layers of a blue base. The other contains a blue-and-white pattern across many consecutive layers. Both use two colours, but the required number of changes may differ.

AColours above one anotherA few changes at selected heights may be enough
BColours across many layersThe same two colours may require repeated changes

With a single nozzle, remaining material from the previous colour must be purged for a clean transition. This can add material and time. The finished weight or the description “two colours” alone is therefore not enough for an accurate price.

How can you make the approach more efficient?

  • Simpler colour distribution. A well-chosen contrast is often easier to read than many tiny patches of colour.
  • Different placement. Print orientation can change the number of colour switches, but also affects the surface and supports.
  • Separately printed parts. If the existing model is already designed this way, assembly can sometimes be more economical. This does not automatically include redesigning the model.
  • Printing several copies together. Some jobs can share the overhead of colour changes. This must always be checked for the specific plate.

What does the web 3D preview show?

The interactive view helps check shape and layout. It does not currently display all the original per-surface AMS painting stored in the 3MF. A single-colour preview does not mean that the file contains no colour data.

For colour work, send a screenshot of the intended appearance alongside the original 3MF project. Indicate which part should have which colour and whether matte or glossy finishes matter. Our file format guide helps you choose the right file.

Multicolour production must be priced with colour changes included. The basic web estimate does not replace this discussion.

What is needed to refine an AMS quote?

Send the original painted 3MF and specify the important colours and finished quantity. Two colours used only in a few top layers are different from colours alternating throughout the model’s height. A final calculation requires checking the painting, layer-by-layer changes, purging and prime tower in the slicer.

Web submission preserves the original project file. The automatic basic estimate does not currently include all overhead from per-surface AMS painting, so we finalise these prices after checking the project.

Technical background: Bambu Lab: reducing material consumption during colour changes.

Illustration – replace with your own photograph
PLACEHOLDER FOR YOUR OWN PHOTO
Photograph one of your own two-colour AMS prints beside the purge waste and prime tower, if the project used one.
The current image is an illustration, not a photograph of a completed 3DHub project.
Already have your model? On the custom 3D printing page , upload your STL or 3MF file and request a quote for the whole project. We will agree the final price and deadline after checking it.
Back to blog