Single Extruder Multicolor in Cura Tutorial // Multipass 3D Printing

Since learning how to make super colorful 3D prints with my printed phone cases and folding polyhedra, I've had two popular requests. "Make a D20 Folding Dice" and "Show us how to do this in Cura". Well, I aim to please, so in today's video I'm doing both!

Synopsis :

∙ Under Preferences uncheck "Ensure models are kept apart" and "Automatically drop models to the build plate"
∙ 0.1mm layers (including "initial layer height")
∙ z-hop height of 0.2mm
∙ uncheck "Z Hop Only Over Printed Parts"
∙ Disable skirt, use purge Start G-code
"Settings→Printer→Manage Printers→Machine settings→Start G-Code"

G28 X0 Y0
G28 Z0
G1 Z15 F1000
M107 ; fan off
G5 ; enable resume from power failure
G92 E0 ; zero E axis
G1 Z0.15 X8 Y10 F1000
G1 X120 E10 F600 ; prime nozzle
G1 X150 F5000 ; quick wipe

∙ Open all files
∙ Select All→Merge Models
∙ Reset coordinates to [0,0,0]
∙ Unmerge and delete all but one color
∙ Slice, restore all models, repeat

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[make.anything]

Sorry, still gotta upload the D20 file! Expect it later today

I've also been asked about getting this to work on original Prusa machines since they usually probe the bed every print. Any solutions?

[BEdmonson]

People don't give Cura nearly enough credit imo. They've been constantly improving.

[thatpourguy]

I've been trying to find someone...anyone. That could explain and give run through on multicolor with a single extruder. I came across your Prusa video then heard "Cura". And here I am. Just finished my first multicolor print thanks to you. you made seem much easier than any other creators I've watched.

[TangoDeltaDelta]

This is awesome! You're right that stretching the budget for a hobby by an extra $149 isn't always the best option as there are other upgrades that money could be spent on. You only need a few dollars more to get another 3d printer even (e.g Ender 3, which is what I did).
I have been using Cura as my slicer and they've really improved a lot since the early versions.

[carlosdesch]

Thank you so much for doing it in cura. It means a lot for us that cannot buy a program. I wish you keep doing it!

[AXMPaperModelsTutorialsandMore]

I know this is an old video, but it is a great one because I learned what I thought it was almost impossible doing it on my Ender 3. I just did not know this technique of the z hop. So great. Thanks for your videos and teaching.

[CuguTuxo]

Hi! I am also experimenting with multi-color techniques on a single extruder machine. Surprisingly I got better results printing the main color right over the complicated ones, just filling the whole surface. I was afraid that it would break apart the tiny letters&numbers layer, but that never happened. Instead that main color was more smooth because the nozzle didn't have to make curvative moves and retractions. Just try this.

[FernandoCrespo]

I used that idea to make a name tag for my daughter and son for their school backpack. Came out great!

[limavandenberg]

I love this video!! I learned 3D printing in high school and I am really goining to try this. I also use Cura myself so this is really helpful.

[DVerweij]

The multicolour technique worked great! For the 'fill' colour, I set the height to .2mm to lay the first layer down in one go. I did print the smaller small bits first (making sure they stick to the bed) as I noticed that gives crisper edges, compared to 'filling the gaps' later. That worked fine for my case - just my 2c!

[scottn]

You put a lot of work and thought into these projects. Good job, you should be proud.

[shayrowland]

You're an absolute unit. Was really against a single extruder until this video. Cheers

[persiangulfmariner]

Awesome tutorial! Thank you, I didn't know it was possible to do this with a single filament extruder!

[jeremyfrancis]

In case nobody said it, Cura ignores the zhop settings unless you turn off combing. This is really cool, and I am going to try it. I may have to combine all colors into a single gcode with a filament change g-code in between since I use auto bed leveling. Thanks for the tips!

[JohnPorsbjerg]

this is so cool!!! also i love your signature squiggles

[eden]

Uhhhh could it help to print out the inner details first, so that they look crisp and the background just kinda like "flows" around them?

[-Name-here-]

I’ve been watching your channel since your 3D printed vr headset and really like all of your content and thanks for taking the time to make these great videos 😀

[jtfpv]

Try turning on "Optimize wall printing order" that might help to clean up the little details. It's a useful setting that really should be defaulted to "on".

[me]

I just gave this a shot, but changed things up a bit. i set it up in simplify3d and used separate processes and ticked the box to print individually. also set up a pause at the correct layer so that i could change colour. that way all i had to do was hit print. wait for the machine to pause and swap out the colour then resume. very simply and hands off.

[GDaddyChina]

Excellent video. I wanted to try the multi-colour technique ever since I watched your cell phone case video but I didn't want to buy Simplify 3D. Glad I didn't, now that they are charging for upgrades. Now I can get creative and try this technique with my Cura! Thank you! BTW, you might want to consider setting up a Udemy course in 3D printing to make a bit of extra cash. You are a good instructor.