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Printing text lines using 3 colors  

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knownuthin
(@knownuthin)
New Member
Printing text lines using 3 colors

I'm new to 3D printing and not quite sure what is and isn't possible to do.

I'm trying to build a Name plate with two text lines resulting in the use of 3 different color filaments. I only have a single extruder. I know how to set things for two or more color changes at different elevations. However I want a base of one color, a line of text in a second color and another line of text in a third color. Ending with the 2 text lines at the same height. If the second line of text is sliced as part of the original object you would end up with different height text and the third color's text would have a mix of the second color at it's base before the third color printed it's text.

My problem is I don't want the edges of the second line of text to show the previous color on it's edges. Nor do I want the text height's to be different.

If I slice the second color text as it's own object at the proper elevation. Cut the second line text's print instruction from it's own G-code file. Paste it into to the first G-code file (after the Base and first line of text print) by adding a color change and Resume point to begin printing at an predetermined position and elevation allowing me to put the second line of text on top of the Base layer at a point of my choosing.

As long as the second text line has sufficient room to print on the BASE without the extruder nozzle contacting a rise of the first text line, can the PRUSA G-code be made to accept the second text line's slice instructions as part of the WHOLE print process if the G-code file is manually edited?
Will PLA filament bond to the Base PLA that is still sitting at it's 60 c bed temp but not printed on for some period of time?
Elsewhere someone mentioned there might be a checksum for the G-code file that needs dealing with...Is this true?

Posted : 19/01/2019 8:02 am
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
Re: Printing text lines using 3 colors

Why not do all colours on the same level like this?

3 colours on a mk3 prusa single colour machine

[attachment=0]20190119_124653[1].jpg[/attachment]

entire card is 0.8mm thick

Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 19/01/2019 1:51 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
Re: Printing text lines using 3 colors

Have a look at the following thread

https://shop.prusa3d.com/forum/how-do-i-print-this-printing-help--f63/acting-as-my-own-mmu-t23597.html#p100939

regards Joan

NOTE... \THIS WAS DONE ON AN OLDER VERSION OF SLIC3R... THE NEW 1.42.0.aLPHA SERIES HAVE RE ARRANGED THE MENU'S

it's still possible to do manual MMU printing, but the menu options are in different places

regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 19/01/2019 1:56 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
Re: Printing text lines using 3 colors

thought it was time to try the card on the MMU's

[attachment=0]20190119_164936[1].jpg[/attachment]

the top picture is Mk3, MMU2, Smooth PEI
the bottom picture is Mk2, MMU1, Textured PEI

the colours are simply what was loaded at the time

the red on the mk1 print, is really old, dregs of a roll and quite brittle... still printed ok
the white on the mk3 is approaching the end of the roll
the Black on the mk3 is a roll that I had problems with on the mk2/mmu1, but seems ok on the mmuv2 (that makes it over 2 years old...)

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 19/01/2019 6:07 pm
knownuthin
(@knownuthin)
New Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Printing text lines using 3 colors

Thank You for your great reply Joan,

Interesting approach and would certainly give a nice smooth surface by using the bottom layer as the display surface. It does require many more filament changes but might be a better solution for many projects. Very nice outcome in your pictures. Your how to is very well explained.

Out of curiosity I still would like to know if you can paste another object's G-code toward the end of another project's G-code file and end up with a merged G-code that would be printable. I get all the pitfalls that I would encounter during travel of the extruder possibly hitting anything during travel and print... I still want to make a plate and add different color objects on it by making each object's bottom layer start at the top of the plate and print where there is room enough not to collide with any other print. Perhaps the answer is to try it ...Yes?

I also need to find the G-code command list for the Prusa Control slicer to see if they are differences needed for the PRUSA i3 Mk3.

Posted : 20/01/2019 8:30 am
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