Preparing Multi-Color Models  

Re: Preparing Multi-Color Models

I'm looking forward to -- and have ordered -- the multi-material upgrade for the Prusa MK2.

Can we get any hints on how to prepare multi-color models for printing? I can design objects in Rhino 3D, where it's easy to cut them into different parts, but I can't figure out how to combine different-colored parts into a single model for printing. I have another printer -- a MakerGear M2 with dual extruders -- and I've used Simplify3D to create and print 2-color models but I think the Prusa upgrade will work differently.

Can someone suggest where to start?

From what I understand to make multi colored models with the quad extruder, you need to make at least 4 separate shells. The shells can be touching, but each shell would have to be defined as a specific color in the slicer such as Slic3r or Simplify3D. I know with Simplify3D, multiple processes make this easy.

Re: Preparing Multi-Color Models

I'm looking forward to -- and have ordered -- the multi-material upgrade for the Prusa MK2.

Can we get any hints on how to prepare multi-color models for printing? I can design objects in Rhino 3D, where it's easy to cut them into different parts, but I can't figure out how to combine different-colored parts into a single model for printing. I have another printer -- a MakerGear M2 with dual extruders -- and I've used Simplify3D to create and print 2-color models but I think the Prusa upgrade will work differently.

Can someone suggest where to start?

From what I understand to make multi colored models with the quad extruder, you need to make at least 4 separate shells. The shells can be touching, but each shell would have to be defined as a specific color in the slicer such as Slic3r or Simplify3D. I know with Simplify3D, multiple processes make this easy.

To put it another way, each color should be a separate STL, and they should all fit together like puzzle pieces.

Re: Preparing Multi-Color Models

I'm looking forward to -- and have ordered -- the multi-material upgrade for the Prusa MK2.

Can we get any hints on how to prepare multi-color models for printing? I can design objects in Rhino 3D, where it's easy to cut them into different parts, but I can't figure out how to combine different-colored parts into a single model for printing. I have another printer -- a MakerGear M2 with dual extruders -- and I've used Simplify3D to create and print 2-color models but I think the Prusa upgrade will work differently.

Can someone suggest where to start?

From what I understand to make multi colored models with the quad extruder, you need to make at least 4 separate shells. The shells can be touching, but each shell would have to be defined as a specific color in the slicer such as Slic3r or Simplify3D. I know with Simplify3D, multiple processes make this easy.

To put it another way, each color should be a separate STL, and they should all fit together like puzzle pieces.

Actually, 1 STL could contain separate shell models.

Re: Preparing Multi-Color Models

Actually, 1 STL could contain separate shell models.

Hmm, true. I hadn't really considered that. I usually split everything up into different STL's, but they could indeed be one.

Re: Preparing Multi-Color Models

When slicing with KISS, I used 3 models and sliced using a prime pillar.

I know the prime pillar will not be required when using a post processing script, but I included it in the GCode for the time being.

Have a look at the results (in attachment). Yes, I know there are a couple of pieces not quite aligned exactly...

Peter

Re: Preparing Multi-Color Models

Very helpful responses, enough to get me started with some experiments. Thanks!

Re: Preparing Multi-Color Models

When slicing with KISS, I used 3 models and sliced using a prime pillar.

I know the prime pillar will not be required when using a post processing script, but I included it in the GCode for the time being.

Have a look at the results (in attachment). Yes, I know there are a couple of pieces not quite aligned exactly...

Peter

Thanks for the attachment.

I'm still waiting for my printer (still 2 months) and am trying to make some 3D drawings in the meanwhile, so that i can build my skills since i have no experience in 3D (except when i went to school 30+ years ago...) nor in 3D printing. But your whistle file is helping me to understand how I can build multiple-color .stl-files and create the gcode for them to print properly in a slicer...
I hope you don't mind me putting the whistle on thingiverse http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2050100 , but it can help other people to understand multicolor 3D printing too...
You can find my thingiverse whistle here, I made the colors a bit more obvious (okay, I admit I'm from Belgium... 😉 ) I'll post pictures from the actual print when I actually printed it...

Re: Preparing Multi-Color Models

Stephan

I am somewhat embarrassed that you put the model on Thingi; I don't consider it good enough due to the misalignments.

Anyhow, what's done...

The model printed fine:

I would say that Slic3r seems to require separate files, whereas KISS will allow each individual mesh to be assigned to an extruder.

Also KISS has the ability to prioritise extruders such that one object (mesh or file) can be placed onto a solid mesh/file and only the extruder with priority will print in that place. I have tried doing the same in Slic3r, but that seems to prepare code for both extruders to print in the one place. Yes, it's possible to one one model as a "modifier", but that brings more complexity and IMVHO is nothing like as user-friendly.

Peter