How to Build a Multi-Color Object into a 3MF file?  

RE: How to Build a Multi-Color Object into a 3MF file?

Well....

They way multi color objects is made up is by having each color of the object as a separate object, then when you import the stl files together in the slicer you end up with being able to assign different colors to different parts.
Typically it is done when you design the object in the first place (you "cut" the different colored areas of the object into separate objects)

But you can also, if what you needs is not that complicated, use modifier meshes inside prusaslicer, for example place a sphere over an area you want in a different color and then assign different extruder to that area.
I used this technique when i had a snowman model and i wanted to change the color of the buttons.

You can also use meshmixer and i have tried this myself a couple of times but this is imho a bit complicated so you better go watch some videos or similar on how to do it.

RE: How to Build a Multi-Color Object into a 3MF file?

@torbjorn-j3

Thank you for the information. I have a question or two. I'm trying to create a sign with different color text on it. I've created the background as a rectangle (150mm x 50mm x 5mm). I then create two different text parts and place them accordingly on the background. I save these parts as a single STL file. Since the STL file doesn't have color capability, how do I assign the proper extruder color?

Should these parts that I created all be separate STL files then somehow combined with PrusaSlicer and to add the extruder assignments?

Can I save the project in PrusaSlicer as a .3MF file?

What design software supports .3MF file creation?

Thanks.

RE: How to Build a Multi-Color Object into a 3MF file?

Well... it depends 🙂

Lets take a simple nameplate as an example, you got two options (at least).
You create one stl file and make the text stand out so it is a little taller than the base, then in the slicer you create a modifier to change the color either by height (all letters gets same color) or you place a modifier mesh for example a box over each letter and give it a different color (extruder)

The other option is to create your nameplate in for example fusion360 and make the nameplate one object and the text another object, then import both stl:s at the same time into prusaslicer so it becomes a multipart object (each part is a different stl file).
This way you can assign colors based on how you split your model when you designed it.

RE: How to Build a Multi-Color Object into a 3MF file?

@torbjorn-j3

Thank you. The modifier was the missing piece of the puzzle. My first color print worked. As a newbie to color printing I appreciate the helpful directions and thoughts.

Kent

RE: How to Build a Multi-Color Object into a 3MF file?

I make nameplates all the time with my MMU. I use Fusion360 to make the models. I draw the shape and thickness of the plate first, then sketch the lettering on the face of the plate, then extrude the lettering as a"cut" to a depth divisible by either .15 or .2 (the default layer heights in PrusaSlicer for the MMU), next I extrude the lettering back flush to the face but select to create them as a "new component". Now I just save a mesh of the lettering and a mesh of the nameplate itself. Go into PrusaSlicer, add the nameplate first (always start with the part that rests on the print bed first), right click on the model, select "add part", select the lettering as the part to add. Now you can assign your filament numbers and you're good to go.