Contents
A technology overview for multicolor 3D printing
One of the interesting aspects of additive processes is undoubtedly the possibility of multi-color printing. Whereas in traditional plastic production, multi-colored objects were still obtained by over-melting or colouring, 3D printing now makes this possible directly in production.
In 3D printing, too, production was initially limited to single-color components. This changed with the emergence of new additive processes such as PolyJet printing, MultiJet printing or the HP-MJF process.
Applications for color 3D printing
First, we would like to introduce you to some typical applications for multicolor 3D printing. The decisive factor here is the fact that the traditional production of multicolored plastic objects is expanded by the advantages of design freedom thanks to additive manufacturing.
Full or multi-colored prototypes
While it used to be very laborious to produce multicolored prototypes or multicolored components for prototypes, this changed fundamentally with the advent of 3D printing. Since these can now be printed directly, manufacturing costs and production time can be noticeably reduced.
jigs/templates
Colored information boards help employees to correctly assemble or align components. However, since these aids are usually only required in small quantities, additive manufacturing offers a particularly cost-effective solution.
functional components
The real innovation in 3D printing of full-color functional components is that they can finally be produced in a very short time. Until now, in traditional production, a comparatively complex process with several post-processing steps was necessary.
scale models
In architecture in particular, textures or at least multicolored models are often required. In 3D printing, these can not only be printed easily and therefore in a time- and cost-effective manner. In fact, even filigree details can be reproduced with this technology. In this way, very realistic models are created.
Science and research
Traditionally, complex structures (such as in molecular or organ models) are usually represented in a simplified manner. 3D printing now makes it possible to represent reality in scientific models with much greater accuracy and detail than was previously possible.
toy
In principle, color 3D printing is also ideal for multicolored surfaces of toys. However, since large quantities are usually required, additive manufacturing does not necessarily prove to be economical.
Home and hobby applications
The applications for multicolored 3D printing are diverse. Scale models, game figures, gadgets or even decorative elements are conceivable. For cost reasons, however, home users tend to use (monochrome) FDM printing.