/3DPrintColorizer

Software & Hardware to do multi color printing with Sharpies

Primary LanguagePythonGNU General Public License v3.0GPL-3.0

3D Print Colorizer is a combination of 3D printed parts and a Cura plugin which allows anyone with an Ender 3 or BLTouch-compatible printer (no CoreXY for now) to produce multi colored models. Have a look at some results:

Release Notes

  • 2021-08-06 Fixed issue with some T-Commands still being in the G-Code as reported by Teaching Tech.
  • 2021-08-05 Added big compatibility update. Added parts to mount to nearly any BLTouch-compatible Printer (no CoreXY for now).

How it works

3D Print Colorizer uses Sharpie or Sharpie-like permanent markers to directly paint on the layers of a 3D print. After a layer is finished printing normally a pen holder, which is mounted to the print head, is used to fetch pens from a special pen rack mounted to the top part of the printer. Normal printing and painting is used alternately to produce a final colored model.

To coordinate the process a special Cura plugin is used to add the painting G-Code. After installing the plugin you need to enter some calibration values and afterwards models sliced for an Multi Extrusion printer can be printed on an Ender 3 with full color support.


YouTube link

Installation

You can watch this video for a quick overview of the setup process:
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YouTube link

Detailed installation instruction are given in the Wiki. Please follow each step to complete the installation and get ready for mutli color printing.

PLEASE don´t forget to:

  • Use transparent filament. No white filament!
  • Tune your Z-Axis.
  • Use the provided Cura profile as a starting point and don´t increase the speeds before you know what you are doing.

1. Hardware Setup

2. Materials needed

3. Calibration

4. Software Setup

5. Printing


If you want you can:

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