Skip to Content

How to Find the Best Multi Color 3D Printer [2022]

How to Find the Best Multi Color 3D Printer [2022]

As technology continues to evolve, lesser-known markets are beginning to come into their own. One such area that is starting to spread its wings is 3D printing. This industry has shown that it has a place in the world of consumer technology during the past few years.

Even though this industry isn’t as mainstream as other technologies yet, it is still making significant noise in the tech sector. But what about those that aren’t as familiar with 3D printing?

That’s where we want to help. Choosing the right color 3D printer can be challenging. So, with that in mind, what should you consider when selecting a color 3D printer? Let’s take a look at some criteria to consider as you make your decision.

 

Color 3D Printer Up Front Summary

  1. XYZ Printing da Vinci Color – Best Desktop Option
  2. 3D Systems ProJet CJP 660Best for High Build Volume or Large Scale Projects
  3. GEEETECH New A20M 3D PrinterBest for Affordability
  4. LOTMAXX Shark 3D Printer with Dual ExtruderBest for Quick Assembly
  5. TENLOG TL-D3 ProBest for Filament Compatibility
  6. HP Jet FusionBest for Intricate and Complex Designs
  7. ComeTrue T10Best for Faster Print Speeds
  8. Rize XRIZEBest for Beginners

Best Multi Color 3D Printers

Now that you have an idea of what to look for as you search for the ideal multi-color 3D printer, here are a few of the top options to consider.

XYZ Printing da Vinci Color – Best Desktop Option

Our Pick
XYZ Printing da Vinci Color | Amazon

One of the only true desktop 3D printers for full spectrum color printing, the da Vinci also is one of the easiest to use out of the box.

Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

First up on our list is the XYZ Printing da Vinci Color. This multicolor 3D printer uses its jet technology to print out full color 3D printed objects. The base material used with this printer is white PLA, which the printer colors by using its CMYK filament cartridge.

So that it doesn’t waste ink, the Da Vinci only colors the filament layers that are visible on the print bed, rather than the entire item. If you’re interested in a smaller version of this printer, it also comes in a mini. However, the smaller option only uses one cartridge whereas the bigger version uses four.

If you have a home office, this is the ideal multiple colors 3D printer for you. It allows you to have a 3D printer in your home without taking up a lot of space. Plus, the option of an even smaller unit makes this printer appealing to anyone who doesn’t have a lot of room to maneuver.

Where to Buy? Pick this one up via this Amazon listing here.

Read More: XYZprinting da Vinci Mini Review: Does it Work?

3D Systems ProJet CJP 660 – Best for High Build Volume or Large Scale Projects

Color 3D Printer

The ProJet 660 offers a full color 3D printing experience that will have you creating high-quality pieces in no time. By depositing liquid color and using it as a binding agent, the ProJet makes use of its Color Jet Printing process to print amazing items.

This multicolor printer offers a capacity of 508 x 381 x 229 mm, which makes it one of the most productive options on our list. With this ProJet CJP660, you’re getting both a high-resolution print and high build volume. Using the CJP 660 means you can easily create large-scale concepts and models at any point during the development process.

ProJet says it can print faster than other technologies and multicolor printers on the market (multi color print, single batch). Whether or not that’s true, you can create a large 3D model (using the excess build volume) within just a few hours. Plus, if you’re creating a project that doesn’t require filament color, the CJP 660 will print 35% faster if you’re only using black and white.

GEEETECH New A20M 3D Printer – Best for affordability

Geeetech Upgrade A20M 3D Printer | Amazon

Geeetech A20M 3D printer delivers mix-color objects and greatly enriches your 3D printing life. Keeping the good performance of Geeetech 3D printers, it aims to provide users with quality printout and good printing experience.

Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

The GEEETECH New A20M 3D Printer is our top pick multicolor 3D printer if you need to stay within a tight budget.

Even though this 3D printer is definitely at the lower end of the pricing spectrum, it offers many great features, especially when it comes to color. You can print in a single color, multicolor, graded color, and mixed color. 

It also offers a pretty good print speed at 180mm/sec, surprising given its cost. The decently sized build volume of 255 x 255 x 255mm is a bonus, and you can also get this printer in dual and triple extruder options. 

The GEEETECH New A20M Color 3D Printer has been known to suffer from some clogging issues; however, when you consider what it costs, not everything will be perfect. Nevertheless, it is easy to assemble, straightforward to use, and allows you to print in multicolor makes it a great budget-level 3D printer.

 

LOTMAXX Shark 3D Printer with Dual Extruder – Best for quick assembly

LOTMAXX Shark 3D Printer with Dual Extruder | Amazon

Eengrave more than 10 types of materials such as wood, plastic, leather, PVC, paper and resin. (Laser kits are currently sold separately, please buy as needed.) With Smart auto-leveling of 0.1mm precision, efficient and practical, assist manual leveling, convenient for beginners.

Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

The LOTMAXX Shark 3D printer looks basic at first glance. 

Although, it is a pretty powerful multicolor 3D printer. Its basic and almost primitive design means that it is straightforward to set up, and the assembly process isn’t complicated. If you don’t want to spend hours getting your 3D printer up and running, this is a great choice.

This 3D printer also comes with a good build volume of 235 x 235 x 265mm, which will let you print decent-sized objects. In addition, the dual extruder allows for multicolor printing, opening up a range of possibilities.

You even have laser engraving functionality with this 3D printer, which greatly extends what it can do.

A potential downside is adhesion on the build plate, which could be better. However, you will love how quick it is to get this 3D printer up and running, and the print speed of 180mm/sec is very respectable for this price range. 

Overall, this 3D printer will suit anyone who wants to get started with printing objects quickly, and the fairly low price tag is great too. 

 

TENLOG TL-D3 Pro – Best for filament compatibility

Tenlog TL-D3 Pro 3D Printer | Amazon

You can use two colored filaments to print on the model to obtain two-color models, or use two different filaments to print soluble supports (such as PVA) to accurately achieve difficult-to-place models.

Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

If you want a multicolor 3D printer that is compatible with a wide variety of filaments, the TENLOG TL-D3 Pro is what you need. 

This 3D printer can be used with:

  • TPU
  • PVA
  • PLA
  • ABS
  • HIPS
  • WOOD
  • PETG

to name just a few filaments.

You have a broad scope with the type of materials you can feed into the TENLOG TL-D3 Pro to create high-quality objects. 

The printer has two extruders and two nozzles. This means that you can print two identical items simultaneously, and they can be in different colors as well. 

The 10-150mm/sec printing speed is a bit on the low side, but we have seen a lot worse, while the build volume of 300 x 300 x 350mm is actually quite big. 

The printer isn’t exactly noisy, but it does make some sound compared to some other printers we have tested. You will also be required to carry out some assembly, so be prepared.

All in all, the TENLOG TL-D3 Pro is a great multi color 3D printer that can print in different colors and once. Not only this, but you can get it at a fairly reasonable price, considering how powerful it is. 

 

HP Jet Fusion – Best for Intricate and Complex Designs

Best Color 3D Printer

The HP Jet Fusion multicolor 3D printer focuses on allowing various binding agents to deposit onto plain materials in the additive manufacturing process. With this process, which HP calls “Voxel Transforming Agents,” you can manipulate not only the color or your project, but also the texture.

Additionally, you control the density, translucency, and many other features that allow you to print exactly what you want the way you want it. There are up to eight various agents to choose from, all giving you the 3D print you desire.

If you’re color 3D printing intricate designs with integrating complex parts, then the HP Jet Fusion multicolor 3D printer is a great option. You’ll be able to produce functional, fully-formed pieces with plenty of detail. This 3D printer is great for small or medium-sized businesses that want to focus primarily on design and functionality.

ComeTrue T10 – Best for Faster Print Speeds

T10 Color 3D Printer

This multi color 3D printer utilizes sandstone as its base material. This plater-like and neutral powder is colored and solidified with the ComeTrue process that allows for the colored liquid to bond to the agent itself.

At that point, you’ll need to put the pieces into a dry vacuum device – which you purchase separately – to get rid of any remaining powder by using an airbrush. The ComeTrue10 is a solid multicolor 3D printer, but the entire process takes some getting used to.

If you want to print your pieces quickly, then the ComeTrue T10 might be the right multicolor 3D printer for you. Of course, remember that sometimes you’ll sacrifice print quality for speed. However, the T10 does provide additional features like multiple use cases, a wide range of applications, and the ability to print complex parts.

Rize XRIZE – Best for Beginners

Rize Color 3D Printer

If you’re in the market for a professional multi-color 3D printer, then take a serious look at the XRIZE. This unit uses a combination of ink-jetting technology, along with its proprietary Augmented Deposition process to provide pieces that are strong and vibrant.

Additionally, the XRIZE multicolor printer also deposits Release Ink – a special proprietary material – into the support structures and the piece itself. This makes it easy for users to quickly disconnect the support materials. Doing so leaves the piece smooth, which means users don’t have to mess with a lot of post-processing.

Even though this multicolor 3D printer offers professional-grade print quality, it’s still a great printer for beginners. It’s easy to use and setup and doesn’t require a lot of pre and post-process effort. The XRIZE works with environmentally friendly and recyclable materials and makes things simple for those that are unfamiliar with the world of color 3D printing.

What Will You Use It For?

This Is arguably the most important item to consider while you’re making your choice. What do you plan on doing with your color 3D printer? Are you going to make large or small items? Do you plan on 3D printing in batches?

What applications do you plan on using? What types of moulds will you use? What about tooling, fixtures, and casting? You’ll want to answer these questions to have a solid idea of which color 3D printer will work best for you.

What Color 3D Printer Features Are Most Important to You?

After you decide what you’re going to do with your multicolor 3D printer, you’ll want to determine which features are a priority. Different products offer different features with different qualities.

Each 3D printer is going to provide a different level of surface finish, resolution, and accuracy. Which of these features are most important to you? Determine that and you’ll have a solid idea of which 3D printer fits your needs.

Color 3D Printing Surface Finish

Surface finish is important for a few pieces. Keep in mind that you can smooth the surface of your item after its done 3D printing, however, it’s usually best to choose a 3D printer that does this for you.

There are a few reasons you want to select a printer with this feature. First, it reduces the total amount of time it takes to produce an item since nothing needs to be done post-processing. Plus, if the smoothing process isn’t done properly there could wind up being problems.

Color 3D Printing Resolution

Next up on the list of features to consider is the printer’s resolution capabilities. Some 3D printers only print with the minimum resolution possible. However, there are also options on the market that offers excellent resolution, so determine how important this feature is to you.

Remember that the layer height (layer thickness) is what tells your 3D printer what resolution to print. The lower the designated layer height, the higher the resolution you’ll get on your printed item.

Color 3D Printing Accuracy

Last, but definitely not list, is the accuracy of your multicolor 3D printer. You want complex pieces and geometrical parts to print just the way you expect them to, so you want to be sure you’re getting a 3D printer that can handle it.

Additionally, if you plan on 3D printing pieces that will need to be put together later, accuracy is of the utmost importance. Accuracy is definitely something to keep in mind as you decide which 3D multicolor printer makes the most sense for you.

3D Printing Speed

If you’re unfamiliar with 3D printing speed, it’s measured by inches printed each hour. Of course, the amount of time it takes to print your item depends a lot on the size and complexity of its design.

Oftentimes, speed will also depend on the type of different material you’re printing with. Take all these factors into account before you settle on a multi-color 3D printer. Sometimes the ones that brag about their speed aren’t the ones that can handle heavy workloads.

Also, remember that just because you’re getting higher speeds doesn’t mean you’re getting precision. Some 3D multi-color printers sacrifice on accuracy in favor of higher speeds. So, if you’re planning on printing parts that require extreme accuracy, a high-speed printer may not make sense for you.

3D Printer Build Size

When it comes to the size of your printer, you’ll want to primarily think about how much room you have and what you plan on printing. That’s because you can find multi-color 3D printers that are big enough to fill a closet while others are small enough to sit on a desk.

Most 3D printers specify their build size, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the right one. Just be sure you don’t ignore the printer’s build size. If you wind up printing items that are bigger than your 3D printer build size, you’ll wind up with a useless printer.

Multi Color 3D Printer Material

Next, let’s take a look at what type of material you plan on using with your multi-color 3D printer. Were you aware that today, there are a wide variety of materials available to choose from? And the list keeps growing!

When 3D printers launched, the only option was photosensitive resin. But as 3D printing technology has progressed, multiple materials and options have come into the picture.

Of course, selecting the materials for your 3D printer may depend entirely on what you plan on printing. So, for instance, if you need to print items that need to be durable or flexible, you want to be sure you choose a material that allows for those capabilities.

In today’s 3D printing market, there are a wide variety of materials available. There’s even a good possibility you’ll find varying degrees of print quality with the type of material you select. That’s why it’s critical that you know exactly what you’re printing and what type of material you’ll need.

For example, if you plan to print using PLA filament (vs PETG filament, ABS filament, or a different filament), then your 3D multi-color printer will have to work with that type of material. Chances are you’ll want to use various types of materials for color 3D Printing, so try to find a printer that will accept different color and material options.

FAQs About 3D Printers

Question: Can my 3D printed items be sanded?

Answer: Plastic parts made from FDM (FDM 3D printer vs SLA printer) are capable of being sanded with belt sanders or by hand. Think of it as sanding down an automative part of a piece of wood. The nice thing about sanding is that it doesn’t cost a lot and is an effective method for getting a smooth finish on your print.

Sanding is one of the most commonly used techniques for finishing a 3D-printed part. You can sand and smooth nearly al your pieces with the exception of a few tiny parts.

Question: What is the life expectancy of a PLA print?

Answer: A decent 3D printed piece will roughly take 6 months to start showing signs of stress and decay. This will show up in the form of cracks and lines in your piece. Of course, the length of time it takes depends largely on the conditions in which the piece resides.

While you may notice that the piece isn’t as perfect as it once was, in the right conditions, your printed project may last up to a decade and a half.

Question: Are the parts I printed on my 3D printer airtight?

Answer: With a high-quality 3D printer, you can now print watertight printed object such as canisters, cups, and containers. This type of technology makes it possible to create 3D prints that will float or even held hold water.

So, what are you waiting for? Go print that 3D boat you’ve always wanted and give it a take on the swim!

Question: Can I make money using my 3D printer?

Answer: Sure, you can! One of the simplest ways to earn a little extra money is by using your multi-color 3D printer to create items and 3D object models and sell them. There are sites available online through which you can sell your goods, or you can always create your own.

List your multi-color 3D printer as a service available to others and have them pay you for any items or pieces that you print.

Final Thoughts: Best 3D Printer for Color

Getting started with color 3D printing is not an easy thing to do, which makes it all the more important that you find the printer that fits your needs. It is a difficult task, but one that needs to be taken seriously.

The fact that 3D printers and the materials they need can be costly makes the decision that much more important. Chances are you don’t have an unlimited budget, so buying a multi-color 3D printer more than one time likely isn’t an option.

That’s why it is crucial that you consider each and every feature you want prior to making your final decision. These printers are costly and are designed to serve specific purposes and functions. That doesn’t mean they’re not worth it.

Be sure to find one that meets your needs and expectations. Focus on the details. What requirements does your multi-color 3D printer have to have? As you do your research, you’ll discover that the choices will be narrowed down to less than a handful of options.

Once you’ve found a few you like, you’ll be able to find the one that fits what you need. If need be, make a list and check off the items as you complete your search. Remember, you don’t need a multi-color 3D printer that has all the best bells and whistles.

You need one that has the features and functionality that suits your purposes. Look for that, and you’ll wind up with exactly what you want.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076PSYN1Z?tag=total3dprintinglasso-20

Recommended Reading on Desktop 3D Printer Options and 3D Print Filaments