Multicolor printing on a single-nozzle printer (filament changes)
You can print in color even without a multi-material system. If the colors are separated layer by layer, you just pause at the right height and swap filament.
Which models does it work for?
Models where every layer has a single color: products with a base in one color and a raised logo or text in another. Keychains, flat 3D (with a base), raised signs, magnets and coasters are built this way.
Different colors side by side on the same layer (for example an inlay sign or a multicolor logo) can't be printed this way on a single nozzle; those need a multi-material system.
Heppio calculates the change heights for you
When you select your single-nozzle printer from the list and convert, and the colors are stacked in layers, the warnings say "add a color change at the … mm layers". These heights assume 0.2 mm layers; if your slicer uses a different layer height, pick the nearest layer.
Adding a color change in your slicer
Bambu Studio / OrcaSlicer
After slicing, move the vertical layer slider in the preview to the change height, right-click the + on the slider and choose the color change (Change filament / Add color change). Creality Print, ElegooSlicer, Anycubic Slicer Next and QIDI Studio work the same way.
PrusaSlicer
In the preview, move the vertical slider to the layer and click the orange + icon; a color change (M600) is added. The printer stops at that layer and waits for you to swap filament.
Cura
Extensions → Post Processing → Modify G-Code → Add a script → Filament Change. Enter the layer number or height. Repeat to add more changes.
During the print
- Start the print with the first color.
- When the printer stops at the change layer, unload the filament, load the new color and purge until the old color is gone.
- Clean the ooze off the nozzle tip and resume the print.
- Repeat for any further changes.
