Multi-colour 3D printing in New Zealand
Multi-colour 3D printing puts up to four colours into a single part. Eyes, logos, lettering and details are printed in the plastic itself, so there's no painting, gluing or assembly, and the colour won't chip or peel.
How does multi-colour 3D printing work?
The printer has an automatic material system that holds four spools and swaps between them mid-print, purging the old colour each time before it carries on.
- Up to four colours in a single print
- Colour runs through the part, so it won't chip
- Works in PLA and PETG (one material per part)
- Sharpest results on flat faces and raised lettering
What is multi-colour 3D printing good for?
Anything where colour carries meaning: signs and name plates, branded parts, game pieces, models and gifts.
- 3D printed signs and gifts →Anything flat-ish with raised or inset text and graphics, plus small personalised objects.
- 3D printed models and miniatures →Terrain, buildings, vehicles, figures and scale models, especially pieces from about 25 mm up to the size of the print bed.
- 3D printed prototypes →Anything you need to check the size, look, fit or basic function of.
How much does multi-colour 3D printing cost?
More than a single-colour print of the same part, because every colour change wastes a little filament and adds time. Designs with colour only on a few layers (like raised text) cost the least.
Single-colour parts are still priced instantly on the instant-quote 3D printing service, and small ones are a flat price on the $5 small 3D prints deal.
What else do people ask about multi-colour 3D printing?
Mostly about materials, files and pricing.
Is this multi-material 3D printing?
It's multi-colour: up to four colours of the same material (PLA or PETG) in one part. We don't combine different materials, like rigid and flexible, in a single print.
Why aren't multi-colour prints in the instant quote?
Each colour change purges filament and adds print time, and how much depends on the design. Send your file and colours, and we'll quote it individually, usually within 1–2 business days.
Can flexible TPU be printed in multiple colours?
No. TPU prints on a separate direct-feed printer, so it's single colour only.
What file do I need for a multi-colour print?
A 3MF with colours assigned (for example from MakerWorld or Bambu Studio), or one STL per colour. If you only have a single STL, tell us which areas should be which colour.