The evolution of color in FFF 3D printing

The evolution of color in FFF 3D printing

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing has undergone significant evolution in recent years, not only in terms of precision or materials but also in how color is incorporated into printed parts. From the early days with a single extruder to today's multimaterial systems, the technology has adapted to the needs of users seeking both functionality and aesthetics.

Image 1: Monochromatic part next to a polychromatic model. Source: Flickr/Fdecomite

Initially, FFF printing only allowed the use of a single color per part, limited by the capabilities of a single extruder. Therefore, if a multicolor result was desired, the part had to be divided and each section printed separately with a different color, which required either manually changing spools or using multiple printers in parallel.

Image 2: Monochromatic printed parts. Source: DLA.mil

With the introduction of a second extruder, it became possible to combine two colors or materials. The first system was dependent dual extrusion (two extruders on a single carriage), which offers the advantages of printing soluble supports or two-color models with relative simplicity. It is more economical and mechanically simpler than other multi-head systems. However, there is a risk of color contamination or nozzle collisions unless systems like the liftable head from Raise3D are used, which eliminate this risk and make the setup efficient and safe. On the downside, the usable volume along the X-axis may be reduced, and maintenance is doubled due to the presence of two hotends instead of one.

There is also the IDEX system—Independent Dual Extruders. In this system, each extruder has its own X-axis or carriage. When one prints, the other "parks" in a corner, minimizing interference and preventing contamination and collisions. This enables mirror or duplication modes to increase productivity, while each carriage carries less mass, improving precision and speed. That said, it comes with a higher cost, more complex calibration due to head alignment, and requires more advanced firmware and mechanical systems. Additionally, it shares the downside of requiring maintenance on both print heads and having reduced usable volume on the X-axis.

As a bonus, this setup also allows printing a part in two colors simultaneously, or duplicating or mirroring the object in different colors, or using different materials—for example, one for the model and another for the supports.

Image 3: Parts printed in mirror mode using two colors. Source: Raise3D

In parallel, alternative approaches to achieving multicolor printing were introduced, such as the XYZ da Vinci Color, which integrated an inkjet system over white filament, offering a full-color solution, though with technical limitations.

Video 1: Introduction to the XYZ da Vinci Color. Source: YouTube

This stage was followed by printers with automatic tool-changing systems, capable of using different heads to print multiple colors or materials with greater precision. In this setup, a single mobile head can automatically switch between different tools (e.g., extruders with different materials or nozzles) during printing. Unlike multi-material systems using a single extruder, each tool here is independent and docks with the carriage as needed. It is a complex system and therefore expensive. Additionally, this complexity can lead to problems, particularly in delicate stages like the coupling and uncoupling of the extruders.

Image 4: Multitool printhead. Source: CNC Kitchen

Currently, multi-material systems such as the Prusa MMU or Bambu Lab AMS allow switching between several filaments from a single extruder, enabling much more versatile and detailed multicolor prints. These systems store material spools in dedicated units with their own gear and motor system, feeding the filament to a buffer or hub. This setup ensures correct filament tension for a smooth swap, which the printer initiates based on the color and material configuration set for each print. In many cases, multiple units can be combined, allowing up to 24 simultaneous colors in specific configurations (Bambu Lab H2D, 4 AMS 2 Pro, and 8 AMS HT).

Image 5: 2 AMS units connected to the Bambu Lab X1. Source: BambuLab

Filament color

Filament color is a key factor in 3D printing when a specific aesthetic, finish, or visual coding is desired. Brands have developed extensive color ranges and surface finishes to meet both functional and decorative requirements.

Image 6: Multicolor spools. Source: WikiCommons

Among the most common finishes are:

• Silk: a shiny and silky look, ideal for decorative parts.

• Matte: reduces glare and conceals layer lines.

• Satin: a balance between matte and glossy.

• Glossy: vibrant colors with high surface reflection.

• Bicolor or multicolor: made with pigment transitions within a single filament.

• Color-changing (thermal or solar): color changes with temperature or light.

• Glow-in-the-dark: glows in the dark after exposure to light.

• Translucent: allows light to pass through with varying degrees of transparency.

However, one of the most significant challenges is color consistency between batches, especially in professional environments where repeatability across series is essential. In this regard, manufacturers such as Fillamentum and Polymaker have set the standard, ensuring consistent pigmentation thanks to strict quality control and stable formulations. This guarantees that as long as the same material and color are used, both the finish and color of a part will remain consistent even when switching spools.

The importance of a complete and stable color range between batches

Image 7: Color palette. Source: CreativeCommons

Having a complete and consistent color range not only expands creative possibilities but is also key to productivity in professional settings. This is complemented by the need for batch-to-batch consistency, avoiding color shifts that could ruin a series of parts or require unnecessary adjustments. For color management, there are several standards, the most well-known being:

Pantone, where each color has a unique code (e.g., Pantone 205 C), which ensures consistency among printer, manufacturer, and designer. It also offers variants for packaging, plastics, and various finishes (coated, uncoated, matte, etc.).

RAL, developed in Germany to standardize paints, coatings, and industrial plastics, consists of several collections:

• RAL Classic, widely used in architecture and industry
• RAL Design, based on the CIELAB space for more precise design
• RAL Effect, metallic and standard tones formulated with water-based paints
• RAL Plastics: specific adaptations of Classic/Design for plastics
• NCS (Natural Color System), based on human visual perception, used in architecture and spatial design

Munsell, classifies color by hue, value, and chroma, commonly used in painting and art education.

Polymaker's Panchroma filaments are designed to offer advanced color consistency. Although they are not directly integrated into standard systems such as Pantone or RAL, they enable approximation to them through the HEX values of their colors:

Each color in the Panchroma range (over 150 combinations and 17 finishes) is factory validated with precise HEX codes, allowing them to be matched with Pantone or RAL graphic/industrial standards through digital conversion. With the exact HEX value (e.g., “#1C1C1C” for Charcoal Black), professionals can use online tools or dedicated software to find the closest Pantone or RAL color match.

In this context, Panchroma stands out as an all-in-one solution. This range, developed by Polymaker, offers:

• A wide palette of solid and specialty colors—so there's always an option to choose from.
• Diverse finishes (matte, silk, satin, etc.) tailored to each application. Combine them for spectacular results.
• High color uniformity between spools and batches, thanks to precise formulation—no more inconsistencies from one spool to another.
• Full compatibility with multi-material and multicolor systems, ensuring seamless transitions in systems like AMS or MMU. Materials and dimensions are fully optimized for use in these setups.

Image 8: The extensive variety of options available in Panchroma. Source: Polymaker

One of Panchroma’s main advantages is that all colors are designed to work together, both visually and technically (temperatures, shrinkage, adhesion, etc.). This allows high-quality multicolor prints without compromising process reliability.

In addition, numerous examples of parts printed with Panchroma can be found on Polymaker’s website and social media, showcasing the system's versatility in artistic, functional, educational, and product design projects.

It is worth noting that the former PolyTerra and PolyLite filaments have been integrated under the Panchroma brand, maintaining their properties while adopting a new naming and compatibility system that simplifies user selection.

Conclusions

FFF 3D printing has already overcome the barrier of limited color. Thanks to advances in hardware and the evolution of filament ranges like Panchroma, it is now possible to achieve multicolor results with precision, aesthetics, and reliability. The combination of a coherent palette, varied finishes, and batch-to-batch consistency positions Panchroma as a benchmark in today’s multicolor ecosystem.

In a context where visual quality is as important as functionality, having a robust and predictable color system becomes a competitive advantage for designers, manufacturers, and 3D printing professionals.