The evolution of color in FFF 3D printing

The evolution of color in FFF 3D printing

Fused filament 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 current multimaterial systems, 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 allowed only one color per part, limited to what a single extruder could offer. Therefore, to achieve multicolor in a piece, it was necessary to divide it and print each section separately with a different color, requiring either changing spools or using multiple printers in parallel. This technique is known as "swap by layer," and with the use of specific software, highly professional finishes can be achieved.

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

With the addition 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 allowed printing soluble or bicolor supports relatively simply, more economically and mechanically simpler than other multi-head systems. However, there is a risk of color contamination or nozzle collisions, unless equipped with systems like Raise3D's liftable head, which eliminates this risk, making the system efficient and safe. On the other hand, the usable X-axis volume may be reduced, and maintenance doubles with two hotends instead of one.

The IDEX system also exists — 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 avoiding contamination and collisions. This enables mirror or duplication modes to increase productivity, as well as a lower moving mass per carriage, which increases accuracy and speed. However, it comes at a higher cost, with more complex calibration for head alignment and requires more advanced firmware/mechanics. Maintenance is also required for both heads, and usable X-axis volume is reduced.

Additionally, it allows printing a part in two colors simultaneously, or making a duplicate or mirror, each in a different color, or using different materials, for example for support and model.

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

In parallel, solutions with a different philosophy for achieving multicolor were introduced, such as the XYZ da Vinci Color, which integrated an inkjet system over white filament, offering full-color printing albeit with technical limitations.

Video 1: Presentation of the XYZ da Vinci Color. Source: Youtube

This stage was followed by printers with automatic tool changing, capable of using different heads to print multiple colors or materials more precisely. In this setup, a single mobile head can automatically swap tools (e.g., extruders of different materials or nozzles) during printing. Unlike multimaterial single-extruder systems, each tool is independent and engages with the carriage as needed. It is a complex and therefore expensive system. This complexity can also create its own issues, particularly during delicate stages like tool coupling and decoupling.

Image 4: Multi-tool head. Source: CNC Kitchen

Currently, multimaterial systems such as Prusa MMU or Bambu Lab AMS allow multiple filaments from a single extruder, enabling much more versatile and detailed multicolor prints. These systems store spools with their own gears and motor, guiding the filament to a buffer or hub. This ensures proper tension for smooth changes, requested automatically by the printer according to the selected colors and materials. Multiple units can be combined, reaching up to 24 colors simultaneously (Bambu Lab H2D, 4 AMS 2 Pro, and 8 AMS HT).

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

Color in filaments

Filament color is essential in 3D printing when a refined aesthetic is desired, a specific finish is required, or visual color coding is needed. Brands have developed extensive color ranges and surface finishes to meet functional and decorative needs.

Image 6: Multicolor spools. Source: WikiCommons

Common finishes include:

• Silk: shiny, silky appearance, ideal for decorative parts.

• Matte: reduces reflection and hides layer lines.

• Satin: balance between matte and shine.

• Glossy: vivid colors with high surface reflection.

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

• Thermochromic or photochromic: 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.

One of the main challenges remains color consistency between batches, especially in professional processes where reproducibility between series is required. In this regard, manufacturers such as Fillamentum and Polymaker have been leaders, ensuring pigment homogeneity through strict quality controls and stable formulations. This guarantees that, while using the same material and color, both the finish and the color of a part remain constant even when changing spools.

The importance of a complete and stable color range between batches

Image 7: Color palette. Source: CreativeCommons

Having a complete and consistent range of colors not only expands creative possibilities but is key for productivity in professional environments. Consistency between batches prevents color deviations that could ruin a series of parts or require unnecessary adjustments. For color management, several standards exist, the most well-known being:

Pantone, where each color has a unique code (e.g., Pantone 205 C), ensuring consistency between printer, manufacturer, and designer. It also offers versions for packaging, plastics, and different finishes (coated, uncoated, matte, etc.).

RAL, originating 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. While not directly integrated into standards like Pantone or RAL, they allow approximation via HEX values of their colors:

Each Panchroma color (over 150 combinations and 17 finishes) is factory-validated with precise HEX codes, allowing correspondence with graphic Pantone or industrial RAL standards through digital conversions. With exact HEX (e.g., "#1C1C1C" for Charcoal Black), professionals can use online resources or dedicated software like HueForge to find the closest Pantone or RAL color. Accessories like the BIQU AJAX TD1S—an innovative tool designed to measure transmission distance (TD) accurately and capture true filament color in HEX format—also assist in this process.

In this context, Panchroma presents itself as a comprehensive solution. Developed by Polymaker, this range offers:

• A wide palette of solid and special colors to always provide options.
• Variety of 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 the next.
• Full compatibility with multimaterial and multicolor systems, ensuring seamless transitions in systems like AMS or MMU. Materials and dimensions are perfectly suited for these devices.

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

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

Additionally, numerous examples of parts printed with Panchroma can be found on Polymaker’s website and social media, demonstrating system versatility in artistic, functional, educational, or product design projects.

Notably, the former PolyTerra and PolyLite filaments have been integrated into Panchroma, maintaining their properties but adapted to a new nomenclature and compatibility system that simplifies user selection.

Combining these filaments with professional software like HueForge enables the highest-quality multicolor results:

Image 9: Example of using multicolor filaments with HueForge. Source: HueForge.

Conclusions

FFF 3D printing has surpassed the limitations of single-color printing. Thanks to hardware advances and the evolution of filaments such as the Panchroma range, achieving precise, aesthetic, and reliable multicolor results is now possible. The combination of a coherent palette, varied finishes, and batch-to-batch consistency positions Panchroma as a reference in today’s multicolor ecosystem.

In scenarios 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.