Multi-material FDM 3D printing: More colours, more creativity

3D printing has evolved by leaps and bounds, and today the ability to print in multiple colors and materials is no longer exclusive to industrial technologies. Thanks to multimaterial FDM printers and upgrade kits, we can now create models with gradients, soluble structures, and spectacular combinations in a single print.

FDM 3D Printers with Integrated Multimaterial Capability

If you're looking for a printer ready to print in multiple colors or materials from the start, these are the best options on the market:

Creality Hi Combo

The Creality Hi Combo takes multicolor printing to another level with its CFS modular system (Creality Filament System). By default, it supports 4 colors but can be expanded to up to 16 colors by adding additional modules, making it one of the most versatile options.

This printer is designed for those seeking maximum control over their multicolor prints and uninterrupted filament management. Its robust structure and printing speed make it ideal for large and detailed projects.

Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo

The Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo stands out for its balance between speed and quality. Its Colour Engine Pro allows printing with up to 4 colors simultaneously, ensuring smooth transitions without errors.

With a speed of 600 mm/s, it is one of the fastest printers on the market, ideal for those seeking efficiency without compromising quality. Additionally, its automatic filament detection system prevents interruptions during printing, ensuring a seamless workflow.

Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo

The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is designed for multimaterial and multicolor printing thanks to its Ace Pro module, which supports up to 4 filaments simultaneously (expandable to 8 materials). This system allows for combining different materials and colors in a single print, expanding creative and functional possibilities.

It stands out for its closed CoreXY design, which enhances stability and precision in high-speed prints. Its modular printhead allows for tool-free nozzle changes, making maintenance and material adaptability easier.

Bambu Lab A1 Combo

The Bambu Lab A1 Combo is one of the most accessible and powerful options for multicolor printing. Its AMS Lite (Automatic Material System) allows managing up to 4 colors simultaneously, with intelligent filament management to prevent jams and minimize waste.

Thanks to its automatic calibration, the A1 Combo is perfect for both beginners and advanced users looking to print with precision without technical complications. Additionally, its printing speed of up to 500 mm/s makes it one of the fastest and most efficient options on the market.

Comparison

Table 1: Comparison of desktop FDM 3D printers with integrated multimaterial system

Upgrade Your 3D Printer to Multicolor and Multimaterial

If you already own an FDM printer and want to add the capability to print in multiple colors and materials, this is possible thanks to multicolor and multimaterial kits:

Creality CFS (Creality Filament System)

The Creality CFS is a modular filament management system that allows printing with 4 base colors, but its major advantage is that it can be expanded up to 16 colors, offering superior customization.

Bambu Lab AMS and AMS Lite

Bambu Lab AMS (Automatic Material System) allows managing up to 16 colors or materials, with smart changes and filament detection. Bambu Lab AMS Lite is the optimized version for the A1 Combo, with capacity for 4 colors.

The Future of 3D Printing is Multimaterial

Multimaterial FDM 3D printing is no longer a technology of the future but an accessible reality that allows creators, engineers, and manufacturers to take their projects to a completely new level.