{"id":1132,"date":"2022-02-21T11:14:51","date_gmt":"2022-02-21T14:14:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/impresion3d.website\/?p=1132"},"modified":"2023-04-25T01:03:07","modified_gmt":"2023-04-25T04:03:07","slug":"how-to-print-two-colors-with-a-single-extruder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/impresion3d.website\/en\/how-to-print-two-colors-with-a-single-extruder\/","title":{"rendered":"How to print in two colors with a single extruder \u2013 Cura Ultimaker"},"content":{"rendered":"

Using laminating software like Cura Ultimaker you can modify the GCode file so that at the right time, you can manually change the filament. In this way you can print two or more colors with a single extruder, always using one color per layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this method you will be able to pause your 3D printer at a certain layer height, in order to (manually) change the filament for another of a different color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

open cure<\/strong> ultimaker<\/strong> and import the file<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you have Cura open, what you need to do is open the File you want to print. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then configure your favorite print settings or if you don't have them yet, I invite you to visit my \u00abBest Cura setups for beginners<\/a>\u00ab<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want you can download a sample file<\/a> by Thingiverse.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Cure
cure \u2013 open file<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Choose the layer height at which the filament change will take place<\/strong>. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In order to continue with the next step, you must know the exact layer in which you want to change the filament. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can do this from the preview tab<\/strong>, sliding the layer column.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important<\/strong>: the layer in which you should change the filament, is the one in which the front differs from the background. For example "white background and black figure<\/strong>", it is understood?<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"How
How to print in two colors with a single extruder \u2013 Choose layer to pause<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In the case of the example (if you downloaded it), the filament change would be done from layer number 5 (using a 0.4 nozzle and the settings provided above)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modify the GCode<\/strong>.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Go to the menu bar and select the following options: Extensions > Post Processing > Modify Gcode<\/strong> and press add sequence <\/strong>command > Pause at height<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this window you will configure in which layer you want the printer to stop, the amount of filament you want it to retract and the temperature at which you want the nozzle to stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Pause at<\/strong> you will choose \u00ablayer number<\/strong>\u00ab.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • pause layer<\/strong> you are going to put the layer number<\/strong> you want it to stop (It would be layer 5 according to the example)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Retraction<\/strong> is the amount of filament to retract when paused. (25mm)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Extrude amount<\/strong> the amount of filament to extrude after the filament has been changed. (25mm)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Redo Layer<\/strong> if you want the last layer to be printed again (but with the new color). (do not check<\/strong>, because in the case of the example it would print the base again and it would remain black)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Standby Temperature<\/strong> It is the temperature at which the printer will remain waiting for the filament change. (190\u00b0C)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
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    \"How
    How to print in two colors with a single extruder \u2013 Pause at height<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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    \"How
    How to print in two colors with a single extruder \u2013 Select Layer number<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Close the window and save the file to your printer's SD card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    put to print<\/strong>. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    After the printer has started printing, it will stop at the layer you have chosen<\/strong> and the filament will retract so that you change it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    color 1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    After changing it, you will notify the printer from the menu so that it continues printing with the new color. Remember that it will extrude a quantity of filament that you must remove so that it does not cause problems.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    color 2<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    If you have been successful, you will have been able to print in two colors with a single extruder using Cura Ultimaker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I leave you with a very explanatory video that I found on YouTube where you can see the printing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Video on YouTube: Blito 3D<\/h2>\n\n\n\n