Model which I used to test multicolor printing within the same layer using single extruder printer.

THIS IS AN EXPERIMENT

PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK

The idea was simple:

We can create multicolor prints on single extruder single filament printers with tools like ColorPrint. You set the Z layer height in which you want the filament change, the tool alters the G-Code and the printer prompts you for the change once it reaches the layer height.

So.... How do I force the printer to stop mid layer for the filament change so I can print one model within the other? ie different model, different color/filament, same Z layer.

tl;dr setting, modeling, creation:

1. Select Slic3r profile for MMU printer in order to allow "Tool change G-Code" entry
2. Printer > Custom G-Code > Tool change G-Code
   Enter M600 into the text area. 
   1. M600 = pause for filament change 
3. Printer > Custom G-Code > End G-code
   Remove the"If not has wipe tower" code block. 
   1. This would pull the filament into the cooling tubes in case of MMU, which is not a case for this project. 
4. Prepare model for the first color 
5. Prepare model for the second color 
6. The models can NOT overlap! 
   1. in tools like Tinkercad, you can simply create a copy of the first model, change it to "hole" and then substract it from the second by merging them 
7. Slic3r setting: 
   1. * Printer > General > Extruders = 2 + Leaving more extruders than you're going to use caused me an"incomplete G-Code" error
   2.  Printer > Extruder 1, 2, ... + I've copied setting from the single color profile as we practically have only one feeder and one extruder, so the Retraction options for MMU does not really apply 
   3. Print > Multiple extruders > Wipe tower > Disable + No need for wipe tower as the filament is changed manually 
8. import both models into Slic3r and align them perfectly 
9. set extruder associations 
   1. right click on the model > settings > Extruder = # 
10. export G-Code

Printing:

• Please observe the process carefuly during the print and stop it any time you have an impression something went wrong.
• You need to stand by the printer, as you'll have to change the filaments manually.
  • Color selection is up to you. Whatever filament you provide to the printer will be used.
• There is something fishy at the end of the print. The model was completed, but the printer claimed it's not 100% done, thrown the filament out and performed few fishy moves, so I stopped the print manually. My suspicion is that"Pull the filament into the cooling tubes." G-Code in Printer > Custom G-Code > End G-Code, was the cause.
  UPDATE: It was the cause. After removing the section printer finished normally.
• Printer > Custom G-Code > Start G-code
  Something could be tweked in this section, as the printer creates a blob at start of the "Intro line". Just a minor thing, will work just fine if left as is.
• Theoretically you can set extruder for a different materials, so you could mix for example TPU and PLA, but you want to be carefull about the bed/hotend temperatures and the transitions.

Inspiration / How to https://shop.prusa3d.com/forum/print-tips-archive--f86/printing-2-color-with-slic3r-t15054.html#p73052

Skull stencil author http://www.chuckbauman.com/skulls-airbrushing-stencils.htm

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Prusa

Printer:

i3 MK2S

Rafts:

No

Supports:

No

Resolution:

0.2

Infill:

10%

Filament: Devil design PLA

Notes:

please read the instructions in the summary carefuly

Category: 3D Printing Tests