Multi color print, constant filament switching

[baradanikto]

I’m rather new to Bambu Studio, but, I know there must be a methodology or setting to resolve my issue. I recently printed a multi color part and noticed that the printer was constantly switching between filaments. What I mean by that is, it would print a little of one part in the first color, then switch the filament to the second color and print a little bit of an associated part. It proceeded to continue this until the part was finished printing. This process must be time inefficient.

What is the most efficient way to print a part with multiple pieces in multiple colors without having to constantly switch filaments back and forth?

[split]

this is the standard way to print multicolor objects in a single pass.
You porbably have seen that’s quite a waste of fimament , because purging occurs at each change

The only alternative way would be to split the objects in single color parts, then build the finished object by gluing the parts

If you print several identical objects, the filament change is done only once for all the objects on the plate, so the filament waste at time spent is “split” between the multiple objects

[baradanikto]

I assume you mean separating the parts into separate plates based on the color.

[lkraus]

If each part is a single color, use Others→ Special mode→ Print Sequence→ By object. Each part will require extra spacing so that the head does not interfere with already printed objects; Auto Arrange will help with that. Color should then change only between parts, not on every layer.

[RetroSharky]

Old, somewhat boring video, but still worth its weight in gold. It’s still relevant and explains everything about how to avoid waste.

In summary:

• Adjust flush volume
• Use flush objects
• Fill the printer plate, don’t just print one object.

[MalcTheOracle]

Can you share a screenshot from Bambu Studio, specifically the preview tab using the filament view.

One, fully sliced and another partway through the layers (use the layer bar on the right and slide it down).

The second one should help us see the number of colours and variations. Please, include the legend white lists the filaments.

[baradanikto]

@MalcTheOracle I’m not sure what shots you want, but, here’s some. If you need more, let me know.

[baradanikto]

@lkraus This seems like a more intuitive approach.

[MalcTheOracle]

That will do.

This looks four or more separate models all placed on the build plate using at least two different colours.

While you can do this, it is very inefficient. Your model parts appear to be solid colours (one colour per separate part).

You have two different ways to greatly speed this up.

1. Split into one job per filament colour/type

   • Create (at least) one build plate for each filament you are using for this project
   • Drag the parts for each filament type colour onto each build plate (think all red on one, all blue on another)
   • Print each plate in turn
   • The colour swaps disappear as the only one performed is at the start and end of the print and nit counted

2. Change print order to ‘by type’

   • Use the cog/hex icon on the right of any build plates you wish to do this on
   • Select the print order option
   • Change it to ‘by object’
   • Confirm
   • Use SHIFT + A
   • That will organise the model parts to be the most efficient

   Your parts will now print one at a time and be spaced apart from each other so the print head doesn’t knock already printed model parts over

   You can see this occur using the same preview layer height bar I had you generate the screenshot.

   You can further improve #2 by moving all of each colour together, right click and select merge.

   That will mean the gaps between each colour group will be smaller.

Important; by object will not solve all issues as there are height limitations on those that can use the method.

[baradanikto]

Thanks for all the feedback. I’ll use what you’ve all provided the next time I’m faced with this issue.