which printer for science color models?

[jasu]

We are about to embark on a project to bring 3D models of molecules like proteins and DNA into science learning. Most of the objects that I have seen are single color from filament printers. Ok but much less powerful for learning than a multi-color model.


LEFT: This Shapeways multi-color sandstone model of DNA would be great but which printer was it made on and is this machine affordable? RIGHT: Model of an HIV protein by biologicmodels.

Which printers are able to produce models with 2+ filament colors NOT separated horizontally by layer? Layering does not make sense for us since it’s hardly ever feasible in biological models. I have found a couple of interesting dual or even triple extrusion pictures (Felix3, Protos X400, CubeX Trio 1, 2). Now, I’m wondering what Hubbers would recommend and what experiences you have?

Ultimaker2 seems to have the option for a 2nd extruder and is well liked here. On the other hand, CubeX has 3 extruders already onboard but scores a low 6.2 on 3DHubs. FlashForge Creater Pro (dual) looks promising.

For a full color range one probably has to change printing method to powder (CubeJet not yet available and company doesn’t reply, X1 $12000 but company email bounces) or paper (Iris available but €13000 and a huge machine). Are there any other full color printers out there?

What would you recommend to generate multi-color science models for teaching? Would be great to hear from you.

All the best

[Luis]

Ultimaker 2 is fine with one color at time. See this article about some other models that are similar. You can’t beat the price. I have seen/heard about printers with multi-nozzles that supposedly can mix from one color to the next but I haven’t seen one working in the wild to comment.

https://ultimaker.com/en/blog/view/16817-organs-visualized-through-3d-printed-mri-scans

[HanCon]

The full color sandstone models are usually made on the 3D Systems Projet series. The “entry-level” machine Projet 260 offers basic CMY color channel range and costs about 30’000€.

[gr5org]

I believe 3dsystems has some nice full color printers that are now old enough that you can get used ones at a very reasonable price. They are quite complicated to learn compared to say an Ultimaker but they do full color. They use sand or something like that - it’s not FDM printing.

If it were me I would print in any color and then just paint them afterwards.

The only multi color FDM prints I like are water cooled heads. They are amazingly slow - when you have 6 colors per layer and you have to switch heads and let it heat up plus a wipe then that can be an extra 30 seconds per color per layer. That adds up!

[RCole]

Hi. This is a subject that comes up once in a while. For a recent list see this message:

Talk Manufacturing | Hubs

It might give you a few more options.

[gabriela3d]

Thanks for linking to the thread, @RCole!

[Filemon]

boss

[jasu]

Thanks a lot RCole. I had a look.

The Prusa i3 mentioned there only does color separated by layer. That does not work well on non-geometric objects.

The CubePro C seems to be the controversial color printer that botObjects (UK) couldn’t ship to many unhappy waiting customers and that is now part of 3DSystems (US). It’s still not available but it appears to have a system of mixing different colored filaments on the fly. This can create color transitions but it still seems to be layered. Maybe that’s only due to the model design. The software of the Cube series and the high price of the filaments attracts some bad opinions on 3DHubs.

The ProJet 4500 mentioned in the post does full color but comes at an affordable quarter to half million bucks and will occupy a small room.

Something3D (Israel) uses different colored filaments but a single nozzle. It appears to be on the market at $7350.

[boydconnor]

This might be an interesting thread for you Talk Manufacturing | Hubs

[HanCon]

If I understand you correctly you need different colors per pixel / corn etc. but not per layer. From my experience currently only the powder based (sometimes referred as sandstone) systems offer that solution.

Taiwan based Sky-Tech Electronics company has just started to offer their gypsum-powder based full color 3D-printer “3DPandoras” which works almost the same as 3D Systems’ Projet Series but with a much lower price tag of around 10’000 US$ (just confirmed by the company. It was 3’000 US$ at the Kickstarter campaign) ! (vs. 3D Systems sandstone printers starting at 30’000€)

http://www.3dpandoras.com

Introducing 3DPandoras, a full color 3D printer of powder tech under $3000

Actually, I have seen no reviews yet as this is quite new. So, cannot judge the quality. Was a Kickstarter project which got funded. The specs are very promising. Maybe the machines are not as sophisticated, reliable as the ones from 3D systems. But with that price tage I think absolutely worth to try!

[jasu]

Thanks a lot for the additional tip. I also wrote to them and got the same price: $10’000 + VAT if applicable + $1200 for ocean shipping which takes a month or so. It’s a tall machine.

[gr5org]

yes but you should be able to get a used one for under $3000. I’ve seen some pretty amazing printers donated or sold at very low prices. They are hard to sell because of the commitment and training required (really not too bad).

[gr5org]

jasu where do you live? I ask because somerville MA has a makerspace that has a machine that can do this. You can use anything at this makerspace for about $10 per day or $100 per month although there are probably material fees for their full color printer. Plus you have to get trained. I think it’s from 3dsystems - it’s old but is amazing.

[jasu]

A cursory search on various ebay sites (.com, .co.uk, .de) did not return any offers. Mostly CTC, Prusa, and 2 ProJets 660 but on the US site. I’m getting the impression the 3DPandoras is too new and rare to crop up on 2nd hand platforms.

Where would you look for used printers?

[3DAmsterdam]

i don’t know if it works but you can give it a try

http://reprap.me/diamond-hotend.html

Bert