--- title: Dual Colour 3D Printing by PrintUP K8 Channel Letter Printer Concept, Design and Settings source_url: https://updating.co.za/dual-colour-3d-printing-by-printup-k8-channel-letter-printer-concept-design-and-settings published: 2024-06-05 16:46:24 modified: 2024-06-05 16:48:11 fetched_at: 2026-08-30T22:15:42+0200 category: company wp_site: https://updating.co.za wp_prefix: updating_co_za wp_id: 7911 wp_type: post pass: wp-mysql-sql13-digest-2026-08-30 notes: sql13 published digest; public permalink; no MySQL hosts in body. --- # Dual Colour 3D Printing by PrintUP K8 Channel Letter Printer Concept, Design and Settings **Source:** [https://updating.co.za/dual-colour-3d-printing-by-printup-k8-channel-letter-printer-concept-design-and-settings](https://updating.co.za/dual-colour-3d-printing-by-printup-k8-channel-letter-printer-concept-design-and-settings) - published: 2024-06-05 16:46:24 - modified: 2024-06-05 16:48:11 - excerpt: This guide will build on that knowledge and walk you through the steps of dual-colour printing with a P3-FDM/K8: AM.CO.ZA PrintUP 800x800x80mm Channel Letter 3D Printer. - youtube: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_qiE7YmIPQ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gn4-kVjc4k In our [previous video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_qiE7YmIPQ), we covered the basics of [3D printing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_qiE7YmIPQ) with a [3D Printer](https://buythis.co.za/p3-fdm-k8#ai) from [AM.CO.ZA](http://AM.CO.ZA). If you haven't watched that [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_qiE7YmIPQ), please do so before proceeding by click [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_qiE7YmIPQ). This guide will build on that knowledge and walk you through the steps of dual-colour printing with a [P3-FDM/K8: AM.CO.ZA PrintUP 800x800x80mm Channel Letter 3D Printer](https://buythis.co.za/p3-fdm-k8#ai). Watch video below on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gn4-kVjc4k Watch Video on YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gn4-kVjc4k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gn4-kVjc4k) #### Designing the Model First, let's design a simple model using Tinkercad: - Open Tinkercad: Create a new document. - Create a Square: Draw a square. The size doesn’t matter as we can adjust it later in our slicing software, Cura. - Export the Model: Select the square, export it as an STL file, and save it. #### Setting Up Cura for Dual Colour Printing Next, we need to prepare the Cura profile for dual colour printing: - Open Cura: Load the STL file. - Set Up Colour Profiles: Manage Materials: Go to "Manage Materials" and create a new material profile. Name it according to the filament you're using (e.g., "PETG AM"). - Configure Material Settings: Set the density to 1.24 g/cm³ and filament thickness to 1.75 mm. Adjust cost settings if needed. - Set Print Settings: Adjust temperature settings based on your filament. For instance, orange filament might need 235°C for the nozzle and 70°C for the bed. - Dual Colour Profiles: Create and configure profiles for both colours (e.g., "Orange" and "Black"). - Duplicate Profiles: After creating one, duplicate it and change the colour for the second one. - Layer Height and Print Speed: Use a layer height of 0.2 mm for better results. Set print speed to 100 mm/s or lower to avoid mistakes. - Cooling and Adhesion: Set the fan speed to 100% and use a skirt for build adhesion. #### Adding Support Blockers for Dual Colour To achieve dual colour, we need to use support blockers: - Add Support Blockers: Click on the model and add a support blocker. - Adjust the blocker to cover the part of the model you want in the second colour. - Ensure the blocker height and placement are correct for accurate colour division. - Configure Support Blockers: Set the support blocker to "cutting mesh" and select the colour for each part. - Repeat the process for the second colour. #### Prime Tower and Final Settings - Prime Tower: Enable the Prime Tower to ensure clean colour transitions. Adjust its size based on the object size. - Slice the Model: Preview the sliced model to confirm the colours and Prime Tower placement. #### Printing the Model Before starting the print with your [3D Printer](https://buythis.co.za/3d-printers#ai), make sure your printer is prepared: - Apply Glue: Use a good quality glue, like the one from AM, to ensure the print sticks to the bed. - Load Filament: Load the first colour completely and retract the second colour to a suitable position. - Clean the Nozzle: Ensure the nozzle is clean to avoid leftover plastic mixing with your print. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gn4-kVjc4k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gn4-kVjc4k) #### Starting the Print - Warm Up the Printer: Preheat the printer before starting. - Start the Print: Select the print file and start the print. Monitor the initial layers to ensure they adhere properly. #### Post-Print Inspection After the print is complete, inspect for common issues: - Stringing and Excess Plastic: Adjust retraction settings to prevent stringing between the model and Prime Tower. - Layer Gaps: Slow down the print speed if you notice gaps between layers, especially for darker colours like black. #### Final Touches - Remove Excess Plastic: Use cutters to clean up any stringing or excess plastic. - Smooth Rough Edges: Sand down any rough edges for a cleaner finish. By following these steps, you should be able to successfully print dual-colour 3D models with clean transitions and minimal defects. Happy printing! Machines, Consumables and Parts Available from [https://buythis.co.za#ai](https://buythis.co.za#ai) For more info on Advanced Machinery visit [https://am.co.za/](https://am.co.za/) Chat with us by sending “hi” on Whatsapp to 060 600 6000​.