Filament Creator - Quad-Color

Here’s a model that allows you to create your own 4-color filament. This process involves printing a model that itself functions as 3D printer filament. You choose four colors to incorporate into the model. They are fused during the printing process to form a continuous, multicolored filament strand. Once printed, this custom filament can be used just like standard filament to add a personalized touch of color to your 3D printing projects.

When used in your 3D printer, the 4-color filament exhibits unique characteristics similar to commercial dual and tri-color options. Depending on the arrangement of colors and the orientation of your print model, you can predictably influence where colors appear on your final print. For example, you can anticipate your colors to show up in consistent bands throughout your printed model, blending from front to back and right to left. This arrangement offers a degree of control over the visual outcome, allowing for creative and stunning effects in your printed objects.

Important - Please Read Before Printing

This model is intended for users with some 3D printing experience. While it is not difficult, it does require careful setup and attention. Most failed prints so far have been traced to skipped preparation steps rather than issues with the model itself.

Before printing the full model, please print the included Sample size model first.

The sample is designed to verify that your printer, bed adhesion, and settings are dialed in before committing to a longer print.

Please follow these guidelines carefully:

• Clean the build plate with soap and water (not just IPA). This print depends on reliable first-layer adhesion.
• Do not skip bed leveling or calibration, even if your printer usually prints well.
• Use standard PLA for initial testing.
• Do not attempt this with specialty filaments (silk, CF, glow, filled, brittle, or flexible filaments).
• Avoid old, wet, or poorly stored filament.

If the sample does not print cleanly and stay firmly attached to the bed, do not proceed to the full model yet—take a moment to correct adhesion or calibration first.

About Ratings 

If you run into trouble, please consider adjusting your setup and retrying before leaving a rating. This model has been printed successfully by many users, and low ratings caused by skipped preparation steps make it harder for others to find a working solution.

If you believe there’s an actual issue with the model or profile, constructive feedback is always welcome and appreciated.

Taking a little extra care up front will lead to a successful print and a much better experience overall.

Filament Examples

LARRY the tiny Dino is the featured subject showcasing the quad-color filaments.

The first Larry was printed using four colors.

• Bambu Lab PLA Metal - Iridium Gold Metallic
• Bambu Lab PLA Matte - Ivory White
• Bambu Lab PLA Matte - Lemon Yellow
• Bambu Lab PLA Matte - Mandarin Orange

Although this allows for four different colors, the next Larry is only using two colors and alternating them in the four color slots.

• Bambu Lab PLA Metal - Iridium Gold Metallic
• Bambu Lab PLA Matte - Dark Blue

This Larry also employs two colors. I chose yellow for three of the color slots and blue for the remaining one. Light colors such as yellow, pink, or white can be easily dominated by darker shades, so allocating three of the four slots to a lighter color can be advantageous.

• Bambu Lab PLA Matte - Lemon Yellow
• Bambu Lab PLA Matte - Dark Blue

And here is a Larry with three colors. White occupies two slots, sandwiched between red and navy. White blends seamlessly into the other two colors, subtly lightening the navy and red rather than standing out on its own.

• Bambu Labs Matte Scarlet Red
• Bambu Labs Matte Dark Blue
• Bambu Labs Matte Ivory White

 Happy printing!

Check out these other custom filaments you can make: Tricolor, Custom Colors, Stratified and Dual Splice.