Filament Creator - Stratified

Transform your 3D printing projects with the Stratified Filament Creator. This innovative model allows you to combine multiple colors of filament into a single, unique filament that can be used to print beautifully layered and natural-looking models. Inspired by the patterns of sedimentary rock, this tool brings a new dimension of creativity to your 3D prints.

How It Works

Using the Stratified Filament Creator is simple. The process involves printing a model that functions as 3D printer filament. Select a base color and up to three additional accent colors to create your custom filament. These colors are combined during the printing process to form a new stratified color filament. Once printed, this filament can be used just like standard filament to add custom colors to your 3D printing projects. The resulting filament will produce prints with intricate, multi-colored layers that enhance the visual appeal of your models.

In the slicer, the default model colors are set in a monochrome gradient from white to black. To customize your filament, replace these monochrome colors with your chosen colors: the lightest color should replace white, and the darkest color should replace black.

That's everything you need to get started. However, if you're interested in learning more details, keep reading.

Color Selection Strategies

When picking colors, consider these strategies to maximize the aesthetic potential of your filament:

1. Analogous Colors:

Choose colors next to each other on the color wheel for a harmonious and cohesive look.

• Blue, Blue-Green, and Green: Ocean-themed designs.
• Red, Red-Orange, and Orange: Autumn or sunset-themed designs.
• Yellow, Yellow-Green, and Green: Spring or garden-themed designs.
• Red, Red-Violet, and Violet: Floral or romantic-themed designs.

2. Complementary Colors:

Pair colors opposite each other on the color wheel for high contrast and vibrant prints. These can be challenging with this stratified model as the colors are wanting to mix together. 

• Red and Green: Strong contrast and vibrant look.
• Blue and Orange: Striking and visually appealing. In the complementary example, the two colors mixed together and it turned out more green than blue. 
• Yellow and Purple: Bold and eye-catching contrast.

3. Monochromatic Scheme:

Use different shades, tints, and tones of a single color for depth and texture while maintaining a unified appearance.

Example with Blue:

• Base Color: Blue
• Shades: Darker versions of blue (e.g., navy blue)
• Tints: Lighter versions of blue (e.g., sky blue)
• Tones: Blue mixed with gray (e.g., slate blue)

Advanced Tips

• All three accent colors use the same amount of filament, with the only difference being the length of each speck of accent color (1X, 2X, 4X).
• The longer specks create larger, thicker stripes of color, but fewer of them.
• For a visually cleaner filament, keep the priming tower on and avoid lowering the flush values too much.
• White filament makes a good base color for applying the accent colors.
• You can choose the same color for all three accents for a more subtle effect.
• Not all accent colors need to be used; selecting the same color as the base color will render them invisible.
• For a more subtle effect, choose similar colors.
• To achieve a darker model, try using the darkest color as the base and lighter colors for the accents.

Technical Details

• The 65 g coil of filament may take several minutes to slice, especially on slower systems.
• If you don't use the supplied print profile, you must set a 0.085 mm layer height with a 0.085 mm initial layer in the slicer. No other special slicer settings are required.
• To avoid adhesion issues, especially with materials like PLA and PETG, consider using a Bambu Textured PEI Plate. Dedicate one side of the plate to each type of plastic.
• Clean your printer bed with soap and water before attempting to make this filament to ensure flawless adhesion and pristine print quality.
• Make sure the Bed Leveling option is selected for a solid first layer. 
• Attribution: The Bambu Lab Ball model used to showcase the Stratified Filament Creator is available at MakerWorld. This model was created by @Henlor, and it provides an excellent canvas for demonstrating the unique color patterns produced by the stratified filament.

Get Started

The Stratified Filament Creator is an exciting tool that opens up new possibilities for your 3D printing projects. By experimenting with different color combinations and patterns, you can create stunning, one-of-a-kind prints that stand out from the crowd. Download the Stratified Filament Creator today and start exploring the creative potential it offers.

Happy Printing!

Update

I'm excited to share that Figure Feedback has reviewed my custom filament in their latest video. Check it out here: How To Make Custom Multicolor Filament on Bambu Lab 3D Printers.

NOTE: All of the above color swatches were printed vertically to show how the layers would appear when printing a model that is tall instead of very flat. 

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