A brand new community-developed challenge known as PolyDye gives FDM 3D printer customers an alternate method to multi-color printing. The system provides inkjet printing capabilities to present FDM printers by incorporating an inkjet cartridge that applies shade on to printed objects.
The PolyDye {hardware} setup consists of a major board, daughter board, a number of 3D printed parts together with an inkjet cartridge holder, and related wiring. Whereas the system is designed to be suitable with varied FDM printers, present performance is proscribed to machines operating Marlin-based firmware.
The printing course of requires customers to arrange their 3D fashions by means of a number of steps, together with processing by means of OrcaSlicer with a customized profile and producing particular inkjet printing directions. The system applies ink to every printed layer as it’s produced, utilizing customary translucent filament as the bottom materials.
Beta testing models of the PolyDye system are at present accessible for buy at $199. The challenge builders plan to launch DIY recordsdata by means of GitHub, permitting customers to construct their very own models utilizing publicly accessible documentation.
The expertise gives potential benefits over conventional multi-filament shade printing strategies, which usually require a number of filament adjustments and generate waste by means of wipe towers. The PolyDye system simplifies the coloring course of through the use of customary inkjet cartridges and translucent filament as its solely consumable supplies.
supply: hackaday.com