Most of us still get excited about the opportunity to cast aside single-color fused filament fabrication (FFF) and explore the potential of multi-colored, multi-material printing, typically reserved for higher end binder jet and inkjet technologies.

 .

While historically a more challenging and complex technology, multi-color printing often allows the user more opportunities with add-on hardware. As always, accessibility and affordability are what really allow new hardware, software, and materials to catch on.

 .

ith this in mind, a research team from the Computer Science and Engineering Department at Texas A&M University (working also with researchers from Japan) has developed an interactive system for 3D printing with multiple colors and multiple materials using a single printhead—and without any hardware updates necessary. Programmable Filament works with existing 3D printers, splicing multiple filament segments into a single thread. The process begins by simply printing a new strand of filament made up of varying existing […]

Click here to view original web page at 3dprint.com