How To Use Z Hop For Multiple Color Prints With Any 3D Printer

I was playing with multiple color prints using color changes and recently made a dice box for the Cults3d Dice contest with a layer changed colored text. But it wasn't quite what I hoped for. Then the internet showed me the wonders of using Z Hop for a multi colored first few layers! Get the STL here: cults3d.com/en/3d-model/home/...
By adding a vertical lift to retraction the nozzle will lift up - or Z Hop - over areas not being printed. I made the different colors into separate printed objects of 0.6mm height with a Z Hop of 0.7mm. Then printed the colors one at a time with a Filament color change script added to the ending code.
Add multiple colors to any print - or at least the first few layers...

[@awscustomguitars]

This is a great way to do multicolor. I've used pause at layer height to get raised top surface text but can't believe I never thought of doing individual prints with separate colors on the bottom layer. As far as the video goes, if you did a walkthrough showing each part sliced and printed it would be a little easier to follow along with what you did to make this.

[@rahsaankcole]

I agree.

[@handlaidtracksand3dprinted922]

I'll put together another version soon. I used Z hop on the top layer as well, same method. The main thing is to add a key shape around each part so they align in the slicer. I use an unprintable 0.1mm thick and 0.05mm tall rectangle copied into each part.

[@handlaidtracksand3dprinted922]

Here is a more detailed video on using Z Hop - this time in the middle of the print. th-cam.com/video/0Y7Y2E6cqZw/w-d-xo.html

[@RafaelBuelnaTenorio314]

Gracias, excelente información ☺️

[@handlaidtracksand3dprinted922]

¡De nada! ¡Alegra oírlo!

[@gfixler]

I just finally got into 3D printing this month, after first learning about it back in the 90's, and following along ever since. It's been a long wait, but now I have a Prusha MK4. I wanted to do this same thing, but it really doesn't seem like a default ability in Prushaslicer. I made keyboard key caps with two colors by setting up multiple extruders, and setting the parts to use two different filaments. I need to figure out this Z-hop thing, because after it switches colors (manually, with manual purging), it returns where it left off, and can end up smearing, which is super obvious with white caps with black legends.

[@handlaidtracksand3dprinted922]

Each color is it's own object and gets sliced separately. I'll put together another version soon. I used Z hop on the top layer as well, same method. The main thing is to add a key shape around each part so they align in the slicer. I use an unprintable 0.1mm thick and 0.05mm tall rectangle copied into each part.

[@gfixler]

@@handlaidtracksand3dprinted922 it's been a printerful month, and I've figured out a lot since then, making all kinds of cool stuff, but unprintably short bounding boxes for registration is such a great idea. I've been saying I keep running into really brilliant things in this new hobby of mine, and this one is today's!

[@handlaidtracksand3dprinted922]

Just make sure you add the objects one at a time - at least in Simplify3D slicer... or they won't stack! Such a great hobby and eye opener for any little people just starting off and still wasting time watching movies etc... Create your own world! I recently was using Z hop on the top layers instead. Not as flat as the bottom, but opens another door to the possible!

[@handlaidtracksand3dprinted922]

Here is a more detailed video on using Z Hop - this time in the middle of the print. th-cam.com/video/0Y7Y2E6cqZw/w-d-xo.html

[@Joh750]

wow that is cool..! but your video is a little complicated... I wonder if you can redo and explain step by step how to print mulitple colors...

[@handlaidtracksand3dprinted922]

Keep watching, will publish a more detailed version soon. Thanks!

[@handlaidtracksand3dprinted922]

Here is a more detailed video on using Z Hop - this time in the middle of the print. th-cam.com/video/0Y7Y2E6cqZw/w-d-xo.html

[@aeonjoey3d]

Imagine our community without the gatekeeping. Maybe someday.

[@handlaidtracksand3dprinted922]

It isn't hard to do...

[@gryzman]

very cool. MMU is not bamboo's invention, they haven't invented anything new really. Just bamboozle people out of money :)
I'll try this in prusa slicer.

[@handlaidtracksand3dprinted922]

I had a X1C but it was so loud in my tiny apt and jammed on the 2nd color change, I returned it... Still want a multicolor printer though! Just made a Z hop using the top layers instead of the bottom ones...

[@bealaminmiah]

Your content is very good. but very necessary of marketing.

[@handlaidtracksand3dprinted922]

Agreed, if marketing didn't work and matter would McDonalds and Coke still spend billions on ads? Mind you I don't buy either of them... So not always effective.