What to consider before buying a full-color 3D printer?
Print Quality and Color Accuracy
When choosing a full-color 3D printer, it's essential to evaluate how well the printer handles color and detail. The resolution and color reproduction are key. Look for a printer that offers high resolution (in dpi or microns) for sharp, detailed prints. Some printers support advanced color models like CMYK or even up to 16.7 million colors for more vibrant and true-to-life prints. Also, consider how the printer blends colors—smooth transitions are a sign of better quality.
Printing Technology
Different printing technologies offer various advantages depending on your needs. ColorJet Printing (CJP) is known for vibrant, full-color prints, but it often results in more fragile models. Material Jetting (MJ) offers high precision and color accuracy, but it comes at a higher cost. Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) delivers durable prints with excellent mechanical strength, but it may not offer the same level of color saturation as MJ. Understanding the differences in these technologies will help you pick the one best suited to your needs.
Material Compatibility
Each printer supports a different range of materials, and compatibility can affect the printer's versatility and your budget. Some printers are limited to specific materials like resin, plaster, or nylon, while others offer more flexibility. Check whether the printer supports materials that match the type of objects you intend to create, whether you're aiming for durable prototypes, vibrant models, or flexible designs. Also, consider the long-term cost of materials.
Print Speed and Cost
Print speed is a crucial factor if you need to produce many models or work on tight deadlines. Some printers are faster but may compromise on quality, while others prioritize high precision and may take longer to print. You should also consider operational costs—higher-speed printers may consume more power, and certain technologies (like MJ) may have more expensive materials. Weighing the printer's speed against its overall cost-effectiveness is essential for your budget planning.
Software and Ease of Use
The software that accompanies a full-color 3D printer should be easy to use, intuitive, and compatible with your existing 3D modeling tools. Check whether the printer supports common file formats like STL, OBJ, or 3MF. Many high-end printers come with proprietary software, but it's worth considering whether it's user-friendly and how well it integrates with other programs. If you're new to 3D printing, an intuitive interface and simple setup process can save you a lot of time and frustration.
Application and Use Case
Understanding the specific applications and use cases for the printer will guide your decision-making process. Are you creating detailed prototypes for industrial purposes, or are you looking to produce marketing models with vibrant colors? Some printers are built for high-precision, industrial-grade prints, while others are better suited for personal or educational use. Assess your needs, whether it's for prototyping, artistic projects, or commercial production, to find the best printer for your situation.
Which full-color 3D printer is best for you?
Best for Precision in Offices - Stratasys J55 Prime
The Stratasys J55 Prime is a top choice for offices, design studios, and professionals who need high-precision, multi-material full-color 3D printing in a compact and quiet machine. Designed for low-noise, high-detail printing, the J55 Prime offers a unique rotating print tray that maximizes build volume while maintaining a small footprint, making it an ideal option for desktop prototyping and in-house product development.
Specs
- Resolution: High detail with horizontal layers down to 18 microns (0.0007 in.).
- Color Capabilities: Over 640,000 color combinations using VeroCyan™, VeroMagenta™, VeroYellow™, VeroPureWhite™, VeroBlackPlus™, and more.
- Material Compatibility: VeroClear™, DraftGrey™, VeroUltra™ WhiteS/BlackS/ClearS, Elastico™ Clear/Black, Vero™ ContactClear, Digital ABS Plus, plus SUP710™ support material.
- Build Volume: Round tray, 1,174 cm² (182 in²), max height 190 mm (7.48 in.).
- Print Speed: High-Quality Speed (HQS) mode at 18.75 μm, efficient multi-material printing.
- Layer Thickness: 18 microns (0.0007 in.) for fine precision.
Pros
- Ultra-High Precision: Prints with a layer thickness of just 18 microns, ensuring incredibly fine details and smooth color transitions.
- Wide Color Range: Supports over 640,000 colors, including vibrant and accurate CMF (color, material, and finish) modeling.
- Multi-Material Printing: Works with rigid, flexible, transparent, and even medical-grade materials for versatile applications.
- Compact and Office-Friendly: Features a rotating build tray that optimizes space while operating quietly
- Efficient Workflow: Compatible with Stratasys GrabCAD Print software, offering seamless integration with 3D design tools like SolidWorks.
Cons
- Limited Build Volume: The round build tray (1,174 cm²) and max height of 190 mm may not be ideal for large-scale prints.
- Material Costs: Premium PolyJet materials can be expensive, increasing the overall operating cost.
- Requires Support Material: Uses SUP710™ support material, which requires additional post-processing for removal.
- Not the Fastest Printer: While it offers high details, printing in High-Quality Speed (HQS) mode may take longer compared to some industrial models.
Best for Compact High-Definition - Mimaki 3DUJ-2207
The Mimaki 3DUJ-2207 is a compact yet powerful full-color 3D printer designed for professionals who need high-definition, photorealistic prints in a small footprint. With over 10 million colors, UV-curable inks, and 1200 x 1200 DPI resolution, it delivers exceptional detail and color accuracy, making it ideal for fine art, miniature models, medical applications, and small-scale prototyping. Despite its smaller build volume, the 3DUJ-2207 offers superior print quality at an accessible price, perfect for studios, designers, and educators.
Specs
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Resolution: 1200 x 1200 DPI for high-definition prints.
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Color Capabilities: Over 10 million colors for photorealistic full-color output.
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Material Compatibility: UV-curable inks with air-cooled LED-UV curing.
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Build Volume: 8 x 8 x 3 in. (203 x 203 x 76 mm).
- Print Speed: Not specified, but optimized for standard mode with 28 μm layers.
- Layer Thickness: 28 μm for fine, detailed layering.
Pros
- Ultra-High Resolution: 1200 × 1200 DPI ensures sharp details and lifelike color gradients.
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Photorealistic Color Output: Supports over 10 million colors, delivering stunning full-color results.
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Compact Design: A space-saving solution that fits easily in offices, studios, or classrooms.
- Smooth, Fine Layers: 28 μm layer thickness provides excellent surface quality with minimal post-processing.
- UV-Curable Inks: Durable, vibrant prints with LED-UV curing for efficient material hardening.
Cons
- Small Build Volume: 8 × 8 × 3 inches limits larger model production.
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Unspecified Print Speed: While optimized for standard mode, the exact speed is not detailed.
- Single Material Printing: Unlike some multi-material full-color printers, it only works with UV-curable inks.
- Higher Initial Cost: While compact, Mimaki's industrial-grade quality may come at a premium price.
Best for Material Innovation - Sailner J402Plus
The Sailner J402Plus is a cutting-edge full-color 3D printer designed for professionals who demand advanced material versatility and high-precision texturing. With 7-material support across 12 independent channels, this printer offers unparalleled control over textures, transparency, and mixed-material printing, making it ideal for 3D portrait figurines, research labs, industrial prototyping, and artistic applications. Its voxel-level texturing and fine 21-micron layering enable exceptional detail and customization, setting it apart from traditional full-color 3D printers.
Specs
- Resolution: Up to 600x600x1200 DPI for high-precision details.
- Color Capabilities: Full-color printing, including transparent, voxel-level texturing, and mixed transparent-solid color outputs.
- Material Compatibility: Supports 7 materials via 12 channels, 3 printheads with 3,840 nozzles.
- Build Volume: 395 x 345 x 250 mm (platform: 400 x 350 x 250 mm).
- Print Speed: Not specified, but offers Economy Mode (30 μm) and Dedicated Texture Mode (21 μm).
- Layer Thickness: 30 μm (Economy) or 21 μm (Texture) for fine layering.
Pros
- Multi-Material Mastery: Supports 7 materials via 12 channels, allowing for complex multi-material prints in a single job.
- Voxel-Level Color and Texture Control: Enables precise material blending, transparency effects, and texturing at the voxel level.
- High-Resolution Precision: Prints up to 600 × 600 × 1,200 DPI, ensuring sharp details and smooth transitions
- Large Build Volume: A generous 395 × 345 × 250 mm workspace accommodates medium to large-scale projects
- Fine Layer Thickness: Offers 30 μm (Economy Mode) and 21 μm (Dedicated Texture Mode) for superior surface quality.
Cons
- Print Speed Not Clearly Defined: While it provides economy and texture modes, its exact speed may vary based on materials and settings.
- Higher Learning Curve: Advanced material control and voxel-based texturing may require expertise for optimal results.
- Potentially High Material Costs: Multi-material printing can be expensive, depending on the combination of materials used.
- Limited Market Presence: As a newer player in full-color 3D printing, it may have less third-party support compared to industry giants
Best for Reliable Speed - 3D Systems ProJet 660Pro
The 3D Systems ProJet 660Pro is a trusted choice for professionals who need fast, full-color 3D printing without compromising on detail. Designed for efficiency and high-throughput production, it delivers consistent CMYK color output with a layer thickness of 0.1 mm and maximum vertical build speed of 28 mm per hour. Whether you’re producing concept models, architectural prototypes, or educational models, the 660Pro balances speed, reliability, and ease of use, making it a top contender for studios, engineering teams, and businesses that prioritize quick turnaround times.
Specs
- Resolution: 600x540 DPI for detailed prints.
- Color Capabilities: CMYK full-color with soft or vivid options, plus monochrome mode.
- Material Compatibility: Uses VisiJet PXL with integrated material recycling.
- Build Volume: 254 x 381 x 203 mm (10 x 15 x 8 in.).
- Print Speed: Max vertical speed of 28 mm/h (1.1 in./h), supports draft mode.
- Layer Thickness: 0.1 mm (0.004 in.), min feature size 0.5 mm (0.02 in.).
Pros
- Fast and Efficient: Prints up to 28 mm per hour, allowing for rapid prototyping and batch production.
- Full CMYK Color Output: Produces realistic, soft, or vibrant color models with smooth gradients.
- Large Build Volume: 254 × 381 × 203 mm (10 × 15 × 8 inches) accommodates multiple prototypes in a single print.
- Minimal Waste with Material Recycling: Uses VisiJet PXL with integrated material recycling, reducing operating costs.
- User-Friendly Automation: Auto setup and self-monitoring system streamline workflow for hassle-free printing.
Cons
- Lower Resolution Compared to Some Competitors: At 600 × 540 DPI, it may not achieve the ultra-fine detail of higher-end PolyJet or SLA printers.
- Limited Material Flexibility: Supports only VisiJet PXL, which may not suit applications requiring multi-material capabilities.
- Post-Processing Required: Prints typically need infiltration to enhance durability and color vibrancy.
- Windows-Only Software: Requires Windows 7 or Vista, which may not be ideal for Mac or Linux users.
Best for Budget-Friendly Color - Flashforge CJ270
The Flashforge CJ270 is an excellent entry-level full-color 3D printer designed for those who want high-quality CMYK printing without breaking the bank. With transparent and white structural inks, water-washable supports, and fine 10-micron layer thickness, it offers a cost-effective solution for designers, educators, and small businesses. Although it has a smaller build volume, its 7 printheads ensure efficient printing, making it a great choice for producing colorful prototypes, figurines, and educational models.
Specs
- Resolution: 185 x 720 DPI, delivering detailed prints.
- Color Capabilities: Full-color with CMYK, white, and transparent structural inks.
- Material Compatibility: CMYK, white, transparent inks, plus support materials; water-washable supports.
- Build Volume: 180 x 120 x 100 mm (X x Y x Z).
- Print Speed: Up to 2.4 mm/h (vertical speed), with 7 printheads for efficiency.
- Layer Thickness: 10 μm for fine, smooth layers.
Pros
- Affordable Full-Color Printing: A budget-friendly alternative for high-quality CMYK and transparent printing.
- High Precision: 10 μm layer thickness ensures smooth surfaces and fine details.
- Water-Washable Supports: Easy post-processing with dissolvable supports, reducing manual cleanup time.
- Compact and Efficient: With 7 printheads, it optimizes print efficiency while keeping costs low.
- Versatile Color Capabilities: Prints in CMYK, white, and transparent inks, allowing for creative material blending.
Cons
- Small Build Volume: 180 × 120 × 100 mm may be limiting for larger models or batch production.
- Slower Print Speed: With 2.4 mm/h vertical speed, it’s not the fastest for high-volume printing.
- Limited Material Options: Unlike higher-end full-color 3D printers, it does not support multiple material types beyond CMYK and structural inks.
- Lower Resolution Compared to Premium Models: 185 × 720 DPI is decent but not as sharp as higher-end professional printers.
How to choose the right full-color 3D printer?
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Printer
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Resolution
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Color Capabilities
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Material Compatibility
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Build Volume (X × Y × Z)
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Print Speed |
Layer Thickness
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Stratasys J55 Prime
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18 microns (0.0007 in.)
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Over 640,000 colors
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VeroUltra, Elastico, Digital ABS Plus
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1,174 cm² (182 in²), H: 190 mm
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HQS mode, optimized efficiency
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18 μm
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Mimaki 3DUJ-2207
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1200 × 1200 DPI
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Over 10 million colors
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UV-curable inks
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203 × 203 × 76 mm (8 × 8 × 3 in.)
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Not specified, standard mode
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28 μm
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Sailner J402Plus
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600 × 600 × 1200 DPI
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Full-color with voxel-level texturing
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7 materials, 12 channels, transparent options
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395 × 345 × 250 mm
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Not specified, economy & texture modes
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21–30 μm
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3D Systems ProJet 660Pro
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600 × 540 DPI
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CMYK, soft or vivid color choices
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VisiJet PXL, integrated material recycling
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254 × 381 × 203 mm (10 × 15 × 8 in.)
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28 mm/h (1.1 in./h)
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100 μm (0.1 mm)
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Flashforge CJ270
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185 × 720 DPI
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Full-color CMYK, white, transparent
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CMYK, water-washable supports
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180 × 120 × 100 mm
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2.4 mm/h (vertical speed)
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10 μm
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