MakerGear Forum

Came across an article that shows you how to color pla before printing to get different colors

http://3dprintboard.com/showthread.php? ... nt-Colorer

Haven't been able to test yet; but has anyone else tried this or another way to color pla before it prints?

I've done it with EPC Seen Here with moderate success. I'm sure PLA would probably take the color better. I basically drilled a hole through the marker and stuck the filament right through the hole as shown in that thread. I think natural PLA works best from what I remember reading.

Cool; I have tried 3 markers now but could not get the filament through without it getting stuck; any tips to help me? My hands are now covered in ink!

Yep, I did it several times on white PLA, red Sharpie gives a lovely pale pink color. Dark green gives a nice light green, etc. Very uniform and opaque.

I quit after a few tests though, 'cause i was concerned that the Sharpie ink would cause carbon build up in the nozzle. (Lots more blackening going on in there.)

It works really well on natural ABS - just leave gaps between the colors. If we go to a show with a lot of kids we'll set up a big spool of natural ABS and have a cup of sharpies. Here is an example print from the very early days...

Jules - it does not seem to cause any problems.

I'll probably try it again next time I need some pink filament then - the filament colors on offer are too "Pepto Bismol".

Any suggestions on getting the filament through the sharpie? Keeping getting stuck!

I did it low tech....i put on a disposable plastic glove, then colored one side. (wasn't doing a large piece with it - it took just a couple of minutes)

jcspball13 wrote:Any suggestions on getting the filament through the sharpie? Keeping getting stuck!

Are you trying to stick it through the long way through the entire marker?

Yes just like the article shows