Multi-Color Materials for 3D Printing

Three-dimensional printing method to create color models without separate coloring steps. The method involves printing the model layers first, then forming pigment layers on a separate window. The pigment layers are sandwiched between the model layers and solidified. This allows coloring the model by printing pigment instead of replacing resins. The pigment layers can be cured independently. The pigment layers are scraped off and reused.

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3D printer that can print color models in a single pass without requiring multiple layer colors. The printer uses a separate coloring mechanism to spray paint onto the build platform between layers. This allows flexible color customization that isn't limited by the layer height. A curing light solidifies the paint and medium together to form a colored layer. This is repeated for each layer to create a fully colored 3D model.

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A 3D printed pattern structure with multiple thin ceramic color layers that can present a two-dimensional pattern in a three-dimensional manner. The structure has some areas that are hollowed out in one direction so the lower layers are visible through them. This allows different colors in the lower layers to show through the transparent upper layers. The thinness of the layers prevents issues like surface tension and difficulty coloring fine textures. The structure is made by 3D printing the multi-colored layers.

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3D printing system and method that increases throughput of 3D color printing by doubling the number of droplets dispensed per print head movement. The system uses a printing block with multiple channels, including a transparent channel, and selectively dispenses two channels at each print location based on color data. This allows printing two colors at once instead of alternating layers. It also uses two support channels during high-throughput mode. This doubles the number of droplets per movement compared to standard mode where only one support channel is used.

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Three-dimensional printing of color objects with improved mechanical properties and reduced brittleness compared to conventional color 3D printing. The method involves using specially formulated materials with optimized properties like creep resistance, impact strength, and thermal deformation temperature. The materials are combined with colorants to achieve coloration. This allows printing color objects with better mechanical performance and reduced deformation compared to conventional color 3D printing.

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Method for manufacturing 3D objects with internal color variations. The method involves dividing the 3D model into sections, then separately 3D printing each section with a different color. The printed sections are joined to form the final object with internal color contrast. This allows creating objects like teeth with a translucent exterior and darker interior, without complex color mixing during printing.

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Printing multi-colored 3D objects using fusing agents to heat and fuse colored powder-build material selectively. The additive manufacturing system deposits colored fusing agents matching subtractive colorants like magenta, yellow, and cyan. It also deposits a colorless UV-absorbing agent. The system uses monochromatic light sources to fuse colored areas selectively. A controller adjusts irradiation to compensate for different color intensities.

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Method for selecting a print head of a 3D printer for printing a 3D object with accurate colors and transparency. The method involves analyzing a 3D model to determine colorization values for each printing position based on the closest shell point color. It then converts the colorization to the printer's color space and selects a print head with the closest matching colors.

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Method to enable full-color 3D printing with additive manufacturing technologies like 3D inkjet printing. The method maps 2D color textures onto 3D objects in a way that diffuses the color transitions through the object depth, simulating subtractive mixing like in physical objects. It constructs a 3D color map assigning colors to internal voxels based on surrounding voxels and the color texture. This allows printing objects that appear colored throughout like traditionally manufactured objects rather than just on the surface.

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Color printing uses polymer-assisted photochemical deposition (PPD) to make structural color images with vivid, saturated colors using a low-cost, non-toxic additive manufacturing process. The PPD process uses UV radiation to reduce metal ions into nanoparticles that are coupled with polymers to form a nanocomposite film. When printed in Fabry-Perot cavities, these films produce bright, tunable colors across the visible spectrum. The technique enables direct printing of high-resolution, color-tunable images on a variety of substrates without cleanrooms or high temperatures.

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A process method for 3D printing colored objects using additive and subtractive color techniques to provide high-quality color printing for applications like sculptures and reliefs. The method involves converting the color model into a printable format, slicing it for 3D printing, and then using a 3D printer to print the object using an additive color process. This involves depositing layers of a primary color material. The object is then post-processed using subtractive color techniques by applying paint or dye to fill in areas that need secondary colors. This allows accurate color reproduction with high color resolution.

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A method to 3D print objects with custom colors by selectively applying a fusing agent to the build material. The method involves generating a 3D model, determining expected colors based on the fusing agent and build material, and then generating instructions to apply the fusing agent at specific levels to match the expected colors. This allows creating objects with desired colors using a white build material and black fusing agent. The fusing agent is applied at varying levels to different regions to achieve the desired colors.

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A multi-color 3D printing method using extrusion that allows printing objects with multiple colors and internal patterns. The method involves offsetting the contour of the 3D model by a small distance when slicing it for printing. This creates an unfilled area between the contour and the model that is not printed or cured. After printing, the unfilled areas are filled with a different color to create internal patterns. This allows multiple colors to be used in the same print without requiring separate print passes or post-processing. The unfilled areas also provide support for overhanging features that can be removed after curing.

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Enabling 405nm DLP 3D printers to produce objects with different colors in each layer, by adding pigments during printing. The printer automatically lifts the build platform, adds pigment to the resin tank, mixes it, and then lowers the platform to continue printing. This allows customizing the color of each layer as needed, rather than just using the intrinsic color of the resin. The pigment addition and mixing is controlled by the printer's software and hardware systems.

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Printing 3D objects with color and contours on substrates like fabric using a multi-layer printing process. The process involves printing a base color layer, then building the 3D shape and outlines using transparent structural ink, and finally printing a second color layer on top. This creates 3D colored objects by sandwching structural ink layers between color layers. The base color shows through transparent areas when viewed from some angles. This improves the appearance of 3D color printed objects compared to just using transparent structural ink.

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3D printing method to create 3D objects with colored interiors that have better color expression. The method involves dispersing white reflective material and color material in the 3D object layers instead of concentrating the white material. This prevents the white from showing on the object's cut surfaces, allowing the underlying colors to be seen. The dispersion is done by determining positions for both materials in each object voxel based on the color image data. This ensures the colors are expressed accurately throughout the object interior.

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3D printer that prints objects with multiple colors. It uses transitional lengths of build material to achieve smooth color transitions when changing colors during fabrication. These transitional lengths of build material are positioned inside the object or outside where they won't impact desired colors on the surface.

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A method for 3D printing colored objects with improved accuracy, flexibility, and quality. It involves printing and cutting each layer separately rather than printing the whole object then cutting it. This allows aligning and bonding the layers with higher precision. The method also includes making some layers partially transparent by applying a treatment that penetrates to a specific depth. This allows creating transparent parts in colored objects. The transparent treatment is controlled to maintain the white point and prevent color shifting.

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A method for manufacturing unsupported color three-dimensional solid models using curable resin or paraffin as the main material. The method involves co-extruding the curable resin or paraffin with release agents and colorful water-based pigments using multiple nozzles controlled by a computer. This allows direct deposition of colored curable resin or paraffin layers without support structures and post-processing for coloring. The co-extrusion prevents deformation during curing since the pigments and release agents are already incorporated. The viscosity of the curable resin or paraffin is in the range of 100-500,000 Pa·s.

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3D printing method and apparatus to prevent molding material from the modeling print head spilling onto the 3D object being printed while coloring. It involves calculating detour paths for the modeling print head around the colored layers that bypass the 3D object and go through material barriers instead of the shortest paths. This prevents the modeling print head from passing over the object when the coloring print head is printing. This ensures the molding material is not transferred onto the 3D object during coloring.

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A color correction printing method for 3D printers to improve color uniformity and prevent streaking in full-color 3D printing. The method involves printing the 3D object using the 3D head, then using the 2D head to color it layer by layer. But instead of just coloring once, the printer rotates the object or the head between coloring passes to change the angle and position. This prevents streaks and gaps from forming due to ink diffusion and allows more even color coverage.

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Simultaneous production of colored composite structures using additive manufacturing. The method involves transferring a substrate material through a printing system with multiple color additive manufacturing devices in sequence. Each device selectively deposits adhesive, toner, and removes excess toner to form halftone color images. The devices are arranged in order, with each device adding a different toner color to the previous image. This creates an aggregate halftone color image on the substrate.

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Three-dimensional printing system that efficiently consumes ink while preventing color changes in the printed object. It involves filling the interior of the 3D printed model with ink that is different from the visible layer coloring ink. This internal ink replaces some of the original ink planning. By substituting the interior ink, the overall ink consumption is reduced while still achieving the desired appearance. It can also involve using expired ink, cheaper ink, or ink with lower volume requirements for the interior to further conserve ink. The system plans and executes the interior filling strategy to balance color consistency and ink efficiency.

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3D printing apparatus and method for multi-color 3D printing using different wavelength beams. The apparatus projects beams of different wavelengths to solidify layers of photosensitive resin. The solidified layers can have different colors by using beams with different wavelengths corresponding to specific colors. This allows the creation of 3D-printed objects with multicolor effects.

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Printing 3D objects with customizable thickness and color profiles. The method involves separately printing color layers and structural layers with adjustable thicknesses, allowing more precise control over the final object's thickness and surface profile compared to printing both color and structure simultaneously. The color thickness is determined based on the color density, then the structural thickness is calculated based on the target thickness and color thickness. This allows compensating for variations in color layer thickness. The color and structural layers are printed separately and stacked to form the 3D object.

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Method to ensure uniform colors in multicolored 3D printed objects. The method involves correcting the initial selected colors at the pixel level to compensate for non-uniformity caused by factors like crosstalk between adjacent surfaces. The correction takes into account conditions like color stack depth, surface angle, and UV exposure. The correction is obtained from look-up tables or models, and involves finding the combination of voxels that minimizes errors.

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Method for 3D printing objects with gradual color transitions and the corresponding device. The method involves feeding a filament through a 3D printer, melting a portion of it, extruding it to build the object, and coloring the melted filament using dyes. The coloring step involves mixing multiple dyes to create a gradient that cannot be seen with the naked eye between adjacent positions. This gradual color transition is achieved by overlapping dyeing of the filament in multiple steps. The device has separate dye reservoirs, a mixing applicator, and a feeding system to implement the gradual coloring.

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A method for 3D printing colored models with improved quality by preventing ink splashing and color bleeding. The method involves adding a blocking structure around the colored areas of the model to prevent ink from spreading outside during coloring. This is done by generating and printing an external dirt blocking structure close to but not touching the outer wall of the colored area. This prevents ink splattering and mixing outside the printed area, improving the print quality of multi-color 3D models.

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A method for changing colors mid-print on a color FDM 3D printer without leaving color transitions between layers. The method involves having the printer's extruder temporarily exit the print area at the boundary between two colors, move vertically into the printed object, and then return to the original position. This creates a closed path inside the printed object at the color boundary. By using this closed path for color transitions, it prevents visible color artifacts when changing colors mid-print.

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Method to improve the structural strength of 3D printed objects with colored bottom surfaces by reducing the colored area of the bottom. The method involves inwardly reducing the colored area of the bottom layer when printing a color 3D object. This increases the uncolored adhesive area on the bottom, improving adhesion and overall strength. The inward reduction is done to the bottom layer's color printing information, leaving an uncolored border around the outer contour.

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A multi-nozzle color 3D printing process that enables full-color 3D printing without support structures. The process involves three stages: printing, slicing and alignment, and transfer curing. In the printing stage, a multi-nozzle inkjet print head deposits two types of ink: one for the object and another for support. This allows separate deposition of the object and support layers. In the slicing and alignment stage, the printed layers are sliced into individual objects and aligned for transfer. In the transfer curing stage, the aligned objects are transferred to a curing tray and cured separately. This eliminates the need for dissolvable supports since the objects are sliced and aligned before curing.

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Layered printing method for multi-color 3D objects that prevents ink from splattering outside the print area when coloring. The method involves adding blocking layers between the regular object layers. During path slicing, the software generates blocking paths that overlap the object layer edges. These blocking layers are printed first, followed by the object layers. When coloring, the printer uses the object image data to print the colored object inside the blocking layer. This prevents ink from splattering onto lower layers.

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Color 3D printer and method to create multi-color 3D prints using a specialized printing chamber, resin dispensing unit, light irradiation unit, and washing unit. The specialized printing chamber has grated structure to distribute colored or colorless resin to specific areas for each layer. The resin dispensing unit dispenses the resin to the grated areas. The light irradiation unit cures the resin using light that can pass through the grated structure. The washing unit cleans the chamber after each layer. This allows multiple colors to be printed per layer without requiring separate tanks or replacements.

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A method for 3D printing colored objects that accurately replicates the color and material properties of the original printed object. The method involves capturing a 3D image of the colored object, analyzing the color and material characteristics at each voxel point on the surface, and then using that data to 3D print a replica with the same color and material distribution. This is done by having separate material and fluid dispensers in the printer. The material dispenser adds the base material, while the fluid dispenser adds the colorant at specific external voxel positions to match the original color.

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Method for ensuring uniform color appearance in multi-colored 3D printed objects by compensating for color variation due to interference between neighboring surfaces. The method uses the 3D geometry to identify regions where using the defined colors would cause errors. Corrections are applied to the color distribution to mitigate interference and ensure uniform appearance.

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3D printing method that enables color 3D printing using stereolithography technology and auto-coloring technology. The method involves slicing the 3D model into layers, coloring each layer with inkjet nozzles, and then irradiating the colored layers with light to cure them into a color 3D print. The slicing and coloring are done using software on a computer connected to the 3D printer.

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Preheating dyed build materials in 3D printing to improve fusing quality. The system uses a separate preheating source like LEDs emitting wavelengths that are absorbed by the dyed build material. This preheats the material close to but below the melting point. Before fusing, the build layer is colored by a different agent to absorb the preheating light. This locally heats the dyed area for better fusing. The fusing agent and light source are separate to prevent interference.

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3D printing method for creating colorful 3D objects with a core having mechanical integrity and an outer layer with a different color. The method involves applying a light-colored fusion agent containing metal oxide nanoparticles to some parts of the 3D object during printing. The metal oxide nanoparticles absorb radiation and fuse the material in contact with them. This allows fusing only the printed parts with the light-colored agent, leaving other parts un-fused. After printing, the object is exposed to radiation to fully fuse the un-fused parts. This creates a core with mechanical integrity surrounded by an unfused layer with the light color. A color ink is then applied and fused to the outer layer, resulting in a colored exterior with a white core.

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Color 3D printing method and equipment that enables direct coloring of 3D printed objects by depositing ink layers on top of each printed layer. This allows each layer of the printed object to have a colored appearance, improving overall color quality compared to just coloring the surface. The printing process involves using a separate printing head to form the layers and an inkjet head to spray ink on the layers. The inkjet head is positioned to print above the layer before the next layer is printed to retain the ink. This avoids height differences between layers.

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Rapid prototyping device and method for making colored 3D parts using a low-cost, high-efficiency system. The device has rollers, static eliminators, brushes, heating plate, conveyor belt, black/white laser printer, and color laser printer. Layers with black color are printed by the black/white printer, layers with color are printed by the color printer. Toner images are transferred to a PTFE belt, pressed, and heated to form solidified layers. This allows 3D printing of colored parts using a combination of black/white and color lasers.

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3D printing system and method that enables full-color 3D printing with multiple materials by selectively depositing a thin layer of powdered materials and then sintering the entire layer at once. The system has a printhead with separate dispensers for base and removable infill materials. The removable infill supports the 3D object during printing and is removed afterward. This allows printing objects with complex geometries and bridging gaps without sagging. The selective deposition and sintering allows full-color printing using blended or dithered base materials and avoids waste from partially sintered powder.

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A colorful 3D printing method that allows printing multi-colored 3D objects using a single material. The method involves printing a thin color layer followed by a clear layer for each color in the object. This allows the underlying colors to show through. The thickness of the color layer is 0.02-0.2 mm and the clear layer is thicker. The color layers are printed first to fill the object, then the clear layers are printed on top to seal it. This allows the underlying colors to be seen through the clear top layer.

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Colorful 3D printing method that allows printing of multi-color objects using inkjet and spray painting techniques. The method involves sequentially printing layers using an inkjet printer for detailed color portions and a paint sprayer for large color areas. This allows creating colorful 3D prints with both fine color details and larger color coverage.

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A color 3D printing method for fused deposition modeling (FDM) that allows printing multi-colored models with improved efficiency and material savings compared to existing methods. The method involves extruding excess material from the print nozzle when switching between colors to avoid mixing and contamination. Instead of adding external models or using material collectors, the extruded material is fed back into the printer's material reservoir. This prevents waste and allows immediate switching between colors without quality degradation or leaving gaps in the model.

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Enhancing color in 3D printing by depositing color layers between material layers during printing. The method involves slicing a 3D model into layers, identifying the colored areas in each layer, generating bitmaps for those areas, and then printing the color layers onto the base material layers. This allows high resolution, layered color 3D printing without post processing or separate color filaments. It also enables features like hidden wear indicators by printing color on the inside of objects.

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Additive manufacturing (AM) of 3D objects using peelable sacrificial structures that allow easy removal without specialized equipment or chemicals. The process involves sequentially depositing layers with colored modeling material, flexible sacrificial material, and soft separator material. The flexible sacrificial material peels off easily after printing, leaving the colored object behind. This enables clean, tidy, and convenient fabrication of 3D objects with custom colors using AM systems suitable for home and office use.

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Layer-by-layer printing method for making colored 3D prints without swapping filaments or using multiple print heads. It allows printing of monochrome and multicolor objects with a single print head and nozzle. The method involves feeding selected colored filaments into the print head, heating them, mixing them in a chamber, and extruding the mixed molten material through the nozzle. The color blending is controlled using formulas to optimize the filament ratios for the desired output colors. This eliminates the need for multiple print heads or filament swapping, simplifying the print setup and speeding up production.

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Full-color 3D printing using multi-nozzle jetting and layer-by-layer curing to create full-color 3D objects. The method involves spraying colored resin in thin layers to build up the object. A lifting platform moves between layers while a nozzle sprays colored resin to create each layer. The colored resin is then cured using UV light. This allows printing of full-color 3D objects layer by layer. The technique uses multiple nozzles for color jetting and layer-by-layer curing like SLA stereolithography, but adds color ink to build up full-color objects.

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A method for producing a component with multiple color layers for a vehicle where the layers are applied to a three-dimensional support structure made of transparent or translucent material. The method involves coating the back side of the structure with the first color layer while simultaneously masking some areas. This creates a component where the front side shows only the first color in certain regions and the back side shows both colors. The second color is then applied to the unmasked areas on the back. This allows complex 3D shapes with selective visibility of the color layers. The method uses an inkjet printer to apply the layers.

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A multi-nozzle 3D printing method and device that allows full-color 3D printing without using powder. The method involves spraying a thin colored shell around the 3D printed object using an inkjet printer. The shell is printed separately from the main object using a separate set of nozzles. The shell is then cured using UV light. This allows coloring the exterior of the printed object without affecting the interior. The shell provides a color boundary around the object instead of trying to color the printed material itself. This allows using inks with different properties than the 3D printing material. The shell is built layer by layer like the object, but with separate nozzles and ink.

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