I’m slicing some multi-color models in OrcaSlicer v2.3.1-dev, and the results got me thinking: how much time and filament waste can we save using a toolchanger like the Snapmaker U1 vs a single-extruder printer with the filament changer system?
Rather than just guessing or reading specs, why not try it ourselves and compare?
Slice it in OrcaSlicer Nightly with (The Nightly build is the latest development version, not a stable version. It offers a glimpse into the ongoing development. However, it may contain bugs or unstable features.):
U1 profile
Other printer (there are some printers can do multi-color prints, just select one that you like for this slicing comparison)
Both use the default0.20 standard printing profile, not changing anything
Post your results here:
Screenshot of the slicing preview
Estimated print time + filament waste (tower + purge/flushed material)
Link to the model and any surprises you found!
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Here’s what I got with one 4-color Baby Dragon:
U1: 2h39min, 12.54g tower
Other printer: 15h26min, 182.63g flushed + 33.74g tower
Little rewards! I’ll randomly pick one reply every time we hit 5 new slicing comparison posts in this thread and send out a spool of Snapmaker PLA or PETG. A small thanks for sharing and geeking out with me
Why it matters:
Single-extruder printers with filament changers:
Need to purge a bunch of filament every time they switch colors
Result: lots of “filament poop” + a prime tower
Toolchanger (like U1):
Each filament is assigned its own dedicated printhead = no purge
Only a prime tower is needed
key difference:
Purge = filament that is good, and is large in quantity
Prime = filament that has already gone bad, and is very small in quantity.
So in theory: faster prints + less waste. (I mean for multi-color and multi-material prints)
But again, seeing is believing.
Would love to see more examples and maybe build a nice “reference thread” for others curious about multi-color printing.
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The first model I tried actually showed an increase in the print time over my X1C, but something did not seem right. I chose a new model and the results are astonishing in terms of time saved and even greater in filament saved.
Here’s one! A very multi color, 6 sided die design I’d love to print oversized for my buddy’s kiddo. Slicing it here for an 80 mm cube with same speed/quality settings.
A1 Mini + AMS Lite: 52.6 hours, 886 grams
Snapmaker U1: 9.2 hours, 231 grams.
5.7 times faster and 3.83 times less filament. And this is precisely why I don’t have an AMS, though I do have an A1 Mini. I just don’t have 2+ days to keep an eye on a print.
And since we passed the first milestone, the random draw goes to… @wlodeka
A spool of Snapmaker PLA/PETG will be on its way to you. Please see my PM for details.
I’m not that well versed in Orca. I have tried selecting Anycubic S1 but I don’t get a “Flushed” column in the right-hand panel after slicing. What am I missing?
Both use the default 0.20 standard printing profile, not changing anything
