2 color test with a single extruder (pyramidal hourglass)

thingiverse

I wanted to try printing in two different colors using a single print head. The plan was to switch filament at a given point during the print. I designed a sort of pyramidal hourglass, consisting of one pyramid at the bottom and another inverted pyramid at the top with some overlap between the two. I chose PLA for this project and used it in white on the lower half and black on the upper half. My slicing and printing software was Simplify3D, although I believe this could also be achieved using Pronterface. I divided the model into two separate halves, ensuring that the second part (the top) hovered above the surface at exactly the point where the new color would start. Printing the base proved easy enough. Keeping the print plate warmed up, I switched filaments, heated the print head, and manually extruded some material to guarantee good flow before quickly hitting print and removing any loose filament strands as the head moved into position. As this was my first attempt, I consider it a success and plan to explore similar techniques on other projects in the future.