Learn how the Bambu Lab A1 Mini and Original Prusa XL are transforming multicolor 3D printing. Delve into real-life experiences, beginner advice, and the importance of this advancement for makers in 2025.
The Dawn of Desktop Color Printing—A Story Worth Printing
Imagine this: you’re watching your 3D printer work on a model of a rocket ship. But instead of a single color, layer by layer, it’s building something vibrant—red body, black fins, silver details, even a splash of blue on the cockpit window. That’s not a dream anymore. That’s multicolor 3D printing, and it’s finally within reach of beginners.
Just a few years ago, creating a multicolor print at home meant either painting models after printing or shelling out thousands of dollars for industrial-level machines. But now, thanks to machines like the Bambu Lab A1 Mini and the Original Prusa XL, multicolor, multi-material 3D printing is no longer a luxury—it’s becoming a standard.
Let’s take a deep dive into how these two incredible machines are changing the game—and how you can be a part of it.
What Is Multicolor and Multi-Material 3D Printing?
Multicolor printing means using more than one color of filament in a single print. Think of it like using different colored pencils in a drawing—except the “drawing” is being done by your printer.
Multi-material printing goes a step further. It’s not just about color anymore. It could involve combining flexible and rigid materials, transparent and opaque, or even conductive filaments with standard PLA.
Traditionally, most 3D printers could only print with one filament at a time. To change colors, you had to pause the print and swap filaments manually, or split your print into separate pieces and assemble them later.
That’s no longer the case.
Why This Breakthrough Matters—Especially for Beginners
Today’s multicolor printers are:
- More Affordable
- More User-Friendly
- Smaller in Size but Big on Features
Let’s say you’re a parent helping your child build a science fair project. Imagine how much more exciting a full-color, professional-looking model of the solar system would be. Or maybe you’re an Etsy seller wanting to offer detailed figurines without needing to hand-paint every single one. The possibilities multiply as easily as the filament feeds into the extruder.
Meet the Game Changers: Bambu Lab A1 Mini vs. Prusa XL
The Bambu Lab A1 Mini: Small Size, Giant Leap for Color Printing
Key Specs:
- Build Volume: 180 x 180 x 180 mm
- Automatic Bed Leveling
- Integrated Camera for Monitoring
- AMS Lite System (Automatic Material System)
With the AMS Lite system, you can use up to four colors in a single print, all without user intervention.
Real-Life Story: Kevin’s Colorful Dinosaur
Kevin, a first-time 3D printer owner, used the A1 Mini to print a green-body, red-tongue, yellow-claw dinosaur for his niece. “The look on her face was worth it,” he said. “And I didn’t even have to touch the machine once it started.”
The Prusa XL: For Makers Who Want It All
Key Specs:
- Build Volume: 360 x 360 x 360 mm
- Modular Tool Heads (up to 5)
- Fully Automatic Calibration
- Multi-Material Upgrade Ready
With up to five tool heads, the Prusa XL can switch between colors and materials with minimal waste.
Real-Life Example: Emma’s Custom Jewelry Trays
Emma uses the Prusa XL to print jewelry trays in rigid black bases with soft red inserts—in a single print. “It comes out perfect, ready to ship,” she said.
What About Print Quality and Speed?
| Feature | Bambu Lab A1 Mini | Prusa XL |
|---|---|---|
| Color Support | 4 via AMS Lite | Up to 5 via tool heads |
| Material Support | PLA, PETG, TPU | PLA, PETG, TPU, flexibles |
| Speed | Very Fast | Fast, depends on tool usage |
| Setup | Plug and Play | Slightly complex |
| Price | $299–$459 (w/ AMS) | $1,999+ (fully loaded) |
Comparison Table: A1 Mini vs. Prusa XL vs. Other Multicolor Machines
| Feature | Bambu Lab A1 Mini | Prusa XL (5 Tool) | Palette 3 Pro | Creality K1C + AMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multicolor Method | AMS Lite feeder | Independent toolheads | External splicer | AMS unit |
| Build Volume | 180x180x180 mm | 360x360x360 mm | Varies | 220x220x250 mm |
| Material Support | PLA, PETG, TPU | Wide | Varies | PLA, PETG, TPU, CF |
| Print Speed | Very fast | Fast | Slower | Very fast |
| Setup Difficulty | Easy | Moderate | Advanced | Moderate |
| Purge Tower Needed? | Yes | Often no | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $459 | $2,499+ | $799 + printer | $599 + AMS |
| Ideal For | Beginners | Pros | Tinkerers | DIYers |
Filament Buying Guide for Multicolor Printing
What Makes Filament ‘Multicolor Ready’?
- Dimensional Tolerance: ±0.02 mm or better
- Consistent Color Pigments: Match across spools
- Material Compatibility: Avoid conflicting print temps or textures
Best Filaments by Type
PLA: Easy, colorful, ideal for AMS
Brands: Bambu Lab PLA Basic, eSUN PLA+, Prusament PLA
PETG: Durable, slightly stringy
Brands: Overture PETG, Prusament PETG
TPU: Flexible, hard to feed in the AMS
Brands: NinjaTek TPU, Polymaker PolyFlex
Recommended Bundles
| Brand | Bundle | Colors | Price | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eSUN | PLA+ 4-Pack | Red, Blue, Green, Yellow | $40–50 | A1 Mini |
| Bambu Lab | PLA Basic Box | 4 spools | $49.99 | Perfect AMS match |
Creative Project Ideas to Try First (With Free Downloads)
1. Custom Name Tags
Thingiverse Link
2. Cute Animal Figurines
Printables Link
3. Wall Art & Switch Covers
Printables Link
4. Game Pieces
Cults3D Link
5. Product Labels
Tinkercad Tag Generator
How to Sell Multicolor Prints (Etsy, Gumroad, Local Markets)
Define Your Niche
Popular Niches:
- Home décor
- Gifts
- Toys
- Educational tools
Best Platforms
- Etsy: Handmade and custom items
- Gumroad: Digital STL files
- Local Markets: Tangible, impulse buys
Packaging & Photos
- Use natural light
- Include thank-you cards
- Add QR codes for brand loyalty
Pricing Tips
Use: (Material Cost + Time x Hourly Rate + Packaging + Fees = Base Price)
Promotion Ideas
- Share time-lapse prints
- Post to Instagram, Reddit, and Facebook Groups
- Use your brand hashtag
Your Prints Deserve to Be Seen (and Sold)
Multicolor 3D printing is more than a hobby—it’s a new creative economy. With the right printer and a spark of imagination, your colorful ideas can light up homes, hearts, and maybe even your bank account.
Get printing. Get sharing. And most of all, have fun along the way.
