<p>What you ask may be easier than you think. The slicing software is unimportant, generally speaking. Consider especially that your requirements fit the solution spot on.</p>

<p>Take a look at this <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1973570" rel="noreferrer">thingiverse snowman.</a></p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/sGo1d.jpg" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/sGo1d.jpg" alt="colorful Snowman"></a></p>

<p>Each of the colors is a separate model. Each of the colors is only one layer thick (0.200 mm). Each of the colors is placed with zero overlap to the adjacent colors, as the extrusion multiplier will allow enough "squish" to cause a bond to its neighbor.</p>

<p>You would create a model with the necessary shape for your lettering and insert the appropriate color for them. Print that model but leave it on the bed. If the bed is heated, all the better, but don't let it cool to the point of release. If it's not heated, the adhesive should hold it until project completion.</p>

<p>For the main background color, your model would be normal but with a single layer subtracted at the base. The subtraction would have to be the shape of the lettering. Consider that you're creating indented or recessed lettering. Use appropriate modeling techniques to perform this action.</p>

<p>Keep in mind that you'll want the lettering to be mirrored, as you're printing it "upside down" on the build plate.</p>

<p>Swap out the filament to the main color and print.</p>

<p>You are color limited only by your determination and patience, as you have to swap out filament and also have to create appropriate models with recesses to take the first layer, of which you'll also have to create models.</p>

<p>I've created at least one of the snowman pictured and it came out quite good. The layman will not be as astonished as someone familiar with 3D modeling and printing, however. You get a better appreciation when you know what goes into the project to get this result.</p>

<p>EDIT to add more info, rather than fill the comments:</p>

<p>The above method works only because the inlay is a single layer deep. If your slicer supports changing layer thickness during a print, you could print the first layer at the max for your nozzle, say 0.3 mm then set layer 2 and upwards to the resolution you desire for the majority of your print. I use Simplify3D which supports such actions. I'm not sure of the others.</p>

<p>Relevant to the questions posed in the comments, your modeling software may be a factor in this process. The modeling software will create/assign a pivot point or some other name to a location of reference in the model. The slicer will use that to position the model on the bed.</p>

<p>Here's a concept I would use to perform this task. Start with your single layer lettering, ensuring that the thickness of the letters will match your first layer height. Save the model as an STL file. Leave the lettering on the screen in your modeling software.</p>

<p>Create or import the case file. Position it as you wish relative to the letters. Of course, both models will be flat on the build plane or all bets are off. Use the lettering in a boolean subtraction to remove the shapes from the phone case model.</p>

<p>If the above does not remove the lettering model, delete that and you have the recess. Save this model in STL.</p>

<p>When you load the models in the slicer, they should drop into the same location relative to each other.</p>

<p>When you print the letters, they will be on layer one. When you print the remaining model, the cut-out portion will be on layer one, while the rest is placed atop the two color portion. The print head will move up one layer to adjust for the extra depth.</p>

<p>If you require the letters to be thicker than a single layer, one of the options you have is also in your question. Create the letters in the thickness you wish, use them to create the recess in the case and print separately. In so doing, you will be counting on the printer's ability to make clean bridges. The letters may fit cleanly, may have some play or slop, or be too large to fit easily. It would behoove you to make a test piece or two, perhaps a simple slab with one or two letters to see how that concept works in the real world. I was pleasantly surprised to see how well the public library's genuine Prusa i3 MK2S performed a challenging bridging operation.</p>

<p>I apologize for overlooking the reference to first project. With that in mind, I would consider that this is a slightly advanced project. Your modeling software and modeling software skills will obviously come into play here and is a separate subject/question/topic for discussion.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-07-27T00:57:45.547Z
Fantastic answer, thank you! Let see if I have the idea down. I am printing an iphone case and I want the letter to be flush on the back. I simply do an extrude cut with the letter on the iphone case lets say 3 layers deep. Then add a 3 layer thick solid letter body to that recessed area. When I go to print, I print the letters first, change filaments, then print the case. Do I use two separate models?
Joe Blow
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-07-27T00:57:51.763Z
If, so how do I make sure they are lined up correctly? I'm very worried the second model might print like on a 90 degree rotation. Remember, I've never printed anything before. I'm using a Makerbot Replicator 2 so I think it has a heated bed.
Joe Blow
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-07-27T05:44:49.237Z
But how can I program the printer to print on top of the letters?
Joe Blow
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-07-27T19:19:40.343Z
@JoeBlow The "inset" colors should only be one layer deep. Otherwise when going back and printing the body, the print nozzle is likely to move into them and mess something up. The alignment would be critical. If you look at the snowman example, the STL files have boxes around them to help ensure alignment (most slicers will attempt to center the model), and act as a skirt to prime the extruder after swapping colors.
mbmcavoy
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-07-27T22:48:03.100Z
@mbmcavoy How do you design a part that is exactly one layer thick in CAD software?
Joe Blow
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-07-27T22:49:47.147Z
Decide what layer thickness you want to use. 0.200 mm is common for "blocky" or ordinary models with minimum details. The lettering you would create would then be set to 0.200 mm tall, presuming you're using an extrusion feature of your modeling software. Additionally 0.200 mm will not be as transparent as thinner layers for some colors. You may be able to go as high as 0.300 mm for your first layer and back to 0.200 mm for the remainder, if your slicer permits.  Please tell us your choice of modeling and slicing software.
fred_dot_u
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-07-27T22:52:10.567Z
J.B., please also note I added an edit to my answer to cover some of your new questions.
fred_dot_u
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-12-25T09:16:50.013Z
Great answer!. I see recently Make Anything has posted a video about this. https://youtu.be/KV2AjyowXX4
Quentin Campbell
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-07-26T23:19:44.857Z
2017-07-27T10:01:30.040Z
2017-07-27T10:01:30.040Z
fred_dot_u
<p>I'm planning my first project. I want to print an iPhone case with a flush letter on the back, but I want the letter in a different color (single extruder printer). The thing is the two colors will be on the same level. Do I create two separate models, import them to a single model, mesh the parts and somehow specify which one to start on, then just change the filament when it's done with the first section? Will the letter be loose fitting in the cut out? Or will I need to print them separately and glue them together?</p>

<p>What is a good slicing software to accomplish this?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-07-26T22:33:48.127Z
Greetings Joe and welcome the the 3D Printing community (both here and generally).  I submitted an edit to your post to clarify the subject and remove the salutation.  If you wonder why, look at https://stackoverflow.com/help/behavior.
markshancock
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-07-27T19:03:10.370Z
Good question! I've been 3D printing for about six months, and my first reaction was that it was not possible. However, it is indeed possible, as shown in the answer from @fred_dot_u. I have also found a technique where the model is designed and sliced for a multiple-extruder printer, but the gcode is modified to replace tool changes with pauses, and manual filament swaps. I haven't seen a clear writeup or tried it myself, but I want to try it and will post an answer myself if I can figure it out.
mbmcavoy
<3d-models><filament><software><slicing><multi-material>
How to print a two color part with only one extruder
Joe Blow
# How to print a two color part with only one extruder

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-07-26)

I'm planning my first project. I want to print an iPhone case with a flush letter on the back, but I want the letter in a different color (single extruder printer). The thing is the two colors will be on the same level. Do I create two separate models, import them to a single model, mesh the parts and somehow specify which one to start on, then just change the filament when it's done with the first section? Will the letter be loose fitting in the cut out? Or will I need to print them separately and glue them together?

What is a good slicing software to accomplish this?

**Tags:** 3d-models, filament, software, slicing, multi-material
> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Greetings Joe and welcome the the 3D Printing community (both here and generally).  I submitted an edit to your post to clarify the subject and remove the salutation.  If you wonder why, look at https://stackoverflow.com/help/behavior.  
> **username_2**: Good question! I've been 3D printing for about six months, and my first reaction was that it was not possible. However, it is indeed possible, as shown in the answer from @fred_dot_u. I have also found a technique where the model is designed and sliced for a multiple-extruder printer, but the gcode is modified to replace tool changes with pauses, and manual filament swaps. I haven't seen a clear writeup or tried it myself, but I want to try it and will post an answer myself if I can figure it out.  

---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2017-07-26. Score: 7 | Accepted answer

What you ask may be easier than you think. The slicing software is unimportant, generally speaking. Consider especially that your requirements fit the solution spot on.

Take a look at this [thingiverse snowman.](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1973570)

[![colorful Snowman](https://i.sstatic.net/sGo1d.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/sGo1d.jpg)

Each of the colors is a separate model. Each of the colors is only one layer thick (0.200 mm). Each of the colors is placed with zero overlap to the adjacent colors, as the extrusion multiplier will allow enough "squish" to cause a bond to its neighbor.

You would create a model with the necessary shape for your lettering and insert the appropriate color for them. Print that model but leave it on the bed. If the bed is heated, all the better, but don't let it cool to the point of release. If it's not heated, the adhesive should hold it until project completion.

For the main background color, your model would be normal but with a single layer subtracted at the base. The subtraction would have to be the shape of the lettering. Consider that you're creating indented or recessed lettering. Use appropriate modeling techniques to perform this action.

Keep in mind that you'll want the lettering to be mirrored, as you're printing it "upside down" on the build plate.

Swap out the filament to the main color and print.

You are color limited only by your determination and patience, as you have to swap out filament and also have to create appropriate models with recesses to take the first layer, of which you'll also have to create models.

I've created at least one of the snowman pictured and it came out quite good. The layman will not be as astonished as someone familiar with 3D modeling and printing, however. You get a better appreciation when you know what goes into the project to get this result.

EDIT to add more info, rather than fill the comments:

The above method works only because the inlay is a single layer deep. If your slicer supports changing layer thickness during a print, you could print the first layer at the max for your nozzle, say 0.3 mm then set layer 2 and upwards to the resolution you desire for the majority of your print. I use Simplify3D which supports such actions. I'm not sure of the others.

Relevant to the questions posed in the comments, your modeling software may be a factor in this process. The modeling software will create/assign a pivot point or some other name to a location of reference in the model. The slicer will use that to position the model on the bed.

Here's a concept I would use to perform this task. Start with your single layer lettering, ensuring that the thickness of the letters will match your first layer height. Save the model as an STL file. Leave the lettering on the screen in your modeling software.

Create or import the case file. Position it as you wish relative to the letters. Of course, both models will be flat on the build plane or all bets are off. Use the lettering in a boolean subtraction to remove the shapes from the phone case model.

If the above does not remove the lettering model, delete that and you have the recess. Save this model in STL.

When you load the models in the slicer, they should drop into the same location relative to each other.

When you print the letters, they will be on layer one. When you print the remaining model, the cut-out portion will be on layer one, while the rest is placed atop the two color portion. The print head will move up one layer to adjust for the extra depth.

If you require the letters to be thicker than a single layer, one of the options you have is also in your question. Create the letters in the thickness you wish, use them to create the recess in the case and print separately. In so doing, you will be counting on the printer's ability to make clean bridges. The letters may fit cleanly, may have some play or slop, or be too large to fit easily. It would behoove you to make a test piece or two, perhaps a simple slab with one or two letters to see how that concept works in the real world. I was pleasantly surprised to see how well the public library's genuine Prusa i3 MK2S performed a challenging bridging operation.

I apologize for overlooking the reference to first project. With that in mind, I would consider that this is a slightly advanced project. Your modeling software and modeling software skills will obviously come into play here and is a separate subject/question/topic for discussion.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Fantastic answer, thank you! Let see if I have the idea down. I am printing an iphone case and I want the letter to be flush on the back. I simply do an extrude cut with the letter on the iphone case lets say 3 layers deep. Then add a 3 layer thick solid letter body to that recessed area. When I go to print, I print the letters first, change filaments, then print the case. Do I use two separate models?  
> **username_0**: If, so how do I make sure they are lined up correctly? I'm very worried the second model might print like on a 90 degree rotation. Remember, I've never printed anything before. I'm using a Makerbot Replicator 2 so I think it has a heated bed.  
> **username_0**: But how can I program the printer to print on top of the letters?  
> **username_2**: @JoeBlow The "inset" colors should only be one layer deep. Otherwise when going back and printing the body, the print nozzle is likely to move into them and mess something up. The alignment would be critical. If you look at the snowman example, the STL files have boxes around them to help ensure alignment (most slicers will attempt to center the model), and act as a skirt to prime the extruder after swapping colors.  
> **username_0**: @mbmcavoy How do you design a part that is exactly one layer thick in CAD software?  
> **username_3**: Decide what layer thickness you want to use. 0.200 mm is common for "blocky" or ordinary models with minimum details. The lettering you would create would then be set to 0.200 mm tall, presuming you're using an extrusion feature of your modeling software. Additionally 0.200 mm will not be as transparent as thinner layers for some colors. You may be able to go as high as 0.300 mm for your first layer and back to 0.200 mm for the remainder, if your slicer permits.  Please tell us your choice of modeling and slicing software.  
> **username_3**: J.B., please also note I added an edit to my answer to cover some of your new questions.  
> **username_4**: Great answer!. I see recently Make Anything has posted a video about this. https://youtu.be/KV2AjyowXX4  

---

