Multi-Colour 3D Printing in 2026: How It Works

Not sure which setup is right for you?

Multi-colour 3D printing used to cost thousands and require industrial machines. In 2026, you can print in 4 colours for under £250. Here's how it actually works, what it costs, and whether it's worth the trade-offs.

## How Multi-Colour FDM Printing Works

Every multi-colour system follows the same basic principle. Your printer has access to multiple spools of filament, and an automated system swaps between them mid-print. When the slicer software determines a colour change is needed for the current layer, the printer:

1. Retracts the current filament back to the changer unit 2. Loads the next colour filament 3. Purges the transition material (mixed colour residue) into a waste tower 4. Continues printing with the new colour

The waste tower is the catch. Every colour change generates a blob of purged filament that gets printed alongside your model. This adds time, uses extra filament, and takes up build plate space. Expect 15-25% more filament use compared to single-colour prints.

## The Three Main Systems

Three competing systems dominate consumer multi-colour printing in 2026. Each takes a different approach, but they all achieve the same result.

### Bambu Lab AMS (Automatic Material System)

Bambu's AMS is the most polished system. The AMS Lite (4 spools, paired with A1 Mini Combo at £300) and AMS 2 Pro (4 spools, paired with P2S Combo at £699) handle filament changes reliably with built-in drying and RFID spool recognition.

The AMS 2 Pro adds filament drying up to 65°C, which keeps moisture-sensitive materials like PETG and Nylon in printable condition. Stack multiple units for up to 20 colours on the P2S.

Bambu Studio software handles multi-colour slicing well, with automatic purge tower placement and paint-on colour assignment for models. The ecosystem is polished but proprietary — AMS only works with Bambu printers.

### Creality CFS (Colour Filament System)

Creality's CFS launched with the K2 SE (from £239). Each CFS unit holds 4 spools, and you can daisy-chain up to 4 units for 16 colours. *(Price when reviewed: ~£239 | View on Amazon)*

The CFS uses an automatic magnetic filament cutter for clean transitions. The K2 SE's die-cast aluminium frame handles the stop-start nature of multi-colour printing well — cheaper frames can wobble during rapid filament changes.

The CFS is sold separately or as part of a combo bundle. If you are not sure about multi-colour yet, buy the standalone K2 SE and add CFS later.

### Anycubic ACE (Automatic Colour Engine)

Anycubic's approach with the Kobra X includes native 4-colour support built into the printer itself. The ACE 2 Pro add-on extends this to 19 colours. Current pricing starts at £259 direct from Anycubic (not yet on Amazon UK).

The Kobra X's hardened steel nozzle means you can run carbon fibre filaments alongside standard PLA — useful for prints that need both colour and structural reinforcement.

## What Multi-Colour Costs You

Beyond the printer and filament changer, multi-colour printing has ongoing costs:

A single-colour print that uses 50g of filament and takes 3 hours might use 60-65g and take 4-4.5 hours in multi-colour. The purge tower itself can use 10-15g of filament per print depending on the number of colour changes.

## When Multi-Colour Makes Sense

Multi-colour shines for specific use cases:

- Labels and text — Print name plates, signs, or numbered parts with embedded text in contrasting colours - Multi-part models — Character figures, logos, decorative items that would otherwise need painting - Functional colour coding — Organisers with colour-coded sections, tools with grip indicators - Prototyping — Show material boundaries or assembly points in different colours

It does NOT make sense for: - Single-colour functional parts (you are paying a time and filament penalty for nothing) - Very small prints (the purge tower can be larger than the print itself) - Speed-critical production (colour changes add significant time)

## Getting Started

If you want to try multi-colour without a big investment, the Creality K2 SE Combo at around £300-350 (printer + CFS) is the most accessible entry point. The Bambu A1 Mini Combo at £300 is the most polished experience.

If you already own a compatible Bambu or Creality printer, check whether an AMS or CFS add-on is available for your model before buying a new printer entirely.

For choosing the right printer at each budget, see our [best 3D printer under £500 guide](/guides/best-3d-printer-under-500-uk). New to 3D printing? Start with our [beginner's guide](/guides/best-3d-printer-beginners-uk) — the K2 SE section covers multi-colour specifically.

Find Your Perfect Setup

Answer a few quick questions and get personalised recommendations.

Ready to find your perfect setup?

Our quiz matches you with the right printer, filament, and accessories.

No email required