MOSAIC PALETTE 3 PRO

MOSAIC PALETTE 2

Recently I purchased a new piece of equipment that can be seen below called the Palette 2. This device enables the ability to 3D print a model in up to four different colors. 

The device set up can be seen below, but is a pretty simple concept to grasp. First the device prompts you on the screen to insert the different color filament designated for each particular hole. After the filament is inserted the machine will begin extruding the filament through what they like to call the splice core. The splice core is a piece of the machine which both melts and merges two different colors of filament to create a specific length depending on what color the model was painted. After going through the splice core the filament continues to be extruded around what looks to be a roundabout. The filament goes around and comes out the rear of the machine inside what is called a  Bowden tube. The filament continues through the Bowden tubing and will be inserted inside the printer. 

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Now yes I know its complex and it may be unthinkable that this type of technology even exists, but there are still some disadvantages to using this machine. One of the disadvantages which is yet to be discovered is the ability to minimize the amount of filament that is used a particular model. What I mean by that is when printing a model the machine creates what is referred to as a purge block. The purge block is used to indeed "purge" filament out until the next color appears that the model needs. So not only do you need to have enough filament for the model but a sufficient amount for the purge block as well. Another disadvantage is its not too affordable for the average hobbyist. I purchased mine discounted for about $450. The retail price for this machine, as of September 2020, is approximately $599. 

Now that I trash-talked this machine I can now explain some of the amazing advantages of this machine. Before what I like to refer to as the "pre-palette" days, each individual part of a model that needed to be printed a separate color had to be printed on either a different printer or after the first model was finished. This would cause either a "pretty penny" for the average hobbyist or more time. Now with the Palette both those problems are gone. Now I know what you are saying, "Nate, if I could buy another 3D printer these days for around $200 that's approximately a $400 different between an additional printer and the palette". My answer to that is yes you could maybe have all the separate parts printed out faster by the help of an additional printer, but you will then need to connect the pieces together. The most common way of doing this using gorilla glue. I have found this to be the most effective way, but still has its flaws which we won't go into too much detail about. I will say however DO NOT GET IT ON YOUR HANDS! The convenience of having the palette at your disposal is just a handy tool to be able to directly take off a multicolor model without any necessary touch-ups when complete off the print bed.