QIDI Q2 3D Printer
A FDM 3d printer (270 x 270 x 256 mm, 600 mm/s), a versatile choice for everyday printing.
The Best Multi-Colour 3D Printers in the UK (2026)
Multi-colour 3D printing brings prints to life with several filaments in one model. Here's how multi-material systems work and which to choose.
Quick answer
Multi-colour printing uses a multi-material system that feeds several filaments to one FDM printer, switching between them during a print. Look at how many colours it supports, the filament waste per switch, and whether it's built-in or an add-on. It's brilliant for colourful models - at the cost of longer prints and some wasted filament.
How multi-colour printing works
A multi-material unit holds several filament spools and feeds the right colour to the hotend as the print progresses, purging the old colour at each change. The result is genuine multi-colour models without hand-painting. The trade-offs are longer print times and purged (wasted) filament at each colour change, plus a higher upfront cost.
What to look for
- Number of filaments/colours supported at once.
- Waste handling - how much filament is purged per swap, and where it goes.
- Built-in vs add-on multi-material system.
- Reliability of swaps - jams at the change are the main frustration.
- A strong base printer - it still has to print well in single colour.
Is multi-colour worth it?
If you print models, signage, toys or anything where colour matters, a multi-material system is genuinely fun and capable. If you mostly print functional single-colour parts, it adds cost, waste and complexity you won't use. Many makers buy a great single-colour printer first and add multi-material later if they find they want it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying for multi-colour you'll rarely use on functional parts.
- Ignoring filament waste per colour change.
- Overlooking the base printer's core quality.
- Expecting multi-colour prints to be as fast as single-colour.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Bambu Lab P1S Combo + AMS 3D Printer
A FDM 3d printer, a versatile choice for everyday printing.
#3 
Anycubic Kobra 3 V2 Combo 3D Printer
A FDM 3d printer (255 x 255 x 260 mm, 600 mm/s), a versatile choice for everyday printing.
#4 
CReality Ender 3 V3 SE 3D Printer With CR Touch Auto Leveling
A FDM 3d printer (250 mm/s), a versatile choice for everyday printing.
#5 
Flashforge AD5X Multi-Color 3D Printer With IFS
A FDM 3d printer (220 x 220 x 220 mm, 600 mm/s), a versatile choice for everyday printing.
#6 
Creality K2 Pro Combo 3D Printer
A FDM 3d printer (300 x 300 x 300 mm, 600 mm/s), a versatile choice for everyday printing.
#7 
FlashForge AD5X Multicolor 3D Printer
A FDM 3d printer (220 x 220 x 220 mm, 600 mm/s), a versatile choice for everyday printing.
#8 
QIDI Q1 Pro 3D Printer
A FDM 3d printer (245 x 245 x 240 mm, 600 mm/s), a versatile choice for everyday printing.
#9 
Creality K2 Plus Combo 3D Printer Multi 16 Colors Printing
A FDM 3d printer (350 x 350 x 350 mm, 600 mm/s), a versatile choice for everyday printing.
#10 
Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo Multi-Colour 3D Printer
A FDM 3d printer (256 x 256 x 256 mm, 500 mm/s), a versatile choice for everyday printing.
Frequently asked questions
How does a multi-colour 3D printer work?
A multi-material system feeds several filaments to one FDM printer and switches colours during the print, purging the old colour at each change. You get true multi-colour models without hand-painting.
Is multi-colour 3D printing worth it?
For colourful models, toys and signage, yes - it's capable and fun. For functional single-colour parts it adds cost, filament waste and print time you may not need.
Does multi-colour printing waste filament?
Yes - each colour change purges some filament, and prints take longer. It's the main trade-off for multi-colour capability.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the QIDI Q2 3D Printer (our score 8.8/10) - A FDM 3d printer (270 x 270 x 256 mm, 600 mm/s), a versatile choice for everyday printing..