¶ For this guide, you will need the following:
- PrusaSlicer already configured for AM5
- Ensure you have max volumetric slopes set to 0 (turned off)! This setting somehow breaks the swap - you’ve been warned.
- Do not use this code with vase mode enabled! It will send the head under the bed, which is not good.
optional gcode text editor like Notepad++ or VSCodenot needed anymore
¶ Note
There are two methods for doing color swaps in PrusaSlicer. Both techniques use the same g code but are applied in different methods. The standard method allows you to change colors at every layer, and the multiple extruder hack method, where you can change colors within a layer.
¶ Standard Method
¶ Configure Prusa
Go to Printer Settings -> Custom G-code -> Color Change G-code (there is a simple M600 code by default). Change it to this:
;COLOR CHANGE
G91
G1 Z30 F600
G90
M600
G91
G1 E-3 F1200
G1 Z-30 F600
G90Now, in Prusa, slice your model and place the layer marker on the first layer of the new color.
Add the second color just the way you do it in Prusa.
Add as many colors as you want.
Slice again - this is when PrusaSlicer will generate custom gcode for color changes.
Export your gcode. It is ready to be printed!
This is how it worked with this example.
¶ How does it work?
When AM5 will hit color change layer, the print head will go to left and to the front. It will move every 5s by 1,1 (total time 45s). This is your moment to hit PAUSE button on printer screen and change the filament (it is possible after pausing the print). When you resume printing, the movement to 0,0 (left front corner of the plate) will continue. Then it resumes printing. Filament changing is done 30mm above last printed layer.
AM5 supports M600 color change gcode since firmware 2.0.84_2.0.66. At a specified layer, the printer will stop, move up and front left, and send push notifications to your AnkerMake app.
That’s It’ll be it! Happy multicolor printing!
¶ Tips & tricks
- Check the location of your seams on color-changed layers. This place might catch a blob or some extra filament, so plan in advance.
- Be gentle with filament changes! You need not move the z-axis! Do not push the lever to release the filament. Squeeze it against the back plate of the head.
- When changing filament, watch out for temperatures. You might make that change lower than the print temp; after resuming printing, it’ll take a while to heat up. So, do the change with printing temp!
¶ Multiple extruder hack method
This video explains the multiple extruder hack method that can be used. This allows you to change colors within the same layer.