Introduction: The Trend is Towards Diversity
For years, private 3D printing was primarily a single-color affair. Those who wanted more colors in their model had to either pause the print and manually change the filament – a tedious and often error-prone procedure – or rely on complex single-nozzle systems that allowed for color mixing but came at the cost of significant material waste (the "Prime Tower") and long print times.
But times are changing dramatically. The trend is clearly moving towardsmulti-color printing, but with fast multi-nozzle or highly developed tool changer systems. The goal: More colors, faster, easier, and with minimal waste. The end of the year marks a real turning point here, as several major players have introduced groundbreaking technologies that will redefine the market in 2026.
The New Innovations in the Spotlight
Three systems stand out particularly as they pursue different approaches to bring multi-color capabilities to our private workshops:
Prusa & Bondtech (INDX Toolchanger):The Czech pioneer Prusa is collaborating with the component manufacturerBondtecha revolutionary way. TheINDXsystem (Induction & Dynamic Extruder) is not a new multi-material upgrade (MMU), but atrue 8-color tool changer systemfor thePrusa CORE One. It uses a "hotendless" technology with inductive heating to heat up and cool down the passive nozzleslightning fast. The result is an extremely fast material change (aiming for under 15 seconds) and aminimal waste tower(purge tower).
Snapmaker and the U1 print head:Snapmaker, a company known for its modular 3-in-1 devices, is launching a clearmulti-nozzle solutionwith the U1 system. A print head with multiple directly heated nozzles allows the printer to switch seamlessly and quickly between different colors without the filament needing to be exchanged over long distances.
Bambu Lab and the Vortex System:Bambu Lab, known for its fast and user-friendly printers, has introduced a new technology for color changing with the "Vortex System." While exact details are still awaited, the name suggests a revolutionary, potentially material-saving, multi-filament system that is expected to build on the proven reliability and speed of Bambu Lab.
Advantages of the new systems
Each system has its own strengths that make 3D printing more attractive for home users:
| System | Primary advantage | What it means for the user |
| Prusa / Bondtech (INDX) | 8 Colors & Minimal Waste | Revolutionary speed through induction heating and the ability to print up to eight different materials. |
| Snapmaker U1 | True Multi-Nozzle | Extremely fast color change, minimal waste, as no "Prime Tower" is needed since each color has its own nozzle. |
| Bambu Lab Vortex | Efficiency & Speed | Expected to be a highly efficient system that combines Bambu Lab's impressive printing speed with reliable color changing. |
Conclusion: The most exciting time in a long time
Private 3D printing is currently experiencing a real innovation boost. Manufacturers are massively investing in improving color and material change technologies and are finally offering scalable, fast, and above allreliablesolutions. Whether it's a true multi-nozzle head (Snapmaker), high-speed tool changer (Prusa/Bondtech), or innovative change systems (Bambu Lab) – competition is driving development to unprecedented heights.
We are just at the beginning of this new era. The "battle of the multi-color systems" has begun, and competition will accelerate technology even faster. We firmly believe that 2026 will bring even more exciting innovations.Stay tuned – it's never been more exciting to be a 3D printing fan!