Export Multi-Colored Models from TinkerCAD to Bambu Studio
This is a short tutorial that I hope could help you fill the gap between TinkerCAD and Bambu Studio to help streamlining your process of 3D printing.
I will assume that you know quite a bit about TinkerCAD and Bambu Studio already so I’ll get right to the core process.
Create your model
Create your model in TinkerCAD using multiple colors. Try using colors that are visibly very different from each other. Avoid using similar colors.
Note: The colors don’t have to match the final product. There will be a step where you can map them to other colors in Bambu Studio.
Tips on merging multiple parts together
Note: Merging is not required in order to export multiple parts as a single model.
If you need to merge multiple parts together but want them to have different colors then don’t forget to turn on the “Multicolor” option in the color panel after merging.
Sometimes, the merged parts could be buried under the surrounding area. For example: Text sinks underneath the frame after merging and becomes invisible. This can be fixed by nudging it upward (or outward) slightly. In this scenario here I turn the “Snap Grid” value to “Off” and nudging the inner text up just slightly from the frame. This tiny nudge will not affect the outcome of the product since the nudge is way thinner than the layer line when sliced and printed.
Export the model from TinkerCAD
From TinkerCAD, select the parts that you want to export or leave nothing selected if you want to export all parts in the project.
Click “Export” button on the upper-right hand corner.
Under the “For 3D Print” section, click “.OBJ”.
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A .zip file will be downloaded to your computer.
Extracting the .zip file
Extract the .zip file and you’ll get .mtl and .obj files. Keep them together. The import process needs both files to work properly.
Importing the model into Bambu Studio
With Bambu Studio opened, switch to the “Prepare” tab if you’re not already on it.
Drag the .obj file into the print plate. You’ll be presented with the “Import Model” popup window.
The latest Bambu Studio version (2.9.1.70) should be smart enough to correctly detect how many colors are in the model. You can also merge similar colors by simplifying the colors here if you want.
If you’re using an older version of Bambu Studio then make sure you increase the number of colors to match your model if needed.
Important extra step: Click on “Advanced settings” and set “Boundary Smoothness” to “0” to prevent loss of details such as small text corners.
Click on “Next” and you will enter the filament matching step. Here you can select or add filaments that you want to use. You can also remap any color to any filament color here.
Click “Confirm” and it’s imported! Slice the plate to see the preview.
Hope this helps and please feel free to leave comments or suggestions.
