The Dye Process for 3D Printing

[OgleModels]

One of the most important yet overlooked aspects of 3D printing is the colouring process. Would you agree?

When it comes to creating a prototype or model using 3D printing, there are a number of coloured materials available, but the majority of our colouring is done at the final stages rather than during the printing stage itself.

There are quite a few factors to take into consideration when it comes to the colouring process. See this article here - http://www.oglemodels.com/dye-process-3d-printing/

Are there any important factors you think we missed? Also, which one do you think is the most important, if there is one?

[curious aardvark]

well you have only briefly mentioned dyeing sls produced parts.

So I suspect there are quite a few things you've not necessarily missed - but just haven't mentioned.

To start with: dyeing models not produced by laser sls.

[OgleModels]

That is true, however this article is on the topic of parts printed using Laser Sintering, as it says in the opening.
Perhaps a clearer title should've been used

[curious aardvark]

ah but it isn't in the topic title or in the text before you click onto the link to your website.

try and be a little more specific, and i won't be so pedantic :-)

Okay, so genuine questions:

What types of dye can you use ?
what dilutions works best ?
where do you buy it from ?

Which dyes work best with which particular powder formulations ?
Can you use bog standard fabric dyes ?

Does it just work with sintered nylon or can you dye some of the more exotic materials ?

You've covered the generalities quite well - but now you need to fill in with detail and specifics.

[awerby]

Is this process just for making a part all one color, or is there a way to use dyes to produce discrete areas of color on the same part? Is there a dye resist that can be used to mask off areas you don't want colored? How light-fast are these dyes? How well do they adhere in various adverse conditions, like rain, sun, wear from handling?