The new polymer does not require any synthetic dyes commonly used to color 3D printing materials. Dyes are a source of contamination and limit the capabilities of color 3D printing.

Additionally, with some experimental exceptions, the entire polymer filament on a single spool is usually a single color. This means that if someone wants to print a single object with different colors in different locations, they will need to switch between different coils.

Also, truly bright colors like those on butterfly wings are difficult to achieve in paint form. This is because butterfly wings have nanoscale structures instead of pigments that reflect/scatter and absorb ambient white light in a way that is perceived as bright red, blue or green.

How does it work?

The researchers were able to control the color of the polymer by adjusting the speed, direction and intensity of UV light during the printing process. They also demonstrated the ability to create color gradients that are not possible with traditional 3D printing methods.

A group of scientists led by Professor Ying Diao and PhD student Sanghyun Jeon published their results in the journal Nature Communications. They hope their invention will open up new opportunities for 3D printing in fields such as art, design, education and security.

They also plan to explore other ways to change the color of the polymer, such as using heat or electricity.