Dual Color Filament Swapping/Flipping

Dual-color filaments create striking visual effects by blending two fixed colors along a single strand. These filaments are not randomized; instead, one color runs along one side of the strand, and the other color sits on the opposite side. The strand itself is slightly oval-shaped to help maintain its orientation as it feeds into the extruder. While simple in concept, achieving consistent color alignment requires careful control of your printer’s mechanics and settings.

Panchroma™ Dual - Matte Shadow Black flipping/swapping in the middle of a print

1. Maintain Proper Extruder Tension

One of the most common causes of color swapping is loose extruder tension. If the filament strand slips or rotates slightly as it passes through the drive gears, it can flip 180 degrees, causing the colors to reverse mid-print. Tightening the extruder tension just enough to grip the filament firmly without deforming it will greatly reduce this risk. It’s worth making small adjustments between prints until the filament feeds smoothly and consistently.

Panchroma™ Dual - Matte Shadow Red flipping/swapping in the middle of a print

2. Match Inner and Outer Wall Speeds

Keep your inner and outer wall speeds as close as possible. Large differences in print speeds between these walls can create fluctuations in extrusion pressure inside the nozzle. Those pressure changes may cause slight filament rotation, leading to unwanted color flips. As a general rule, keep the difference in wall speeds below 20%, or ideally identical for fine, surface-visible prints.

3. Minimize Speed Fluctuations

Consistency is key with dual-color material. Frequent or large shifts in print speed—such as between infill, walls, and top layers—can also cause inconsistent extrusion pressure. Aim to set most of your print speeds within a narrow range to maintain smooth, stable extrusion. This helps keep both the color alignment and the overall surface finish more uniform.

4. Minimize AMS Usage if Possible

Dual extrusion materials should be able to be used in an AMS like system - but the added length needed to reach the extruder along with any extra twists or turns to reach that exctruder can lead to swaps being more likely. Just be careful when using an AMS.

5. Fine-Tune Retraction and Flow

Small tuning changes can make a noticeable difference. Retraction that’s too aggressive can cause minor twisting of the filament inside the drive path, while insufficient flow may reduce filament pressure stability. Adjust these parameters gradually while observing prints with strong directional color lines.

6. Store and Handle Filament Carefully

Since dual-color strands rely on a fixed orientation, any kinking or twisting of the spool can introduce tension that leads to flipping during printing. Keep your filament neatly wound, store it with minimal crossovers, and unwind it gently before loading.