Christmas greetings can also be sent directly from a 3D printer. Instead of paper cards, only a few layers of plastic are used, which can still be written on and stamped like classic postcards. The models presented were created in PrusaSlicer and sent both within Czechia and to the USA. The cards reached their destination within the normal delivery time, were stamped, and survived shipping undamaged.
The postcards are created entirely in PrusaSlicer. Text fields for the address and message, as well as motifs on the back, are created using text and SVG modifiers. The 3MF files contain two to four virtual extruders with different PLA colors, but printing is done with a single extruder. Color changes are done manually, triggered by a tool change macro with M600. More than four colors are possible, but in practice this quickly becomes unwieldy because each color requires a stop at the printer.
PLA is the material of choice because it offers many color variations. Woodfill or rPLA filaments can be added for brown tones, while gold and silver effects can be created using appropriate PLA blends. Ideally, the side with the address should remain light in color so that stamps and printed notes are legible. Those who prefer to use photos instead of graphics can convert images into lithophanes and print them as a relief side of the card. In combination with a simple color change after layer height, this creates motifs that are particularly striking for recipients without 3D printing experience.
In addition to flat postcards, there are folding cards that fit into an envelope. The fold is based on two layers with intersecting infill, allowing the thin card to be carefully folded multiple times. White PLA and stable PLA blends last longer, while glitter filaments break more quickly. More material and additional layers would make the card more robust, but would significantly increase printing time and consumption. For particularly durable hinges, a layer of TPU can be used as a flexible base, followed by a few layers of PETG. This also allows pop-up cards to be created that can hold banknotes, for example.
The project files provided are preconfigured for a Prusa MK4S with a 0.4 mm nozzle, but also work on CORE One and XL devices. When changing the printer profile, it is important to apply all customized settings, including custom G-code and multi-material configuration. Otherwise, the color changes will be omitted and the card will remain monochrome. Since text and SVG elements are edited directly in PrusaSlicer, the templates serve not only as ready-made Christmas cards, but also as a starting point for your own experiments with manual multicolor printing.
The files are available free of charge at Prinatbles.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPresso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
