<p>Consider the task from the creation reference. An IDEX printer requires the slicer to direct each nozzle to a specific location of the model while it is being created. No true gradient could be accomplished as it would require both nozzles to be in nearly-instant-extrusion proximity.</p>
<p>I suppose one could create a matrix of colors in a manner similar to that of RGB LED color displays, but that's a severe stretch of the imagination. It would require perhaps a strong understanding of <a href="http://fullcontrolgcode.com/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">full g-code control</a> to place the individual lines. Additionally, there would be a limitation to two colors and the combinations thereof, although with the bi-color Quantum style filament, results might be interesting.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-09-13T08:09:36.067Z
2022-09-13T08:09:36.067Z
fred_dot_u
<p>I know that a single mixing nozzle with dual filament input can blend them in order to make gradients. I also know that IDEX means you have two independent nozzles and you can make objects with different materials (or colors).</p>
<p>But I don't understand if an IDEX printer can still &quot;mix&quot; (on the layer of course) the two filaments to create a gradient. My common sense says it's not possible, but I didn't find a proof of that.</p>
<p>I'm NOT interested in a mixing nozzle as most of the time I will need two different kind of filaments. The gradient with IDEX is just a &quot;nice-to-have&quot; feature. Not mandatory, but I would know before choose my next printer.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-09-13T08:35:56.263Z
There's much better ways to get gradients or indeed full colour pictures that only require one nozzle
Kilisi
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-09-13T08:48:54.257Z
@Kilisi it would be useful to add a link to some resources then
Mark
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-09-13T09:34:57.003Z
Just commented because it only touches the question tangentially, and I don't know if the resources exist as far as I know it might be just my lot
Kilisi
<filament><desktop-printer><dual-nozzle>
Are IDEX printers able to make gradients?
Mark
# Are IDEX printers able to make gradients?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2022-09-13)

I know that a single mixing nozzle with dual filament input can blend them in order to make gradients. I also know that IDEX means you have two independent nozzles and you can make objects with different materials (or colors).

But I don't understand if an IDEX printer can still "mix" (on the layer of course) the two filaments to create a gradient. My common sense says it's not possible, but I didn't find a proof of that.

I'm NOT interested in a mixing nozzle as most of the time I will need two different kind of filaments. The gradient with IDEX is just a "nice-to-have" feature. Not mandatory, but I would know before choose my next printer.

**Tags:** filament, desktop-printer, dual-nozzle

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: There's much better ways to get gradients or indeed full colour pictures that only require one nozzle  
> **username_0**: @username_1 it would be useful to add a link to some resources then  
> **username_1**: Just commented because it only touches the question tangentially, and I don't know if the resources exist as far as I know it might be just my lot  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2022-09-13. Score: 1 | Accepted answer

Consider the task from the creation reference. An IDEX printer requires the slicer to direct each nozzle to a specific location of the model while it is being created. No true gradient could be accomplished as it would require both nozzles to be in nearly-instant-extrusion proximity.

I suppose one could create a matrix of colors in a manner similar to that of RGB LED color displays, but that's a severe stretch of the imagination. It would require perhaps a strong understanding of [full g-code control](http://fullcontrolgcode.com/) to place the individual lines. Additionally, there would be a limitation to two colors and the combinations thereof, although with the bi-color Quantum style filament, results might be interesting.


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