Bookworm the Bookmark - Multicolor without MMU

Never loose your page again with the help from Bookworm the bookmark.  This model is drawn as 3 separate STL files (one for each color.)  Setting up Prusa Slicer with virtual extruders, this allows for all 3 colors to be printed together on one layer without the need for a MMU.  This technique is just as straightforward as a normal color change, but without the need for a layer step, yielding a very professional looking final product.

This was printed using a 0.4mm nozzle and 0.2mm layer heights.  The pictured bookmark was printed at 80% scale using PLA+. I recommend PLA+ or PETG to give the part flexibility.

I recommend playing around with this setup and process to learn it, since it is a valuable tool to know.  I have also attached a completed G-Code file for a MK3S.

Thanks to JoanTabb and others on the Prusa forum how have written some simple guides for accomplishing this technique.  I followed their instructions, but had to create 3 extruders instead of 2 to get all of the colors needed.  Here is a link to a good discussion on this technique and what needs to be changed in the printer setup to make a profile with virtual extruders.

https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/prusaslicer/manual-multicolor/

To open this file follow the steps below once you have the Slicer configured for 3 extruders.

From Prusa Slicer

File>Import STL

Select all 3 STL files at once.  When loading, Prusa Slicer will prompt a message warning about multiple parts.

Click Yes and all 3 parts should load together tied to the same coordinate system and in the proper relationship.

The bed should look like below, note the faint lines you can see from the seams of the separate parts (STL's)

Flip the part so the faint lines are facing the bed.  The desire is to have all the color changes be on then first layer in order to get the great textured finish from the bed.

Once flipped, the colors may change to show what is being extruded from each extruder. Depending on the order of import, the colors may not be correct as shown below.

To correct the colors look at the file tree on the right hand side of the slicer and click on the numbers in the extruder column and change the numbers in order to get the print colors correct.  The desire is to print black first, white second, and green last.  This will minimize the required filament changes and will prevent bleed issues with white filament trying to cover darker black filament.

Once the colors are correct, it is just a matter of slicing like usual and taking it to the printer.  All of the manual color changes will occur in the first few minutes of the print.  Ensure that you load the filament in the same extruder order that the slicer has designated, in this case, black, white, and green.