Computational Color and Texture for Additive Manufacturing

CDFAM Computational Design Symposium — Barcelona 2026

Mary Baker · Palace 3D

Computational geometry has advanced considerably. Color and texture in additive design have not kept pace. As multi-material hardware and capable file formats become more accessible, programming color and texture directly into the design workflow is emerging as a meaningful new capability.

Mary Baker draws on her experience building out that toolset at Palace 3D and previously at HP Inc., covering effects that traditional modeling tools cannot easily produce:

- Embedded data: hidden messages and encoded information within a part's surface

- Gradient control: geometry-driven color and texture transitions

- Realistic in-workflow rendering: accurate as-printed color and texture previews

- Procedural customization: automated generation of unique colorways across product families, including AI-generated content

The session also covers the workflows required to translate digital intent into reliable physical output, common failure points, and how to navigate them.

Links

Talk page with full transcript

Watch the talk on YouTube

Cite this talk

Search the full text of every recorded CDFAM presentation

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com