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Creality 3D
CR X Pro
A dual-color large volume 3D printer for increased creativity and design possibilities.
- 2 extruders and 1 nozzle
- Large build volume
- Carborundum glass platform
- Dual cooling fans
$ 529.50
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FlashForge
Creator Pro
Dual extruder 3D printer for creative designing and prototyping!
- Build volume: 227x148x150mm
- Extruders: 2
- LCD+SD: Yes
- Filament diameter: 1.
75mm - Auto bed leveling: Yes
$ 529.50
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FlashForge
Creator Pro 2
Dual extruder 3D printer for creative designing and prototyping!
- 3.5” touchscreen
- Four 3D printing modes
- Spacious build volume
- Anti-scrape dual extruders
- Print a range of filament
$ 608.
50
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Kywoo3D
Tycoon IDEX
Stable direct-drive 3D printer with a spacious build volume
- Direct-drive
- Dual extruders
- Resume printing
- Auto-bed leveling
- 260°C max. nozzle
$ 609
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FlashForge
Inventor
The 3D printer for personal and professional prototyping
- Dual-extrusion
- 3.
5” touch screen - Wi-Fi connectivity
- 240°C nozzles
- Flexible build plate
$ 838.50
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FlashForge
Creator 3
Industrial level 3D printing with dual extrusion & massive build space
- Fast printing
- Smart leveling
- 4 printing modes
- Flexible heated bed
- Max.
temperature 300°C
$ 1,702.50
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Creality 3D
CR-X
2 Color
Large volume 3D printer with dual color!
- Build volume: 300x300x400mm
- Heated bed: Yes
- LCD+SD card: Yes
- Materials: PLA, PETG
- Extruders: 2
- Auto bed leveling: No
In our collection of multi-head 3D printers, we offer high-performance machines that produce more complex parts.
Several 3D printer models exist with more than one extruder head, allowing makers to directly print 3D models that have more than one color or filament material type. To print with more than one color with a single extruder, you would need to stop a print and then manually load the new filament. This could compromise the quality and the color transitions of the part. With dual extruders, each extruder can be loaded with different filament material types and colors. Both extruders are used simultaneously to print two different colors or one extruder can extrude PLA filament while the other prints PVA support material for the same part.
Printing with multi-head 3D printers
For dual hot end extrusion, a 3D printer with two separate nozzles is required. Each extruder will follow individual programming that will allow them to create one object together. There are many advantages and opportunities that multi-head 3D printers bring. Firstly the ability to print a 3D model in more than one color is ideal for extra detail and designs.
This will also ensure consistency, as the print will not have to be paused to extrude another color with the same extruder.
Support 3D filament
PVA filament and HIPS filament are both used as support materials in 3D printing. When printing with a multi-head 3D printer, the idea is that one extruder will print the model in one material and the second extruder will extrude the support material. Using a support filament material can be very useful, especially when creating objects with overhangs. The support material will keep the overhang in place to dry without drooping. The support material can be removed and discarded once the printed object has fully cooled down. Remove HIPS supports with D-Limonene and PVA supports are water-soluble. Easily rinse off the model with warm water to clear any remaining PVA material.
Would you like to know more about multi-head 3D printers? Let us know if we can be of assistance through our customer service .
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The 9 Best Dual Extruder 3D Printers for Multi Material Printing – Clever Creations
Dual-extruder 3D printers are an excellent solution for multi-color and multi-material 3D printing. You don’t need to swap out filaments for a color change or limit yourself to printing with only a single material at a time. In a dual extrusion printing process, you get two entirely separate extruders for printing with multiple filaments.
If you decide to buy a dual extruder 3D printer, you’ll encounter terms like IDEX system, dual print-head system, and more. It can get quickly confusing to select the right printer for your needs, and you might end up getting one that is not the best fit for you.
In this article, we’ve created a list of the best dual extruder 3D printers that are available for you to buy right now and sorted them into different categories to make your buying decision a little bit easier.
Read on to understand more about these machines and how to choose the best dual extruder 3D printer for your needs.
| Dual Extruder 3D Printer | Category | Type | Price (~) | Best Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sovol SV02 | Best under $500 | Single hot end | $359 | Sovol3D |
| Flashforge Dreamer | Best under $500 | Dual hot end | $449 | Flashforge |
| TENLOG TL-D3 Pro | Best under $1000 | IDEX | $699 | Amazon |
| Flashforge Creator Pro 2 | Best under $1000 | IDEX | $649 | Flashforge |
| QIDI Tech i-Fast | Best prosumer | Dual hot end | $2299 | Amazon |
| Ultimaker S3 | Best prosumer | Dual hot end | $4725 | MatterHackers |
| BCN3D Sigma D25 | Best professional | IDEX | $3995 | MatterHackers |
| Raise3D Pro 3 | Best professional | Dual hot end | $5249 | MatterHackers |
| Ultimaker S5 | Best professional | Dual hot end | $6355 | MatterHackers |
What is a Dual Extruder 3D Printer?
A dual extruder 3D printer is a machine that has two extruders, as the name suggests.
These extruders can be used to print with different colors or different materials simultaneously. This way, you don’t have to swap out filaments every time you want to change the color of your print.
You can also use dual extruders to print with multiple materials at the same time, for example, printing with both ABS and TPU filaments in a single 3D print. This opens up a lot of possibilities for interesting prints that wouldn’t be possible with a single extruder printer.
In this article, we’ve covered three types of different dual extrusion 3D printers: Single hot end setup, Dual hot end extrusion, and Independent Dual Extruder system (IDEX).
The single hot end setup is the least complex. It gives you the benefits of dual extrusion 3D printers without actually having a second print head or a complex motion system.
The dual hot end setup incorporates a second print head next to your primary hot end, and both hot ends move together.
You can assign different materials for each hot end, effectively giving you the capabilities of printing with two 3D printers, albeit on a single print bed.
One of the best and the most practical applications of dual extruders is the IDEX style of 3D printer. These printers have two independent print heads that can be controlled and moved separately. This gives you a lot of control over the printing process and opens up a lot of possibilities for complex prints.
What is the Benefit of a Dual Extruder 3D Printer?
A dual extruder 3D printer triumphs over the regular single extruder 3D printer in many ways. You do not need to swap out any filaments mid-print for any color changes, leading to a faster print speed.
You can print with multiple materials simultaneously with a dual extruder printer. You can use one print head to print the outer shell of the model, while the secondary hot end will print the infill with a more robust material. Similarly, you can use filaments with different colors to print a colorful model.
IDEX printers give you the added benefits of printing modes. You can print multiple objects simultaneously with the duplication mode and print a mirrored version of your design with the mirror print mode. It leads to increased productivity and is useful for 3D printing larger batches of objects.
The last and probably one of the most popular benefits of dual extruder 3D printers is their ability to print soluble supports. You can use PVA or HIPS filament in your secondary extruder to print water dissolvable supports. It gives you the freedom to print complex objects and significantly saves post-processing time, as it takes away the need to remove supports manually.
The Best Dual Extruder 3D Printers
Sovol SV02
Best under $500
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AmazonSovol3D
The Sovol SV02 is an excellent budget dual extruder 3D printer. It features a Y-shaped, two-in, one-out single print head. It is a clever way to carry out multi-filament printing without adding too many extra 3D printer costs.
The SV02 has a decent printing volume and a dual Z-axis design for better printing accuracy. Its textured glass bed helps with first-layer adhesion and makes the removal of prints easier.
Its mainboard features TMC 2208 stepper drivers for a silent 3D printing process. You also have the option to install a BLTouch auto-leveling sensor as an upgrade, taking away the need for manual bed leveling.
Additionally, you can buy a mixing hot end that lets you mix two different colors simultaneously. This feature gives a lot of room for fun experimentation and creative 3D prints.
The SV02 is an excellent fit for schools to print colorful educational models and for beginners and amateurs users who want to experiment with dual extruder 3D printing without breaking the bank.
Standout Features
- 2-in-1-out hot end
- Optional color mixing
- Dual Z-axis
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 280 x 240 x 300 mm |
| Dual extrusion setup | Single hot end |
| Max hot end temperature | 260°C |
| Bed leveling | Manual |
| Connectivity | SD Card or Data Cable |
| Compatible materials | PLA, TPU, HIPS, ABS, PETG, WOOD |
What We Like
- Lightweight hot end
- Silent 3D printing
- Can mix two colors
Could Be Better
- Inconsistent print quality
- Occasional filament jams
Find Sovol SV02 at
AmazonSovol3D
Flashforge Dreamer
Best under $500
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AmazonFlashforgeMatterHackers
The Flashforge Dreamer is one of the most popular dual extruder 3D printers in the market that comes with some elegant features for easy multi-material 3D printing.
It comes fully assembled, and you can get started with 3D printing on it within 30 minutes of unboxing the printer.
With the Dreamer, you get two print heads with a direct-drive setup that can help you print a wide variety of materials with ease. The fully enclosed design prevents any harmful 3D printer fumes from leaving the printer and aids considerably with printing ABS. It includes an aluminum heated print bed for a more even heat distribution on the print surface.
The dual extruder design does result in a slight reduction in the build volume of the 3D printer, however, and you get a relatively small print area for the price. Some users also find the bundled FlashPrint slicing software limiting in terms of features.
Nonetheless, considering that the Dreamer is primarily aimed towards beginners, it does an excellent job in the user convenience and accessibility department. It is a good choice for educational institutes and amateur 3D printer users who want a plug-n-play solution for their multi-color and multi-material printing needs.
Standout Features
- Fully enclosed print chamber
- Aluminum build plate
- Wi-Fi connectivity
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 230 x 150 x 140 mm |
| Dual extrusion setup | Dual hot end |
| Max hot end temperature | 240°C |
| Bed leveling | Assisted Manual |
| Connectivity | USB cable, SD card, Wi-Fi |
| Compatible materials | PLA, TPU 95A, ABS, PETG |
What We Like
- Stable printing area
- Beginner-friendly
- Plug-n-play functionality
Could Be Better
- Small build volume
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AmazonFlashforgeMatterHackers
TENLOG TL-D3 Pro
Best under $1000
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Amazon
The Tenlog TL-D3 Pro is a rare dual extruder 3D printer to feature an IDEX system under $1000.
It has two independent extrusion systems that move independently and let you print in mirroring print modes and duplicating modes.
You get a linear rail precision guide on the X-axis to support the IDEX system and a sturdy metal frame to deliver accurate printing quality. The tempered glass heated print bed gives excellent bed adhesion, and the silent motherboard with TMC 2208 and TMC 2225 stepper drivers delivers a quiet 3D printing experience.
The Tenlog TL-D3 Pro is a great dual extruder 3D printer that provides a unique mix of features at an affordable price. If you’re someone who has the need for batch 3D printing in a semi-professional setup, or you want an IDEX 3D printer on a budget, the TL-D3 Pro is a solid option.
Standout Features
- Multiple printing modes
- X-axis linear rail
- IDEX system
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 300 x 300 x 350 mm |
| Dual extrusion setup | IDEX |
| Max hot end temperature | 300°C |
| Bed leveling | Manual |
| Connectivity | SD card, USB 2. 0 |
| Compatible materials | TPU, PVA, PLA, ABS, HIPS, WOOD, PETG, FLEXIBLE |
What We Like
- Easy to assemble
- Silent 3D printing
- Wide material compatibility
Could Be Better
- Open-frame design
Find TENLOG TL-D3 Pro at
Amazon
Flashforge Creator Pro 2
Best under $1000
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AmazonFlashforgeGeekbuyingAliExpress
While the aforementioned Flashforge Dreamer is suited for beginners and amateur users, the Flashforge Creator Pro 2 is aimed more towards the professional user base. The Creator Pro 2 is a fully enclosed 3D printer with a similar level of user convenience, but now with an upgraded independent dual extruder (IDEX) system.
The Flashforge Creator Pro 2 has multiple printing modes that let you print mirrored designs, duplicate your models for faster 3D printing, and even print with soluble support materials for complex and intricate 3D designs.
The heated print bed and the enclosed design further expand the material compatibility of the printer, letting you print with PLA, ABS, HIPS, and PVA.
The Flashforge Creator Pro 2 is a superb dual extruder 3D printer for industry professionals and hobbyists alike. You get a robust build quality, an IDEX system, ease of use, and excellent printing, all for a relatively low cost. In our book, it’s the best dual extruder 3D printer under $1000
Standout Features
- Fully enclosed design
- Residue scraping
- Easy to use touchscreen
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 200 x 148 x 150 mm |
| Dual extrusion setup | IDEX |
| Max hot end temperature | 240°C |
| Bed leveling | Manual |
| Connectivity | SD Card |
| Compatible materials | PLA, ABS, PVA, PETG |
What We Like
- Affordable IDEX printer
- Excellent print quality
- Great support team
Could Be Better
- Small printing volume
- Lacks air filters
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AmazonFlashforgeGeekbuyingAliExpress
QIDI Tech i-Fast
Best prosumer
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AmazonGeekbuying3DPrintersBay
The QIDI Tech i-Fast is not for the masses and is instead more positioned as a premium 3D printer for prosumers.
For almost $2300, you get a printer that comes with many high-end features and a large build volume (uncommon in dual-extruder 3d printers) to accommodate a wide variety of 3D designs.
Its heated print chamber measures 330 x 250 x 320 mm and is fully enclosed. For better printing with high-end materials like Nylon, Polycarbonate, and PolyPropylene, it can be heated up to 60°C. The motion system is fully supported with high-quality precision linear rails, and it has a dual Z-axis setup for increased accuracy.
The QIDI Tech i-Fast is a feature-packed dual extruder 3D printer for professional use case scenarios and printing high-end prototypes. Despite its high price, it still offers excellent value compared to similar printers in this price range. If you’re planning on adding an industrial machine to your workflow, the i-Fast is likely to be a perfect choice for your prototyping needs.
Standout Features
- Heated build chamber
- Extra all metal print-heads
- Large build volume
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 330 x 250 x 320 mm |
| Dual extrusion setup | Dual hot end |
| Max hot end temperature | 300 °C |
| Bed leveling | Manual |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB and SD Card |
| Compatible materials | PLA, Nylon, TPU, PETG, ABS, PC, Wood, CF |
What We Like
- Quiet 3D printing
- Prints ABS very well
- Retractable hot ends
Could Be Better
- Manual bed leveling
- Limited firmware support
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AmazonGeekbuying3DPrintersBay
Ultimaker S3
Best prosumer
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MatterHackers
The Ultimaker S3 is feature-packed and one of the best dual extruder 3D printers by Ultimaker.
It is for professional users who want a high-quality, compact printer that consistently delivers excellent print quality.
With the Ultimaker S3, you get a modest build volume of 230 x 190 x 200 mm. This is enough for most typical 3D prints but can be a limitation if your needs involve creating larger multi-color or multi-material objects.
The dual extruders on the Ultimaker S3 have swappable print cores that let you print with advanced materials if you need to. Over 200 materials are tried and tested on the S3, making it one of the most compatible dual extruder printers in terms of filaments.
Additional features include a 4.3-inch touchscreen with an easy-to-use UI, an onboard camera for remote monitoring, and an automatic bed leveling system to give you perfect bed adhesion and first layers every time.
The Ultimaker S3 is a premium 3D printer, and at a price point of over $4000, it is undoubtedly not for primary hobby purposes. The features it provides and the materials it supports are more geared towards industrial prototyping and end-component solutions for industries.
If you’re someone who fits in that bracket, the S3 is a good choice for your 3D printing needs.
Standout Features
- Swappable print cores
- Onboard camera
- Automatic bed leveling
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 230 x 190 x 200 mm |
| Dual extrusion setup | Dual hot end |
| Max hot end temperature | 280 °C |
| Bed leveling | Automatic |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| Compatible materials | PLA, ABS, PETG, NylonX, TPU, PVA, PP, PC |
What We Like
- Excellent print quality
- Professional software support
- Wide material compatibility
Could Be Better
- Limited build volume
- Expensive replacement parts
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MatterHackers
BCN3D Sigma D25
Best professional
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MatterHackers
Improving on the R17 and R19 Sigma’s series of independent dual extruder (IDEX) 3D printers, BCN3D’s new Sigma D25 is a professional-grade 3D printer that comes in a new light gray color and with a desktop-sized footprint.
It features an independent extruder system, letting you print with multiple print modes and enhance your productivity.
The Sigma D25 includes stainless steel, precision linear rails on the X-axis, and a robust Z-axis designed for durability and maximum print accuracy. For better bed adhesion, its new aluminum heated build plate comes with a silicon thermal pad to evenly heat its area.
It also includes a new set of custom-made E3D hot ends coupled with Bondtech extruders that support a wide variety of materials and deliver a consistent 3D printing performance. The filament spools are neatly tucked within the printer frame itself, protecting them from any external debris and giving the printer a clean look.
BCN3D Sigma D25 aims to deliver the highest dual extrusion 3D printing in a clean-looking, easy-to-use package. The large build volume, IDEX system, and interface make it suitable for batch printing, print farms, and educational purposes.
Standout Features
- IDEX setup
- Built-in filament holders
- Large build volume
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 420 x 300 x 200 mm |
| Dual extrusion setup | IDEX |
| Max hot end temperature | 300°C |
| Bed leveling | Manual |
| Connectivity | SD card, Wifi, Ethernet |
| Compatible materials | PLA, PVA, PET-G, TPU, PP, PA |
What We Like
- Easy to use interface
- Great build quality
Could Be Better
- Manual bed leveling
- Limited Z-height
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MatterHackers
Raise3D Pro 3
Best professional
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MatterHackers
The Raise3D Pro 3 is one of the flagship 3D printers by the Raise3D team.
It builds upon the previous generation of the Pro 2 series of industrial 3D printers. Its improvements lie with its new dual extruder setup, interchangeable hot end, and airflow system to give you great 3D printing results every time.
The Pro 3 comes with a large build volume of 300 x 300 x 300mm. That volume is fully enclosed to isolate the print area from the external environment. Additionally, it includes a HEPA filtration system to keep away potantially unhealthy 3D printer fumes.
Its automatic bed leveling minimizes the calibration time required, resulting in improved productivity. The built-in ‘EVE intelligent assistant’, too, is a unique feature with the Pro 3 designed to locate and resolve any issues and give helpful feedback to the user.
The Raise 3D Pro 3 is for professional users who need a robust, large-sized 3D printer that lets you execute multi-material 3D printing on an industrial scale. You can use it to carry out batch 3D printing with advanced materials and end-use components without hassles.
Standout Features
- Airflow manager
- Interchangeable hot ends
- EVE Smart assistant
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 300 x 300 x 300 mm |
| Dual extrusion setup | Dual hot end |
| Max hot end temperature | 300°C |
| Bed leveling | Automatic |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, LAN, USB port |
| Compatible materials | PLA, ABS, HIPS, PC, TPU, TPE, PETG, ASA, PP, PVA, Nylon |
What We Like
- Professional build quality
- High repeatability
- Auto bed leveling
- Large filament compatibility
Could Be Better
- Large investment
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MatterHackers
Ultimaker S5
Best professional
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AmazonMatterHackers
The Ultimaker S5 is the bigger brother of the Ultimaker S3, but with a larger build volume to utilize the benefits of dual extrusion 3D printing fully.
It is similar to the S3 in many aspects, but the additional upgrades and add-ons make it an automated industrial-level 3D printer.
The S5’s large build volume of 330 x 240 x 300 mm is suitable for big-sized objects, and it can be fully enclosed with an optional air management system to maintain a stable temperature in the printing area. This makes it more suitable as a Nylon 3D printer or to work with other high-temperature filaments.
To expand this 3D printer further, you can add a material station that takes up to six materials and automatically choose the required material for the current print without any user intervention.
The swappable print cores, retracting nozzles, and automatic bed leveling are the same as the S3, delivering a predictable and high-quality 3D printing experience each time.
The Ultimaker S5 is an excellent printer for industrial environments and can be upgraded to fulfill even more complex needs. It is our top pick for the best dual extruder 3D printer for professionals.
Standout Features
- Large build volume
- Additional upgrades
- Swappable print cores
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 330 x 240 x 300 mm |
| Dual extrusion setup | Dual hot end |
| Max hot end temperature | 280°C |
| Bed leveling | Automatic |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| Compatible materials | PLA, ABS, PETG, NylonX, TPU, PVA, PP, PC |
What We Like
- Wide material compatibility
- Premium components
- Reliable
Could Be Better
- Pricy upgrades
Find Ultimaker S5 at
AmazonMatterHackers
What to Look For When Buying a Dual Extruder 3D Printer
Dual extruder type
When you consider buying a dual extruder 3D printer, you’ll come across technologies such as the IDEX system, double hot ends, and a single Y-shaped hot end.
The IDEX system lets you simultaneously 3D print with two independently driven extruders and a hot end setup.The advantages of an IDEX system are the multiple printing modes that you get with it. You get to duplicate and mirror your models, effectively resulting in increased productivity.
If you look at the single hot end setup, you’ll notice that the hot end is much lighter, and you do not lose any printing area to a second print head. The downside, though, is that this setup is more likely to run into issues, as a single print head is used for multiple materials at a single time.
The most common and relatively more accessible dual extrusion system is double hot ends. You get two individual hot-ends and extruders, and each hot end can be configured to print a single material with maximum efficiency. However, two hot ends next to each other occupy extra space, cost more, and do not increase productivity like the IDEX system.
If you want a printer for maximum productivity and are looking to run it into print farms or to run multiple batches of prints, the best dual extruder 3D printer for you is an IDEX one.
In contrast, the dual hot end setup is more suitable for conventional dual extrusion 3D printing, where you do not need to print many parts.
Printing modes
While the single nozzle and the dual hot ends styles let you print with multiple materials and soluble supports, printing modes are truly available only on the IDEX style of dual extruder 3D printers.
There are four printing modes that come with dual extruder 3D printers – Mirror, duplication, soluble supports, and multi-material mode. The mirror mode lets you print symmetrical mirrored objects, and you can print the part and its inverse simultaneously. For example, shoes, gloves, and other things come in a couple but are symmetrically opposite.
Another helpful model is the duplication mode, which helps carry out batch prints. In duplication mode, both the hot ends repeat the same movements and produce identical copies of the original design. It drastically improves your productivity rates and is suitable for print farms.
The soluble supports and the multi-material modes are similar and not just available in the best dual extruder 3D printers; any dual extruder printer can do them. While the primary nozzle is used for the main filament, you can use the secondary nozzle with either soluble supports or a differently colored material.
Print Volume
The dual extruder design reduces the printing volume of any 3D printer due to the extra space the secondary extruder takes up. This results in a smaller printing volume on the Y-axis in dual extruder printers compared to a single extruder setup.
When you use print modes, too, you’ll realize that the print area is reduced considerably due to the second extruder’s size in mirror mode. Hence, in the case of dual extruder printing, it becomes more crucial to look at the actual printing volume that you’ll get.
If you need a bigger print size, you should look at the Raise3D Pro 3, Ultimaker S5, and the BCN3D Sigma D25. These printers come with a large print volume that gives you more freedom to take full advantage of their dual extrusion capabilities.
Print Speed
Even with the addition of a second hot end on the motion system, the printing speeds of dual extruder 3D printers are relatively unaffected. Powerful stepper motors and a rigid frame can compensate for the added weight of the hot end.
Almost all of the 3D printers in this list can comfortably print at around 60-100 mm/s of printing speeds, while travel speeds go up to 200 mm/s. These speeds give you a good balance between print quality and lead times.
If you consider the other benefits of dual extruder 3D printers, you’ll realize that the printing modes lead to a considerable increase in overall productivity. The ability to print with two print heads simultaneously easily triumphs the faster printing speeds of any other 3D printer.
Filament Compatibility
Ensuring that your 3D printer is compatible with many filaments is one of the primary things you need to consider while buying any 3D printer. More so with dual extruder 3D printers due to their second print head.
The second print head is helpful for printing soluble supports. If you’re getting a dual extruder printer specifically for printing with soluble filaments such as PVA and HIPS, you should check whether or not it is compatible with these materials.
Every printer in this list is equipped to print with these materials. And some of the dual extruder 3D printers like the Ultimaker S3, S5, Raise3D Pro 3 go beyond and let you swap your print heads for printing with specific materials, thus increasing their material compatibility.
Enclosure
A 3D printer enclosure plays a crucial role with dual extruder 3D printers. The isolated printing area on enclosed 3D printers lets you print with tricky materials such as ABS filament and keeps 3D printing fumes within the printer body itself.
Aside from the Sovol SV02 and the Tenlog TL-D3, all other dual extruder 3D printers come with at least a partially enclosed design. And with the Creator Pro 2, you get the benefits of both; you can choose to keep the printer open on the top while printing with PLA and fully enclose it when you want to print with ABS.
The Ultimaker S5 goes a step beyond its airflow management system, however, the QIDI Tech i-Fast is the only dual extruder 3D printer on the list with an actively heated build chamber. This ensures that you get the best print quality and that the printer is compatible with a wide variety of materials.
Warranty
Warranty is often an overlooked factor when buying dual extruder 3D printers. You need to carefully evaluate the warranty conditions and everything that is covered within it. Some manufacturers offer a warranty on specific components for a short while, while the best dual extruder 3D printers tend to get comprehensive coverage of any manufacturing defect in the printer.
In this list, all the dual extruder 3D printers have at least a 12 months warranty period that covers any manufacturing defect from the company’s end.
FAQ
Are dual extruder printers faster?
Even the best dual extruder 3D printers are not necessarily faster than any other 3D printer.
However, the dual extrusion process leads to an overall increase in productivity due to the ability to print multiple copies at the same time.
Can dual extruder printers print with soluble filaments?
Yes, all of the dual extruder 3D printers in this list are capable of printing with soluble filaments.
How many extruders can a 3D printer have?
Most 3D printers have a limit of two extruders. However, depending on the electronics capabilities and general hardware setup, some 3D printers can have up to four or five extruders.
What is the advantage of a dual extruder printer?
The dual extruder setup allows for printing with multiple materials, which leads to an increase in productivity. Additionally, dual extruder printers are compatible with a wider range of filaments.
Do dual extruder printers have an enclosed build area?
No, dual extruder printers do not necessarily have an enclosed build area as it is not necessary for their operation.
However, some dual extruder printers do come with a partially or fully enclosed design.
Can you 3D print multiple objects at once?
Yes, dual extruder 3D printers can print multiple objects at once provided that they have the necessary build volume. However, the print quality may not be as good as if you were to print them one at a time.
What is the average price of a dual extruder 3D printer?
Dual extruder 3D printers generally cost more than single extruder 3D printers. However, the price difference is not as significant as it used to be and there are a number of excellent dual extruder 3D printers in the market at a wide range of prices.
You can find a good one, like the Flashforge Creator Pro 2, for around $650. The best dual extruder 3D printers, however, cost multiple thousands of dollars.
How do you print multiple filaments?
To print multiple filaments, you need to have a dual extruder 3D printer with two extruders. The filaments are then loaded into the extruders and the printer will print with both filaments simultaneously.
Conclusion
Dual extruder 3D printers let you print with multiple materials simultaneously, and that too with ease. Especially with the IDEX style of printers and the multi-material capabilities, you get the added benefits of various printing modes that increase your overall productivity and are great for the batch style of prints.
From the list, the best dual extruder 3D printer that stands out on the top is the Flashforge Creator Pro 2. It gives you the benefits of the IDEX system, is fully enclosed, and has broad material compatibility while still being affordable and accessible for professionals and hobbyists alike. Its only downside is a relatively small print volume.
If print area is your main criteria, you should consider the QIDI Tech i-Fast and the BCN3D Sigma D25 for their large print chambers in decent footprint size. These are professional dual extruder 3D printers with advanced features, excellent print quality, and great for industrial prototyping needs.
Let us know your thoughts on the list, and if you have anything else to add, feel free to comment below.
Scientists have created a revolutionary 3D printer with multiple print heads
Scientists have created a revolutionary 3D printer with multiple print heads- Interesting
- Technologies
1 one 19888
- 15 November 2019 15:39
- Artem Bagdasarov, journalist, "Reedus", department "Science and Technology"
3D printers are already making their way into life and industry, from construction to bioengineering. However, so far their capabilities are limited by many limitations: the speed and accuracy of printing, the materials used, and the cost of production. However, 3D printing will soon become easier with a new generation of printers.
Scientists have created a 3D printer that can combine up to eight materials and create objects with unprecedented precision. The device has received multiple printheads in use at the same time (MM3D).
Each head produces thread as thick as a human hair. The printer switches between materials in a fraction of a second and can use all heads at the same time. Thus, printing becomes faster and more accurate.
MM3D printheads use diode-like behavior to converge up to eight materials at the interface and provide seamless high-frequency switching between them, - the developers explained.
Devices that allow you to print simultaneously from several materials have already been met, but none of them did this with sufficient speed and accuracy.
Using MM3D technology, scientists have printed a number of soft robots using several epoxy and silicone elastomers. In the future, attempts will be made to 3D print electronic components, including batteries.
At the current stage, 3D printing of batteries is unprofitable. Lithium-ion batteries are already expensive due to the rare earth, and if you also use 3D printers, millions of dollars worth of equipment and expensive materials will increase the price of such batteries many times over. For space and aviation, this may be justified, but for cars it is easier to make batteries in the old way, - says Alexey Zvezdov, technical director of the 3D Printing Laboratory.
Difficulties arise due to the heterogeneity of the structure of the batteries, the presence of different parts in it. Special production conditions are also required: for example, 3D printing of lithium-ion batteries requires the complete absence of moisture and oxygen.
Read also:
- Batteries of the future could be 3D printed
- Google makes machine learning easier for novice developers
Zmorph is the most multi-head 3D printer. Investigation from REC.
Hello everyone! Not so long ago, we got to see the unique multifunctional Zmorph platform. This article will tell you about our experience, observations and technical aspects revealed during 3D printing. However, since the Zmorph is not just a simple single extruder 3D printer, there will be additional articles about each interchangeable head describing the work, nuances and results.
General information about the device.
1. External dimensions - 530mm x 555mm x 480mm .
2. Printable area - 250mm x 235mm x 165mm.
3. Number of printheads - 1
4. Weight is ~ 25 kg.
5. The printer is equipped with a thermal table, card reader, ethernet port and touch monitor.
6. Maximum nozzle temperature: ~260
7. Nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm, resolution: 200 to 70 microns
8. Construction speed 60-150 mm/s
9. Printing materials declared by the manufacturer: PLA, ABS, PETG, Laywood, nylon, rubber, etc.
10) Features - the main bonus of this printer is interchangeable heads. In our kit there are 1.75 single extruder head, 1.75 double extruder head, milling cutter, laser and extruder-syringe,
11) The printer has its own software, called Voxelizer. The program provides all the options for the heads of this device and has many settings.
Review
The printer itself looks quite serious, thanks to the metal and transparent plastic, it evokes the feeling of some kind of device from sci-fi films, although in principle we see a Prusa i2, but with a very rigid body.
The extruder looks serious, the carriage itself is assembled from metal and a small number of printed parts. The airflow of the model is attached with magnets, which is very convenient.
Thermotable moves on two belts and rails, adjustable with 3 screws. Fastening is realized through magnets.
The axle guides are also made of sheet metal. No backlash, everything is very rigid.
The printer has a nice touch screen display with its own menu.
Cable management is excellent in the printer body. All wires are perfectly protected from breaking and bending. All connectors that the user will have to work with are signed and marked.
The printer has an interesting implementation of the spool attachment mechanism and the filament channel.
This is how 0 is implemented on the Z axis.
Very pleased with the highlighting and marking of important elements on a 3D printer. There is a feeling of working with an expensive industrial device.
Diode illumination of the printed model is a very nice element.
Like many other units, the outer protective case is also fixed with a magnet.
Software
Voxilaser looks like this
this is the first menu of transformations and settings, here we place objects, set their sizes, and also select the work area. In this case, workflow costs as 3D printer.
press voxilase and go to voxel editor. It has the usual print settings for all of us.
after we click generate g-code
here we see the generated task, it remains to press play
save it to a USB flash drive and print it.
Print.
First print on a ZMorph 3D printer. A single extruder print head is used. Material natural REC PLA. Before printing, I had to calibrate the table.
Model can be found here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1803617
Material red REC PLA plastic, print speed 90 mms
Material red REC PLA plastic, print speed 70 mms. (outer wall)
Relax
Material natural REC RELAX plastic, print speed 60 mm with 0.4 mm nozzle and 0.2 mm layer.
Bicycle pedals made of natural and white REC RELAX plastic. Layer height 0.15 mm, speed 30. In total, it took 48 hours to print, the result is stable.
Bonus
And now an unexpected bonus - ABS + HIPS printing test on the Dual PRO head.
It differs from the previous one by the ability to print two materials through one nozzle.
The slicing is not much different, all you need to do is set extruder 2 in some places. Thanks to the software, the head is able not only to create supports from another material or to imprint parts from different materials into each other, but also to mix them.
Now let's look at "two-color" printing.
The algorithm of actions is described here, but in general, it's very simple.
The result is just wonderful.
Now let's try blending. Let's fiddle a little with the settings again.
This tutorial describes how to do it.
Looking at the result
Unfortunately we overlooked the amount of pink ABS and ran out of it during the printing process, leaving most of the vase under extruded, but the resulting part shows that the mixing occurs without any problems according to the given program.
Anyway, we did it again.
And now the result:
Conclusions.
Pros:
- Rigid frame, good design and very high quality assembly and components.
- Very precise kinematics.
- The ability to quickly remove and put on additional elements such as protective screens, a cooler for blowing the model, a working head and even a heating table.
- Easy-to-learn software with lots of settings and features.
- Convenient printable area.
- The printer has all the necessary warnings and markings, heated table, extruder and powered Z and X axes are illuminated by diodes. The printed object itself is also illuminated, which helps to keep track of the printing process.
- User-friendly interface with a set of useful functions. Fine-tuning printing is easy enough, all the icons are unambiguous and large enough not to miss them.
- Printer gives excellent results at low to medium speeds from PLA and RELAX
Cons:
- It is very easy to calibrate the table because of the magnetic mount, you will not only have to level the table plane but also very likely to set zero on the Z axis, after removing the part or detaching the table.
- This printer is conceived and designed as an MFP, not as a 3D printer, so it has a high margin of safety and rigidity, while at the expense of print speed there may be traces of underextrusion or, conversely, excessive drops on the surfaces of models, especially when it comes to a large number of retracts.
- The spool attachment on the printer is implemented in an interesting way, but practice has shown that the filament supply channels can get stuck in the case, stretch and thereby interfere with the plastic supply.
- The software calculates the print time very accurately, but not the amount of plastic required.
- Printing with flexible materials is difficult again due to thermal distribution, difficulty in feeding the plastic through the tube, and too much pressure that compresses the bar.
Pro Dual PRO
This head has been tested for the main tasks conceived in the design. This system is capable of printing solvent-based supports in PLA+PVA and ABS+Hips combinations, and also allows two-color printing.
and The ability to mix colors with a gradient comes as a special feature.
Plug&play head, we installed it, filamented it, and started the job. Slicing in Voxeliser, even for this mode, is very simple and intuitive. If you don’t figure it out yourself, there are good tutorials on working in text and video format on the manufacturer’s website.
Conclusion.
Zmorph is a unique platform with many possibilities. Our practice of using it as a 3D printer has shown that this device requires very thoughtful use. This is also due to the software, in which the interface is very clear, but overloaded with elements, which makes it easy to miss something in the settings. It is worth noting a very tough and thoughtful case filled with useful features, markers and indicators. Despite its robust and simple design, the Zmorph printer is not one of the best offerings on the market, as it is built solidly and reliably to handle a range of versatile tasks, not just printing.
Therefore, the printer is quite reliable, but not very fast in the additive manufacturing of objects.
However, working with the Zmorph is very simple, in order for the device to behave like a plug'n play you just need to remove the printed models very carefully, trying not to pull the table off its mounts and thereby violate its calibration.
In general, the printer produced the best results at speeds from 30 to 70 mms (infill and outer contour, travel from 120 to 180 mms) with REC PLA and REC RELAX plastics. When printing ABS and ETERNAL, it is necessary to install protective screens, as they are enough to avoid delamination of the object.
Summing up, we note that Zmorph is a unique machine that will give the user great opportunities, and in return will ask only to be guided by the instructions. This device will find its well-deserved place in various workshops, design bureaus, and especially in educational institutions.
If you have any questions, write comments, call, contact us in the social.
