Dual color 3d printer

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.

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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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

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Flashforge Dreamer

Best under $500

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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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TENLOG TL-D3 Pro

Best under $1000

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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

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Flashforge Creator Pro 2

Best under $1000

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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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QIDI Tech i-Fast

Best prosumer

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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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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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BCN3D Sigma D25

Best professional

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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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Raise3D Pro 3

Best professional

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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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Ultimaker S5

Best professional

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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

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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.

The Best Dual Extruder 3D Printers in 2022 (for Dual 3D Printing and Multicolor 3D Printing)

Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best dual extruder 3D printers 2022. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.

3D printing in itself is a progressive technology that is extremely useful in many businesses, but it's also a fun activity for DIY hobbyists too. With rapid advancements taking place in the sector regularly, we have seen a lot of impressive things from this industry and can expect to see a lot more in the near future.

Dual extruder 3D printers can produce colorful and creative projects with two different filaments

Image credit: Shutterstock/Alex_Traksel

Although it's been around for a long time in the professional 3D printing world, one of the newer technologies introduced to at-home 3D printers is dual extrusion which allows users to print with two filaments at the same time, meaning you can mix colors and multiple materials—from PETG, ABS, PLA, and carbon, to metal, wood fill, and multicolor printing filaments—to produce extremely creative projects that can even be created simultaneously.

What is a Dual Extruder 3D Printer?

Dual extrusion in 3D printing refers to the art of printing using different materials, whether you choose different colors or different types of filaments with various effects, such as plastic filaments with metallic, or wooden effects. 

This gives you the ability to make superior and more impressive products, and many professionals, as well as 3D printing enthusiasts, and those who own small businesses, i.e. Etsy shops selling 3D printed creations, swear by it. 

Dual Extruder Printer—Buying Guide

3D printers with dual extruding capacity are, understandably, slightly pricier than single extruders, but it is a major upgrade from the single types, and there are many dual extruder 3D printers on the market at reasonable prices of around US$300-US$400. Since you’ll be spending quite a bit on this impressive piece of equipment, you want to make sure you’re buying the best one for your needs.

Types of Dual Extruder 3D Printers

Though most dual printing machines allow for multi-color printing with different materials, there are two main types of dual extruder 3D printers available:

Independent dual extruder system

IDEX printers have two print heads and two nozzles with each print head able to either mirror the other in mirror mode, duplicate items with duplication mode, or print two completely separate objects.

Dependant dual extruders

These dual extruders have two extruders that are connected and move together to create one object using two different filaments. Two spools are loaded on the 3D printer and the printer alternates using them. These printers have the key advantage of reducing printing time since more print material can be produced than with just a single print head.

Dual Extrusion Printers—Considerations

Here are some other factors to consider why trying to find the best dual extruder 3D printers for your needs.

Print bed

As with regular 3D printers, print beds in dual extruder printers come in heated or non-heated options. A 3D printer with a heated print bed is, understandably, usually more expensive than a non-heated option but a heating plate can offer better print quality by keeping the bottom layers warm and reduce the chances of your prints warping during the printing process.

Print heads

Whereas a regular 3D printer just has one print head, a dual extruder printer will have more than one print head, with either two extruders, and sometimes even three. Some dual extruder 3D printers might have just one print head but a dual nozzle that can use two separate filaments on one print. A dual nozzle is great for printing an object in several materials or colors.

Print volume

Print volume, also referred to as the printing volume or the build volume, is how big an object you can build on any given printer. For an at-home printer, projects that would need a huge build volume would likely involve a printing process that would see the object printed off in separate parts and then stuck together afterward. The average size of a 3D printer with a larger build plate would be around 300 x 300 x 400mm.

Calibration

If you’re a beginner to the world of 3D printing, a printer with automatic calibration is highly recommended. As with most aspects in 3D printing, calibrating a 3D printer has a learning curve and an automatic calibration feature can save you time and hassle and do the hard work for you.

Other factors

Another consideration you may want to keep in mind is cost. A dual extruding printer will be priced higher than a regular single head printer, plus maintenance costs will be higher, too, because there are more parts to this machine. In addition, if you’ll be working with various filaments at the same time (or even the same filament but with two extruders), factoring in higher costs for different materials is also a must.

Some machines even come with an added laser engraver feature or you could buy a compatible laser engraver to use with it. Whatever you’re after in a dual extruding 3D printer, our below list has some of the best models on the market to suit an array of styles, needs, and budgets.

Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best Dual Extruder 3D Printers 2022

We've scoured around and found some of the best 3D dual extruders worth taking a look at.

Best-Rated Dual Extruder 3D Printer: BIBO 3D Dual Extruder Printer | Buy Now

Best Dual Independent Extruder 3D Printer: TENLOG TL-D3 Pro Dual Extruder 3D Printer | Buy Now

Best Enclosed Dual Extruder 3D Printer: FlashForge Dreamer Dual Extruder 3D Printer | Buy Now

Best Cheap Dual Extruder 3D Printer: Sovol SV02 3D Printer | Buy Now

Best Professional Dual Extruder 3D Printer: Raise3D E2 Desktop 3D Printer | Buy Now

Best Quiet Dual Extrusion Machine: JG AURORA Artist-D Pro IDEX 3D Printer | Buy Now

Scroll down to read more about our top picks for the best dual extruder 3D printers according to thousands of happy buyers.

*Prices listed in this article were as shown in US$ on Amazon.com (USA) as of April 2022

1. Best-Rated Dual Extruder 3D Printer—BIBO 3D Printer Dual Extrusion

A great printer well under the US$1000 mark, is this BIBO dual extruding 3D printer; a fully enclosed model with a very sturdy frame, full-color touch screen, WiFi capabilities, a demountable glass bed, and a low filament detector to let you know when you need to replace it before it's too late. 

You can operate it via your phone or tablet if you so wish, and, in addition to printing two colors, it also has the ability to print two objects at the same time. This printer can print in two colors or filament materials, and can also print the dissolvable filament for support material.

One five-star review reads, "The dual extruder function is great, I'm able to use PLA filament and a soluble filament to print out some gears that impressed my friends and coworkers. .. Customer support is AMAZING. Every problem I had is solved very promptly and professionally, even though my printer is well out of their warranty."

Specifications

Build volume: 8.4 x 7.3 x 6.3 inches

Layer resolution: 0.05-0.3mm

Filament compatibility: multiple filaments including ABS, PLA, HIPS, TPU, PETG, nylon, PC, carbon fiber

BUY NOW:

US$579, Amazon

2. Best Independent Dual Extruder 3D Printer—TENLOG Independent Dual Extrusion 3D Printer with Dual Nozzle

Whereas other dual extruding printers have one nozzle that can print from two pre-loaded filament spools, a 3D printer with independent dual extruding capabilities, like this model from TENLOG, has two separate nozzles, each with its own spool, that print at the same time but independently from each other. 

This dual nozzle printer can print a duplicate in one go with its duplication or mirroring print modes, in the same or multiple colors, and many customers were left impressed with the high print quality this printer offers.

One happy buyer who described himself as a "3D printing veteran", wrote that the printer is "amazing" and that its print quality is "gorgeous", while another reviewer added "the touch screen and print quality are excellent."

Specifications

Build volume: 11.8 x 11.8 x 13.8 inches

Print speed: 10-150mm/s

Layer thickness: 0.1-0.4mm

Filament compatibility: PVA, TPU, ABS, PLA, nylon

BUY NOW:

US$499.99, Amazon

3. Best Enclosed Dual Extruder 3D Printer—FlashForge Dreamer Dual Extruder 3D Printer

The Dreamer by FlashForge is a fan favorite for many reasons; its fully enclosed design and sleek look, WiFi connectivity, user-friendly and high-res color touch screen, built-in 4G memory, full manufacturer's warranty, FlashForge's superior customer service, and, of course, it's dual extruder capabilities.

In addition, some consider this dual extrusion printer to be a professional piece of kit at the price of more beginner-level 3D printers and its large printing volume helps users get creative. 

"This printer is the best bang for your buck to create large, very high-quality prints," one happy buyer reviewed. "[It] has a very high quality, well planned/built enclosure, which you won't find in many printers at this price. It even has two filament spool holders inside the enclosure."

Specifications

Build volume: 230 x 150 x 150 mm

Print speed: “100 micron and can really go to 75 micron at slower printing speed” (as per one customer)

Resolution: 0.1-0.2mm

Filament compatibility: ABS, PVA, PLA, 

BUY NOW:

US$699, Amazon

4. Best Cheap Dual Extruder 3D Printer—Sovol SV02 3D Printer

Great for beginners, this dual extrusion 3D printer from Sovol with large print volume capacity comes 95% pre-assembled so you can get to printing pretty much straight out of the box. Its full-metal body is stable and made to last, and the touch-screen is user-friendly. 

With an impressive build volume, and the ability to print in two colors (or two types of filament), you'd be hard-pressed to find another 3D printer with the same capabilities at this price. In addition, you could buy an extra kit that will turn this thing into a laser engraving machine too if you’d like to add that something special that laser engraving can bring to your projects.

"I purchased it for the dual extrusion capability, and the large build area," wrote one buyer. "I was very impressed with the smoothness of this printer. The only sound during operation is the sound from the fans." Another happy purchaser helpfully added that the "dual extrusion is awesome, but for most prints, you will waste a lot of filament with the purge tower due to the shared hot end. It is a necessary evil."

Specifications

Build volume: 240 x 280 x 300 mm

Print precision: ±0. 1mm

Layer thickness: 0.1-0.4mm

Filament compatibility: can support material including PLA, ABS, PETG, WOOD, TPU

BUY NOW:

US$359, Amazon

5. Best Professional Dual Extruder 3D Printer—Raise3D E2 3D Printer

For a professional 3D printing matching (with a price tag to match), the Raise3D is actually rather simple to use and even easier to set up. It has an auto bed leveling system and will guide you through the offset calibration system via a video.

It has an intuitive user interface with a large 7-inch touchscreen, and also many other features such as independent dual direct-drive extruders, a filament run-out sensor, resume-printing function, WiFi connectivity, and a live, built-in camera so you can monitor your prints remotely. 

There's even a HEPA filter to clear any harmful and annoying fumes. It's compatible with almost any filament available. "This is my second dual-extruder printer," wrote one thrilled customer, "and compared to all of the less expensive units, the difference is night and day... Where the less expensive printers leave you feeling like the printer itself is more of a prototype, this one screams quality polished product."

Specifications

Build volume: 11.6 x 9.4 x 9.4 inches

Minimum layer height: 20 microns (0.02 – 0.25 mm)

Precision: 0.78125, 0.78125, 0.078125 micron

Filament compatibility: practically all of them (PLA, ABS, HIPS, PC, TPU, TPE, Nylon, PETG, ASA, PP, PVA, glass fiber infused, carbon fiber infused, metal fill, wood fill)

BUY NOW:

US$3,499, Amazon

6. Best Quiet Dual Extrusion Machine—JG AURORA Artist-D Pro IDEX 3D Printer

With super quiet functioning so that you can leave it printing all night if needed without waking up the whole household, the Artist-D Pro 3D printer by JG AURORA has an IDEX system, an ejectable nozzle for easy replacement, changes, and maintenance, and an industrial-grade linear rail for smooth and practically friction-free precision.

It provides the option to change to an optical limit switch, and, as a step up from the Artist-D, has a color touch screen. There are power-resume and filament runout detector functions and duplicate as well as mirror printing options.

One customer with a lot of experience in 3D printing with industrial printers felt that this printer is “the best desktop printer I have ever purchased,” and added, “it has features that my more expensive desktop printers do not have… It has been printing since it showed up at my door, well-needed production parts.” 

Specifications

Build volume: 300 x 300 x 340mm build plate

Precision: up to 0.001 mm 

Filament compatibility: PLA, TPU, PETG, PVA

BUY NOW:

US$599, Amazon

The BIBO 3D Printer (US$579, Amazon) is a great foray into the world of dual extruding, but for something a bit more economical, the price-performance ratio of the Sovol SV02 3D printer (US$359, Amazon) is impressive too.  

We hope our review of the best dual Extruder 3D printers has been helpful and you found the best dual extrusion printer for your needs to get creative and print objects in multiple colors, shapes, and sizes, and perhaps even add laser engraving to the mix too. For more 3D printers and other 3D printing suppliers, including 3D printer filaments suppliers, additive manufacturing suppliers, 3D photographic printing services, and 3D sand printing additive manufacturing, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.

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More from Custom Manufacturing & Fabricating

two-tone PLA Matte by ERYONE

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Two-tone plastics got to me.

Recently, they have become increasingly popular among users of 3D printers at home, thanks to an unusual combination of colors and a vertical gradient (unlike a rainbow).

I took three promo sets of two-color filament from Erion in order to cover the entire spectrum of colors of this type of filament. The promo set differs from a regular reel in that in one box you get four pieces of different colors of 250 grams. This is quite enough to look at the colors, and only then buy your favorite options for 1 kilogram.

In this review, we will look at 4 options for PLA Matte plastic.

The set contains the following colors:

• Eryone PLA Matte Blue & Yellow

• Eryone PLA Matte Yellow & Purple

• Eryone PLA Matte Green & Purple

• Eryone PLA Matte Blue & Purple

Coils are supplied in a small cardboard box. Each coil is sealed in a vacuum bag and enclosed in a VPP bag. The coils themselves are transparent and quite convenient to use.

Bar itself matt. If you pay attention to the rod, you can see that the filament is not uniform, but consists of two halves of different colors.

I took tigers and cups as models. Tigrikov printed with different temperatures: 210, 200, 190, 180 degrees. Like a temperature tower. Since it happens that the tower shows one thing, but on a real model the picture is completely different. In general, plastics of the matte series are always a pain for me, because even with very long retracts and good airflow they still snotty when printing. Perhaps the closed case of the printer affects, the air inside after about an hour of printing is 43 degrees. I should probably make an exhaust fan on the hood as I've been printing more PLA lately.

The manufacturer specifies a working fork of 180-220 degrees on the reel. When printing a tiger at 210 degrees, we see that small droplets of plastic form on the surface of the model, as well as a large pile of strings.

There are much fewer strings at 180 degrees, there are no streaks, but here the interlayer already suffers, in some places the layers do not sinter as it should, which affects the surface of the model. Although, in general, the model turned out to be dense and, in principle, it can still be saved by post-processing.

In general, the idea of ​​such a plastic is cool, but in my opinion it does not really suit animal models, well, or I chose the patient poorly. But all sorts of cups look just bomb.

Of the colors I tested, I liked blue-red and blue-green the most. I'll probably order them in 1kg. But here, as always, taste, you may like a different combination.

Well, a little spoiler for the next review: two-tone silk plastics.

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JGMaker Artist-D - 3D printer with two independent extruders launched on Kickstarter

3DPrintStory    News    JGMaker Artist-D - 3D printer with two independent extruders launched on Kickstarter

You may not have heard of the new 3D printer called JGMaker Artist-D. This was to be expected. This 3D printer has just been announced and will be available for pre-order via Kickstarter starting September 17, 2020.

You can learn from the Kickstarter page that IDEX technology is a technology with several separate extruders that can work independently of each other. This offers several advantages over a multi-die solution that uses only one die.

First, it allows you to print multiple colors on the same model without having to clean the filament before each color change, so you save material and speed up the 3D printing process. The JGMAKER Artist-D 3D printer is quite different from other low cost 3D printers with only one extruder and print bed. The JGMAKER Artist-D 3D printer is designed with independent dual extruders, offering more 3D printing options.

Artist-D offers the following notable features:

• Independent dual extrusion: stopping one extruder does not affect the operation of the other;
• large workspace: large single models up to 310 x 310 x 350 mm or 111 x 310 x 350 mm for two identical models;
• single color: prints one color from one extruder, like other 3D printers;
• Dual Color: Prints one object in two colors;
• derkalo: print left and right mirror versions of an object;
• duplicate: prints two identical copies of the same object at the same time;
• direct drive: allows you to print different types of materials;
• 32-bit chip: it has TMC 2208, which ensures high printing performance and quiet printing environment;
• Modular Nozzle: 3D printer makes it easy to change nozzles or quickly replace a nozzle if clogged;
• Dual Z-Axis: This function improves the accuracy so that the specified Z-axis accuracy is 0. 001 mm;
• material end detector: if the 3D printer runs out of material, it will not affect the 3D printing process;
• 3D printing resume: in the event of a power outage, whether it's a fuse or an accidental power outage, you don't have to start printing again;
• flexible magnetic platform for the table: this allows you to easily remove the 3D model after printing is completed;
• strength and stability: strong metal base makes the printer more stable and makes the electrical components safer;
• X Linear Guide: 3D printer provides smoother operation with less friction and higher precision;
• is easy to assemble: it takes about 5-10 minutes to assemble everything;
• open source: It is based on Marlin 2.0 open source firmware, which allows users to customize it according to their needs.

While most 3D printers have a single extruder, some modern models include so-called "independent dual extruders". A common problem with dual extruders is that an inactive heated nozzle tends to expel material onto the model, causing the 3D print to fail. But with Artist-D, this problem has been solved. Solved by adding a "brush" that can automatically wipe down an inactive brush head before it causes any problems.

To offer you more 3D printing options, the Artist-D is designed with a direct drive that has a gap-free feed system that makes the distance between the filament feed motor as small as possible, preventing 3D printing problems with flexible materials. The Artist-D is also equipped with a nozzle extrusion kit that allows you to easily and quickly remove the nozzle in just one step - by pressing the change button. The active nozzle can then be removed or replaced. This means fast and convenient repairs in the event of malfunctions.

Another great feature of this 3D printer is the high quality cabling that is really user friendly. The design attempts to minimize the number of stray wires and cables. A set of four main FCC internal wires are adapted to do most of the work, and they are neatly placed away from the main 3D printer node paths. The Artist-D is equipped with a high-performance 32-bit chip that ensures precise movement of the dual extruders. It also includes advanced stepper motor drivers that make this model virtually silent during operation. Like most modern 3D printers, the Artist-D includes a "job recovery" feature. Press the Print Pause button if you want the Artist-D to stop printing immediately or if you need to replace the plastic.

Some of you may have concerns about the quality of a project when it goes live on Kickstarter because the crowdfunding site used to be a startup platform. However, now that Kickstarter has brought together a lot of creative people, more and more large companies are starting to move to the site to promote their brands. Creality is just such an example. They launched CR 6 SE in May and got over 10,000 audience through Kickstarter. On the other hand, JGMaker has already completed development of its prototype product and sent out a beta version to some prominent YouTube users and bloggers for testing.


Artist-D is a product of JGMaker, which has just changed its brand name from JGAurora to JGMaker. It is an established public company founded over ten years ago in Shenzhen, China. They have a lot of experience in building 3D printers. They currently offer over nine different models including desktop FDM and industrial 3D printers.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Artist-D is its Kickstarter price. While other independent dual extrusion units can cost thousands, the first 500 Artist-D units will sell for as little as 339US dollars with free shipping. It comes with a three-year warranty, which is exceptional for the 3D printing industry. Of course, this is a big discount at launch, as after Kickstarter the price will go up to $599, which is still an incredible price.

If you are a creative person and DIY enthusiast, and want to experiment with an independent dual extrusion 3D printer at a low price, it looks like the Artist-D is a good choice to fulfill your desires.

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