Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted · Dual independent Extruders

Hi,

I'm working on building a 3D printer with two independent extruders (they move on the Z axis together but totally independent on the X and Y Axes). The aim is to be able to print one object by two extruders.

this project could be based on Ultimaker original+ and I have no problem modifying the hardware.

the problem I'm facing is the software, I have been trying cura to print few stuff and I know it support dual extrusion but not the way I want. I had a look on the json files of cura but my programming knowledge is very basic and I couldn't understand a lot.

my I idea is to have two independent extruders where each one is free to move in the X and Y axes and once both extruders finish the layer the bed move in the Z axis to start the next layer (one extruder could finish before the other one).

my question is which software should I use and how to modify it in a way that it would control the two independent extruders.

sorry for the long speech but any tips on how or where to look would be appriciated

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Dual independent Extruders

    The slicing engine can't handle this at all at the moment I'm afraid. We assume that at any given time there is only one extruder active.

     

     

    ...and in addition: it's not only a question of the slicer.

    You will also need a firmware that can handle more than one extruder coordinate.

    (AFAIK Marlin is not able to do that).

     

    thank you for replying, so as I understand the slicer and the firmware can't support 2 extruders at the same time. do they have to be writing from scratch? or can they be modified? and how complicated is that?

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Dual independent Extruders

    Yet alone the effort to coordinate the two heads...in the slicer and the firmware...

    This will be a very interesting project! I hope you get it running. I would be really curious to see such a printer.

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Dual independent Extruders

    thank you for replying, so as I understand the slicer and the firmware can't support 2 extruders at the same time. do they have to be writing from scratch? or can they be modified? and how complicated is that?

     

    It's possible, but it's far from easy. But it's going to take an experienced software engineer at least a few months to have something remotely usable.

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Dual independent Extruders

    I suppose this guys done it but like many other companies it might not be opensource

     

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Dual independent Extruders

    Hi, I am the developer of Modix from the video

    Yes it is very challenging task and we are working on that for almost a year now and it will still take some time. Check our website for more details http://modix3d.com.

    Dividing the printing tasks between the print heads, calibration, collision prevention, making sure the seam is strong and accurate... this is only a partial list.

    • Like 1
    Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Dual independent Extruders

    Hi, I am the developer of Modix from the video

    Yes it is very challenging task and we are working on that for almost a year now and it will still take some time. Check our website for more details http://modix3d.com.

    Dividing the printing tasks between the print heads, calibration, collision prevention, making sure the seam is strong and accurate... this is only a partial list.

     

    Thanks for replying, will you allow the software to be open for public use or it is still in development?

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Dual independent Extruders

    It is still in development but we will release soon some large scale 3D printers with a single robot. printers of the size of 40X40X40 cm print space and above.

    More details on release

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now
    • Our picks

      • UltiMaker Cura 5.9 stable released!
        Here comes Cura 5.9 and in this stable release we have lots of material and printer profiles for UltiMaker printers, including the newly released Sketch Sprint. Additionally, scarf seams have been introduced alongside even more print settings and improvements.  Check out the rest of this article to find out the details on all of that and more
          • Like
        • 5 replies
      • Introducing the UltiMaker Factor 4
        We are happy to announce the next evolution in the UltiMaker 3D printer lineup: the UltiMaker Factor 4 industrial-grade 3D printer, designed to take manufacturing to new levels of efficiency and reliability. Factor 4 is an end-to-end 3D printing solution for light industrial applications
          • Heart
          • Thanks
          • Like
        • 4 replies
    ×
    ×
    • Create New...