shitescalatesSep 4, 2023

Best method for dual filament

https://midwest.social/post/2784767

Best method for dual filament - midwest.social

I’m thinking of building a new printer and would love to be able to make 2 color prints or dissolvable supports. Does anyone have any experience with this. I see 3 paths. 1. Two hot ends Pros: Most robust No retraction or filament waste Cons: Alignment issues. Reduced travel Dragging nozzle 2. Dual filament hot end(taichi style) Pros: Easy to mount No offsets Cons: Jamming? Long retraction 3. Y splitter Pros: easy to mount No offset Compatible with any hot end Cons jamming Super long retraction

Show threadrambos

May I ask what is Y splitter? Is that DIY version of 2.?

I would add 4. Idex printer and 5. mmu. Maybe even 6. manual filament swap (its what I use haha) and 7. Sharpie hack (rofl)

I was never seriously considered getting one myself, but interested a lot. Following…

Sep 4, 2023 at 4:04pmWeb
Show threadmoodySep 4, 2023
Filament swap is not really a valid alternative when it comes to something like wanting dissolving supports. It’s only realistic if you want to change the color or material for a fairly large consecutive portion of a print. Otherwise you’re going to have to swap out the filament every layer.
Show threadrambosSep 4, 2023
Sharpie hack is also not a valid alternative hehe. These 2 were more like a joke, but for simple designs manual swap works like a charm. Swapping filament every layer would be honest work tho
Show threadshitescalatesSep 4, 2023
Y splitter is something that goes in the middle of the Bowden tube to allow two extruders. Its similar to #2 but allows you to use any hot end.
Show threadrambosSep 4, 2023
How do you handle long uneven and “streched” filament end after full retraction? Sounds like 2. in hard mode
Show threadshitescalatesSep 5, 2023
IDK, thats why I asked.
Show threadthegreekgeekSep 20, 2023

I’ve had my eye on this one ever since I saw it on Reddit years ago: www.3dchameleon.com

It uses switches on the z-axis to kick off the filament change, not sure how it deals with stretched filament.

Home of the 3DChameleon

Welcome to 3D Chameleon, the home of the $179 color changer for your 3D Printer.

3D Chameleon
Show threadrambosSep 20, 2023
Interesting, thx for sharing