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Topic: A dumb question about dual extruders

Can you print two identical objects at the same time?

Robox printer, HICTOP (Prusa i3 variant) Model 3DP17 printer, ELEK 2.5W laser engraver, AutoDesk 123D Design, Windows 10

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Re: A dumb question about dual extruders

I suppose with proper spacing between the two extruders and a little firmware tweaking this could be possible.

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Re: A dumb question about dual extruders

The Stacker folks do it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsyMWCGKJz8

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4 (edited by jagowilson 2016-01-20 20:33:22)

Re: A dumb question about dual extruders

Sure can, but the object would have to be no larger than the distance between your two hotends along XY. Considering we seek to minimize this space on our machines so both nozzles can use the entire bed space, it isn't really practical. Think of it like each hotend occupying a bounding rectangle along XY.

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Re: A dumb question about dual extruders

Heartlander wrote:

Can you print two identical objects at the same time?

There is no such thing as a dumb question. The 'dumb' thing would be to not ask and trying to figure it out yourself all the time wink

6 (edited by carl_m1968 2016-01-22 21:15:41)

Re: A dumb question about dual extruders

Heartlander wrote:

Can you print two identical objects at the same time?


I have a CT'c dual and although it would be possible, since dual color prints are in effect just two different prints that occupy the same space. The issue as others have said is nozzle spacing. They are not independent and are mounted on the same carriage. The spacing on mine is 37mm so with that the best I could do is two objects side by side that are no larger than 36.5mm square.

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Re: A dumb question about dual extruders

Stacker has one head permanently attached to the belt, and up to 3 others that can be locked on to the belt either spaced apart for printing multiple objects, or side by side for multi-material prints.

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Re: A dumb question about dual extruders

So that would dictate a size limitation for each print i.e. two heads could only each print an object one half the max print size for the printer.

Robox printer, HICTOP (Prusa i3 variant) Model 3DP17 printer, ELEK 2.5W laser engraver, AutoDesk 123D Design, Windows 10

9 (edited by carl_m1968 2016-01-23 00:04:54)

Re: A dumb question about dual extruders

Heartlander wrote:

So that would dictate a size limitation for each print i.e. two heads could only each print an object one half the max print size for the printer.


No the limitation is the spacing between the nozzles if was the common design like mine. Bed size is irrelevant in the scope of this question as I have a 230 by 140 bed and would not be able to print two objects at the same time that exceeded 37mm from side to side on the X axis. This is due to the nozzles crossing over into each others build zone if the objects where bigger. It is more common to have both nozzles on one carriage. So the limitation would be the spacing because if you larger then the right and left print would cross over into each other on the central area.

Printing since 2009 and still love it!
Anycubic 4MAX best $225 ever invested.
Voxelabs Proxima SLA. 6 inch 2k Mono LCD.
Anycubic Predator, massive Delta machine. 450 x 370 print envelope.

10

Re: A dumb question about dual extruders

That Stacker looks interesting. Quick change nozzles. And they offer their Hybrid hot end for sale to anyone. Says it will print the exotic filaments like carbon fiber.  $7k

http://stacker3d.com/

Robox printer, HICTOP (Prusa i3 variant) Model 3DP17 printer, ELEK 2.5W laser engraver, AutoDesk 123D Design, Windows 10

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Re: A dumb question about dual extruders

Stacker talks about how much more reliable and high quality commercial grade FDMs are than consumer grade. That's their angle. And the four print heads.

Robox printer, HICTOP (Prusa i3 variant) Model 3DP17 printer, ELEK 2.5W laser engraver, AutoDesk 123D Design, Windows 10