Filament Swapping Devices
(Redirected from FDM Filament Switcher)
Contents
Basics
- This page goes over various devices that allow for the swapping of filament in a single nozzle system automatically
- This page also shows their advantages and disadvantages over other systems such as Multi Nozzle 3D Printers
Off The Shelf Options
Palette
- Uses thermal welding/splicing as well, and thus is less prone to jamming
- Newest Version Has 4 filament spools per unit
- Palette
Prusa MMU
- Newest version uses 5 filament spools per unit
- Some users say it is prone too jamming (any ways to reduce this (techniques/hardware changes ) ? ) Needs more research
- Prusa MMU
Existing Open Source Designs
OSE Work
Advantages
- Allows for multi color printing
- Allows for automatic spool changing/swaping
- Allows for swapping to similar melting point materials
- Extruder Module takes up less space than Multi Nozzle 3D Printers and thus more printable area per area
- May allow for some sort of automatic Cleaning Filament use in Print Farms for reliability and reduced downtime?
Disadvantages
- Tends to take up more space (an additional "box" etc)
- Requires use of a FDM Filament Purge Block
- May jam
- May not work with swaps between filaments with a wide difference in melting point
