Dual extruder 3D printers allow printing with two filaments simultaneously. This enables multi-color models, dissolvable supports, and more. But which dual extruder printer is right for your needs and budget? We review the top options.
What is a Dual Extruder 3D Printer?
A dual extruder 3D printer contains two independent extruders and hotends. This allows printing with two filaments at the same time.
Having two nozzles provides benefits like:
- Multi-color prints – Use different colored filaments.
- Dissolvable supports – Print supports in PVA or HIPS, then dissolve away.
- Multi-material – Combine flexible with rigid filaments.
- Improved speed – Print two parts at once.
- Easy material swaps – Clean nozzles less frequently.
Dual extrusion opens up new possibilities but requires a printer design that can handle two hotends moving together. Let’s look at the top models capable of this.
Best Dual Extruder 3D Printers
Prusa MK3S/MK3S+ MM Upgrade
The Prusa i3 MK3S can be upgraded with a Multi-Material Upgrade 2.0 kit for dual extrusion. This is the simplest way to retrofit dual nozzles onto an existing Prusa i3 printer.
The kit contains all the parts to add a second extruder and hotend assembly mirroring the first. It properly spaces the nozzles and runs wiring to the mainboard.
Once installed, the printer is capable of dual color or material prints. And you gain the reliability and print quality of a genuine Prusa device.
FlashForge Creator Max
The FlashForge Creator Max features dual extruders directly from the factory. It’s one of the most affordable enclosed dual extruder printers ready out-of-the-box.
Based on a classic Cartesian design, the Max boasts a sturdy metal frame. Dual independent Z-axis motors help keep the bed level with dual nozzles. Print quality is impressive for the reasonable price.
An enclosed heated chamber allows printing more materials like ABS without warping. The Creator Max gives beginners an easy introduction to multi-material possibilities.
Raise3D Pro 2 Plus
The Raise3D Pro 2 Plus takes a high-end approach to dual extrusion printing. It’s built like a tank with an all-metal construction and perfectly aligned dual hotends.
Raise3D uses an effective belt-driven gantry to move two E3D hotends together in tight synchronization. Nozzle oozing is minimized with a wiping system and auto-calibration.
With independent extruders, you can print flexible materials too. The onboard camera lets you monitor prints remotely. Expect exceptional quality with this professional-focused machine.
Ultimaker S5 Dual Extrusion
Known for superb print quality, the Ultimaker S5 can be optionally configured with the Dual Extrusion Kit upgrade. This adds a second print core and hotend for two-color printing.
As a leader in fused deposition modeling, Ultimaker delivers ultra-fine 0.4mm nozzle resolution and a heated bed up to 140°C. The fully enclosed build chamber stabilizes temps.
The Ultimaker S5 excels at technical printing with advanced materials. While not cheap, it reliably outputs complex dual extrusion prints.
FlashForge Dreamer NX Dual Extruder
Another strong pick under $2000, the FlashForge Dreamer NX also comes dual-ready out of the box. It shares the same sturdy, enclosed frame as the Creator Max.
Like its siblings, the Dreamer NX offers very competitive print quality in its price class. The inclusion of dual extruders makes it a flexible choice even for beginners learning the ropes.
Tiertime UP Box+ 2
The UP Box+ 2 from Tiertime ups the ante for consumer printers with dual extrusion capabilities. Two E3D Titan extruders allow printing with a huge range of filaments.
It’s an enclosed printer with graceful curves and a touchscreen interface. Capable printing in ABS, PLA, wood composites, conductive PLA, and flexible materials right away – an excellent combination of form and function.
CreatBot F430 Dual Extruder
On the budget end, the CreatBot F430 provides a basic dual extruder option at low cost. It’s a Cartesian printer with a solid steel frame and 230 x 150 x 150 mm build volume.
The F430 may not match the polish of premium brands but offers dual printing on the cheap. With some calibration, it punches above its class for budget consumers or schools.
Ultimaker S3 Dual Extrusion
A more compact alternative to the S5, the Ultimaker S3 can also be upgraded with a second extruder kit. It trades off some build volume for easier transportation and setup.
In return, you still get industry-leading technical print quality in a reliable package. And all the expanded capabilities of soluble supports and multi-material printing.
Key Considerations for Dual Extruders
Several factors to think about when selecting a dual extruder 3D printer include:
Print Quality
Having two hotends moving in sync places greater demands on the motion controls and calibration. Cheaper printers often struggle to align nozzle heights and produce messy prints. Stick with established brands for quality dual extrusion.
Nozzle Offset
The distance between the nozzles needs to precisely match typical layer heights. Look for at least 0.4mm x/y offsets between nozzles to avoid interference.
Filament Runout Detection
With two spools, it’s critical to have filament runout detection and the ability to automatically pause printing when filament runs out to prevent failed prints.
Multi-Material Options
Consider printers with hotends that can reach the high temps needed for advanced filaments like ABS. Enclosed build chambers also help for tricky materials like Nylon.
Price
Basic dual extruder printers start around $800, but expect to pay $1500+ for reliable performance. Professional-level options run $3000+. Think about how frequently you’ll use dual material capabilities when deciding budget.
Dual Extruder vs CoreXY
CoreXY printers are another way to potentially achieve dual extrusion by adding a second external extruder. However, this is generally not recommended over integrated dual extruder designs.
Drawbacks of CoreXY dual extrusion include:
- Requires DIY modifications and kludgy gantry attachments.
- Independent extruder heights hard to align perfectly.
- External wiring and cabling to add second extruder.
- Typically only one hotend actively printing while other parked.
- Often limited to slower print speeds.
True integrated dual extruders specifically designed to print simultaneously will provide a much smoother and higher quality experience.
Do You Need a Dual Extruder Printer?
Here are signs you may benefit from a dual extruder 3D printer:
- Need multi-color models, lithophanes, or complex artistic prints.
- Regularly print with dissolvable support material like HIPS or PVA.
- Combining flexible and rigid filaments for multi-material parts.
- Frequently printing in ABS or other high-temp materials.
- Higher volume production with ability to print two parts at once.
- Plan to experiment with exotic filaments like wood, metal, carbon composites.
If any of these apply, a dual extruder printer will expand your printing possibilities compared to a standard single nozzle machine.
The Future of Multi-Extrusion
As printer technology improves, we’re seeing even more creativity with multi-extruder capabilities:
- Greater than 2 extruders – Already printers like the Palette+ adopt triple extrusion for even more flexibility.
- CoreXY with independent dual extruders – Allows true simultaneous printing rather than just nozzle duplication.
- Mixing extruders – Dynamically mix filaments to achieve custom gradients and modeling combinations impossible otherwise.
- Pellet extruders – Moving beyond filament to raw plastic pellets for greater material options.
Dual extrusion is just the beginning – expect continual innovation in this area to push multi-material 3D printing to new levels.
Conclusion
Adding a second printable filament opens exciting new opportunities in 3D printing. Dual nozzle printers simplify printing models in multiple colors and materials.
While retrofitting standard printers is possible, integrated dual extruder machines from trusted brands deliver the best experience.
If your workflow regularly requires soluble supports or multi-color/material parts, investing in a purpose-built dual extruder 3D printer is recommended. The flexibility will quickly pay dividends over a single nozzle design.
Pingback: The Ultimate Guide to Extruder 3D Printers - 3DPrinterStuff
Pingback: The Creality CR-6 SE: A Reliable, User-Friendly 3D Printer for Beginners and Experts Alike - 3DPrinterStuff