I have started cutting metal and printing parts for my next 3D printer, but now I realise that I don't have the slightest idea how I am going to address the software implications of my design.
The printer has a build stage that moves in X and Y with a bank of extruders moving only in the Z direction. When each extruder is needed it is moved to the index position and extended downwards slightly. The bank of extruders would be mounted on a turret or perhaps a sliding block - mouth organ style.
Does anybody know if this method is catered for in existing slicers, host software and firmware? At a minimum, some output is needed to get a stepper to move the next extruder into position. Extension of the selected extruder and retraction of the unused extruder would be done by a cam mechanism.
My reason for trying out an XY build stage is that any more than two extruders would have more mass than most build stages even with a build under way. Although I have bowden extruders on two of my previous printers, they seem less than satisfactory for softer materials such as Ninjaflex. I am hoping to start with three extruders and move to 5 with a digital depth gauge in the 6th position for bed leveling.
Mike
