E3D has posted a blog entry about their multi material tool changer at [e3d-online.com]. They are using a kinematic coupling and a servo to attach a tool to the printing head in a way that makes the position very repeatable. Tools are parked at the back of the machine while they are not in use. The prototype has 4 switchable tools.



It seems to me that this offers the same benefits as IDEX (independent dual X carriages) but with a lighter Y axis, and it is much more easily extended to more than 2 tools. It also uses one less stepper motor and driver.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/22/2018 11:55AM by dc42.

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Large delta printer [miscsolutions.wordpress.com], E3D tool changer, Robotdigg SCARA printer, Crane Quad and Ormerod

Disclosure: I design Duet electronics and work on RepRapFirmware, [duet3d.com].

That is awesome! very inspiring...

ampapa,

Their approach is indeed one of the best.
Personally I was thinking to use the same approach used in cast bullet molds like here: [leeprecision.com] as it could be good enough but far less costly.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/22/2018 07:29AM by MKSA.

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"A comical prototype doesn't mean a dumb idea is possible" (Thunderf00t)

I think a servo isn't needed for the maxwell kinematic coupling they're using. I read the entirety of the article, and still think the kinematic coupling with SmCo magnets would've been ideal.