Independent dual extruders work independently from each other for more specialized printing functions. These include duplication and mirror mode, which print a copy of the object simultaneously for increased efficiency.

Most dual extruder printers also allow you to use the second nozzle for printing soluble support structures. This means you can print your model with a PVA or HIPS filament, easily dissolved in water or limonene, after printing to reduce post-processing time.

Increased Material Variety

You can print with ReDeTec dual extruders in multiple colors and use different filaments for a specific part. This allows for adding small details that add visual impact to your models. Alternatively, the second extruder can print support structures with a water-soluble filament such as Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA). This makes removing supports from your prints easy without the risk of deforming or damaging the final product. It also eliminates pausing and emptying the extruder, loading in a new filament, and resuming printing whenever you change materials for a multicolor or composite material model. All you need to do is lump the components of your model to be printed in a particular color or material together and export them as a single file.

Increased Printing Speed

Changing out filaments for a different color or material takes time when using a single extruder. Dual extruders eliminate this process, allowing the print to continue without interruption. Another advantage of the dual nozzle is printing models in PLA thermoplastic while printing support structures in water-soluble PVA or BVOH. This eliminates the need for complicated post-processing methods and provides structural improvements to a finished product. Independent dual extruders, also known as IDEX, work independently of each other for more specialized projects. These include duplication and mirror modes, allowing the printer to print two copies of a model simultaneously. Using this feature increases production speed and can reduce the time needed for each model. This is a significant benefit for manufacturers and production-line manufacturing.

Reduced Printing Costs

With dual extruder printers, you can print with two different filaments simultaneously, creating a multicolor print without needing to stop and reload a new filament color. This saves printing time and costs by reducing the number of purge blocks required. Dual extruder printers can also use the second nozzle to print with water-soluble support structures, like PVA or HIPS. This eliminates the need to print supports with the same filament as the published model and can drastically reduce post-processing needs. Some models require support structures to prevent deformation. This can be a pain to remove in post-processing, but with dual extruder printers, you can submerge the print in water to dissolve the supports.

Reduced Printing Time

Printing complex models that require support can be a pain and a waste of filament with single extruder printers. With dual extruders, you can print these structures with a water-soluble material and remove them easily after printing. Moreover, you can also use the second extruder to print rafts or infill while the first print your model, further reducing printing time. You can even print mirrored images or duplicate builds simultaneously, doubling your production speed and efficiency! Changing filaments in the middle of a print can be time-consuming and requires careful cleaning of all traces from the old material. Dual extruder 3D printers can use different colors or materials without switching filaments, reducing downtime and post-print cleanup.