3D printing has come a long way; for instance, most devices are used to print one material at a time due to nozzle limitation, among other issues. However, technological innovations have given rise to versatile printing systems. For example, a dual extrusion 3D printer has two nozzles connected to the same head (dependent dual extruder) or two print heads (independent dual extruders). The configurations enable 3D printing enthusiasts to print complex and straightforward items with relative ease. Read on to learn about the benefits of dual extruder 3D printers for 3D printing enthusiasts.

Supports Multiple Filaments

With dual extrusion in 3D printing, you can use different filaments of varying colours and effects, including plastic filaments with wooden or metallic effects. Moreover, the printers can print seamlessly, with the central filament being loaded on one nozzle. In contrast, support filaments, such as dissolvable filament, PVA, and HIPS, are loaded on the other nozzle for building support structures.

Prints Super-Fast

An independent dual extruder 3D printer supports the simultaneous printing of two identical pieces. Notably, such printers have immense production speeds suitable for serial production. Furthermore, the printing rate in independent dual extruder printers is enhanced by an advanced user interface, such as automatically copying selected parts using printing software. In addition, the software supports the printing of symmetrical parts of models through mirroring. In summary, dual extrusion printing saves time and optimises the production of high-quality print works.

Combines Different Materials

Independent dual extrusion enables printer nozzles to achieve a significant temperature difference because the two heads are separate. Consequently, you can set the nozzles at different temperatures. The main benefit of temperature differentiation is that you can combine various materials to produce complex prints.

Prints in Multiple Colours 

A single nozzle 3D printer only uses one filament at a time. Therefore, if you want to print models with two colours, you are forced to stop print work, swap the filament, and reload a new colour before printing. Besides, two colours might not bond well once you resume printing. However, with dual extrusion technology, you can combine colours in a single print, making such printers useful for high-quality 3D printing. Additionally, the visual appeal of using two colours rather than one is apparent in dual extrusion. Similarly, dual extrusion 3D printing plays a functional role, such as creating a gradient effect using various colours or differentiating parts of a print being accentuated.

To find the right fit, talk to a 3D printer supplier about your options, including Zortrax 3D printers.