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.
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].