Welcome! Log In Create A New Profile

3 in 1 out upgrade

Rjward1775

3 in 1 out upgrade
July 22, 2017 10:27PM

Registered: 6 years ago
Posts: 3

I'm planning on getting the prusa model and I want to upgrade it to the 3 in 1 out multi-filament configuration.

Other than the hotend, I need two more filament feed motors and an assembly to support the whole thing. Do I also need a board to control the feeds and mixing and whatnot?

Thanks.

Reply Quote

o_lampe

Re: 3 in 1 out upgrade
July 23, 2017 02:18AM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 5,232

You can add external stepper drivers to a RAMPS board.
When you run the z-axis steppers by only one driver, you need one more driver.
You will need three Bowden tube extruders. I'd add a separate frame for them, because their weight can cause problems.

Reply Quote

Rjward1775

Re: 3 in 1 out upgrade
July 23, 2017 02:45PM

Registered: 6 years ago
Posts: 3

Thanks!

I saw a video with four filaments last night and they ran the four Bowden tube extruders from the top framework. That seems the best idea to minimize carriage weight. It should also minimize deflection of the filament and make for smoother flow.

So I need a RAMPS board, two additional Bowden extruders and their framework.

The driver is firmware, right?

Reply Quote

VonRansak

Re: 3 in 1 out upgrade
July 24, 2017 02:22AM

Registered: 7 years ago
Posts: 73

Quote
Rjward1775
Thanks!

So I need a RAMPS board, two additional Bowden extruders and their framework.

Wait till you get your machine printing and print a few times before spending a bunch of money on upgrades, imo. Things will make more sense then and the first battle is getting good prints off of ONE extruder, before you multiply headache/weak points/features.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/24/2017 02:23AM by VonRansak.

Reply Quote

o_lampe

Re: 3 in 1 out upgrade
July 24, 2017 11:33AM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 5,232

The external driver looks like that:
[goo.gl]

Marlin firmware ( and others ) are ready to support 3in1out extruders.

Reply Quote

Rjward1775

Re: 3 in 1 out upgrade
July 24, 2017 05:08PM

Registered: 6 years ago
Posts: 3

Yes, crawling before running is a good idea.
I certainly plan on calibrating and getting consistent results before I try to change things.

I just wanted to get an idea for what was involved.