Number of toolheads
I originally ordered my XL with 2 toolheads. One for printing and the other for support. Now I am thinking I might want to add another for printing additional materials. However, on the order form, I only see now options for 1, 3, and 5 heads.
Is it still possible to add just one more toolhead? Can you order 3?
Also, while I might not have use for 5 toolheads I would like the possibility of a Laser toolhead or (if only) CNC head. But what would be the right route? Order 5 toolheads , then store the unused ones to gather dust. Or rather order just the 3D printing heads and later, if new options become available, order them?
My concern with this would be wiring and PSU's...
What do you guys think?
RE: Number of toolheads
IMNSHO, a CNC head on a 3D printer is probably going to be next to useless and a laser head won't be much better. At least if you care about quality work.
RE: Number of toolheads
Is it still possible to add just one more toolhead? Can you order 3?
I think you have to wait for additional accessories. I am sure, there will be separate toolheads. But upgrade to more than 2 toolheads needs an extra pci card too. For now you have to stay on two, or upgrade to 5 toolheads when your reservation changes to an order.
RE: Number of toolheads
Yeah, CNC and 3D printing require different parameters, however, it would be sweet to have the printer sand by itself (mill) prints. In some cases, like mockups, 3D print lines are not desirable. So a PLA or ABS CNC I think could get some folks interested.
RE: Number of toolheads
Yeah, apart from the issues of rigidity and the forces required, 3D printers need to be clean. You can't be showering them with chips and lubricant. A laser head is better, but has ventilation and eye protection requirements that FDM printing doesn't share.
RE:
If you want a CNC, buy a CNC.
If you want a laser, buy a laser.
RE: Number of toolheads
Well, plastic doesn't require lubricant, and the forces to mill it are not that big of a problem. As for Laser fumes, I was already considering a full enclosure with HEPA in case I do ABS.
RE: Number of toolheads
If you're milling the same sort of plastic you're printing, it's a thermoplastic with relatively low melting point. You're probably at least going to want cooling. And even with plastic, the forces are much more than those in printing. And then there's the massive contamination catastrophe bringing an immediate end to the machine's useful life as a 3D printer as soon as you touch something with the CNC head...
RE: Number of toolheads
🧐 Hum.... I see your point...
If you're milling the same sort of plastic you're printing, it's a thermoplastic with relatively low melting point. You're probably at least going to want cooling. And even with plastic, the forces are much more than those in printing. And then there's the massive contamination catastrophe bringing an immediate end to the machine's useful life as a 3D printer as soon as you touch something with the CNC head...
RE: Number of toolheads
I work all day surrounded by CNC machines. CNC mills are filthy beasts. You would not one in even the same neighborhood as an fdm printer.
Don’t trust forum advice.
RE: Number of toolheads
On the topic of the toolhead number, do you guys think is feasible to have an XL with 3?
RE: Number of toolheads
Yes, you can almost certainly config an XL with 3 tool heads. Just isn't showing up on the order page quite yet. I believe that for more than two toolheads, you will need a daughter control board, so the 3rd tool head might cost you more than you think.
But this is all rhetorical until they start shipping anything. But I would bet money that once they do start shipping, you will be able to order additional heads in any quantity you like. I pre-ordered a 2 head version, but 3 heads would be a sweet spot - save two slots for unknown heads coming down the road.
Multi headed also creates issues that I have yet to sort out. It needs an enclosure, and then there is spool management. I buy 10# spools - where do 5 of those go? Multi heads make no sense if one of the spools run out...
Don’t trust forum advice.
RE: Number of toolheads
Nice to know, that at least, we have a choice. Even if is a pricy one.
As for the number of heads, I too think 3 is the sweet spot. Although I originally ordered 2...
Yes, you can almost certainly config an XL with 3 tool heads. Just isn't showing up on the order page quite yet. I believe that for more than two toolheads, you will need a daughter control board, so the 3rd tool head might cost you more than you think.
But this is all rhetorical until they start shipping anything. But I would bet money that once they do start shipping, you will be able to order additional heads in any quantity you like. I pre-ordered a 2 head version, but 3 heads would be a sweet spot - save two slots for unknown heads coming down the road.
Multi headed also creates issues that I have yet to sort out. It needs an enclosure, and then there is spool management. I buy 10# spools - where do 5 of those go? Multi heads make no sense if one of the spools run out...
RE: Number of toolheads
is it correct to assume we will be able to upgrade from 1 head to more in the future once our needs increase / supply chain fixes itself?
RE: Number of toolheads
That was part of the original announcement. There is an upgrade path from 1 to multiple toolheads.
is it correct to assume we will be able to upgrade from 1 head to more in the future once our needs increase / supply chain fixes itself?
RE: Number of toolheads
Yes from the site,
Reserve your place in line by paying the refundable deposit.
Once your order is about to be shipped,
you will receive a notification with the option to edit your order
select a specific XL version, add accessories, add-ons, filaments, etc.
The deposit will be deducted from the total price.
😉