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Dewey79
(@dewey79)
Honorable Member
XL Filament Changes

I wonder if the XL will be capable of swapping out filament in one tool head while another one is printing?

Posted : 20/12/2021 7:28 pm
Neal3d
(@neal3d)
Eminent Member
RE: XL Filament Changes

I asked that question on a Prusa Live and did not get an answer. It would be a great feature to have to keep printers running a 100%. 

However after thinking about it. My guess is active filament changes will not be possible. This is due to having to power the Toolheads (Extruder Motor, Heater) while on the tool changer to insert filament . My guess is the tool changer will not be powered and therefore not possible.

I suspect the Filament Change procedure would be similar to what have today. Pause Print via menu,  Select Toolhead, Toolhead Loads, Heats Filament, Eject Filament, load new filament, purge, Restart Print.  Items ins Italic would be new steps.

Having said that Prusa/Community has surprised us before. Keeping Fingers crossed.

Posted : 20/12/2021 8:13 pm
DoctorRudd
(@doctorrudd)
Eminent Member
RE: XL Filament Changes

From lookin at the video I would guess, it would be possible. As there are up to 3 power supply units, I believe every toolhead will (can) be turned on while in waiting position. 

Best regards, Peter

Posted : 21/12/2021 10:39 am
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cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
RE: XL Filament Changes

Great idea.  I hope it generates firmware to ensure it is a possibility.  

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 21/12/2021 11:10 am
MatthewB
(@matthewb)
Active Member
RE:

+1 (I just opened the forum to ask the same question.)

Also, I'd be interested in the change involving different material (so require printhead settings to change at the point of the swap). For example, with a 2 printhead XL: Start a print with dissolvable filament in one head for supports. After the internal structures are done, swap in TPU to be ready to print a rubber base at the top of the model (printing upside down). 

Of course this could be done during a pause.

And, a bit off topic, about changing the printhead settings at the point of the swap. I haven't tried this yet (with my current one printhead printer), but assume it would be possible to put in gcode to both pause *and* change temperature and other settings before proceeding? Something I intend to try at some point (mostly to fuse TPU to the bottom of equipment stands). 

- Matthew

Posted : 21/12/2021 7:04 pm
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