Dual extruder. Options?
I would like to ad a second extruder to a prusa mk3. The original Einsy don´t have enough drivers for a second extruder motor.
I thought about switch to a Rambo board, but it seems like you lose some features.
Is there any board out there that has all the functions? Like stealth mode, power panic, collision detection etc.
But do you really need an aditioal driver? I´m a total noob when it comes to this stuff. I´m trying to learn. The extruders doesn´t feed at the same time. Can´t they use the same driver amd have a switch that chooses which stepper motor to turn. That would simply be a swith that is activated istead of running a second driver.
Would something like that be possible?
Re: Dual extruder. Options?
Hello Magnus,
Based on your comment, I would suggest you start with a smaller size project. Switching from a single to dual extruder involve a pretty big redesign in hardware and software.
stealth mode -> Trinamic driver option
power panic -> Special board in the power supply + firmware
collision detection -> Newer Trinamic driver option + firmware
In general buying MK3 and replacing the Einsy board + firmware doesn't make sense to me. You're paying a premium price for the stepper motors/E3dV6 and the frame . If you really want to have dual extruder printer, either buy one or build one from scratch. You will get it cheaper, learn a lot more and have your MK3 as backup to print stuff for your project.
Often linked posts:
Going small with MMU2
Real Multi Material
My prints on Instagram
Re: Dual extruder. Options?
Sure. I will probably build a second printer. But I Still wonder how you can use the same driver on a second extruder motor. In theory, the only thing you need is a signal for extruder switch.
Re: Dual extruder. Options?
No, it's not that simple:
https://openbuilds.com/threads/running-2-stepper-motors-on-one-connection.7828/
https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/127116/can-i-control-multiple-stepper-motor-drivers-from-one-controller
https://www.instructables.com/id/Driving-Multiple-Stepper-Motors-From-a-Single-Driv/
Beside of that you want to have full control over both stepper motors (Extruder) while printing. Otherwise the second one can/will always move with all negative consequences.
Often linked posts:
Going small with MMU2
Real Multi Material
My prints on Instagram
Re: Dual extruder. Options?
No, it's not that simple:
https://openbuilds.com/threads/running-2-stepper-motors-on-one-connection.7828/
https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/127116/can-i-control-multiple-stepper-motor-drivers-from-one-controller
https://www.instructables.com/id/Driving-Multiple-Stepper-Motors-From-a-Single-Driv/
Beside of that you want to have full control over both stepper motors (Extruder) while printing. Otherwise the second one can/will always move with all negative consequences.
Even if you manage to "lock" it? I understand that the back pressure probably will turn the motor backwards if you release it.
Can you run a stepper motor from a RPZ?