What are the best dual extruder 3D printers available on the market?
A dual extruder 3D printer is an indispensable tool if you want to print something better than mono-materials. Such a device allows creating mesmerizing color mixes and outputting detailed prints with unbelievable overhangs and catchy aesthetics. We have studied the most popular offers and narrowed down the choice to 5 best products that are bound to satisfy the pickiest buyers.
We have spent lots of time comparing various models to find the best dual extruder 3D printers for different categories of users. The main features we evaluated were build volume, reliability, performance and price quality.
Print technology: FDM | Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm | Build Area: 227 x 148 x 150 mm | Minimum layer resolution: 100 microns | Maximum layer resolution: 500 microns
FlashForge Creator Pro has a classic 3D printer design and an all-metal body that eliminates noise and vibration, and can withstand high temperatures for improved print quality. This dual print head 3D printer offers many customizable features and can handle the most common filaments.
The developers added a special aluminum plate to prevent possible deformation. They also replaced a Z-axis guide with a thicker rod, which resulted in more stable and accurate movement. This machine can print both from USD and SD cards.
Print technology: FDM | Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm | Build Area: 300 x 300 x 350 mm | Minimum layer resolution: 100 microns | Maximum layer resolution: 400 microns
The assembly is very straightforward with a CR-10 being used as a bottom frame and an IDEX mounted on top of it. This dual nozzle 3D printer can be used right out of the box as it comes pre-configured with standard settings in Cura.
In case you need to adjust leveling, that won’t take much time because there is a spring-loaded hot end on the right side installed on the factory. This means you can level up the left nozzle and then adjust the tension in the spring to alight the right nozzle.
Print technology: FDM | Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm | Build Area: 305 x 305 x 605 mm | Minimum layer resolution: 10 microns | Maximum layer resolution: 250 microns
Raise3D Pro 2 Plus is a desktop 3D printing system featuring high-quality components and accurate object construction. This dual extruder 3D printer works with different types of plastics and has an electronic lift drive for working with two materials at once.
It allows you to print even the most complex objects in a quick way. You can combine two different materials in one project or use support material. Switching between extruders is performed in less than 1 second. A built-in 7-inch touchscreen makes printing easy. You have full control over all print settings and error alerts.
Print technology: FDM | Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm | Build Area: 230 x 150 x 140 mm | Minimum layer resolution: 100 microns | Maximum layer resolution: 400 microns
FlashForge Dreamer is a top-notch 3D printer with a closed chamber that ensures a safe workflow. The printer is compatible with all plastics, thanks to the even distribution and maintenance of the temperature inside the chamber.
This can be the best dual extruder 3D printer if you want to print simultaneously with several colors or types of plastic. The system was upgraded and now it can work not only via USB and SD, but also via Wi-Fi. The printer is so easy to use that even an inexperienced person can handle the setup.
Print technology: FDM | Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm | Build Area: 214 x 186 x 160 mm | Minimum layer resolution: 50 microns | Maximum layer resolution: 300 microns
This multi filament 3D printer has many cool features to brag about and lots of users choose it as their go-to printing machine. Frankly speaking, this is more than a regular 3D printer, as it has a laser engraving mechanism, which is very powerful, accurate and absolutely reliable.
It can easily surpass similar printers and thanks to a good price-performance ratio, BIBO touch laser X has gained huge popularity among large and medium-sized businesses.
IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
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FlashForge Creator Pro
Our choice
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CHECK PRICE → | ||
HICTOP Tenlog
Budget
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Raise3D Pro2 Plus
Professional
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CHECK PRICE → |
The popularity of dual extruder 3D printers has grown immensely, but not every person spending money on such a powerful device really understand its capabilities. Sometimes, a single extruder printer can easily cope with the tasks you need to fulfill. The latter is more suitable for newbie users as the silicone printing process is less confusing than what a dual extruder involves. However, if you feel that you have outgrown your single extruder printer and want to experiment with more advanced technologies, you can invest in the best dual extruder 3D printer.
If you get a dual nozzle 3D printer with a large bed size, you can print objects with larger dimensions, but such units typically cost more. A bed size also defines if there are other handy features integrated into the machine – heating, auto-bed leveling, construction type and material, etc. This limits the range of materials you can work with. Be mindful of this parameter while selecting a printer.
The most popular filaments used in 3D printers are PLA, ABS, and PVA.
PLA or Polylactic Acid can be used to print different objects including medical implants, disposable items, etc.
ABS or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is widely used for creating kitchen appliances, toys, and musical instruments.
PVA or Polyvinyl Alcohol is a special type of water-soluble plastic suitable for producing packaging, containers, etc.
Different types of filaments have specific pros and cons, and some are better than others for printing particular items. When choosing a dual color 3D printer, check what filaments it is compatible with and what filament diameter it accepts. It can vary from 1.75mm to 3mm.
Don’t chase expensive devices as a high price doesn’t always guarantee outstanding performance. Sometimes a cheap dual extruder 3D printer has all the needed features for the task you want to throw at it. But remember about operating and maintenance costs. Elements of the system wear out or break with time and replacement isn’t that cheap.
Most people are OK with single extruders, but if you need to create multi-colored items, then a printer with support for dual extrusion is a way to go. Of course, such a machine is more expensive than a standard 3D printer, but it will pay off soon.
Such printers use base colors, namely Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black), and can produce various mixes – up to 16.7 million colors.
Such a device uses numerous filaments for 3D printing. It allows mixing several colors or different materials in a print head, which has 2 nozzles and extruders.
Watch this video to grasp the procedure: