Hi, I have tried to research this myself and wrote to the company but never got a response, I have an Alunar M508 Prusa i3 that I really enjoy, but I’d enjoy it more if I could go to dual or quad extruder. I can’t seem to find anything that matches my board, a picture of it is here: http://old.alunar.net/product/diy-3d-printer-kit-m508/ (it is the 2016 version). Can anyone tell me if this board will allow dual or quad extrusion, and if yes, how to go about it? Thanks in advance.
Hmm…that board looks like a knock-off of the MKS BASE series. Unfortunately, the stock board shown only has 4 stepper drivers (with one going to the dual-z connectors). You have two options: Upgrade to a board that supports more extruders (RAMPS, the MKS BASE series, and many other “Arduino-Compatible” printer controllers), OR if you want to keep this board, you can use the servo header (that rectangle of pins next to EXP2 and the Z-endstop connector) to control more stepper drivers and MOSFETs. Do your research, and see which solution suits you.
If you do choose to get a new board, don’t worry about connector compatibility or your power supply. Your existing cables’ XH2.54 connectors will work just fine with standard male headers (like in the servo header), and pretty much all of the existing printer controllers are just fine with 12V.
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Jeremy gave a good answer.
I advise you do as he suggests.
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Thank you both, I will see what I can learn.
Hi…I don’t need the MMU2 . I don’t have a need for multi colours, but I do have a need for printing different types of material.
Agree, the MK3 is not the machine for dual extruders (too small).
I love my MK3, had it for nearly 7 months and hardly a complaint and no failure (except wearable parts like the nozzle). Does the job!
Guess I have to go look else where for what I need.
New Extruder, Higher Performance
Many people are after quality when it comes to 3D printing. There are many ways to increase your quality, from changing settings to getting better quality filament but you can only do so much with the equipment your have on your printer.
3D printers out there like to save on costs so they opt-in for cheaper parts, whether being the frame, heated bed, or hot end.
You would be surprised just how much your print quality can change with a new extruder, especially one that’s premium like the Hemera Extruder from E3D.
It has the ability to print flexible materials with ease, due to it’s compact design and gearing system which gives it extra torque.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Bruce