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If you are ready to upgrade to the best dual extruder 3d printer the read our best and top-rated reviews for these amazing hardware devices.
When you buy one of these products you will be amazed at the quality and the range of colors you can obtain, all from the comfort of your home or office – so if you are looking for best 3d printer at the lowest price then read on for more information.
(Spolier alert! If you want, go direct to our best buy for 2019, click here.)
We include all the necessary information you need to make an informed decision on the best type of dual extractor 3d printer kit you need to best suit your own requirements. Maybe you need to be able to print in multi colors or require the printer to print on differing materials, let’s start with a concept overview and why these 3d printers are the best on the market right now.
What is a Dual Extractor 3d Printer?
Dual extruder printers (or dual nozzle) are becoming increasingly popular due to the ways in which they enable you to take your 3D printing to the next level of detail, coloration and productivity. The innovation here is that the nozzle comes as a pair, with a second nozzle with its own second filament.
This enables the printer to deposit two different kinds of material. There are a wide range of possible applications for this function. Detail can be increased by using a higher-grade material for one nozzle, and a lower-grade filler for supports in the second.
A second color can be used, and deposited in any amount desired, using the additional nozzle, opening up a range of aesthetic possibilities. Efficiency can be improved from the simple fact that the second nozzle can contain the same material as the first, allowing the printer to switch between them as the filament runs outs. This can save a lot of time in replenishing filament or waiting on delayed printing tasks.
Overall, our top rated best dual extruder 3D printer can enable you to do everything you can already do, but better and with increased productivity or even open up a whole new level of possibilities from color to in-built disposable support material.
Single vs Dual 3D Extruder: Who wins?
A dual extruder 3D printer differs from mono or single-extruder models because of the additional features offered by having a second extruder nozzle. Most often you will see the second extruder depositing a lower grade support material alongside the higher quality one used to create the desired component.
This is because one important similarity between the two is that the nozzles still run parallel over the same printing path. So while having twice as many nozzles will not result in printing twice as fast, many efficiencies can be made because of it.
It can save you a lot of money in the long term and when take this into consideration when are looking at the best dual extruder 3d printer kit. Using cheaper supporting material, which is often wasted as part of the printing process, is more cost-effective.
This is turn opens up margins which can be used to improve the quality of the primary material and hence your finished component. If time is more important than dollar-per-component for you, then using partially degradable or soluble support material makes the final finishing of your components far more time efficient, hence the increases in productivity associated with dual extruder 3D printers.
If you were to attempt any of the above with a traditional printer, you would be changing filaments regularly, resulting in slow down and much longer running and printing times.
The Advantages of Printing with Dual Extruders
- Faster printing: filament replenishment/changing can no longer interrupt printing.
- More cost-effective: use the right grade of filament for the role in your components.
- Increase productivity: soluble/degradable support material speeds up component finishing.
- Add color: dual nozzles can incorporate different colored material directly into printing with no manual filament changes.
- Cleaner printing: avoid filament running or transition gaps due to manual changes.
- Avoid tiresome routines: no need to prop doors, feed in the filament or wait for preheating.
- Staying ahead: ensure your printing keeps up with the latest capabilities that dual extruders provide.
Are Dual 3D Printers Easy to Set Up?
The ease with which you’ll find setting up your best dual extruder 3d printer largely comes down to carefully following manufacturers’ instructions and being familiar with the basic concepts. For information on 3d model sources and links check out the Penn State 3d printing library - there are also guides on getting started with 3d printing, scanning and software options.
However, many models require you to do some research before making the investment. Luckily for the beginner, there is a wealth of free information online provided by the 3D community and a lot more you can learn through specific books, courses and nationwide events.
Unboxing your dual nozzle printer may require time, ensuring that the frame is properly constructed, printing bed is level and adhesive and that the filament is properly loaded. Other models may do some, or all, or this automatically. You’ll find lots of 3D models you can print for free online, ranging from a simple toy to a complex machine.
To make use of this model, you’ll need to learn about ‘slicing’. This is the process of instructing your individual 3D printer in what path the printer should follow as it prints individual ‘slices’ of the 3D model.
Different printers have different capabilities and while the 3D models are universal, each needs to be customised at this stage. Such software ranges from completely free, to thousands of dollars depending on what you need it to do. Some printers include premium software which makes this process far easier as standard.
How Much do 3D Dual Extruders Cost?
There’s good and bad news about investing in a 3D dual extruder printer kit. The bad is that 3D printing is not cheap. The good news is that, year on year, it is becoming more affordable both to set up and to maintain. But the amount you need to spend really comes down to the level of use you require from it.
The cheapest models cost only a few hundred dollars. While start up costs are a plus point here,you might find the ease of use, maintenance and quality of the final printed product all suffer here. You might also find some serious limitations in the size of the printed bed which ultimately leads to having to print multiple smaller components which need to be manually constructed later.
At the other end of the spectrum, you can spend upwards of $10,000 on hi-tech multi-extruders which come fully assembled with a self-righting printing base and a host of prepackaged enhancements, such as the latest modelling and slicing software from the best in the industry. Between those extremes, anyone looking to seriously step into the world of dual extruder 3D printers should look to the $1000 mark.
This figure means you’ll be getting a piece of hardware which meets the latest industry standards, has a sizeable base and is a completely closed-capsule unit, preventing impurities and printing errors. That’s true of all the models we’ll be looking at below.
The Top 5 Dual Extruder Printers for 2019
1. QIDI Technology X-Pro 3D Printer
Overview: Qidi tech are a well-known brand, specialising in creating printers which look, feel and perform like market leaders, while coming in at a slightly lower price point.
Think of them as a the ‘Huawei’ to the ‘Apples’ out there. The X-Pro is their latest model and regarded by fans as their own best dual extruder 3d printer kit, for an affordable price you get a real quality model. The display uses a well designed touch screen, and it boasts a large printing size of 8.8 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches. The model plate is removable and made from flexible aluminium, resulting in higher quality prints and the ability to remove the finished component directly with the plate, avoiding damage.
- Pros:
- Virtually plug and play, works great on Windows.
- Comes bundled with 1kg of PLA and 1kg of ABS filament.
- Sealed unit with four-sided turbofan, for outstanding model cooling.
- 4.3” touch screen display.
- Breakpoint printing, allowing safe restarting even in the event of a power outage.
- Cons:
- Some users report issues on Macs and a lack of documentation.
2. FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro
Overview: FlashForge is a well known and very well respected brand, and the Creator Pro is perfect for those looking to enter the 3D printing world. The low price of the Creator Pro, might make you reconsider, however this product is aimed at those wanting a guaranteed result right out of the box.
There is no assembly required and it offers a 8.8 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches printing size. FlashForge puts premium engineering at its core, the this product is in many ways indistinguishable from many on the market way over the $1000 dollar mark.
One of the biggest draws is the FlashPrint software package that this is automatically shipped with, preloaded onto a 4GB SD card. The Creator Pro is open source, meaning that a whole host of customisation options are available for those who like to tinker with their tech.
- Pros:
- FlashPrint compatible.
- Great entry printer for those new to 3D printing.
- Virtually plug and play, works great on Windows.
- Comes bundled two filament spools, from a selection of ABS/PLA materials and colors.
- Sealed unit with four-sided turbofan, for outstanding model cooling.
- Cons:
- Some users reported issues with the printing bed, e.g. warping at high temperatures.
3. QIDI Technology 3DP-QDA16-01
Overview: The Tech 1, as this model is known, is an older, low-cost alternative to the X-Pro. It comes in at under $700 and with that compromise in price you still retain a surprisingly wide range of the more premium features.
It has the same sized printing size of 8.8 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches, layer resolution (the level of detail in the final product) and a similar case enclosure. However, the interface is not touch screen and the printing bed is not as high quality - blue tape is shipped with the Tech 1 in order to help the model adhere to the base.
And while it is software compatible with most packages, it does not support some premium brands like Cura. However, for most users these will be minor issues and certainly worth the hundreds of dollars savings.
- Pros:
- Great value for money.
- Virtually plug and play, works great on Windows.
- Comes bundled with 1kg of PLA and 1kg of ABS filament.
- Sealed enclosed chamber.
- Turbofan cooling.
- Cons:
- Lacks some of the premium features of the X-Pro.
4. Sindoh 3DWOX DP200 3D Printer
Overview: The most expensive model on our list, the Sindoh 3DWOX DP200 is the kind of high end model you could see in someone’s home, business or in a university tech room. It takes virtually everything the models we have seen so far can do, and then adds in a host of premium features to make your experience better, as well as delivering better results.
Some of the barriers to successful printing involve parts of the process that have nothing to do with printing itself, such as an improperly levelled bed or incorrectly loaded spool blockages. The DP200 avoids both through its auto loading spool cartridge and helpful assisted bed levelling, displayed on its vibrant 5” touch display.
The unit also features a camera so you can watch the process happen on your computer or even on your phone, leaving you to get on with the rest of your life while Sindoh handles the rest. For those with the budget, not just for the unit but its filaments too, the DP200 will not disappoint but will it be our best Dual extruder 3D printer for 2019?
- Pros:
- Automatic filament loading cartridge.
- User assistance features: levelling systems, slicing system recommendations, etc.
- Wide range of connectivity, including wifi.
- Remote monitoring camera, via desktop and app.
- Noise-reducing, sealed enclosure.
- Cons:
- Price may put off some users.
5. Flashforge Dreamer 3D Printer
Overview: We’ve already seen one FlashForge model, at a very competitive price. The Dreamer model is a real step up though, with a increased cost. So, what does the extra $ buy you? Well, while there are many differences between the two, the most important factor is this: do you want premium, accessible printing, or do you want a more rough-and-ready approach which allows customisation and experimentation?
If it’s the latter, then consider the open source Creator Pro. The Dreamer best dual extruder 3d printer is the model designed for those who want the printing experience to be as effortless as possible. This comes with a premium price because of a range of quality of life improvements the Dreamer comes with, as well as being a more closed design tied to FlashForge’s own software packages exclusively.
The benefits of this are more reliable printing with expert customer support and a device that puts consistent printing first and foremost.
- Pros:
- Handles PLA, ABS and PVA filament options.
- Great option for those wanting quality and ease of use.
- Wide range of connectivity, including wifi.
- Comes bundled two filament spools, from a selection of ABS/PLA materials and colors.
- Sealed unit with high quality finish for excellent temperature control.
- Cons:
- Slightly smaller build area than other models reviewed.
Conclusion - Our Best Extruder 3D Printer for 2019
3D printing is fast changing from a futuristic hobby for the technologically obsessed to the kind of industry anyone can get involved with, and even turn into a successful business.
The printers reviewed here are all not only at a price point that gives quality and a good degree of affordability, but also come equipped with dual extruders - our best dual extruder 3d printer is currently the QIDI TECHNOLOGY X-Pro 3D Printer.
Dual extruders are no mere gimmick, as multi-extruder printers are quickly becoming the norm. Their ability to cut down on manual switches and introducing color seamlessly into the process really broadens the appeal and possibilities when it comes to component design and function. There has truly never been a better time to get involved in 3D printing.
These best dual extruder 3d printer for 2019 will sit alongside home tech staples such as scanners and printers that provide you with the power to create anything from bespoke toys to household devices and components, or even the products you need to take advantage of a unique business opportunity.
The technology has really matured to the point where it is broadly accessible and functional, so make the most of 3D printing at this crucial time and buy yours today!
- Virtually plug and play, works great on Windows
- Bundled with 1kg of PLA and 1kg of ABS filament
- 4.3” touch screen display.
- Superb value for money