Dual Print Y for SmartrapCore V.2

thingiverse

After pouring countless hours and multiple prototypes into a Twin Head support for the SmartrapCore (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:995640), which is one of the most intricate and challenging designs I've ever tackled, I realized that others were successfully experimenting with a far simpler design: a Y-shaped piece that would route filament from two sources to a single hot end, utilizing a filament switching process requiring only a longer retract. Here are the functional designs already implemented: Prometheus : https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/811909269/the-prometheus-system-intuitive-multi-filament-3d?token=7d9207f0 3Dator Y-piece : http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1680034 Prusa i3 MK2 dual/quad extrusion : http://prusaprinters.org/original-prusa-i3-mk2-multi-material-upgrade-release/ It was disheartening to think that my extensive work on the TwinHead design might become obsolete, but I learned a lot from the experience and am willing to try new ideas. If there's a better (and much simpler) approach, it's definitely worth exploring. Here's my attempt at utilizing this concept: a straightforward Y piece specifically designed for the SmartrapCore. All you need is a second extruder (with identical specs to the first one), a second Bowden tube, and of course, a second filament spool. I haven't printed with this setup yet; it's still a work in progress. However, it will require significant tweaking to perfect the start code and head switch code for dual printing. So far, setting this part on the hot end and installing pneufits works flawlessly. If you're interested in experimenting with dual extrusion using this design, feel free to give it a try. Update (Dec 14th, 2016): This is a revised version. I haven't fully tested it yet, but the filament flows more easily into the hot end due to the smoother angle of the filament path, giving it a better chance of success. Additionally, the pneufit threads on top match those in the cooling metallic radiator part on the hot end's top, so you won't need to replace the pneufit; simply install another one on the second extruder's Bowden tube.