Filament joiner for multicoloured printed 3D objects

thingiverse

Create multicolored 3D printed objects by using a temperature-controlled heating block for joining plastic filament together in sections. Check out these examples: [http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:9777](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:9777), [http://www.thingiverse.com/derivative:10790](http://www.thingiverse.com/derivative:10790), [http://www.thingiverse.com/derivative:10831](http://www.thingiverse.com/derivative:10831), and [http://www.thingiverse.com/derivative:10830](http://www.thingiverse.com/derivative:10830). Learn more on the author's blog: [http://richrap.blogspot.com/2011_06_01_archive.html](http://richrap.blogspot.com/2011_06_01_archive.html) There are various methods for joining filaments, but some aren't as effective or convenient: 1) starting a print with one color and pausing to replace it with another; 2) joining lengths of different colored filament and printing them together using hot-air guns or flames; 3) using multiple extruders with various colored filament. However, the author found that these methods had drawbacks. He tried several alternatives before creating a temperature-controlled filament joiner. The final design consists of an aluminum block with heated channels for joining and rotating the filament. To build one, follow these steps: 1) cut an aluminum block, drill a hole for the resistor (6.8 Ohms), and create channels; 2) bond in the resistor using fire cement, insulate the bottom, and wire it up like a hot-end with a thermistor; 3) mount it on a wooden base or clampable surface; 4) use RAMPS electronics setup to control temperature. The author recommends a temperature of about 160°C for PLA and 5 seconds to join pre-cut lengths together. Consider some improvements if you decide to build one: 1) shorter heating zones; 2) larger flat areas for melting filament ends; 3) a cold block or fan to rapidly cool the joined filament. Alternatively, consider a clamping design like an electric plumbing pipe joiner. A foot-pedal controlled fan could also make the job easier. Try it out and share your results!