MakerMike 6-Way Multi-Material Splitter

thingiverse

This is a six-way splitter (1.75mm filament) used in a material switching printer. Marlin currently only supports five extruders, so you have not been able to print in six colors yet. However, if you know how to modify Marlin, you can easily get all six running. This requires either an enclosure to mount this to or you will need to design a support for your printer. I do not recommend attaching this to the print head as it will have six PTFE tubes moving with your print head. The ZIP file contains an example Marlin 1.1.8 build, Excel file showing a Ramps 1.4 + CNC shield pin-out, and Octopi tool change script. It goes without saying but I'm going to anyway, use all of the above with caution; I am not responsible if you use the files and it harms your hardware. Parts: PTFE Tubes for 1.75mm Filament (Lengths appropriate to fit your printer) Seven PTFE Push Fittings (Push Through! See Amazon link https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0734J5PDV/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ) Printing Instructions: Supports - Yes but limited to build plate only or not at all. Be sure to print the support part with it then remove it and toss it, if you do not print the support part then you will need a small drill to remove the support material. Post Processing: Use filament cut straight to clean the filament paths running it through many times. Assembly: Screw in the PTFE Fittings and mount the splitter. Then take an exacto hobby knife or other sharp knife and prior to inserting the PTFE tube into the fittings cut the inside of the tubes so that they are angled. The goal is have a 45-degree angle on the inside of all the PTFE tubes at the splitter end, this will prevent the filament from catching on the splitter. Color-Switching/Filament Switching: You will have to write a code or use a program like Slic3r Multi-Material Prusa Edition to switch colors mid print. I will post an example code later.