If you have already installed Snapmaker Luban on your computer, ensure that its version is 4.5.0 or above. This guide takes version 4.5.0 as a demonstration.
The printer automatically switches between different materials as designated, dual-material printing is the feature that separates Snapmaker J1 & Artisan &Dual extruder module from single extruder printer. Each nozzle in separate extruders can be programmed to achieve the optimal temperature for each material, thus having significant temperature differences and enabling you to combine different materials into the same part. No longer limited to printing one material at once, now you can print parts composed of multiple materials.
Combining materials enables you to obtain different mechanical properties just in one print, thus resulting in more functional prototypes. For more instructions about filament properties, refer to our Filament Library.
The integrated model is designed and exists as a single model.
Here is the Luban workflow for your reference when you want to paint an integrated model with different materials/colors.
① Import the model.
② Select the printing mode (demonstrated in the Normal Mode).
③ Configure the materials for each extruder.
④ Paint the model with the two materials you've configured in Step ③.
⑤ Select one of the default profile for each extruder, or fine-tune the parameters yourself.
⑥ Generate the G-code and preview the layers.
⑦ Start printing.
Here is the Luban workflow for your reference when you want to assign different materials/colors to different parts of a multi-part model.
The multi-part model consists of multiple parts, or say, sub-models; each part is designed and exists as a single model but can be seamlessly combined into one model in slicers.
① Import the models.
② Select the printing mode (demonstrated in the Normal Mode).
③ Configure the materials for each extruder.
④ Configure the extruders for each model.
a. Align the models (optional).
b. Adjust the models (optional).
⑤ Select one of the default profile for each extruder, or fine-tune the parameters yourself.
⑥ Generate the G-code and preview the layers.
⑦ Start printing.
More extruders always mean more oozing. Whether it’s dual-material printing or dual-color printing, it is recommended to enable Prime Tower or Ooze shield. For detailed instructions, refer to Parameters > Left Extruder > Dual Extrusion Helper in Snapmaker Luban.
You need to export two model files to enable dual-color printing and you can align (also called Merge in other slicer’s settings) the models, which helps eliminate part assembly. If the models do not get aligned as intended, you will need to resolve the issue in the design software.
One extruder prints the majority of a part while the other extruder is only dedicated to support material. Technically, one of the most significant advantages of dual extrusion is its ability to combine a standard material with an easier-to-remove support material.
In addition to break-away supports, you might benefit a lot from soluble supports. Printing a part in a base material and its supports in a soluble material, which enables you to print much more complex parts with hard-to-reach internal supports, also ensures that no support marks are left on the final print. The most popular dissolvable filaments used for support structures are PVA and HIPS. PVA dissolves in water, while HIPS dissolves in limonene.
① Upload the models.
② Configure the materials for each extruder.
③ Configure the structure (Model/Helper).
④ Select the profile for each extruder. In particular, support extruder configuration.
⑤ Generate the G-code and preview the layers (optional).
⑥ Start printing.
For more instructions about filament properties, refer to our Filament Library.