Dual Extrusion Woes

[AlexD]

Hi all, looking for some help if possible.

Firstly what is the best protocol to follow when setting up a file for dual extrusion? At the moment no matter if i export my files as STL or AMF; in slic3r im only ever getting solid objects, no options for different parts, unless i import them separate but then i face the trouble of trying to align them well enough, as slic3r is limited in its commands for moving and snapping objects etc.

Secondly, when i first attempted a dual extrusion print, the settings worked fairly well, the only problem was that the Pre-Print G Code did not contain any of the commands to lift the hotend away from the bed, this was easily solved. Now out of the blue whenever i i try to print only hotend #1 is being set to heat, anybody have any ideas why? It's annoying having to set it to pre-heat manually then start the print.

Thirdly, is it possible that the dual extruder offset might be wrong? My prints are coming out offset when different hotends are used:

Has anyone got any good test files i can use to test the offset? Lining objects by eye in slic3r seems so inaccurate.

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

Alex

 

[gCreate_Kyle]

Hi Alex,
Copy and Paste this custom gcode into your slic3r settings for dual extruders. You can find this in the printer settings tab > custom gcode.

Start gCode

M104 S[first_layer_temperature_0] T0; set 1st nozzle heater to first layer temperature
M104 S[first_layer_temperature_1] T1; set 2nd nozzle heater to first layer temperature
G28 ; home all axes
G1 Z5 F5000; Raise nozzle
M109 S[first_layer_temperature_0] T0; set 1st nozzle heater to first layer temperature
M109 S[first_layer_temperature_1] T1; set 2nd nozzle heater to first layer temperature
G1 F5000 X210 Y210 Z1; Move print head to center and lower to first layer height

End gCode

M104 S0 T0 ; turn off temperature 1st nozzle.
M104 S0 T1 ; turn off temperature 2nd nozzle.
G28 X0  ; home X axis
G28 Y0  ; home Y axis
M84     ; disable motors

You will need to calibrate your extruder offset in slicer. There are many different models you could use to do this. I like to use this one. http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:124450

 

[AlexD]

Kyle thats brilliant thanks for the help its greatly appreciated. I will try this first thing in the morning and report back.

Thanks

Alex

 

[AlexD]

Kyle thanks for the code, all is working well now, i had attempted similar myself but obviously didn't get it quite right .

I am dialing in the offsets now so thanks again.