Well-supported Multi-Extruders for S3D+MG M2?

[Marshall]

I'm wanting to take the leap and jump to a dual extruder on my MakerGear M2, and I was all about 2x standard V6 E3Ds, and then I came across "The Kraken" from E3D! It's got a magnetic look pulling on me I must say. It looks like one sweet beast of a head. I wouldn't use all 4 extruders right away, just two, but for the price I thought maybe start with the better upgrade path that could allow 3 and 4 extruders within some time. My goals are primarily quality based over time in every print at this point, so I'm looking most for quality using multiple colors, parts with multiple strength regions, and ability to do it with new materials I've had eyes on.

The problem I'm thinking about is mix-match issues with S3D, and much initial downtime finding acceptable quality. I'd like to grab something that I'm likely going to find good FFF settings for or a decent user base and not go with the one which has caused the most trouble for users.

I'm also not limited to E3D or set on something so different as the kraken by any means.

Any suggestions on a good route at this time that S3D users can admit work well on the M2?

Thanks!

[JoeJ]

MakerGear has a dual extruder upgrade I believe. That already has pre-configured settings in S3D, so that's probably the easiest route

[juliezva]

Yes, MakerGear does offer a dual upgrade kit now, with the new V4 nozzles (which, according to those who have tried both, are better than the V6 E3Ds.) Latest update to S3D handles the dual very nicely. (I've shared a few dual starter profiles for the M2 on the MakerGear forum to help folks get going if they need them.)

[Marshall]

True. The only thing is that those use V4 E3Ds, and they're on the V6 models now many are using. There's quite the difference from what I can see between V4 and V6, also.

Hmm, decisions, decisions.

[jimc]

not sure what your talking about there. the v4 is a makergear extruder not e3d. i have 4 m2's. 3 of them have e3dv6 and one is a v4 dual. all print great. the v4 is a very nice setup.

[Marshall]

not sure what your talking about there. the v4 is a makergear extruder not e3d. i have 4 m2's. 3 of them have e3dv6 and one is a v4 dual. all print great. the v4 is a very nice setup.

Ah, well I guess I wasn't sure what I was talking about either!

I spoke too soon with the misconception that it was an old model of extruder used--seemed to miss the 2nd reply when I read in a hurry. I've always thought my extruder now, the V3B, was an E3D product. Sheesh.

After I had posted, I went to their site. The product wasn't posted there a few months back I don't believe, because the setup struck me as unseen before, and very nice! Machined aluminum and not a 3D printed mount? Count me in. I think at this point, I'm essentially forced to go and click "buy" on their website. Those starter profiles are good to know about; great to hear you did that and that you do run one.

I just received 150 orders for a new model of product that I produce. My calculated print time, with actual sleep and eating involved, running one M2 non-stop, is near 90 days. So I too will probably own 2-4 of these printers within coming months. (I considered maybe jumping to a different make [like a TAZ 5], but after some sleepless nights thinking printer designs; no way. The M2 is IT--being an ENGR/home machinist, I support 90% of their build choices on this printer when the goal is aiming for the most rigid design with minimal excess design costs.)