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Everyone knows two is better than one. The same can said for 3D printing when referring to the number of extruders on the machine.
It used to be that Dual extruders were a very rare sighting. However, as the 3D printing industry continues to grow, we are seeing more and more manufacturers release dual extruder models.
Dual extruders open a lot more opportunities that a single extruder printer doesn’t offer. It enables users to print twice as fast, work on multiple models at the same time, use different colors and materials. Some setups will even blend two filaments (multiple filaments) for you.
Just as other 3D printers go, there are a lot of dual extruder models available. It can make you go crazy trying to research them all and decipher the differences.
Lucky for you we have gone through the dual extruder 3D printers and broken down the highlights of some of the most popular models, some of our favorites, and some you may not have heard of before.
Hopefully, this list simplifies your life a little bit and come ultimately help you begin 3D printing with not one, but two extruders.
Our Picks for the Best Dual Extruder 3D Printers in 2020:
Table of Contents
1. Best Dual Extruder 3D Printer: BCN3D Sigmax R19
It's like watching a symphony. Completely open source and designed in an academic lab, the BCN3D is the BEST fully enclosed dual extruder printer for consistent, quality 3D prints. The touchscreen display and heated print bed is well worth the higher ending pricing.
The first dual extruder 3d printer on our list is the BCN3D Sigmax. What makes this one unique is it was developed as a project at BarcelonaTech University in Spain. The company has continued to produce more models of 3D printers. The Sigmax is completely open source.
Every bit of the printer is available for free online if you are interested in learning about the nitty-gritty or if you’re interested in designing your own professional 3D printer and need some inspiration
The BCN3D Sigmax features an independent dual extruder setup with a much larger build area than smaller Sigma 3D printer from BCN3D. This model is a high-end printer that is ideal for professionals. The Sigmax packs a professional, sleek design with its partially enclosed metal frame, heated bed, and touchscreen display.
The two extruders are separated and move independently from each other. This system lets you 3D print two objects simultaneously. This can be two of the same objects or two different 3d object items.
Either way, it will increase your productivity and cut back your total build time. While it is pricey, if you can justify the cost or need a new tool in your office, this is a great choice.
Where to Buy the BCN3D Sigmax? Pick this one up at the dedicated MatterHackers page here.
Layer Resolution | 50 microns |
Build Area | 16.5″ x 11.7″ 8.3″ |
Filament Dia. (Nozzle) | 3 mm |
Filament Type | PLA filament, ABS, Nylon, TPU, and more |
Connectivity | USB, SD |
2. CEL RoboxDual
Tech Specs Features: Fully assembled Safety enclosure, interchangeable print head, heated/tapless build plate, fully automatic material recognition and third party filament compatibility.
A British company, CEL, is taking a stab at the 3D printing market with a futuristic line of 3D printers, the Robox series. Let’s take a look at the RoboxDual dual extruder printer model, which as you guessed is the dual extruder model.
The Robox 3D printer comes with several advanced features. The innovative extruders utilize an advanced filament system. This ensures the right amount of filament is fed through the hotend at the right speed. This ultimately reduces jams. As well, the valve system provides smoother cutoffs and less oozing of filament from the extruder.
Finally, the Robox has a filament detection system. In other words, the machine quickly identifies any filament that is loaded into the extruders and automatically adjusts the temperature settings to match the type of filament material.
A major limitation is due to the dual extruders. What does that mean?
Well, the Robox is not capable of printing multiple objects at once or even using two different filaments or colors. The second extruder is used exclusive for support and fill material on the models. Essentially these means better print quality vs faster print speed.
While this is not how we typically see two extruders used, it does mean much faster printing with the Robox. As well, the build area is rather small, which just about eliminates the possibility for any large prints. Either way, it is a great 3D printer if it fits your needs.
Where to Buy the CEL Robox Dual? Check out the latest prices on Amazon.
Layer Resolution | 20 microns |
Build Area | 210 x 150 x 100 mm |
Filament Dia. (Nozzle) | 1.75 mm |
Filament Type | ABS, PLA, HIPS, PETG, CO-PET |
Connectivity | USB, SD Card |
3. Flashforge Creator Pro
FlashForge Creator Pro makes some of the best printers for beginners that you can buy. For the moderate price tag, you’re getting a workhorse of a 3D printer.
Here we have the dinosaur of 3D printers, Flashforge Creator Pro. One of the classic 3D printers as it is one of the most popular 3D printers every year and seems that it has been around since the beginning of time. But it is missing some of the high-end features we see in newer 3D printers.
Flashforge created a masterpiece with this dual extruder 3D printer that users absolutely love. It is a MakerBot Replicator clone and performs just as well in either a home use or industrial 3D printer setting. The online following is cult-like for the Creator Pro. The price is reasonable, and the printer comes ready to go once unboxed.
It is fully enclosed with the top and front panels being removable for easy access to finished prints. The software is somewhat limited, but the LCD screen makes operating the machine a breeze. A heated aluminum bed enables you to print with more filaments and handles ABS very well. The all-metal design makes it strong and sturdy throughout the printing process, which minimizes movement and minor misprints that some other machines experience.
If you ever run into any headaches just look towards the online community. There’s a great chance you’re not the first to encounter your problem, and everyone is willing to help out.
Where to Buy the Flashfroge Creator Pro? Check out the latest prices on Amazon.
Layer Resolution | 100 microns |
Build Area | 8.9″ x 5.8″ x 5.9″ |
Filament Dia. (Nozzle) | 1.75 mm |
Filament Type | PLA, ABS, PVA, Flexible, and more |
Connectivity | USB, SD |
4. Qidi Tech X-Pro
Useful for consumers and schools, easy to set up and use, does not require a lot of maintenance, and has reasonably good print quality.
The X-Pro is almost identical to the Flashforge Creator Pro as both machines are mirror images of a MakerBot dual extruder 3D printer machine. They are open source 3D printers, and it is common practice in the industry to base your model off a previously successful one. The metal and plastic frame allow the X-Pro to be sturdy while also save some manufacturing costs, which results in a cheaper price offered to consumers.
Ease of use is the name of the game with the X-Pro. The removable print bed makes getting to your objects as easy as can be. The touchscreen LCD display makes operations and setup faster than many knobs controlled LCD display. Overall, setup is very straightforward, and you can be printing in just a few minutes.
tA great little feature is the machine will pick up right where it left off if you ever experience a power outage will printing. This is another high quality, workhorse 3D printer that is based off some of the best and most reliable machines in the industry.
Where to Buy the Qidi Tech X-Pro? Check out the latest prices on Amazon.
Layer Resolution | 100 microns |
Build Area | 9.1″ x 5.9″ 5.9″ |
Filament Dia. | 1.75 mm |
Filament Type | PLA, ABS |
Connectivity | WiFi, USB, SD |
5. Raise3D Pro2
Better reliablity and consistency make the Raise3D Pro2 stand out as the clear choice here for me. Yes, it's a bit more expensive, but you will ultimately save more money and minimize wasted effort over the lifetime of this printer.
One of the newest 3D printers on this list, the Raise3D Pro2 was released in early 2018. The Pro2 is the successor series of the extremely popular and loved N2 series. Year after year we constantly saw the N2 3D printers at the top of every “Best of” lists. Now, the Raise3D hopes the Pro2 will do the same.
Right off the bat, the design of the Pro2 is stunning. It looks futuristic and professional, but not intimidating to a new user. The 7″ touch screen display makes using the printer easy and entertaining as you maneuver through the various menus and settings.
The Pro2 is designed for “functional manufacturing” or the ability to quickly and efficiently produced engineer-grade prototypes (rapid prototyping) and production parts. It has a large enough build volume to satisfy many of your design needs. Also, it can print very fine layers (layer thickness) to give you the best quality prints around. While it only has one print head, this contains two nozzles, which allows for very fast switching between each.
The Pro2 also comes with a built-in camera for print monitoring, a HEPA filter, and removable print bed all to benefit the user and make operating the 3D printer as easy as possible. This is one of the newest and surely one of the best 3D printers on the list.
Where to Buy the Raise3D Pro2? The Raise3D Pro2 typically retails between $4,000 – 5,000, but check this listing here at MatterHackers for the latest.
Layer Resolution | 10 microns |
Build Area | 12″ x 12″ x 11.8″ |
Print Speed | 150 mm/s |
Filament Dia. | 1.75 mm |
Filament Type | PLA. ABS, PP, HIPS, PETG, Glass, Metal, Wood |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB, LAN |
6. Raise3D Pro2 Plus
Second generation power loss resume - don't lose a print when you lose power.
Of course, we couldn’t mention the Pro2 without mentioning the big brother, Pro2 Plus. Very similar to the smaller version, the Pro2 but bigger. Much bigger. This is one of the tallest available desktop 3D printers you can buy. It sits at the top of the large format 3D printers category and has an almost 2 foot tall build area for extra build volume.
You can easily create full scale prototypes or any large 3D model you have been waiting to bring to life with the Pro2 Plus dual extruder.
An enclosed body with a heated aluminum bed and high temperature dual extruder means you can use just about any type of filament you want with the Pro2 Plus. It is very similar to the Pro2 and has most of the same features as the smaller model. If you need to create large objects requiring extra build volume and want the best of the best, this is the 3D printer for you.
Where to Buy the Raise3D Pro2 Plus? The Raise3D Pro2 Plus costs around $5.999. Check out the latest prices on MatterHackers here.
Layer Resolution | 10 microns |
Build Area | 12″ x 12″ x 23.8″ |
Print Speed | 150 mm/s |
Filament Dia. | 1.75 mm |
Filament Type | PLA. ABS, PP, HIPS, PETG, Glass, Metal, Wood |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB, LAN |
7. Sindoh 3DWOX 2X
The second version of the 3DWOX from Sindoh is an under-the-radar gem of a 3D printer. The Sindoh 3DWOX 2X maintains the ease-of-use functionality as the previous version and improves from there.
It features a removable build plate, which is held in place with magnets. This allows for a more stable surface for printing and easier leveling. As well the 2X version is equipped with an air filtration system, and of course the dual extruders.
A fully enclosed 3D printer not only maintains temperatures, but also vastly reduces the noise level while the printer is operating. What could be a forward-looking feature as voice controlled technology is rapidly increasing in popularity, the 3DWOX 2X talks to you.
While it can’t understand commands yet, it will give status updates and troubleshooting help through its voice. While this is just speculation, voice-controlled 3D printers may not be far off from commercial availability.
Where to Buy the Sindoh 3DWOX 2X? Check out the latest prices on Amazon.
Layer Resolution | 50 microns |
Build Area | 8.9″ x 7.9″ x 11.8″ |
Filament Dia. | 1.75 mm |
Filament Type | PLA, ABS, PETG, PVA |
Connectivity | WiFi, USB |
8. XYZprinting da Vinci 2.0 Duo
Print in two colors of ABS up to a maximum build volume of 5.9 x 7.8 x 7.8" with the blue da Vinci 2.0 Duo 3D Printer from XYZprinting. Create detailed objects in resolutions as fine as 100 microns.
XYZprinting is spearheading the beginner and educational market with their 3D printers. The da Vinci 2.0 Duo is no different. It is a quality 3D printer with limited software. It’s print results are pretty impressive and it is an easy to use printer. It has a fully enclosed design, which reduces operating noise, makes the machine safer to use, and maintains a consistent print environment.
A significant limitation of this printer is it requires proprietary filament. This filament is typically more expensive than third-party filaments. Also, XYZprinting does not offer a wide range of colors or options for filaments.
Limitations aside, it is still a great 3D printer. It is a cheap option for a dual extruder 3D printer that is pretty much ready to print once you remove it from the packaging.
Where to Buy XYZprinting da Vinci 2.0 Duo? Check out the latest prices on BHP here.
Layer Resolution | 100 microns |
Build Area | 5.9″ x 7.9″ x 7.9″ |
Filament Dia. | 1.75 mm |
Filament Type | XYZprinting only |
Connectivity | USB |
9. Maker Farm Pegasus 12″
The Maker Farm Pegasus is a kit 3D printer that is available in 3 different sizes with the 12″ model being the largest. Maker Farm is an American based company and offers all of their kit 3D printers with an aluminum frame and multiple hot end options.
Kit 3D printers are a great option for those on a tight budget looking for a few extra features. But as implied, they are unassembled and will require some work after unboxing before the 3D printer is up and running.
The heated bed, hot end options, and open filament system mean this printer will use just about every type of filament to fit your needs. This one of the largest print beds you can get for under $800. It has an impressive print quality and can be used as a true workhorse 3D printer.
It is very consistent and will produce the same results time and time again. While it is not the most user-friendly 3D printer, users with a little more experience in 3D printing should not have any issues.
Layer Resolution | 50 microns |
Build Area | 11.5″ x 12″ 13.5″ |
Filament Dia. | 1.75 mm |
Filament Type | PLA, ABS, HIPS, NYLON, and more |
Connectivity | USB, SD |
10. Leapfrog Creatr HS
Leapfrog, a Dutch manufacturer that is well known for its educational toys and technology products is making a splash in the 3D printing industry. Their latest 3D printer, the Leapfrog Creatr HS, the successor to the very popular Leapfrog Creatr.
While very similar to the previous model the Creatr HS does excel in some areas where the previous model was lacking. It is still an all-metal build, but the Creatr HS comes with the dual extruders and a knob-controlled LCD screen.
The quality of prints (print quality) is just about the same, but this model prints much faster and can reach speeds up to 300 mm/s. This sure is a high-speed printer as the name suggests. A slightly larger print bed, which is heated, gives you a little more room to operate.
Some other features of the Creatr HS that has users excited about is it is completely prebuilt and ready to use right out of the box. Some users have gotten the machine up and printing within 30 minutes of unboxing. Just like many other Leapfrog products, the Creatr HS is a great educational 3D printer. Some home printers may look elsewhere, but if you want to bring a 3D printer into a classroom, this is a great option to consider.
Layer Resolution | |
Build Area | 290 x 270 x 180 mm |
Print Speed | 300 mm/s |
Filament Dia. | 1.75 mm |
Filament Type | ABS, PLA, HIPS, PET, Nylon, and more |
This is the fastest in it's class 300+ mm per second print speed. Largest build area (11.8" x 9" x 7") for making the biggest things. Not only it is faster but also it can print higher quality as low as 10 microns.
Final Thoughts on Dual Extrusion 3D Printers
That wraps us up for this. Dual extruder 3D printers are cutting-edge technology that really add a whole new layer to 3D printing. The ten printers listed above are all great machines that have received rave reviews from their users. You will not be disappointed picking any of them. So stop waiting, go get a dual extruder 3D printer and let your creativity flow.