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Multi-Material Units (MMUs)

Multi-Material Upgrade (MMU) systems allow 3D printers to print with multiple filaments in a single print. These systems enable multi-color, multi-material printing and provide flexibility for complex models. Below is a list of popular MMU systems with links, images, and brief descriptions.

Toolchanger / Multiple toolhead

Tap Changer

  • Key Features:
    • Z probing with standard voron tap
    • low cost toolchanging system
    • fysetc kit

Stealth Changer

MadMax

Commercial Toolchanger Options

e3d

Prusa XL

Prusa Core One (+ / L) INDEX

Snap Maker u1

Filament Feeders / filament Multiplexers

ERCF (Enraged Rabbit Carrot Feeder)

  • Description: A community-driven MMU system designed for high reliability and extensive customization.
  • Key Features:
    • Supports up to 12 colors/materials
    • Highly customizable with modular components
    • Extensive community support and documentation
    • Advanced filament path control for reduced tangling

PICO-MMU

  • Description: A very interesting project by Ihndo, the creator of the LH-Stinger.
  • Key Features:
    • Compact design for all printers
    • Supports up to 4 colors/materials
    • Open-source and customizable
    • Lightweight and easy to assemble
    • no kits avaliable

BoxTurtle

  • Description: An open-source multi-material system that supports 4 spools (unsure if they can be daisy-chained). Includes an auto-rewinding system, and a kit can be purchased through LDO Motors.
  • Key Features:
    • Supports up to 4 colors/materials (per boxturtle)
    • Auto-rewinding system for unused filaments
    • Open-source with detailed documentation
    • Designed for compatibility with Klipper firmware
    • heated enclsure optional
    • TriangelLabs kit
    • Formbot kit
    • Seleadlab kit

Happy Turtle Lettuce Feeder

  • Description: "HTLF is a lane-based filament changer for Klipper designed by ArmoredTurtle. It uses a camshaft to engage the selected lane, effectively making the requested lane a direct drive extruder (no slip to contend with). The “stock build” is for a four color system, though CAD is provided should you choose to expand it further." From Robert_Klotz
  • Key Features:
    • Supports up to 4 colors/materials (per boxturtle)
    • Open-source
    • Works with AFC klipper Add On
    • Lower cost than BoxTrutle
  • TriagnelLabs kit
  • Seleadlab kit

TradRack

  • Description: A similar system to the ERCF, the TradRack is designed by Annex Engineering.
  • Key Features:
    • Modular design for easy expansion
    • Supports up to 14 colors/materials
    • Compatible with various slicers
    • Designed for high-speed filament swapping

Commercial Options

BTT ViViD

  • Description: A BigTreeTech MMU system that offers integration with their control boards and firmware. At this time, there is not much known.
  • Key Features:
    • Seems like a AMS style system with space for 4 spoos

Anycubic MMU

  • Description: Anycubic's solution for multi-material printing, originally released with the Kobra 3 3D printer. It will soon be supported by the upcoming Anycubic S1 as well.
  • Key Features:
    • Supports up to 4 colors/materials

Prusa MMU

  • Description: An innovative add-on for Prusa 3D printers, supporting up to five filaments for multi-color and multi-material prints.
  • Key Features:
    • Automatic filament loading/unloading
    • Integrated with PrusaSlicer for seamless operation

BambuLabs AMS

BambuLabs AMS Lite

BambuLabs AMS 2

Other Relevant Modifications

Blobifier

  • A unique approach to multi-material printing

Filametrix

  • A stealth burner toolhead modified to include a filament cutter

Selection Guide

Factors to Consider

  1. Number of Materials

    • 3-4 materials: Anycubic MMU, PICO-MMU, Box Turtle, BTT MMU
    • 5-8 materials: Prusa MMU
    • 9+ materials: ERCF, TradRack

  2. Installation Complexity

    • Easy: Commercial solutions
    • Moderate: PICO-MMU, TradRack
    • Advanced: ERCF, Box Turtle

  3. Cost Considerations

    • Budget: TradRack, Anycubic MMU
    • Mid-range: PICO-MMU, BTT MMU
    • High-end: ERCF, Box Turtle

  4. Maintenance Requirements

    • Low: Commercial solutions
    • Medium: PICO-MMU
    • High: ERCF, Box Turtle

Technical Considerations

Software Requirements

  • Klipper integration
  • Slicer settings
  • Material profiles
  • Transition settings

Hardware Requirements

  • Extruder compatibility
  • Hotend requirements
  • Electronics integration
  • Space requirements

References

  1. Voron Design Documentation
  2. Community Modifications Database
  3. User Experience Reports
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