Multi-Material Units (MMUs)
Comprehensive guide to Multi-Material Units for 3D printers
On this page
- Toolchanger / Multiple toolhead
- Tap Changer (link to GitHub)
- Stealth Changer (link to GitHub)
- MadMax (link to GitHub)
- Commercial Toolchanger Options
- e3d
- Prusa XL
- Prusa Core One (+ / L) INDEX
- Snap Maker u1
- Filament Feeders / filament Multiplexers
- ERCF (Enraged Rabbit Carrot Feeder)
- PICO-MMU
- BoxTurtle
- Happy Turtle Lettuce Feeder
- Low Rider V2 (external link)
- TradRack
- Commercial Options
- BTT ViViD
- Anycubic MMU
- Prusa MMU
- BambuLabs AMS
- BambuLabs AMS Lite
- BambuLabs AMS 2
- Other Relevant Modifications
- Blobifier (link to GitHub)
- Filametrix (link to GitHub)
- Selection Guide
- Factors to Consider
- Technical Considerations
- Software Requirements
- Hardware Requirements
- Related Resources
- References
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 (link to GitHub)#
- Key Features:
- Z probing with standard voron tap
- low cost toolchanging system
- fysetc kit (affiliate link — we may earn a commission)
Stealth Changer (link to GitHub)#
- Key Features:
- Unlike the name suggests it supports more then just stealthburners
- Fysetc CNC x carrage for StealthChanger (affiliate link — we may earn a commission)
MadMax (link to GitHub)#
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 (link to GitHub), the creator of the LH-Stinger (link to GitHub).
- 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 (affiliate link — we may earn a commission)
- Formbot kit (affiliate link — we may earn a commission)
- Seleadlab kit (affiliate link — we may earn a commission)
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 (affiliate link — we may earn a commission)
- Seleadlab kit (affiliate link — we may earn a commission)
Low Rider V2 (external link)#
- Description: A similar system to the PICO MMU, and the HTLF, it uses a camshaft to put presure on the fillament it want to load.
- Key Features:
- Modular design for easy expansion
- Supports up to 6 colors/materials
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 (link to GitHub)#
- A unique approach to multi-material printing
Filametrix (link to GitHub)#
- A stealth burner toolhead modified to include a filament cutter
Selection Guide#
Factors to Consider#
-
Number of Materials
- 3-4 materials: Anycubic MMU, PICO-MMU, Box Turtle, BTT MMU
- 5-8 materials: Prusa MMU
- 9+ materials: ERCF, TradRack
-
Installation Complexity
- Easy: Commercial solutions
- Moderate: PICO-MMU, TradRack
- Advanced: ERCF, Box Turtle
-
Cost Considerations
- Budget: TradRack, Anycubic MMU
- Mid-range: PICO-MMU, BTT MMU
- High-end: ERCF, Box Turtle
-
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
Related Resources#
References#
- Voron Design Documentation
- Community Modifications Database
- User Experience Reports