Best Dual Extruder 3D printer: 7 Models Reviewed

Printers with a single extruder head have some limitations in this arena, for example, they can only work with a single material and color.

This is where the dual extruder 3D printers come in. Dual extruder 3D printers lets you work with different materials and different colors at the same time letting you get more creative with your models.

Since every enthusiast would want a dual extruder 3D printer at some point, we have compiled a list to determine the best dual extruder 3D printer that best suits you according to your needs.

Dual extruder 3D printer comparison table

IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS
	Best ValueBest ValueFlashForge Creator Pro	Aimed at beginners and comes preassembled with an enclosed chamber Easy to use and easy to setup having a sufficient build area High quality 3D builds in a budget	VIEW ON AMAZON →
	SafestSafestBIBO 3D Printer	Comes preassembled with an enclosed chamber and durable metal frame 0.5W laser module for laser engraving and thin material cutting Copy printing function is very helpful for multiple small objects of the same type	VIEW ON AMAZON →
	FastestFastestQIDI Tech X-Pro	Low maintenance Resume printing function High speed 3D printer	VIEW ON AMAZON →
	Best for beginnersBest for beginnersFlashForge Dreamer	First FDM dual extruder printer under $1000 Aimed at beginners looking into dual extrusion 3D printing Preassembled with an enclosed chamber but small build area	CHECK BEST PRICE →

Best Dual Extruder 3D Printer: Reviews

1. FlashForge Creator Pro

Flash Forge Creator Pro is a clone of MakerBot’s open-source 3D printer, the Replicator. It is one of the more affordable dual extruder 3D printer around.

The Creator Pro has a heated plate and a large enclosed build area that allows for high quality builds. This is a great choice for beginners who rely on extensive trail and error, whether it comes to the types of filaments, temperature, slicing software, etc.

Creator Pro eases the process of printing allowing you to focus more on the experience and creating great items. The price makes it an attractive choice for consumers, hobbyists, and small businesses which use 3D printing for rapid prototyping.

The design of the Creator Pro comes ready out of the box which is user-friendly and stylish. The sturdy metal frame makes it durable and gives it a premium feel.

The unibody structure increases the stability of the moving parts, especially during vertical movement while operating. The new heated plate is made of a 6.3mm thick wrap-resistant aluminum alloy which provides excellent conductivity to avoid deforming.

A 10mm heavy-duty guide rod ensures steady and precise movement. Unfortunately, auto-bed leveling is not present, however, it has a three-point metal leveling system which allows for finer adjustment. Creator Pro gets the job done without the need of upgrades or modifications.

Pros

• Excellent price
• Comes fully assembled
• Precise and steady movement
• Durable metal frame

Cons

• Recommended software is mediocre
• Initial builds may not be great

Technical Specifications

• Technology: FFF
• Year: 2016
• Assembly: Fully assembled
• Mechanical arrangement: Cartesian style
• Manufacturer: FlashForge
• Build volume: 227 × 148 × 150 mm
• Layer height: 100 microns
• Extruder type: Dual
• Nozzle size: 0.4 mm
• Max. extruder temperature: 260°C
• Max. heated bed temperature: 120°C
• Positioning accuracy: XY: 11 microns; Z: 2.5 microns
• Printing Speed: 100 mm/s
• Print chamber: Enclosed
• Bed leveling: Manual
• Connectivity: SD card, USB
• Build-in camera for monitoring: No
• Filament diameter: 1.75 mm
• Third-party filament: Yes
• Filament materials: ABS, PETG, PLA, PVA
• Operating system: Windows, Linux, Mac
• Recommended Slicer: Replicator G, FlashPrint (included)
• File types: STL, OBJ

Dimensions and weight

• Frame dimensions: 480 x 338 x 385 mm
• Weight: 19 kg

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2. BIBO Dual Extruder 3D Printer

BIBO 3D printer, also known as the BIBO 2 Touch Laser, is one of Amazon’s bestsellers. It comes in different versions with the dual-nozzle dual extrusion setup as standard.

It can also be equipped with an optional laser engraver which adds to it modeling capabilities. Over all, there are four versions of the BIBO available with two categories: the BIBO Maker or fully assembled, which are further categorized based on being with the laser engraver or not.

The body is made of 6mm aluminum composite panels. The printing chamber is enclosed with an acrylic sealable door and a removable cover. The printing bed is made of removable glass that can reach a temperature of 100°C. These features allow BIBO to work with a wide variety of consumer material.

Opting for the optional 0.5W laser engraving tool will allow you to engrave wood, cut paper, cardboard, etc. Engraving software and safety glasses are also included.

Modifications and repairs are simple to do and BIBO comes with a lifetime customer support. Copy printing and resume printing features can cut printing time in half if you have multiple small objects you want to print. Other features include Wi-Fi, filament run-out detection, and fume containing function for added safety.

Pros

• Lots of helpful accessories included
• Removable glass bed
• Durable 6mm aluminum composite frame
• Free PLA filament roll on first time purchase

Cons

• Nozzles get clogged easily
• Build space isn’t large

Technical Specifications

• Technology: Fused deposition modeling (FDM)
• Year: 2019
• Assembly: Partially assembled
• Mechanical arrangement: Cartesian XY-head
• Manufacturer: Bibo
• Build volume: 214 x 186 x 160 mm
• Feeder system: Direct drive
• Print head: Dual nozzle
• Nozzle size: 0.4 mm
• Max. hot end temperature: 270 ℃
• Max. heated bed temperature: 100 ℃
• Print bed material: Glass
• Frame: Aluminum
• Bed leveling: Manual
• Connectivity: WiFi, USB
• Print recovery: Yes
• Filament sensor: Yes
• Camera: No
• Filament diameter: 1.75 mm
• Third-party filament: Yes
• Filament materials: Consumer materials (PLA, ABS, PETG, Flexibles)
• Recommended slicer: Cura, Simplify3D, Repetier-Host
• Operating system: Windows, Mac OSX, Linux
• File types: STL, OBJ, AMF

Dimensions and weight

• Frame dimensions: 467 x 357 x 374 mm
• Weight: 16 kg

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Full review

3. QIDI Tech X-Pro

QIDI Tech is a Chinese company with over six years of manufacturing experience and pride themselves in developing high quality, high performance 3D printers.

QIDI Tech cares about its customers and has many 3D printers that exhibit this trait. The X-Pro is a similar 3D printer that is targeted towards the hobbyists and the semi-professional market being one of the most affordable dual extruder printer on the market.

It is also easy to maintain and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance and can get the job done reliably. The prints are high quality and easily beat many competitors on the market.

The body is made of metal with an enclosed chamber having acrylic cover and additional panels that adhere via magnets with overall impression of being durable and compact.

The 4.3-inch touch screen has a user-friendly interface and the printer comes with its proprietary QIDI print slicing software that works on Windows and Mac OS which is easy to use. X-Pro comes with aviation-grade aluminum heated bed with a magnetic, removable build plate.

X-Pro requires manual bed leveling and may require re-leveling after long prints. It has many connectivity options and can be connected to via USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. It also has a resume print function which is allows you to resume printing in case of interruption.

Pros

• Affordable price
• High speed builds
• Low maintenance

Cons

• Small build area
• May lack quality in builds due to high speed
• Limited materials to work with

Technical Specifications

• Technology: FDM
• Type: Material extrusion
• Year: 2017
• Assembly: Fully-assembled
• Manufacturer: Qidi Tech
• Build Size: 230 x 150 x 150 mm
• Layer Resolution: 0.1-0.4 mm
• Positioning Accuracy: (X/Y/Z) 0.01/0.01/<0.001 mm
• Extruder Quantity: Dual extruder
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
• Max. Extruder Temperature: 250°C
• Max. Print Bed Temperature: 120°C
• Frame: Aluminum
• Print chamber: Fully enclosed
• Bed leveling: Manual (assisted)
• Display: LCD touch screen
• Built-in camera for monitoring: No
• Print recovery: Yes
• Filament sensor: No
• Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
• Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG
• Third-Party Filament: Yes
• Slicer Software: Qidi Print
• Software Input Formats: STL, OBJ, G, GCODE, X3D, 3MF, PNG, JPG
• Connectivity: WIFI, Ethernet, USB

Dimensions and weight

• Net Weight: 61.7 lbs/ 27.98 kg

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4. Ultimaker S5 Dual Extruder 3D Printer

Ultimaker is a Dutch 3D printer manufacturing company founded in 2011. In this short time, they have managed to become pioneer in the open-source 3D printing community with a range of professional grade 3D printers.

The Ultimaker S5 is the new and expensive option which has been presented as an upgrade to the well praised Ultimaker 3. The price tag of the S5 makes it clear that this printer is not aimed at consumers looking for a budget option, rather, for professional designers, small businesses, and anyone who is looking for a 3D printer that can deliver reliable 3D prints.

S5 is one of the best looking 3D printers on the market. It sports a generous print volume of 1442 inch².

The closest printer in terms of volume to this is the LulzBot Taz 6 with a volume of 1238 inch². S5 has a glass bed which can be heated to 140^oC and it is very easy to remove.

However, it also comes with an aluminum print bed. S5 comes with three printheads: two AA 0.4mm, and one BB 0.4mm printhead. The printheads are swappable which allows for greater flexibility during prints.

Although the printer is slow in terms of printing speed and setup along with a huge price tag, these disadvantages all fade away in front of capabilities and quality of printing that it has.

Pros

• Exceptional print quality
• Large build volume
• Multiuser support
• Supports a wide range of material

Cons

• Expensive
• Relatively slow printing time

Technical Specifications

• Company: Ultimaker
• Technology: FFF FDM
• Printer type: Filament deposition
• Launched in: 2018
• Assembly: Fully-assembled
• Certifications: CE, MSDS, VPAT
• Materials: ABS, CPE, PETG, PLA, PVA
• Material system: Open material system
• Print size metric: 330 x 240 x 300 mm
• Print size imperial: 13.0 x 9.45 x 11.81 inches
• Diameter: 2.85 mm
• Layer thickness: 20 – 600 Micron
• XYZ accuracy: 6.9 x 6.9 x 2.5 micron
• Build rate: <24 mm3 /s
• Closed print chamber: Semi enclosed
• Feeder system: Bowden
• Extruder: Dual
• Print bed details: Heated, Removable, Borosilicate glass
• Bed leveling: Multi-point active bed leveling
• Display: 4.7-inch color touchscreen
• Connectivity: Ethernet, USB cable, WIFI
• Camera: Yes
• Operating sound: 50 dBA
• Operating system: Windows, Mac OSX, Linux
• Software: Ultimaker Cura & Cura Connect
• Slicing: Cura

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions metric: 495 x 457 x 520 mm
• Dimensions imperial: 19.5 x 18.0 x 20.5 inches
• Weight metric: 20.6 kg
• Weight imperial: 45.42 lbs

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5. Geeetech A20M

The Geeetech A20M was released in response to the Creality CR-X. It is a single nozzle dual extruder 3D printer. Let’s be clear on something, A20M isn’t as good as the CR-X, but it isn’t as expensive either, in fact, it is almost half the price of the CR-X.

The highlight features of the A20M are a large build volume and the mix-color capability that allows for the printing of multi-color materials and even achieve a gradient effect by making a slow transition from one color to another.

If you want the Creality CR-X but you are short on budget, then the Geeetech A20M can be a good choice for you.

The aluminum frame of the A20M feels very high quality and sturdy. The assembly process is simpler in the guide but can be harder when done by yourself. You would need help.

The biggest issue that can be faced in the assembly is the bed leveling and the adjustment of the Y-axis wheels which has to be “just right”. Too lose and the bed will wobble, too tight and the bed won’t move.

It has automatic bed leveling and a heated bed, however. There’s nothing separate from the frame and everything is assembled in one unit which is appreciable as it reduces the hassle during and after the assembly and also provides stability because all the weight is in the base.

Other features include filament run out sensor, and 360^o ventilation around the print head.

Pros

• Low price tag
• Large build area
• Mix-color builds
• Automatic bed leveling

Cons

• Y-axis wheel adjustment can present problems
• Bed wobbles on delivery

Technical Specifications

• Technology: FDM
• Year: 2018
• Assembly: Pre-assembled
• Mechanical arrangement: Cartesian-XY-head
• Manufacturer: Geeetech
• Filameter diameter: 1.75 mm
• 3rd party filaments: Yes
• Compatible materials: PLA, PETG, PVA, HIPS, TPU, ABS
• Accuracy: X & Y axes 11 Micron, Z axis 2.5 Micron
• Layer height: 100 – 400 Microns
• Feeder system: Bowden
• Extruder type: Mix, one nozzle capable of filament blending of two strands
• Nozzle size: 0.4 mm
• Max. extruder temperature: 250 °C
• Max. heated bed temperature: 100 °C
• Max. print speed: 180 mm/s
• Frame: Aluminum
• Closed print chamber: no
• Temperature controlled print chamber: No
• Bed leveling: Fully automatic
• Print bed: Heated
• Display: LCD
• Firmware: Open Source
• Connectivity: SD card, USB
• Built-in camera: No

Dimensions and weight

• Build volume: 255 x 255 x 255 mm (10 x 10 x 10 inches)
• Printer dimensions: 442 x 447 x 4800 mm (17.4 x 17.6 x 18.9 inches)

The Geetech A20 has a younger brother, the Geeetech A10. Read the review here.

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6. ZMorph VX

ZMorph is a Polish company which differs from other companies in that it offers multiple fabrication methods within one machine thanks to its modular design and detachable heads.

As a result, a ZMorph machine can work with dozens of fabrication materials which are enough to satisfy even the most demanding professional designers and engineers. ZMorph claims a high print quality and machine reliability with its VX model which is a successor to the ZMorph SX.

The company claims that the VX is easier to setup and operate than before. But, of course, there is a difference between claims and actual performance that the customers get and that is also the case with the ZMorph VX.

The VX arrives well packaged and with a lot of standard tools, tool heads, safety accessories, and other items giving a very strong professional first impression.

The body of the printer is very rigid having heavy duty aluminum plates and Cartesian XZ-head motion system with dual glass-fiber reinforced belts because the printer carries a CNC cutting tool to work with solid blocks of wood which is another highlight feature of this machine.

Cleverly placed magnets are used for removable elements to make sure no mistake can be made. VX comes with ZMorph’s Voxeliser which is versatile and single-handedly manages printing, laser engraving and CNC cutting but can be a bit buggy. The bed can only be leveled automatically. The printer also comes with a 2.8W class 4 laser. ZMorph’s customer spport is also great.

Pros

• Modular design
• Very durable
• All-in-one software
• Excellent print quality

Cons

• Expensive
• Software can be buggy

Technical Specifications

• 3D printing: ABS and derivatives, PLA and derivatives, PVA, PET, ASA, Nylon, HIPS, Thermochrome, TPU, flex materials
• CNC cutting and engraving: all kinds of wood, polycarbonate, HDPE, acrylic glas, machining wax, modeling board, Dibond-like composites, copper laminates (for PCBs), POM, PVC foam
• Laser engraving: all kinds of wood, leather, copper laminate (for PCBs)
• Laser cutting: paper, cardboard, felt, thin gasket materials
• Thick paste printing: chocolate, cookie dough, cream cheese, frosting, ceramics
• Frame made out of high quality Aluminum 4 mm and 3 mm (precise and very rigid), stainless steel 2 mm and 3 mm. Covers made from 3mm PET.
• High precision sliding rails on X and Y axis, made from structural steel. Omron endstops.
• Precisely machined aluminum X carriage, rigid and durable.
• Interchangeable nozzles: 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm.
• Interchangeable toolheads.
• Interchangeable worktables: 3D printing worktable and CNC/laser worktable.
• Non-slip trapezoidal nuts on Z axis made out of high quality POM
• Heated worktable: super-flat, precisely machined working table with exchangeable borosilicate glass sheets. Temperature up to 100C.
• CNC worktable: durable and rigid, machined in aluminum, equipped with pre-set holes and clamps for material positioning.
• Add-on slot
•  Sunbeam 3.0 with ARM LPC1769 processor, equipped with 5 stepper motor drivers. Internal disc drive accessible via USB.
• Silent X and Y stepper drivers – reducing motor noise by 50%
• Tensometric autocalibration.
• LCD color touchscreen.
• USB and LAN (access to WiFi after plugging to WiFi router). Standalone printing supported via panel + internal SD card.
• ER-11 collet in CNC Pro Toolhead
• Maximum 3D printing temperature: 250 C

Dimensions and weight

• Working area: 250 x 235 x 165 mm (toolhead dependent).
• Dimensions: 530 x 555 x 480 mm.
• Weight: 20 kg with packaging (Printing Set)

7. FlashForge Dreamer Dual Extruder

With companies introducing more and more budget-priced 3D printers, FlashForge remains a strong player in this sector with its continuously expanding budget-friendly product line which include the Finder and the Creator Pro. Dreamer was released in 2014 and came into the market when dual extrusion printers were not an option under $1000.

The Dreamer is targeted towards novices who are looking to get into dual extrusion 3D printing business without having any technical problems to face and what to have a great learning experience about 3D printing. But being a budget option has its down sides.

Dreamer has an off-white plastic alloy frame which is fully enclosed. It has a door in the front and a removable top lid. It is safe and highly accurate. The printer has a built-in feat controlling system.

The dual extrusion system consists of FlashForge’s patented dual direct drive nozzle design. The build plate is made of 6.3mm thick aerospace-grade aluminum but the build area of the Dreamer is small.

The Dreamer also has a 3.5inch full-color touchscreen. Additional features include Wi-Fi connectivity, 4GB internal storage, and built-in filament chamber to prevent filament from tangling, and also comes with its own official software, the FlashPrint which is mediocre.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Accurate 3D prints
• Works with a lot of exotic materials

Cons

• Small build area
• Recommended software is mediocre

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Flashforge
• Model: Dreamer
• Assembly: Pre-assembled
• Build volume: 230 x 150 x 140 mm
• Min. layer height: 0.1 mm
• Nozzle quantity: 2
• Nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm
• Max. print temperature: 240℃
• Max print bed temperature: 120℃
• Max. print speed: 100mm/s
• Nozzle diameter: 1.75 mm
• Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, etc
• Screen: 3.5-inch touchscreen
• Connectivity: SD Card, USB, WiFi
• Internal storage: 8G
• Voltage: 100-240V

Dimensions and weight

• Product weight: 27 lbs
• Package weight: 31.5 lbs
• Product size: 485 x 344 x 382 mm
• Package size: 559 x 432 x 559 mm

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Dual Extruder 3D Printer Buying Guide

People often buy things based on appearance, price, or recommendation of family members or friends only to find out that it doesn’t do what they expect it to do.

3D printers are not a cheap buy just to find out that it isn’t the right one for you. So here is a guide to help you make the right decision when you are buying a dual extruder 3D printer.

Price

Expensive doesn’t always mean better. Better depends on what you need and sometimes that can come at a lower price than you expect. A better survey of the market and comparing different types of printers can help you know what kind of printer offers what features and in what price range.

You can then make balanced decision between the features that you want and the compromise that come with it as a package when you buy that printer.

Similarly, with 3D printers, you also have to understand the operating and maintenance cost because parts break down or wear out with time.

Calculating this cost is a sensible decision if you plan to print for a long period fo time. Of course, printers with an open-source design will be the easiest to source parts of with off-the-shelf components.

Closed box printers, although aimed at beginners, may be the hardest to maintain because parts may not be available, that is, if their closed box setup even lets you find the problem.

Do you need dual extrusion?

Don’t just fancy the “dual extruder” name, ask yourself, do you even need a dual extruder printer? Most of the features of a dual extruder printer can be enjoyed with a single extruder printer.

A single extruder printer is also the right choice for beginners as the slicing process is less complex. However, if you are an intermediate who thinks it’s time to level up his or her game, and you want to create some gravity-defying models using support filaments or perhaps models with different materials and different colors to make them more versatile and vibrant, then perhaps you should buy a dual extruder printer.

Bed Size

Bed size is an important factor when it comes to 3D printing. It defines the limitations of your builds. Small bed size means only small objects can be printed and vice versa.

Bed size also dictates whether certain features would be available in the bed or not, for example, heating, auto-bed leveling, material of the bed, etc, which in turn define which materials you can work with and which ones you can’t. Be aware of the size and the features that come with it.

Compatible filaments

Desktop 3D printers usually work with plastic filaments which can be found online in a range of diameter, length, and colors. The most popular filaments for desktop 3D printers are ABS, PVA, and PLA.

Acrylonitrile Butadlene Styrene (ABS): This filament is ideal for kitchen appliances, musical instruments, and toys, lego bricks are an example of ABS. ABS needs high temperature to work with an so the printer should have a heating bed otherwise, working with ABS can be difficult.

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA): This is a special type of water-soluble plastic which is found in paper adhesive, various packaging, fishing bait containers, and kid’s putty. PVA acts to provide support to 3D objects during the build process.

Polylactic Acid (PLA): PLA is an environmentally friendly material compared to the materials mentioned above. It has a wide range of use including surgical implants, food packaging, disposable items, etc.

Each of these materials have their ups and downs and the type of material you use depends on the type of object you want to create. For that, you would have to explore the best material for the job.

After that, you need to check your printer’s guide to see what filament diameter it would accept. Some models accept either 1.75mm or 3mm. It’s important to know which one your printer takes!

Enclosure

Having an enclosed or an open 3D printer setup affects the price of the printer that you are buying. Although both setups have their ups and downs, enclosed setups are still better.

First of all, they are safe. If you have kids or pets wandering around, then they won’t be at a risk to burn themselves by exposed printing bed or extruders.

Enclosed printers also contain fumes and reduce odors. They also reduce noise and maintain temperature smoothly.

Related

• Best 3D Printer for miniatures
• Best 3D Printer under $1000

Conclusion

After reviewing all the products mentioned above, we believe that the FlashForge Creator Pro is a clear winner because of the value for the money that it gives.

There is no doubt that it is placed at an attractive price point and with the features that it has, it is a great choice for beginners and intermediates who are looking to get the job done without any hassle.

The printing quality is not bad either and rivals those placed at a much higher price point making it the best 3D printer in our eyes. However, if you are looking for more professional builds, then perhaps, Ultimaker S5 is the right choice.

While at it, ZMorph VX should also be checked as it is still cheaper than the S5, yet, is more capable.