Multi-Extrusion Ecosystem
Expectations.
Printing with a Switching-Hotend is an exciting new frontier, although software and electronics setup are fairly simple and we are seeing great results here at E3D we want to be up-front about the status of this product. We are still developing the best techniques, settings and procedures to get beautiful reliable prints every time. Cyclops takes some extra learning and getting used to and may require a little tinkering and tuning to get awesome prints. If you're looking for a more conventional system then Chimera may be a better fit for your needs.
Add Multi-Extrusion capability to your machine with the easiest, most versatile, and highest performance HotEnds in the industry. E3D has a range of modular systems which give you the ability to create printers that can print a wide range of colours and materials in a single object, in one print.
All our multiple extrusion systems share some core design principles:
Our signature E3D All-Metal, high performance design for fantastic prints in every material, every time.
Easy to level nozzles make getting started in dual extrusion easier than ever before.
Absolute minimum size and weight, won't weigh down your machine or reduce printing performance
Which Beast Do You Need?
| | E3D-v6 | Chimera | Cyclops | Kraken |
| |  |  |  |  |
Fundamentals |
| Inputs | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Outputs | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Switching | No | No | Yes | No |
| Mixing | No | No | No | No |
Filament |
| Filament | 1.75mm/3mm | 1.75mm | 1.75mm | 1.75mm |
| Indv. Temps. | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Compatability |
| V6 Nozzles | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Volcano | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Cooling |
| Air | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Water | Coming Soon | Coming Soon | Coming Soon | Yes |
Release Video
Check out the release video for The Chimera and The Cyclops.
The Chimera
2 In, 2 Out - Dual Extrusion System
Chimera is a neat and simple way in which to add conventional dual extrusion to your machine in a simple, air cooled package. Nozzles can be individually adjusted in height for an easy setup experience. Each nozzle is individually temperature controllable for ultimate material versatility. Chimera inherits the best from it's cousins, v6 and Kraken, combining them into a single, reliable, yet highly capable hotend with a tiny 30x28mm footprint and easy mounting.
The Cyclops
2 In, 1 Out - Switching HotEnd
Cyclops introduces a new way of printing multiple materials not yet seen before in commercially available hotends. By taking 2 input materials and printing them alternately from a single nozzle Cyclops is able to eliminate ooze problems that are inherent in most conventional dual extrusion systems. This new approach has been working excellently for us in testing at E3D, but we are releasing it now as an experimental product as we are still figuring out the best techniques for using this new HotEnd type.
Dual-Extrusion.
Dual Extrusion brings the abilities of your printer to a whole new level; providing a way to print items in multiple colours, multiple materials, support materials, all giving you unprecedented freedom in what you can print. Multiple colour prints will be the envy of your friends and allow you to convey more visual information in prototypes. Multi-material prints allow you to combine distinctly different material properties in a single print, imagine rigid Carbon-Fibre-PLA wheel hubs with printed in place NinjaFlex tyres or a Nylon bushing. Support materials allow you to ignore the age old problems of overhangs or picking off tedious-same material supports by using soluble support materials, or materials that break away cleanly from your prints. If you're a machine manufacturer looking to differentiate your machine in a crowded marketplace then Chimera and Cyclops give you an easy way to upgrade to dual-extrusion.
Modular Ecosystem.
Chimera and Cyclops are close relatives, and also inherit components from the v6 family and Kraken. This means that you can easily change a Chimera into a Cyclops or vice-versa. Chimera is also compatible with the full range of v6 Extra-Nozzles for maximum configurability. This gives you opportunity to use a larger nozzle for fast support or infill, while keeping resolution with a smaller nozzle for perimeters or details.
We're planning future updates to our ecosystem that will further enhance the capabilities of many of our hotends in a modular and configurable way, such as being able to withstand heated build chambers and faster printing speeds.
