USA news on Youtube Oct 27 2017

Hot swapping is the process of switching filaments

mid-print to achieve multi-color prints with a single extruder.

Hot swapping is excellent for printing

logos, signage, and decorative widgets.

Hot swapping can be done multiple ways.

In this video, we'll show you three of them,

taking you from digital model to finished multi-color print.

We'll also show you some tips and tricks for achieving great-looking results.

The Pause at Height method is preferred for

achieving precision, accuracy, and repeat-ability.

Before beginning it's important to remember that

print settings often vary dramatically between filaments.

For this reason we suggest using the same polymer and manufacturer for the entirety of the print.

To start, load your model into Cura 2 and

select your desired material settings.

Using the layer view, drag the layer tab to find your desired transition point.

Once you've identified the layer number,

Multiply the layer number by your layer height found under the quality menu to obtain your pause height.

Under the Extensions tab, navigate to

Post Processing, Modify G-Code, and select the Pause at Height script.

Enter your desired pause height.

If you're using multiple pause heights be sure to enter them from highest to lowest

Now you are ready to begin printing.

When the print has paused,

gently remove the previous filament and push in the next filament

until a small amount begins to extrude from the nozzle.

Gently turn the herringbone gear counter clockwise to

purge the previous filament.

Once this is done hit resume.

If precise layer lines aren't crucial for your print,

you can manually pause the printer to change filament

without modifying g-code In Cura

While printing, simply select Pause in the menu on a TAZ, or in Cura on a Mini.

Carefully swap out the filament like before...

...and hit resume.

Finally you can hot-swap on the fly by chasing one piece

of filament with another of the same polymer.

This works especially well on the MOARstruder tool head.

Simply cut the first filament while printing

and follow it into the hobbing with the second filament

The trick is to apply enough pressure to

force the remaining filament into the extruder,

but not so much that it causes deflection or skipped steps.

This method can be difficult so we recommend

perfecting the technique before trying it on larger prints.

As soon as you get the hang of hot swapping and

feel confident cranking out those multicolored designs,

the LulzBot 3D printer community

would love to see your results.

Share your favorite designs, images, videos, and

3D models and join the ongoing conversation.