RoboSavvy MM2X: A Dual Extruder for MakerBot Replicator 3D Printers

When Limor Schweitzer founded RoboSavvy in 2004, his vision was to create humanoid robots that would build a bridge between video games and reality. He’s focused on understanding humanoid locomotion and using that knowledge to make humanoid robots capable of performing acrobatics.

His company also became a retailer of robotics equipment for hobbyists and researchers in Europe, as well as providing technical support to customers. Along with those activities, Schweitzer’s company also has expertise in 3D printers, DIY electronics and sensors, and MakerBot 3D printers in particular. UK-based RoboSavvy is based in London with domestic offices in Hampstead and Camden, and also boasts a Research and Development Lab and RMA center in Lisbon, Portugal.

Now RoboSavvy has created the MM2X – Multi-Material Dual Extruder – a replacement dual extruder system for the MakerBot Replicator 2X that “guarantees reliable printing with PLA, ABS and other materials.”

With their extensive experience and expertise in support – and printing – with MakerBot printers, Schweitzer and his team decided to craft an enhancement for creating prints using multiple materials.

“We have experience and expertise in support and printing with MakerBot printers and therefore took it upon ourselves to improve the nozzle system making multi-material printing with the Replicator 2X a reality,” they say in the product description. “The MM2X kit can be easily installed in less than 30 minutes and is compatible with MakerBot MakerWare default profiles.”

The team of design engineers at RoboSavvy say the secret is that the MM2X uses an insulator system made from PEEK (polyether ether ketone) – as opposed to the metal parts usually used – to prevent excessive heat transfer, which can adversely effect PLA prints.

The MM2X also makes use of an internal Teflon guide to allow the filament to flow smoothly through the extruder while a radial fan and duct system cool the filament immediately following extrusion.

The MM2X also features multi-material extrusion with PLA, ABS, and other materials, and nozzles which can be easily swapped within a few minutes; requires no hardware changes to the original printer, which allows the device to be easily restored back to the original extruder setup; and offers active cooling via the radial fan and air duct cooling upgrade.

The MM2X Kit includes, per the company:

• 1 x Aluminum Bar Mount with 2 Nozzles (including cartridge heaters and thermocouples)
• 1 x Radial Cooling Fan
• 1 x Cooling Duct – STL File (part to be printed by consumer)
• 1 x Z Spacer – STL File (part to be printed by consumer)
• 4 x Extension Cables

The MM2X Kit is available directly from the RobotSavvy online store for £180 (about $275). The company also offers directions on Instructables for installing the MM2X.

Will you be upgrading your MakerBot Replicator 2X with the MM2X? Let us know in the MM2X Multi-Material Dual Extruder from RoboSavvy forum thread on 3DPB.com.