Dual-Extruders, are they worth it?

Finally buying my first printer. I'm an Electrical Engineer and I design UAV payload systems. I spend a lot of my time developing embedded MCU systems for small aircraft and that's what I need a printer for.
I need to know if I should be swooning over FlashForges 3D Creator Pro with dual-extruders, or if the MakerGear M2 with it's single extruder? Thx in adv for anyone who can contribute their experience.
The material I'll mostly be using is ColorFabs XT CF20. It seems to meet my needs for prototyping and I'm excited to test it out.

Now THIS is a good topic......
http://persephonemagazine.com/wp-con...rt-popcorn.gif

I'm new to the scene so I may not be much help but.....

Advantages might be....
1). If one head fails you can switch over and use the other. (not within the same print of course)
2). Some software utilizes optimization schemes that can improve print time and quality by using the two print heads for different tasks while printing the same object
3). Multi color prints. Can't do that with a single head extruder (at least not near as easily)

Disadvantages might be....
1). Costs more
2). More to fail
3). Second print head can get in the way and mess up a good print

ive had a dual extruder printer for a year now, and never used it.. I used each of them on their own for ABS or PLA, but never a dual color or whatever part. overrated IMO

I use mine a lot. I do a lot of intricate prototypes and use one extruder for the build material and the other for support material, specifically the tried and trusted ABS/HIPS combination. My work wouldn't be possible without dual extrusion. You do need to correctly align and calibrate the two extruders but that isn't exactly difficult. Once done though it really opens up a whole new whole of possibilities.

If you don't intend to do bicolor parts, the only 2 questions are : will you require soluble supports ? Do you need to save time to the point of having different heads for faster infill ? If not absolutely necessary, save some bucks.

It does make the levelling slightly more complex. But I'd like to say this : the secondary head is problematic only when in use. When you use the 2 heads in a print, it helps to turn off the one you don't use.

If you like to be redundant, a second head can ensure you work when one is down.

I don't regret buying my printrbot Metal Plus Dual, very good & reliable. I don't use the second head that often.

Single head printers are slightly better quality due to reduced mass on the major moving part. Less ringing on corners.

I'm not sure that should change your mind about things, it really isn't that big a deal but nevertheless it is true.

it can be an issue when you have alittle filement sticking out of the head you're not using. had to take a file to the non-in-use head on more than one occasion. But generally it's not a big issue.

It gives you options and very few negatives.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mjolinor

Single head printers are slightly better quality due to reduced mass on the major moving part. Less ringing on corners.

I'm not sure that should change your mind about things, it really isn't that big a deal but nevertheless it is true.

---

Only if you don't compensate with a lower print speed.

Higher mass does not equal poor prints. Highter mass equals a greater chance for poor prints if you don't use a speed appropriate to your mass and acceleration.

Yes, they are worth it bud. Come check out my 3d printer design at http://mobious.org -i just released my dual extruder design!

I agree with the posts above, one of the best advantage of having a dual extruder is that you can switch to another in case the other one will fail. If you really need to use dual extruders in printing then you can buy the printer. I haven't really used dual extruders while I am printing so personally, I am good with just one extruder :)

I thank everyone for their input. I realize this may not be the most interesting topic.
I don't really need two-tone prints, although if it's an advantage, sure. Back-up is defiantly a good advantage, yes.
What im interested in is the print quality/detail in using 2x extruders , one extruder having a smaller exit diameter than the other for 'detail'. I need to print things like adapters and couplings to join multiple carbon fiber tubes into 1 node. Also i'm going to attempt to print housings for EDF's (electronic ducted fan), and thrust tubes. These are obviously on a small scale for sUAS, small unmanned system. They won't have any flame component and not much heat either except maybe some radiant heat from large brush-less motors.
Has anyone handled or tested ColorFabb's XT CF20 ? I'm interested to see how well it runs through printers...etc.

I tired once to add a 2nd extruder to my printer. but I found that levelling was a pain. even with two identical extruders. the hotends would be slightly different lengths. and it was difficult to adjust them to be the same. Perhaps less of an issue with a printer that has this preset but as a DIY option it can be a pain.. BTW once i did get it working. never used it and removed the 2nd head a month later.

There are a a number of printers around at the moment with different sized printing nozzles.

Have a look at the cel robox.
Not the largest print volume. but does have different size nozzles (I think a 0.3 anda 0.6 or 0.8 - for fast infill) and the ability to add different tool heads at a later date. Also not a bad price.