There is another tool-changing 3D printer available, the ProForge 300, and it’s an open-source design.
Originally launched as a Kickstarter in 2023 by UK-based Makertech 3D, the device has now expanded its build volume to a very healthy 300 x 300 x 300 mm, hence the name “ProForge 300”.
A tool-changing 3D printer is able to print a job in more than one filament, typically different colours. Most multimaterial 3D printers use a filament swapping system where filament is pulled out and another reinserted in mid-job. That works, but requires the hot end to be flushed of the old material each time. This introduces a fantastic amount of material waste, sometimes exceeding the weight of the print itself.
A toolchanger is also multimaterial, but operates differently. They have separate printheads for each material that are moved in and out of the active print zone during printing. This means material switches are near instant, and almost no material is wasted. An added benefit is that toolchangers can operate with flexible filaments, whereas the other approach cannot. However, toolchangers often cost more because more hardware is required.
On the other hand, Makertech 3D’s design here is open source, and is therefore less expensive.
Let’s look at the specifications for this device:
- 300 x 300 x 300 mm build volume
- Up to three separate printheads (three materials)
- Quad-motor CoreXY motion system (high speed)
- Auto-tilt leveling system
- Sensors to detect print failures, filament out and jams
- Print plate heats up to 120C
- Large colour touchscreen
- Fully enclosed with air filtration
- Onboard webcam for remote operation
- Klipper high-speed firmware
- CHT high-flow nozzle
There are currently three models of the ProForge 300 available:
- ProForge 300 Base, which includes one, two or three printheads, priced between US$1612-US$2177
- ProForge 300 Max, which adds all three printheads and the enclosure/filtration system, priced at US$2750
- ProForge 300 Ultra, which is the same as the Max, but uses quick swappable E3D REVO hot ends, priced at US$3035.
The obvious competitor to the ProForge 300 would be the Prusa XL. Comparing prices, we find that the XL with one printhead is priced at US$2499, quite a bit higher than the base ProForge 300.
The XL does not offer a three-printhead option, and only lists one, two, or five printhead configurations. The five-printhead version is priced at US$4099, over one thousand dollars more expensive than the ProForge 300 Max.
The question is, would you actually need two more materials? How often would you require five different materials in a print? Would two more materials be worth US$1349? You could buy over 50 spools of material for that price difference.
It seems to me that the ProForge 300 could be a worthy competitor to the Prusa XL.
Via Makertech3D
