Prusa Research is working on a new generation of its multi-material system for FDM printing. In a recent YouTube video, company founder Josef Prusa gave an insight into the future direction of development. While the current model, the MMU3, is now more stable than previous versions, a complete redesign is apparently imminent. However, users must be prepared for the fact that there are no plans to upgrade MMU3 to the new system.
The Multi Material Unit (MMU) allows filaments to be changed automatically during printing in order to produce objects with multiple colors or materials. Prusa was one of the first manufacturers to offer such an extension as a retrofit solution.
In the video, Prusa first showed a revised “Lite” version of the MMU3 with familiar components such as filament buffers and five separate spool feeders. This version can also handle oversized spools and should be available soon. A second version merely adds a protective cover, but otherwise remains identical in design.
A third prototype shown is more exciting, but is not intended to go into series production. In this internal development, the filament buffer was integrated directly into the spool holders, which are also fully encapsulated. The design is to appear as a community project on Prusa’s Printables platform.
Prusa has not yet announced a specific successor model, but has spoken of a “complete reinvention” of the MMU concept. It is therefore clear that the upcoming version will not be able to be retrofitted to existing devices.
Metal Binder Jetting: The Key to Efficient Tool Manufacturing? - Exclusive Insights from INDO-MIM
Fill out the form and get instant access to an exclusive webinar on HP's Metal Binder Jetting 3D printing technology with exciting insights from INDO-MIM.Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPresso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
