Dual Extrusion

The parts in this project were are optimized for a 3D printer with dual extruders. We  prototyped this using the Flashforge Creator Pro. The traces are printed in Conductive PLA filament, while the hand is printed in Ninajflex. These parts are printed in one piece and fused together.

3D Printer Slice Setting

Download the files to get started. If you're using Simplify 3D as your slice, use the recommend settings below. We have also included a Simplify3D profile for the Flashforge Creator Pro.

For other slicers, you can use the setting as a reference, but be warned that the values might not produce the same results.

Align Origins

In Simplify3D, we'll import the files onto the print area. They're be'll in a unexpected orientation, so we can move all the object into the same origin by going to:

Edit > Align Model Origins

Group models

To move/transform the files as one unit, we can create a group by going under:

Edit > Group Selection

Place objects on bed

Lay the group flat on the bed with:

Edit > Place Surface on Bed

Select face to lay flat

Hover over one of the triangles and click on a face to lay flat on the bed.

Center and Arrange

Select the Center and Arrange button to place the group in the middle of the print bed.

Assign models to each print head

Use the Dual Extrusion Wizzard to assign each file to an extruder. Here, you'll need to be cautious of which extruder has Ninjaflex and Conductive Filament.

Enable and Adjust ooze shield 

Most common issues with dual extrusion is messy mixing of the two materials. To minimize this, we can use an ooze shield around the model to catch any excess material. Refer to ooze shield settings at the top of the page.

Print speeds

Use slower print speeds when printing with NinjaFlex. 45mm/s with no retraction should print fine on a FlashForge Creator Pro.

Once you've carefully modified the slice setting, go ahead and generate the gcode by hitting "Prepare to Print".

Select Processes

If you have any extra processes, Unselect  those and only choose the two colored ones.

Check toolpath

Select the Active Toolhead view to visualize the toolpath. Make sure the colors do not intersect each other. 

If everything looks good, export and print!

Materials

The conductive parts can be combined with different types of filament. The most common filaments like NinjaFlex, Semi-Flex will do just fine but you can of course experiement with other flexible materials 

Clean up

If there's any string or artifacts left over from the ooze shield, clean up the part by trimming them off using a pair of flush snips.