# Dual Extrusion 3D Printing ## Overview https://youtu.be/YIXQSmGU4_o ## What is Dual Extrusion? Dual extrusion is the process of 3D printing with multiple filaments. You can mix colors or different materials with a print head that has two extruders and nozzles. With two spools loaded, the printer alternates between them by printing one at a time. It's not actually faster at printing because its still using only one extruder at a time. With this process, we designed these experimental projects that utilize different materials and colors. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/644/medium800/3d_printing_MK8-springloaded-dirdrive.jpg?1441850778) ## Dual Extrusion Projects We've created these projects below as a way to test and calibrate our dual extruder. Check out these projects below for more details. - [Coin Cell Battery Tester](../../../../3d-printed-battery-tester) - [Wearable LED gloves](../../../../3d-printed-flexible-conductive-filament-led-glove) - [Multi-colored Unicorn Horn](../../../../3d-printed-unicorn-horn/overview) - [Multi-colored D20 gaming die](../../../../talking-d20-20-sided-gaming-die/overview) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/645/medium800/3d_printing_dual-projects-collage-sm.jpg?1441853488) ## Dual Extrusion 3D Printers These projects were tested on a Flashforge Creator Pro. This 3D printer features a MK8 spring-loaded dual extrusion direct drive system. It can print materials like Ninjaflex, ABS, PLA, Nylon and many more. Most dual extrusion 3D printers will need a printer profile to for a slicing application to process the models to dual print. In most cases, you'll need to assign a parts in two separate STL files to the two nozzles and configure settings depending the model features and materials. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/643/medium800/3d_printing_flashforge-creator-pro.jpg?1441850765) - [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/dual-extrusion-3d-printing/designing-for-dual-extrusion.md) ## Featured Products ### Flashforge Creator PRO [Flashforge Creator PRO](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2742) The **Flashforge Creator Pro** is the latest addition to FlashForge’s Creator family, built upon an open source platform. Based on proven design of the Creator X chassis, the Pro is now enclosed so you can print ABS better and more efficient than ever. The upgraded... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2742) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2742/guides) ### Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types [Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080) Having a 3D printer without filament is sort of like having a regular printer without paper or ink.  And while a lot of printers come with some filament there's a good chance you've been printing up a storm and need something new.  That's why we've started carrying a... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2080/guides) ### PRINTinZ Flexible 3D Printer Plate for Printrbot - 168mm x 237mm [PRINTinZ Flexible 3D Printer Plate for Printrbot - 168mm x 237mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2233) Removing 3D printed parts from your 3D printer can be tough. Sometimes pieces get stuck to your 3D printing plate and their bottoms get stuck to your build plate.  Over time, chiseling objects off can scratch and damage your plate - and get pretty annoying - so wouldn't it be... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2233) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2233/guides) ### PrintrBot Simple Metal 3D Printer - Black - Assembled [PrintrBot Simple Metal 3D Printer - Black - Assembled](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1760) New from Printrbot, the Metal Simple is a brand new rock solid, all metal, fully-assembled Printrbot Simple! As opposed to the [Printrbot Simple Kit](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1735), all of the laser cut wood parts have been replaced by rock solid metal and assembled. In... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1760) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1760/guides) ### Flush diagonal cutters [Flush diagonal cutters](https://www.adafruit.com/product/152) These are the best diagonal cutters, large super-comfortable grip to use and have strong nippers for perfect trimming of wires and leads. I've used my pair every day for years. In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/152) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/152/guides) ### Hakko Precision Flat Pliers [Hakko Precision Flat Pliers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1368) These Italian-made Hakko pliers are excellent for any precision work. The nose is flattened and fairly short to provide excellent control. The inside of the jaws is also flattened so they won't leave ridge-marks. And the grips are ultra comfy too, you can use these all days with no... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1368) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1368/guides) ## Related Guides - [Unibeam](https://learn.adafruit.com/unibeam.md) - [3D Printed LED-Animation BMO](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-led-animation-bmo.md) - [3D Printed Fidget Spinner](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-fidget-spinner.md) - [Wire Spool Carousel](https://learn.adafruit.com/wire-spool-carousel.md) - [32x32 Square Pixel Art Animation Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/32x32-square-pixel-display.md) - [IoT Filament Sensor](https://learn.adafruit.com/iot-filament-sensor.md) - [LED Rocket Lamp](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-rocket-lamp.md) - [Articulated Pi Display V2 Mount](https://learn.adafruit.com/pi-wall-mount.md) - [Asteroid Tracker](https://learn.adafruit.com/asteroid-tracker.md) - [Decorative Pointy Elf Ear Bud Holders](https://learn.adafruit.com/elf-ears.md) - [How to use 3D Parts GitHub Repo](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-use-3d-parts-github-repo.md) - [USB C CC Resistor Fixer Case](https://learn.adafruit.com/resistor-fixer-case.md) - [EPCOT Spaceship Earth with WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/epcot-spaceship-earth-with-wled.md) - [PiCowBell Proto Brick Plates](https://learn.adafruit.com/piccowbell-doubler-brick-plates.md) - [CircuitPython Painter](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-painter.md)