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The E3D ToolChanger - Beta 30 is taking shape!
“Beta30’s are taking over the US”
Machines are out in the wild and being put through their paces by our trusted Beta testers! So far, we've smoothly shipped 16 ToolChangers across Europe and the States and the next batch - due to ship early February - will complete our Beta programme. Thus far we've reported no major issues and the only thing we are currently reconsidering is whether side panels should be included as part of the default kit: it seems these panels contribute to the stiffness more than we expected. This, plus a few extra grub screws being needed here and there, are the only issues we're facing at the moment, meaning there is nothing that we can foresee delaying the project.
"Quality and precision of supplied machined parts is top-class"


In reference to the Adalinda model printed above, it's worth us pointing out that despite the large number of tool changes they only contribute 5% from our initial time penalty calculations. It's clear that the ToolChanger is much faster than other multi material systems that require lengthy purging and sacrificial printing objects.
So, what happens next?
In order to keep the momentum of the project rolling we are giving our Beta testers until 1st March to provide us with their feedback. All feedback is being recorded, and documents updated as we’re going, but that date is the point at which we we will sit down and decide whether or not any re-engineering is required. Taking into consideration the feedback that we have received so far we are feeling confident that any adjustments to the ToolChanger and Motion System will be minimal and we can go full steam ahead with production.
Bearing this in mind, we have been able to do some provisional forecasting and anticipate that we will be in a position to start placing orders for all the parts and gearing up the production line at the end of March. We’ve been blown away by the amount of interest in the E3D ToolChanger and are responding to this increased demand by hiring more staff and renting another unit on the business park where assembly will take place. The foundations for the first production batch are being laid and we want to thank you all for your ongoing patience with this project: the finish line is near!
Lets get down to the numbers
*Please note these figures are still not set in stone but they are a very good indication of the final prices.
Full Kit: £2,600 (excluding VAT)
1 Motion System
1 ToolChanger Head
4 V6 Bowden Tools
1 Duet Wiring Loom
1 Duet Wi-Fi
1 Duex5
1 24V PSU
1 300x200 HT Heated Bed
4 Titans (2 Standard & 2 Mirrored, 1.75mm, Bowden Adaptor)
1 SSR
Let’s face it, we’re as excited as you guys to get these machine into the big wide world and need to stress to you that at this point our main commitment is to those 500+ customers who have paid deposits for their machines. In the future we will sell the ToolChanger Head separately - ToolChanger Head: £150 (excluding VAT) - however this does require a small amount of re-engineering in order to make it easily mountable onto any printer.

That’s enough from us: take a look at what our Beta Tester’s have been getting up to
YouTube:
Tony Akens - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEy0ddxRt61cTmJZv_ZvXgg
René Jurack - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sd941kne_z8&t=2s
Instagram:
Joe - @nemesis.robotics
Nikolai - @nikolai.py
Twitter:
Ezra - @EandEDesign
Keith - @_Tinkerz
Tyler - @TstarkEngineer
Tony - @kraegar
Rich -@RichRap3D
Blogs:
Mike Hackney - https://www.sublimelayers.com/search/label/Tool%20Changer?&max-results=8
Ivor O'Shea Blog - https://ivoroshea.blogspot.com/
Romain Grangier Blog - https://www.facebook.com/additmtl/
ToolChanging 3D printers - https://www.facebook.com/groups/237615240416855/?ref=br_rs
The direct drive heads are based around the upcoming Titan V2 which is currently still in development. We are hoping to release a TV2 Tool at the same time as the general TV2 launch. Unfortunately we don't have fixed timescales but in the mean time Greg has designed a printable tool which uses the Titan Aero and this will be available to download when we launch the ToolChanger. Thanks, E3D
Yes we will be selling the tool-changer plates separately when we launch.
Thanks, E3D
We don't have any plans to develop a larger print bed atm. It is in fact already possible to have different tools including the Volcano on the current design.
Thanks, E3D
Sure, it could be a possibility. However, we don't have any plans to make a Tita Aqua Tool due to reservations that it could be a bit too heavy.
Thanks, E3D
Nevertheless, I’m excited for more information.
Chris M.
The frame will include side panels, we are making decisions on these atm so more details to follow!
Thanks, E3D
Absolutely, all items will be sold as separate items.
Thanks, E3D
Yes, for this price you would have a complete working machine.
Thanks, E3D
Unfortunately not, our Beta programme is coming to an end shortly and we have now shipped all of the Beta machines.
Thanks, Georgia
Have you tested whether implementing Noctua fans can reduce this remaining noise level a bit?
I heard Prusa has switched some of their fans to this brand due to their noice reduction potential -thus it would be interesting to see whether this makes sense for the Tool Changer as well.
Looking forward to getting my hands on this beauty - and thanks for all your efforts in developing this new concept.
Noctua don't make a 30x30 fan. Glad you're excited about the project, we're really excited about being so close to the end now! :)
Thanks, Georgia
Scotty
Having just searched for comments written by yourself I was unable to find anything and just to let you know we never delete peoples comments! Please feel free to leave your message again if it's not too much of an inconvenience.
Thanks, Georgia
My first and second attempt just now to post this reply seemed both to fail again.
Good thing I copied it before hitting the button!
I guess it can be put down to a website glitch then. I've removed my website and changed the email this time... fingers crossed!!
What I essentially wrote last week was my reaction to the latest info on the printer;
My initial reaction was that the cost was significantly higher than what Sanjay initially intimated way back at the start.
But on closer view, this is now a virtually complete printer and not just the basic mechanical unit discussed at the start.
The real value is in what it can achieve with a practical multi-material system with possibilities for more - so to a business like us it's good value!
Since we combine flexibles and rigids in our prints having a direct drive Titan V2 on one of the heads, if not all, would be something we'd be hopeful to get as part of the purchase.
Thanks, Scotty
Yes, for that amount you'll have everything.
Thanks, E3D