I’m gradually getting to grips with my H2C. I have two AMS2’s mounted over the glass top, and unlike my previous P2S no riser/ flipper.
I have mounted the TPU assist, and now understand I have to remove the tube feedings the hot end and connect to the TPU assist.
That’s going to be a pain!
I see comments about using the right hand hotend for H2D, but to me it seems logical to use the left or fixed hot end.
I have seen several methods to use a 2:1 adapter near the buffer - keep weight away from the print head, but would like to get input on whether this is a desirable mod.
I ran a spare PTFE tube along the chain and out the rear buffer bypass port, which reaches all the way to my feeder boxes (or to the assist module’s output… still haven’t found a reason to actually use mine though). To print TPU/etc I just need to swap the tubes at the print head. Added a simple chain clip on the print head end to keep the unused tube out of the way while printing. (I don’t have any laser stuff so there’s no air tube on my chain – the added resistance from 3rd tube is minimal and doesn’t affect anything AFAICT.)
This is still somewhat easier to do from the top though. Have to say, I originally had my AMSs sitting on top of the printer glass, and that lasted not very long at all… easy top access is crucial IMHO.
Yes, I agree about top access being desired, maybe someone will create a flipper design with 2 AMS’s facing inwards at each other I don’t like the appearance and space taken by the 2 side by side which seems to be popular.
So, if you do use TPU do you plan to use the left or right hot end? I think for H2C it should be the non Vortek end i.e. the left. I haven’t actually used multicolor while I’m learning, so I haven’t seen the Left hot end running yet. The selection process does alternate via the FTS but so far has always selected the Vortek side, all ends are currently the same.
So up until recently, technically only the right side, induction, hot end was officially supported by BL for soft TPU (same side as H2D), due to the left nozzle lifting (I guess) or whatever. One had to jump through hoops to convince the slicer to do otherwise (not really worth the bother), so I just used the right side. I’m not 100% sure on the current status on the C vs. D vs. Studio version required, but I think TPU printing is now supported on both sides… with right side still being “preferred.” If one wants to use the Vortek for switching colors/materials during a print, it would indeed make more sense to use the left side for the TPU. Otherwise it’s really no practical difference.
Once the spare tube is on the chain, it can be hooked up to either hot end of course. What I haven’t tried yet is running 2 tubes out the printer, for simultaneous printing of non-AMS materials like TPU. Seems like that can still work fine, and I even saw some mods on MW to allow 2 tubes more elegantly through the bypass port, but haven’t had a need yet.
I don’t like the appearance and space taken by the 2 side by side which seems to be popular.