Pebble Wiper for Tool Changing 3D Printers
The Problem
Multi material 3d printers typically use a purge block to prime the nozzle for printing. On a tool changing 3d printer this is done because when an extruder is idle some material can ooze out, so the purging process ensures that when returning to the model being printed the pressure and position of the plastic is optimal to continue printing.
These purge blocks waste a lot of plastic and increase the print time of the model.
A Sleek Solution
The Pebble Wiper works by extruding a small amount of plastic, the size of a pebble, onto a surface. The pebble is then cooled and wiped off the platform with a servo.
This solution dramatically reduces print time and material waste.
These small pebbles can also be much more easily recycled or re-extruded into filament.
The Pebble Wiper can also adjust its position vertically to adapt to extruders with different lengths.