Bambu Lab’s H2D has significantly accelerated the trend of multi-extruder FDM 3D printing, pushing the industry toward higher nozzle counts. Snapmaker’s U1 has already introduced four extruders, and now a new player is preparing to launch a solution featuring as many as 10 nozzles.
The increasing number of extruders in consumer-grade FDM 3D printers mirrors the trend seen in SLM metal 3D printing, where the adoption of multiple lasers has significantly boosted productivity and expanded build volumes.
In FDM today, multiple extruders are primarily used for multi-material and multi-color printing, reducing material switching time to improve efficiency, rather than enabling true simultaneous printing. However, some manufacturers are already exploring FDM systems capable of operating multiple extruders at the same time, with claimed print speeds several times faster than the current benchmark of 600 mm/s. Whether such systems can deliver consistent print quality and keep costs under control, however, remains to be seen.
Bondtech, meanwhile, has announced plans to launch its INDX tool-changing system for FDM 3D printers this November. For users seeking to work with multiple materials, colors, or nozzle diameters, INDX could mark a significant shift.
So far, Bondtech has revealed limited details: the system consists of one “smart” active printhead and multiple “passive” printheads. According to the company, the smart head can switch to a passive one in just 12 seconds, with heating times as low as four seconds. This design promises nearly waste-free multi-color printing, compatibility with a variety of materials, and flexible support for different nozzle sizes.
Bondtech’s official FAQ section provides further details, explaining that the smart printhead can automatically adjust to different materials, flow rates, and other printing parameters, while the passive printheads are described as “non-contact and wireless.”
Upon release, Bondtech expects the passive printheads to retail at around $35 each, while the smart printhead will be priced at approximately $250—roughly equivalent to the cost of a consumer-grade 3D printer from China. All components will be sold separately, although bundled packages are also anticipated.
