It is now possible to upgrade many 3D printers on the market to enable them to print in color. The Co Print Series II products are specifically designed to bring color printing capabilities to existing 3D printers.
To enhance compatibility with different printer models and deliver an exceptional user experience, the Co Print Series II introduces two distinct product families. But what exactly are these product families, and which printers are they compatible with? In this article, we will first take a closer look at these product families and then explore the details of their compatibility step by step.
Products Included in the Co Print Series II Family:
ChromaHead: An advanced print head specifically designed for color printing, compatible with various mechanical systems. It includes a filament cutting mechanism, a direct drive extruder, and a high-flow capacity hotend.
ChromaPad: A Klipper-based 3D printer management system with an integrated mini-computer. It adds ChromaHead control capability to Marlin-based printers, enabling color printing. It can manage up to 4 extruders and control 8 different 3D printers simultaneously, making it ideal for print farms.
KCM (Klipper Chroma Module): Offers a color printing upgrade for Klipper-based printers. With KCM, users can achieve color printing using ChromaHead and up to 4 extruders on a Klipper-supported printer.
ECM (Extended Chroma Module): Connects 4 additional extruders to ChromaPad or KCM via a USB port. With multiple ECMs, it is possible to print with up to 20 different filaments.
CX-I Extruder: A high-torque extruder with excellent filament feeding capabilities. It comes as a complete package with all necessary components included.
These products form two different set combinations: ChromaSet and KCM Set.
The Two Key Factors That Determine Compatibility of These Sets:
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Printer's Firmware and Control Board: The control board inside the printer is the primary determinant of compatibility. The printer’s firmware (e.g., Marlin or Klipper) and its supporting hardware directly impact the functionality of the set.
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Printer's Mechanical System: The printer’s mechanical design must be suitable for ChromaHead integration, particularly in terms of mounting and compatibility.
Software and Electronics Compatibility Analysis:
When evaluating compatibility from a software and electronics perspective:
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Klipper Based Printers |
Marlin Based Printers |
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KCM |
ChromaHead |
CX-I Extruder |
ChromaPad |
ChromaHead |
CX-I Extruder |
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The reason we use the KCM Set combination with Klipper-based 3D printers is that these printers already have a control board with a built-in mini-computer. Therefore, there is no need for the ChromaPad, which includes a mini-computer. The ChromaHead and CX-I extruder connect to the 3D printer's existing computer via the KCM, a simple module without a mini-computer, and control is managed this way. This makes access to multi-color printing for Klipper-based printers more affordable. |
The ChromaSet combination is suitable for Marlin-based 3D printers that use simple control boards without a built-in mini-computer. This is because the Klipper system requires a mini-computer, such as a Raspberry Pi, to function. The ChromaPad within the set performs this role. It runs Klipper with its internal computer and controls the ChromaHead and extruders, enabling the 3D printer to produce multi-color prints. Additionally, its 7-inch screen provides an advanced user interface. |
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Product Families and Compatibility with 3D Printer Firmware
The product families are primarily categorized based on compatibility with the operating system (firmware) of 3D printers. Two major firmware systems are widely used in the market: Marlin and Klipper.
Marlin Firmware
Marlin is an open-source firmware solution used in 3D printers to control their movements, temperatures, motors, and sensors. Acting as the brain of the printer, Marlin interprets G-code commands and ensures the printer functions as intended.
Marlin is designed to operate on simple and cost-effective processors, typically found in older or budget-friendly printers. Examples include: STM32F103 ATMEGA Series
These processors are capable of handling basic tasks such as extruder movements, temperature regulation, and bed motion. However, they lack the computational power required for complex tasks like real-time analysis or advanced calculations.
Klipper Firmware
Klipper is a control system and firmware designed for 3D printers to optimize functionality and deliver faster, more precise prints. It uses the printer’s control board as a microcontroller and offloads complex processing tasks to a more powerful computer, such as a Raspberry Pi.
As an open-source platform, Klipper is continually updated with new features. Many companies and users also develop custom scripts for Klipper, enabling innovative new systems.
The Impact of Printer Firmware on Co Print Products
To summarize, Marlin-based 3D printers typically feature basic control boards with limited processing capabilities. These boards are only capable of handling fundamental tasks, such as interpreting G-code and managing axis control, and cannot run Klipper.
To use Co Print products effectively with Marlin-based printers, a system capable of running Klipper is required. This is where ChromaPad comes into play. ChromaPad acts as a Linux-based computer that not only manages the basic control board but also integrates the systems required for color printing. Additionally, it features a 7-inch touchscreen for a user-friendly interface.
For Marlin-based printers, ChromaSet is the recommended solution. It modernizes the printer, enabling color printing and providing enhanced control capabilities.
On the other hand, newer 3D printers generally come pre-equipped with Klipper firmware. These printers feature advanced control boards with significantly higher processing power, capable of running Klipper seamlessly.
Thanks to this advanced hardware, these printers can directly manage the color printing system using a simple module like the KCM (Klipper Chroma Module). In this case, additional hardware like ChromaPad, which increases costs, is unnecessary. By simply connecting the KCMSet module, these printers can be upgraded for color printing with ease. This solution offers a cost-effective and streamlined setup that enhances the user experience.
Mechanical Compatibility and Printer Analysis
If a printer is compatible with Co Print products from a software perspective, mechanical compatibility can usually be achieved with some modifications. 3D printers utilize various linear motion systems, including:
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Linear Rails:
Provide high precision and low friction. The carriages moving on these rails are commonly found in high-quality, expensive printers. -
Wheeled Carriages on Sigma Profiles:
A cost-effective solution. Plastic or rubber-wheeled carriages mounted on aluminum sigma profiles provide motion along the axes. This system is popular in entry-level printers for its flexibility. -
Shafts:
Typically use round metal shafts with bearings for motion. They are found in simpler mechanical setups and are more affordable.
The ChromaHead, an advanced print head replacing the stock print head, may require adjustments based on the specific mechanical system of the printer. ChromaHead has been designed for compatibility with as many mechanical systems as possible. Additionally, its mechanical compatibility is continuously expanding with printable adapter parts shared for new 3D printer models. This collaborative approach ensures that more printers become compatible with Co Print products over time.
Compatibility with Sigma Profiles and Wheeled Carriages
The ChromaHead package includes a sheet metal adapter specifically designed for the most common system: sigma profiles. This adapter allows the ChromaHead to be directly mounted onto sigma profiles and secures the belts. As a result, the Series II product family is fully compatible with many 3D printers that use sigma profiles and wheeled carriages for X-axis motion.
In some cases, the position of switches may vary depending on the printer brand. For such situations, additional adjustments and custom parts can be used to ensure compatibility.
Compatibility with Linear Rails and Shafts
Linear rails and shafts vary significantly in their usage across different 3D printer brands and models. For this reason, we design and release custom ChromaHead mounting parts tailored for each specific printer model.
Some linear rail carriages have different screw hole placements, and the spacing and alignment of shafts can also vary. To eliminate confusion, we publish custom mounting parts designed for specific printer brands and models. These parts can be accessed online for easy printing.
Enhancing Mechanical Compatibility with Community Support
To further improve mechanical compatibility, we actively encourage community involvement. As part of this effort, we share dummy designs of ChromaHead with clearly marked screw hole positions for public use.
This allows users to create their own adapter parts for 3D printer models that are software-compatible but have yet to be mechanically tested. Using the provided screw hole references and the screws and nuts included in the sets, users can design and adapt parts as needed. More importantly, these designs can then be shared with the community.
This open collaboration and cooperative approach continuously expand mechanical compatibility, enabling support for more printer models. The contributions from the community increase the system’s flexibility and accessibility, allowing it to appeal to a broader audience.
With all this information in mind, you can thoroughly explore the software and mechanical compatibility of Co Print products. The compatibility list we’ve prepared will help you easily determine how compatible your printer is with the Co Print product family.
We highly recommend visiting our compatibility list for more details. Discover the right solution to unlock your printer’s full potential and take the first step into the world of color printing with ease!
