Quadro's four toolheads share a single X-axis, but each one has its own belt, stepper motor, automatic tensioner, extruder, filament path and nozzle. Software coordinates them together with the Y and Z motors, seven motors in all, so inactive toolheads move aside and the next one moves in without any of them getting in each other's way.
This is the core of IQEX, Independent Quad Extruder. Everything else on Quadro is built around this idea.
Four Complete Extrusion Systems
On most multicolor printers, several filaments end up in one nozzle. On Quadro, each toolhead is a complete extrusion system with its own filament path, extruder and nozzle. Nothing is shared, so nothing has to be cleared. See IDEX vs IQEX.
One Axis, Four Belts
The X-axis carries four stacked belt systems. Each has its own pulleys, its own stepper motor and its own automatic tensioner, so every toolhead can be positioned independently of the other three. That is a different motion architecture from a single carriage pulled by one belt. For the structure that holds it all, see Bed-Slinger Simplicity. No Bed-Slinger Flex.
Seven Motors Working Together
The control system moves the four X-axis motors together with two Y-axis motors and one Z-axis motor. Movements can overlap instead of running one after another, which is how a tool change stays short. See How Quadro Makes Tool Changes Faster.
Keeping Toolheads Out of Each Other's Way
Four toolheads on one axis need somewhere to wait. Quadro has two QDock stations at opposite ends of the X-axis, each holding up to three toolheads, outside the print area. Inactive toolheads park there with their nozzles sealed, which keeps them clear of the active one. Read Inside QDock.
What Happens During a Tool Change
What Keeps It Accurate
Coordinating four toolheads is only useful if each nozzle prints exactly where the model expects. Quadro's automatic calibration aligns all four. See How Quadro Calibrates Four Independent Toolheads. QLight shows which toolhead is active, and QuadrOS runs the whole system.
Key Takeaways
- Each toolhead has its own belt, motor, tensioner, extruder, filament path and nozzle.
- Seven motors are controlled together, so movements overlap.
- Two QDock stations park inactive toolheads outside the print area.
- Calibration keeps four nozzles aligned in one coordinate system.
For the broader comparison, see our multi toolhead 3D printer buying guide.
Want to see the motion system? See Quadro or visit the Kickstarter page.
FAQ
What does IQEX mean? Independent Quad Extruder: four toolheads on a single X-axis, each with its own motor, filament path and nozzle.
How many motors does Quadro move during a tool change? Seven: four on the X-axis, two on the Y-axis and one on the Z-axis, controlled together.
Does each toolhead have its own belt? Yes. The X-axis has four stacked belt systems, each with its own stepper motor and automatic tensioner.
Where do inactive toolheads wait? In two QDock stations at opposite ends of the X-axis, each holding up to three toolheads, with their nozzles sealed.
Do the toolheads collide with each other? No. Inactive toolheads park outside the print area, so the active one has clear space.
