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Welcome to the 3MS Documentation

The 3MS is short for MMMS, which stands for Modular Multi Material System

drawing

Inspiration

  • Prusa MMU1
  • Bambu AMS

Sample Prints

Sample Prints

Model: Sheep by Cipis

Model: Monolith Cryptic Calendar by Sevro

Model: Voron Cube (bundled with OrcaSlicer), painted by me in OrcaSlicer

Printed at 50% scale

Model: T-rex by Cipis

Model: Striped lizard with pupils by EngMike

Photos

Photos

Videos

West3D Video Series

Thank you to Allen Rowand from West3D for making this ongoing series on the 3MS.

Why 3MS?

Why use the 3MS when there are many other multi-material systems?

Here are a few reasons:

  • Simplified Design: Minimal mechanical complexity for increased reliability.
  • Comprehensive Documentation: Step-by-step guides to ensure smooth setup and operation.
  • Slicer-Agnostic: No need for custom toolchange G-Code in your slicer.
  • Scalable: Easily expand the system to handle any number of filaments.
  • Auto-Retries: Automatic retries on failed tool changes to reduce downtime.
  • No Filament Cutter Needed: Achieve clean tool changes without the need for filament cutters.
  • In Development: Rapid Tip Shaping: Achieve even faster tool changes!

With that said, there are a few reasons why you might not want to/be able to use the 3MS:

  • Klipper firmware is a requirement, so Marlin and RRF setups are a no go
  • A filament sensor is required, so if you don't have one/don't plan to get one, the 3MS won't work with your setup

Requirements

To use the 3MS, your setup has to meet the following requirements:

  • Run Klipper firmware
  • Have SSH (PuTTY) access (99.9% of Klipper installations have this, and if you don't you really should setup SSH)
  • Have one spare USB port
  • Have an adapter to install a PTFE tube to the inlet of your printer's extruder.

How it works

Here is a example step by step of what goes on during a single 3MS toolchange from T0 to T1:

  1. The slicer performs tip shaping and filament unloading.
  2. 3MS unloads T0 by 200mm at 4500mm/min (75mm/s).
  3. T0 is desynced from the extruder.
  4. Filament unloading is verified.
  5. T1 is synced with the extruder.
  6. 3MS loads T1 by 210mm at 4500mm/min.
  7. Filament loading is verified.
  8. The printer loads the filament to the nozzle.

For more detail about the Tx command, see Flowchart.

Think of the 3MS as an extension to your current extruder's length. It allows for switching filaments without compromising any of the benefits of your printer's extruder.

The 3MS's motors work together with your printer's extruder. This way, there won't be any additional resistance from pulling the filament through a disabled extruder. Also, unloads and loads to/from the printer's extruder are fully synchronized with the 3MS. This allows for even faster toolchanges!

Get Started

To get started with the 3MS, see the Master Instructions.

Get Started

What about the 3DChameleon?

I recently created a klipper plugin for the 3DChameleon after purchasing a unit. I'm sure my Chameleon could have worked if I had tuned it further, but after several months with only partial success, I gave up. I am still open to pull requests for 3dchameleon-klipper and will do my best to respond to issues there, but I won't be able to test it myself anymore.

If you are having reliability issues with the 3DChameleon, see 3DChameleon Conversion

Comparison of Multimaterial Systems

Not sure if you want to use the 3MS? Check this comparison between several common multimaterial systems.

  • 3MS Modular Multimaterial System for Klipper 3D Printers

    Pros:

    Simple Design

    Reliability

    Documentation

    Modular Design

    Active Community

    Price (~$140)

    Cons:

    Compatibility (only Klipper)

  • Box Turtle MMU Automated Filament Changer

    Pros:

    Reliability

    Active Community

    Documentation

    Cons:

    Expandability (only four lanes)

    Compatibility (only Klipper)

    Price ($300)

  • ERCF v2 An expandable MMU for Klipper-based 3D-printers

    Pros:

    Reliability

    Modular Design

    Active Community

    Documentation

    Cons:

    Compatibility (only Klipper)

    Complexity

  • TradRack by Annex Engineering

    Pros:

    Reliability

    Modular Design

    Active Community

    Documentation

    Cons:

    Compatibility (only Klipper)

    Complexity

  • 3DChameleon MK4 Automatic Color Changer

    Pros:

    Compatibility

    No custom firmware

    Price ($200)

    Cons:

    Reliability

    Documentation

  • SMuFF Smart Multi Filament Feeder

    Pros:

    Reliability

    Modular Design

    Documentation

    Cons:

    Complexity

  • Prusa MMU3 Multi Material Upgrade

    Pros:

    Reliability

    Support

    Documentation

    Cons:

    Compatibility

    Price ($300)

Master Instructions

Due to the modularity of the 3MS, there are many ways to set it up. This guide attempts to encompass all supported ways of setting up the 3MS.

Basic Steps

The basic steps this guide will follow are:

  1. Getting a BOM
  2. Assembling your 3MS
  3. Configuring your 3MS
  4. Stepper motor setup
  5. Slicer setup
  6. First print
  7. Troubleshooting
  8. Updating

0. Explanations

Before starting the instructions, a basic understanding of how the 3MS works is recommended. There are two types of components in the 3MS:

  • Controller

    This controls the 3MS stepper motors. This is usually an extra 3D printer mainboard purchased specifically for the 3MS. If your existing 3D printer mainboard has spare stepper ports, you can use them for the 3MS.

    The available configurations are specific to either an external mainboard setup, or utilizing spare stepper ports on your existing mainboard. If you are utilizing spare stepper ports, the name of the config will include "(main MCU)"

  • Filament Units

    These move the filament. These are standard MK8 extruders (used on Ender 3's). You can use different extruders for the filament units, as long as you can mount them securely and they can attach to a PTFE tube. MK8 extruders are used as the default due to their low cost.

The number of filaments you will be able to print with is equal to the number of filament units you have. For example, two filament units will let you print with two colors. It is important to note that one filament unit will NOT let you print in multimaterial.

0.5. Choosing a Controller

Choose one of the controllers from Controllers before continuing.

1. Getting a BOM

Go to BOM to view the bill of materials for the number of filament units you want. Example BOM for two filament units and a SKR Mini E3 V2:

Name Price Quantity Link Notes
SKR Mini E3 V2 $34.99 1 Amazon
Duponts $9.99 1 Amazon These wires are only sufficient to run steppers, not heaters
12V PSU $7.39 1 Amazon This PSU is only sufficient to run steppers, not heaters
NEMA17 Stepper Motor $9.99 2 Amazon You can use a pancake stepper if you want, but it will have less torque
MK8 Metal Extruder $9.99 2 Amazon
Capricorn PTFE Tubing $11.49 1 Amazon You likely won't need this for every unit, as this is usually too long for only one unit

2. Assembling your 3MS

Follow Assembly to assemble your 3MS.

3. Configuring your 3MS

  1. Install Klipper firmware onto the MCU by following Firmware.
  2. Install DynamicMacros, following instructions from here.
  3. Follow Installation to install the 3MS configuration.
  4. Follow Filament Sensor to setup your filament sensor with the 3MS.

4. Stepper motor setup

Follow Stepper Setup to setup and calibrate each of your filament units.

5. Slicer setup

Follow Slicer Setup to setup your slicer for the 3MS.

6. First print

Follow First Print to create your first multimaterial print with the 3MS.

7. Troubleshooting

Check Troubleshooting to find guides to troubleshoot your 3MS.

8. Updating

To update the 3MS configuration, go to the Update Manager in Mainsail/Fluidd and refresh the updates.

Next, find the "mmms" entry in the list. If there is an "Update" button next to it, click it and begin updating.

After updating, in your terminal, run:

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sh ~/3MS/install.sh

This will install the new 3MS configuration. Next, restart Klipper:

Info

It is important to restart the Klipper service, and not just run the RESTART command.

Run this command in your terminal:

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sudo service klipper restart

9. Tuning and Optimizations

After your 3MS is installed, it's time to tune and optimize it.

The best starting place for this is in the Materials Reference.

Setup ↵

BOM

Number of filament units

First, choose the number of filament units you want. Each filament unit lets you print with an additional filament. Two filament units are the minimum. You can add or remove filament units after building, but the BOM and configuration will vary based on how many filament units you want.

Controller BOMs

Choose the BOM for your chosen controller from the list below:

Filament Unit BOMs

For each filament unit, purchase this BOM:

Name Quantity Price Link Notes
NEMA17 Stepper Motor 1 $9.99 Amazon You can use a pancake stepper if you want, but it will have less torque
MK8 Metal Extruder 1 $9.99 Amazon Alternatively, you can use this Dual-drive MK8 based extruder
Capricorn PTFE Tubing 1 $11.49 Amazon You likely won't need this for every unit, as this is usually too long for only one unit

Controllers

Follow this guide to determine which controller to use in your 3MS.

Options

The 3MS works on multiple different controllers.

Info

If your printer's mainboard has spare stepper ports, you can use them to control 3MS steppers. You can open an issue on Github (there's a template) to get a configuration made for your specific setup. Any controllers listed with "(main MCU)" use those spare stepper plugs.

Choose one of the following supported controllers (a checked box indicates it is fully tested, and an empty box indicates testers wanted):

BTT SKR Mini E3 V2

Max filament units: 4

MCU Name: 3ms

BOM

Name Price Quantity Link Notes
SKR Mini E3 V2 $34.99 1 Amazon
Duponts $9.99 1 Amazon These wires are only sufficient to run steppers, not heaters
12V PSU $7.39 1 Amazon This PSU is only sufficient to run steppers, not heaters

Wiring

Route the wires from the NEMA17's to the controller board. Follow this table to determine which port to plug the motors into:

Filament Unit # Motor Port
0 XM
1 YM
2 ZAM or ZBM
3 E0M

Now, grab your 12V PSU and two M-M duponts, one red and one black (M-M means that there is metal coming out of both ends of the cable). Plug the PSU into the wall, but don't plug the screw terminals into the PSU (the screw terminals have green)

  1. Plug the red wire into the positive terminal of the screw terminals

  2. Plug the black wire into the negative terminal of the screw terminals

    Danger

    These dupont cables are too thin to run much more than the stepper motors. If you run a heater or other power-intensive device off of the SKR board, the duponts and/or PSU can melt/catch fire. To reduce the risk of this, you can double up on the duponts or get thicker wires.

  3. Following this image, choose either the DCIN or POWER input

  4. Route the two wires inside closest to your chosen input
  5. Using the markings on the board, plug the red wire into the positive terminal on the SKR
  6. Using the markings on the board, plug the black wire into the negative terminal on the SKR

  7. Verify all connections

    Warning

    If the wires are plugged into the wrong place, or swapped polarities, your SKR, Stepper motors, and/or PSU can be badly damaged.

  8. Plug the PSU screw terminals into the PSU wire

If the SKR lights up, you wired it correctly!

Finally, plug the SKR into your Klipper host with the blue cable that came with it.

BTT SKR Pico

Max filament units: 4

MCU Name: 3ms

BOM

Name Price Quantity Link Notes
SKR Pico $35.99 1 Amazon
Duponts $9.99 1 Amazon These wires are only sufficient to run steppers, not heaters
12V PSU $7.39 1 Amazon This PSU is only sufficient to run steppers, not heaters

Wiring

Route the wires from the NEMA17's to the controller board. Follow this table to determine which port to plug the motors into:

Filament Unit # Motor Port
0 X
1 Y
2 Z1 or Z2
3 E

Now, grab your 12V PSU and two M-M duponts, one red and one black (M-M means that there is metal coming out of both ends of the cable). Plug the PSU into the wall, but don't plug the screw terminals into the PSU (the screw terminals have green)

  1. Plug the red wire into the positive terminal of the screw terminals

  2. Plug the black wire into the negative terminal of the screw terminals

    Danger

    These dupont cables are too thin to run much more than the stepper motors. If you run a heater or other power-intensive device off of the SKR board, the duponts and/or PSU can melt/catch fire. To reduce the risk of this, you can double up on the duponts or get thicker wires.

  3. Following this image, locate the POWER input

  4. Route the two wires inside closest to the POWER input
  5. Using the markings on the board, plug the red wire into the positive terminal on the SKR
  6. Using the markings on the board, plug the black wire into the negative terminal on the SKR

  7. Verify all connections

    Warning

    If the wires are plugged into the wrong place, or swapped polarities, your SKR, Stepper motors, and/or PSU can be badly damaged.

  8. Plug the PSU screw terminals into the PSU wire

If the SKR lights up, you wired it correctly!

Finally, plug the SKR into your Klipper host with the blue cable that came with it.

BTT MMB

Max filament units: 4

MCU Name: 3ms

BOM

Name Price Quantity Link Notes
BTT MMB $34.99 1 BTT
Duponts $9.99 1 Amazon These wires are only sufficient to run steppers, not heaters
12V PSU $7.39 1 Amazon This PSU is only sufficient to run steppers, not heaters

Wiring

Route the wires from the NEMA17's to the controller board. Follow this table to determine which port to plug the motors into:

Filament Unit # Motor Port
0 M1
1 M2
2 M3
3 M4

Now, grab your 12V PSU and two M-M duponts, one red and one black (M-M means that there is metal coming out of both ends of the cable). Plug the PSU into the wall, but don't plug the screw terminals into the PSU (the screw terminals have green)

  1. Plug the red wire into the positive terminal of the screw terminals

  2. Plug the black wire into the negative terminal of the screw terminals

    Danger

    These dupont cables are too thin to run much more than the stepper motors. If you run a heater or other power-intensive device off of the MMB board, the duponts and/or PSU can melt/catch fire. To reduce the risk of this, you can double up on the duponts or get thicker wires.

  3. Following this image, locate the HVIN and GND inputs (top left)

  4. Route the two wires inside closest to the HVIN and GND inputs
  5. Using the markings on the board, plug the red wire into the HVIN terminal on the MMB
  6. Using the markings on the board, plug the black wire into the GND terminal on the MMB

  7. Verify all connections

    Warning

    If the wires are plugged into the wrong place, or swapped polarities, your MMB, Stepper motors, and/or PSU can be badly damaged.

  8. Plug the PSU screw terminals into the PSU wire

If the MMB lights up, you wired it correctly!

Finally, plug the MMB into your Klipper host with the cable that came with it.

BTT Octopus (main MCU)

Warning

This configuration may not work with the BTT Octopus Pro.

Max filament units: 4

MCU Name: main

main MCU

This configuration is a main MCU configuration, meaning that your printer should already be running off a BTT Octopus and you don't need to purchase one.

BOM

Per filament unit:

1x TMC2209 ($7 each)

Wiring

Route the wires from the NEMA17's to the controller board. Follow this table to determine which port to plug the motors into:

Filament Unit # Motor Port
0 MOTOR7
1 MOTOR6
2 MOTOR5
3 MOTOR4

Einsy RAMBo (main MCU) with SKR Mini E3 V2

Danger

This guide is an expert guide only

Info

This modification is designed for the Prusa MK3/S/S+, and depends on this Klipper configuration.

Why?

When printing fast, the TMC2130's on the Einsy RAMBo can get quite loud. The TMC2209's on the SKR Mini are much quieter and support denser microstepping.

BOM

Name Price Quantity Link Notes
PSU -> Einsy Cable $7.99 1 PartsBuilt3D
Stepperonline NEMA17 $9.99 each Amazon 2 Replaces current XY motors

Wiring

First, unplug the 3MS steppers from the SKR Mini, and the XY steppers from the Einsy RAMBo. The motors will need to be switched due to different connector types between boards.

This table outlines the major wiring of this modification.

Einsy RAMBo SKR Mini E3 V2 Motor
PSU+ POWER+
PSU- POWER-
XM 3ms0
YM 3ms1
XM X
YM Y

Configuration

In your printer.cfg, comment out these lines:

printer.cfg
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#[include klipper-prusa-mk3s/mk3s/steppers.cfg]
#[include klipper-prusa-mk3s/mk3s/tmc2130.cfg]

Next, copy the contents of 3ms/controllers/einsy_rambo_with_skr_mini/xy-motors.cfg and ze-motors.cfg to klipper-prusa-mk3s/skr/xy.cfg, and klipper-prusa-mk3s/mk3s/ze.cfg, respectively.

Add the following new lines:

printer.cfg
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[include klipper-prusa-mk3s/skr/xy.cfg]
[include klipper-prusa-mk3s/mk3s/ze.cfg]

Restart Klipper.

Zonestar ZM384 (main MCU)

Max filament units: 3

MCU Name: main

main MCU

This configuration is a main MCU configuration, meaning that your printer should already be running off a ZM384 and you don't need to purchase one.

Configuration

In your 3ms/macros.cfg, edit the following section:

macros.cfg
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# Set the sync of provided TOOL to SYNC with extruder
### --- Comment if using the 3MS instead of your printer's extruder --- ###
[gcode_macro SET_TOOL_SYNC]
gcode:
    {% set tool = params.TOOL|int %}
    {% set sync = params.SYNC|int %}
    {% set motion_queue = "extruder" if sync == 1 else "" %}
    SYNC_EXTRUDER_MOTION EXTRUDER=3ms{ tool } MOTION_QUEUE={ motion_queue }
### --- Comment if using the 3MS instead of your printer's extruder --- ###
# [gcode_macro SET_TOOL_SYNC]
# gcode:
#   {% set tool = params.TOOL|int %}
#   {% set sync = params.SYNC|int %}
#   {% set ext_name = "3ms"+(tool|str) %}
#   {% if tool == 0 %}
#     {% set ext_name = "extruder" %}
#   {% endif %}
#   {% set motion_queue = "extruder" if sync == 1 else "" %}
#   SYNC_EXTRUDER_MOTION EXTRUDER={ext_name} MOTION_QUEUE={ motion_queue }
macros.cfg
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# Set the sync of provided TOOL to SYNC with extruder
### --- Comment if using the 3MS instead of your printer's extruder --- ###
# [gcode_macro SET_TOOL_SYNC]
# gcode:
#   {% set tool = params.TOOL|int %}
#   {% set sync = params.SYNC|int %}
#   {% set motion_queue = "extruder" if sync == 1 else "" %}
#   SYNC_EXTRUDER_MOTION EXTRUDER=3ms{ tool } MOTION_QUEUE={ motion_queue }
### --- Comment if using the 3MS instead of your printer's extruder --- ###
[gcode_macro SET_TOOL_SYNC]
gcode:
  {% set tool = params.TOOL|int %}
  {% set sync = params.SYNC|int %}
  {% set ext_name = "3ms"+(tool|str) %}
  {% if tool == 0 %}
    {% set ext_name = "extruder" %}
  {% endif %}
  {% set motion_queue = "extruder" if sync == 1 else "" %}
  SYNC_EXTRUDER_MOTION EXTRUDER={ext_name} MOTION_QUEUE={ motion_queue }

Wiring

Route the wires from the NEMA17's to the controller board. Follow this table to determine which port to plug the motors into:

Filament Unit # Motor Port
0 E0
1 E1
2 E2
3 E3

Mini RAMBo

Max filament units: 4

MCU Name: 3ms

BOM

Name Price Quantity Link Notes
Mini RAMBo 1
Duponts $9.99 1 Amazon These wires are only sufficient to run steppers, not heaters
12V PSU $7.39 1 Amazon This PSU is only sufficient to run steppers, not heaters

Wiring

Route the wires from the NEMA17's to the controller board. Follow this table to determine which port to plug the motors into:

Filament Unit # Motor Port
0 XM
1 YM
2 ZAM or ZBM
3 E0M

Now, grab your 12V PSU and two M-M duponts, one red and one black (M-M means that there is metal coming out of both ends of the cable). Plug the PSU into the wall, but don't plug the screw terminals into the PSU (the screw terminals have green)

  1. Plug the red wire into the positive terminal of the screw terminals

  2. Plug the black wire into the negative terminal of the screw terminals

    Danger

    These dupont cables are too thin to run much more than the stepper motors. If you run a heater or other power-intensive device off of the RAMBo board, the duponts and/or PSU can melt/catch fire. To reduce the risk of this, you can double up on the duponts or get thicker wires.

  3. Route the two wires inside closest to your chosen input

  4. Using the markings on the board, plug the red wire into the positive terminal on the RAMBo
  5. Using the markings on the board, plug the black wire into the negative terminal on the RAMBo

  6. Verify all connections

    Warning

    If the wires are plugged into the wrong place, or swapped polarities, your RAMBo, Stepper motors, and/or PSU can be badly damaged.

  7. Plug the PSU screw terminals into the PSU wire

If the RAMBo lights up, you wired it correctly!

Finally, plug the RAMBo into your Klipper host with the cable that came with it.

Mellow Fly D7

Max filament units: 7

MCU Name: 3ms

BOM

Name Price Quantity Link Notes
Mellow Fly D7 1
Duponts $9.99 1 Amazon These wires are only sufficient to run steppers, not heaters
12V PSU $7.39 1 Amazon This PSU is only sufficient to run steppers, not heaters

Wiring

Route the wires from the NEMA17's to the controller board. Follow this table to determine which port to plug the motors into:

Filament Unit # Motor Port
0 X
1 Y
2 Z
3 Z1
4 Z2
5 E0

Now, grab your 12V PSU and two M-M duponts, one red and one black (M-M means that there is metal coming out of both ends of the cable). Plug the PSU into the wall, but don't plug the screw terminals into the PSU (the screw terminals have green)

  1. Plug the red wire into the positive terminal of the screw terminals

  2. Plug the black wire into the negative terminal of the screw terminals

    Danger

    These dupont cables are too thin to run much more than the stepper motors. If you run a heater or other power-intensive device off of the board board, the duponts and/or PSU can melt/catch fire. To reduce the risk of this, you can double up on the duponts or get thicker wires.

  3. Using the markings on the board, plug the red wire into the positive terminal on the board

  4. Using the markings on the board, plug the black wire into the negative terminal on the board

  5. Verify all connections

    Warning

    If the wires are plugged into the wrong place, or swapped polarities, your board, Stepper motors, and/or PSU can be badly damaged.

  6. Plug the PSU screw terminals into the PSU wire

If the board lights up, you wired it correctly!

Finally, plug the board into your Klipper host with the cable that came with it.

Geetech A30T

Contributed by @ImChrono

Max filament units: 7

MCU Name: 3ms

BOM

Name Price Quantity Link Notes
Geetech A30T $34.99 1 Geetech
Duponts $9.99 1 Amazon These wires are only sufficient to run steppers, not heaters
24V PSU $7.39 1 Amazon This PSU is only sufficient to run steppers, not heaters

Firmware

To flash Klipper firmware to the A30T, run the following command and see the following screenshot:

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cd ~/klipper
make menuconfig

Next, connect the BOOT0 jumper on the A30T and run:

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stm32flash -i ',,,,,' -v -w out/klipper.bin -g 0 /dev/serial/by-id/<your-mcu-id-here>

Wiring

Route the wires from the NEMA17's to the controller board. Follow this table to determine which port to plug the motors into:

Filament Unit # Motor Port
0 X
1 Y
2 Z0
3 Z1
4 E1
5 E2
6 E3

Now, grab your 12V PSU and two M-M duponts, one red and one black (M-M means that there is metal coming out of both ends of the cable). Plug the PSU into the wall, but don't plug the screw terminals into the PSU (the screw terminals have green)

  1. Plug two red wires into the positive terminal of the screw terminals

  2. Plug two black wires into the negative terminal of the screw terminals

    Danger

    These dupont cables are too thin to run much more than the stepper motors. If you run a heater or other power-intensive device off of the motherboard, the duponts and/or PSU can melt/catch fire. To reduce the risk of this, you can double up on the duponts or get thicker wires.

  3. Route the four wires inside closest to your chosen input

  4. Using the markings on the board, plug the two red wires into the positive terminal on the motherboard
  5. Using the markings on the board, plug the two black wires into the negative terminal on the motherboard

  6. Verify all connections

    Warning

    If the wires are plugged into the wrong place, or swapped polarities, your motherboard, Stepper motors, and/or PSU can be badly damaged.

  7. Plug the PSU screw terminals into the PSU wire

If the motherboard lights up, you wired it correctly!

Finally, plug the motherboard into your Klipper host with the cable that came with it.

Ended: Controllers

Assembly

Follow this guide to assemble your 3MS.

Printed Parts

An optional board enclosure for the SKR Mini E3 is available here.

Additionally, an optional universal mount for the MK8 extruder using M3 bolts is available here. Note that this requires 2-4 M3 bolts and a place to screw the bolts into.

Finally, you will need to print enough of these Y splitters for the filament.

The Y-splitter available here is now recommended.

MK8 Assembly

Next, assemble the MK8 extruders onto the NEMA17 motors using the provided instructions that came with them. If you use the mount provided above, make sure it is in between the MK8 and NEMA17.

Wiring

Note for Certain Printers

If your printer has Klipper running internally (not on an external computer), the controller (if not a main MCU config) is plugged into a USB port on the printer itself.

Follow one of the following guides based on your controller:

Firmware

Follow this guide to install Klipper firmware onto your 3MS MCU. This guide is a modified version of the Klipper Documentation.

Info

The following controller(s) can skip this guide:

  • BTT Octopus (main MCU)
  • Zonestar ZM384 (main MCU)

Create firmware.bin

Make sure your 3MS MCU is plugged into your Klipper Host. Run in your terminal:

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cd ~/klipper
make menuconfig

In the menuconfig, configure it to your MCU. Instructions are included at the top of 3ms/controllers/xxx/steppers.cfg.

Geetech A30T

If you're using a Geetech A30T controller, follow the flashing instructions here.

Run in your terminal:

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make clean
make

The klipper.bin file, located in ~/klipper/out/klipper.bin needs to be copied to a MicroSD card and renamed to firmware.bin (case-sensitive).

Install firmware.bin

Next, unplug the 3MS board from the PSU and your Klipper Host and insert the SD Card. Next, plug in the PSU, THEN the Klipper Host to the 3MS board. The firmware is now flashed.

Get MCU ID

In the terminal, run:

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ls /dev/serial/by-id/

Example output:

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usb-Klipper_stm32f103xe_33FFD1054746333809650557-if00
usb-Prusa_Research__prusa3d.com__Original_Prusa_i3_MK3_xxx-if00

In this case, the first line is the 3MS, and the second line is the 3D printer. Now that you know the id of the 3MS MCU, copy it and save it to a file:

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cd ~ && echo "<your-mcu-id>" >> mcu.txt

Slicer Setup

Follow this guide to setup the 3MS with your slicer. OrcaSlicer will be used in this guide, but these same settings (with different names) can be applied to PrusaSlicer and SuperSlicer.

Number of Filament Units

Set the number of filaments in your slicer to the number of filament units in your 3MS.

In OrcaSlicer, press the filament plus button until there are as many filaments displayed as you have filament units.

Klipper Start/End G-Code

In your Klipper PRINT_START macro, add the following right before your purge line:

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MMMS_START INITIAL_TOOL={params.INITIAL_EXTRUDER}

In your PRINT_END macro, add the following before the cooldown command is called:

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MMMS_END

Slicer Start G-Code

In your slicer's Start G-Code, add the following parameter to your PRINT_START:

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INITIAL_EXTRUDER=[initial_extruder]

Multimaterial Parameters

The last required step of setting up your slicer for the 3MS is setting the multimaterial parameters.

Navigate to Printer Settings -> Multimaterial. Check off the Single Extruder Multi Material checkbox.

Cooling Tube

The first two Single extruder multi-material parameters are hotend-specific.

The cooling tube refers to the length of PTFE tube in your hotend. For most hotends, this is usually in the heat sink.

Its position is measured as the distance from the bottom of the cooling tube to the tip of the nozzle.

Set those two parameters in your slicer.

Parking Position

The third parameter is extruder/printhead-specific.

The Filament parking position refers to the position where the filament is just above the extruder gears. During color swaps, the filament is unloaded to this position before the 3MS takes over. At the end of the toolchange, the next filament is in this same position.

Its position is measured as its distance to the tip of the nozzle.

Extra loading distance

This parameter refers to the extra distance the filament is loaded after a color swap is complete. This is usually a negative number.

When a color swap is performed, the nozzle stays in the same place while the 3MS switches colors. This section will refer to this position as the "Swap position".

If you notice blobs forming around the swap positions, decrease the Extra loading distance (set it to a negative number further from zero).

If you notice gaps around the swap positions, increase the Extra loading distance (set it to a negative number closer to zero).

Example Settings

Example settings are shown below for a Prusa MK3S+ with a Mosquito hotend.

Info

This is the last required part of slicer setup.

Optional: klipper_estimator

If you use klipper_estimator and want the toolchange represented in the time estimate, time your toolchange, then change your Change filament G-Code:

First Print

Follow this guide to begin your first multimaterial print. There are two main ways to prepare a model for multimaterial painting.

Method 1: Multimaterial Painting

This method allows you to turn any model, even if it's not designed for multimaterial printing, into a multimaterial print. First, import your model into the slicer. In this case, a 3DBenchy will be used.

Cmd+I OR Ctrl+I

Next, select the model and click multimaterial painting at the top.

N

Once you're in this menu, you can choose any tool, tool size, and filament. Now, just drag over the model to apply the selected tool to the model. In this case, the hull of the 3DBenchy will be set to filament two using the fill tool.

Finally, hit slice and your model is ready to print!

Cmd+R OR Ctrl+R

Method 2: Multimaterial Model

This method allows you to turn parts of a model to different materials. For this tutorial, this T-rex by Cipis will be used. First, import your model into the slicer. If prompted while opening to treat the model as multiple parts, select "Yes".

Cmd+I OR Ctrl+I

Next, go to object settings and change the different parts of the model to different colors.

Finally, hit slice and your model is ready to print!

Cmd+R OR Ctrl+R

Wipe Tower Position

In the examples, you may have noticed that the wipe tower is far from the model. The travel time between the model and wipe tower adds up, and moving the tower closer can help reduce print time.

In the "Prepare" view, click and drag the wipe tower as close to the object as you can without colliding.

If you have a camera on your 3D printer, you may want to put the wipe tower "behind" the part from your camera's perspective.

KlipperScreen

Info

This feature is still in an alpha state.

The 3MS has a custom fork of KlipperScreen you can use to control your 3MS.

Install

To install the 3MS KlipperScreen, first install KlipperScreen following instructions here. Then, run in your terminal:

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cd ~
mv KlipperScreen KlipperScreen.old
git clone https://github.com/3DCoded/KlipperScreen-3MS KlipperScreen
cd ~/KlipperScreen
./scripts/KlipperScreen-install.sh

Restart KlipperScreen.

Creality K1 Series

Info

This guide applies to the following printers:

  • Creality K1
  • Creality K1C
  • Creality K1 Max

Warning

This guide is still under construction

Creality K1 Series 3D printers use a custom version of Klipper, which can cause unexpected problems. Setting up the 3MS (or any Klipper addon) requires extra steps for K1 series printers.

Thank you to @pvilbig for their patience with me here while I was figuring out how to adapt the 3MS to K1 series printers.

Configuration Installation

To install the 3MS configuration, SSH into your printer and run the following commands:

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cd ~/
git clone -b main --single-branch https://github.com/3DCoded/3MS
cd 3MS
python3 install.py --path /usr/data/printer_data/config/3ms

Edit 3ms/main.cfg:

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[save_variables]
filename: /usr/data/variables.cfg

DynamicMacros

To install DynamicMacros, SSH into your printer and run the following commands:

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cd ~/
git clone -b main --single-branch https://github.com/3DCoded/DynamicMacros
cd DynamicMacros
sh install-k1.sh

KlipperScreen

To setup KlipperScreen with the 3MS, run the following commands in SSH:

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git clone https://github.com/3DCoded/KlipperScreen-3MS KlipperScreen
cd ~/KlipperScreen
./KlipperScreen/scripts/KlipperScreen-install.sh

Ended: Setup

Configuration ↵

Configuration

This guide covers the configuration structure and options of the 3MS.

main.cfg

main.cfg is located in 3ms/main.cfg. It contains the following:

  • [save_variables] configuration section. This section sets the location where variables about the previous tool will be saved.
  • [include] sections. These reference other configuration files covered in this guide. The included configurations are:
    • settings.cfg
    • macros.cfg
    • controllers/xxx/steppers.cfg

settings.cfg

settings.cfg contains the settings the 3MS uses during toolchanges in macros.cfg. Further information is here.

macros.cfg

macros.cfg contains the macros the 3MS uses during toolchanges. Further information is here.

controllers/xxx/steppers.cfg

steppers.cfg contains the MCU configuration for the 3MS. It contains the following:

  • [extruder_stepper 3msx] This contains the pin mappings for the motor assigned to 3MS tool x.
  • [tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3msx] This contains the pin mappings for the TMC2209 controlling the motor assigned to 3MS tool x.
  • [mcu 3ms] This contains the serial path to the 3MS MCU.
  • Other sections: These are configuration sections specific to the MCU and should not be modified.

KlipperScreen.conf

This contains the KlipperScreen 3MS menu configuration. For more information, see KlipperScreen.

Installation

Follow this guide to install the 3MS configuration and macros.

Info

All SSH commands are run on the Klipper Host (usually a Raspberry Pi) and are labeled like the following:

SSH
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echo Hello World
Notice the "SSH" at the top of the code block.

All references to a mainboard usually refer to the 3MS board. If you are using a (main MCU) configuration, references to a mainboard refer to your printer's existing mainboard.

Clone Repository

First, clone the 3MS repository:

SSH
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cd ~
git clone https://github.com/3DCoded/3MS
cd 3MS

Storage

If the git clone command fails due to lack of storage on your system, run the following set of commands instead:

SSH
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cd ~
git clone -b main --single-branch https://github.com/3DCoded/3MS
cd 3MS

Install Script

K1 Series

If you are setting up the 3MS on a Creality K1 Series printer (K1, K1C, K1 Max), use the following install script instead:

SSH
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python3 install.py --path /usr/data/printer_data/config/3ms

Run the install script:

SSH
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sh install.sh

printer.cfg

In the Klipper web interface (e.g. Mainsail/Fluidd/OctoPrint), open printer.cfg and add:

printer.cfg
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[include 3ms/main.cfg]

DynamicMacros

The 3MS configuration depends on DynamicMacros. If you haven't installed it already, follow the instructions here to do so.

Remove the following line from your 3ms/main.cfg if it exists:

3ms/main.cfg
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[include ./macros.cfg]

Moonraker Update Manager

To enable updates for the 3MS, add the following to your moonraker.conf (in the same folder as your printer.cfg):

moonraker.conf
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# 3MS Update Manager
[update_manager mmms]
type: git_repo
path: ~/3MS
origin: https://github.com/3DCoded/3MS.git
primary_branch: main
is_system_service: False
install_script: install.sh

Warning

When updating via Moonraker, the following files will be overwritten:

  • macros.cfg
  • KlipperScreen.conf
  • endless/macros.cfg

If you have any changes in these files, they will be lost when updating.

Purge Line

If you use KAMP for purging, set your tip_distance setting in KAMP_Settings.cfg to your filament parking position (this is the distance between your filament sensor and your nozzle).

If you use any other method of purging, add this line to your Start G-Code / PRINT_START macro right before your purge line, and after your MMMS_START:

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G1 E100 F900

Replace E100 with E+parking position

Controller

In 3ms/main.cfg, edit the [include ./controllers/xxx/steppers.cfg] line, replacing xxx with the config name of your controller:

Controller Name Config Name
SKR Mini E3 V2 btt_skr_mini_e3_v2
SKR Pico btt_skr_pico
Mellow Fly D7 mellow_fly_d7
BTT MMB btt_mmb
BTT Octopus (main MCU) btt_octopus_main
Zonestar ZM384 (main MCU) zonestar_zm384_main
Mini RAMBo mini_rambo
Geetech A30T gtm32_103_v1

Configure MCU ID

Finally, to configure the MCU ID you saved from Firmware, run in your terminal:

SSH
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cd ~ && cat mcu.txt

Copy the path that is output. Now, in your 3ms/controllers/xxx/steppers.cfg, in the [mcu 3ms] section (towards the bottom), set the MCU ID.

Example:

3ms/controllers/xxx/steppers.cfg
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[mcu 3ms]
serial: /dev/serial/by-id/<your-mcu-id>
3ms/controllers/xxx/steppers.cfg
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[mcu 3ms]
serial: /dev/serial/by-id/usb-Klipper_stm32f103xe_33FFD1054746333809650557-if00

Stepper Motors

Follow this guide to calibrate each of the stepper motors. Each of these steps should be repeated for each of your filament units, replacing TOOL=0 with TOOL=1, and so on. Also replacing 3ms0 with 3ms1, and so on.

Info

If your stepper motor shakes erratically while running any of these commands, your wiring may be incorrect.

Is the motor spinning?

Run this command:

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SYNC_TOOL TOOL=0
G1 E50 F4500

If the motor spins, skip to the next step. If not, check your wiring first. If your wiring is fine, go to 3ms/steppers.cfg. Locate the section named [extruder_stepper 3ms0]. In front of the enable_pin, add, an !. If there already is one, remove it. Example:

3ms/steppers.cfg
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enable_pin: !3ms: PD7
3ms/steppers.cfg
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enable_pin: 3ms: PD7

Is the motor spinning backwards?

Preload each of the filament units with a piece of scrap filament by pushing the lever to release the tension, inserting filament, then releasing the lever to restore tension. Next, run this command:

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SYNC_TOOL TOOL=0
G1 E50 F4500

Note which way the filament moves. If it moves forwards, away from the PTFE coupler, skip to the last step. If it moves backwards, you have two choices:

  • Switch the motor's wires
  • Invert the pin in the configuration

To invert the pin in the configuration, locate the configuration section for the filament unit spinning backwards, and invert the dir_pin. See the previous section for how to invert the pin.

How far does the filament move?

This section is a modified version of the Klipper Docs

Preload each of the filament units with a piece of scrap filament at least 200mm long by pushing the lever to release the tension, inserting filament, then releasing the lever to restore tension.

Use a ruler and a marker to place a mark 70mm from the inlet of the filament unit. Use calipers to measure the actual distance. Write it down, as it will be referred to as <initial_mark_distance>.

Next, run this command:

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SYNC_TOOL TOOL=0
G1 E50 F1500

Use calipers to measure the new distance between the inlet of the filament unit and the mark. Write it down, as it will be referred to as <next_mark_distance>.

Calculate <actual_extrude_distance> = <initial_mark_distance> - <next_mark_distance>

In the steppers.cfg file (located in 3ms/controllers/xxx/steppers.cfg), locate the configuration section for the current extruder. Example:

3ms/controllers/btt_skr_mini_e3_v2/steppers.cfg
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[extruder_stepper 3ms0]
extruder: extruder
step_pin: 3ms: PB13
dir_pin: !3ms: PB12
enable_pin: !3ms: PB14
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 32.8450

Note the rotation_distance (last line). In this case, it is 32.8450.

Calculate the new rotation distance: new_rotation_distance = <rotation_distance> * <actual_extrude_distance> / 50.

Round this result to three or four decimal places. Decrease it by 0.005 (this is so that if this result is slightly off, the 3MS filament unit will skip, instead of the printer's extruder stripping the filament during a print).

Set the new rotation_distance in your config. Save it and restart Klipper.

Info

If you use the same stepper motor brand and model for each of your filament units, you likely only have to do this step for one stepper, then copy over the rotation_distance to all the others.

Filament Sensor

Follow this guide to configure your filament sensor with the 3MS.

Location of Sensor

The filament sensor should be right before the extruder, and after the Y splitter. Other locations, such as between the hotend and extruder, have not been tested.

Warning

The 3MS has only been tested with a filament_switch_sensor, and not with a filament_motion_sensor

Configuration

To configure your filament sensor with the 3MS, open 3ms/settings.cfg and change the following (assuming your filament sensor is named "runout_sensor"):

3ms/settings.cfg
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fsensor_name: "fsensor"
3ms/settings.cfg
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fsensor_name: "runout_sensor"

Macros

3MS Settings

MMMS_SETTINGS

Stores the settings for the 3MS.

Default Settings

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variable_load_distance: 210
variable_unload_distance: 200
variable_load_speed: 4500
vairable_unload_speed: 4500
variable_fsensor_delay: 2000
variable_num_tools: 2
variable_step_size: 99
variable_retry_dist: 50
variable_retry_speed: 900

Example Usage

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MMMS_SETTINGS

SET_3MS_SETTINGS

Sets the configuration for the 3MS. Allows temporary customization of load and unload distances and speeds

Example Usage

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SET_3MS_SETTINGS LOAD_DISTANCE=210 UNLOAD_DISTANCE=200 LOAD_SPEED=3500 UNLOAD_SPEED=5500 FSENSOR_DELAY=2500

GET_3MS_SETTINGS

Displays the configuration for the 3MS.

Example Usage 

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GET_3MS_SETTINGS

Filament Handling

MMMS_UNLOAD

Unloads filament by a specified distance and speed. If no distance/speed is specified, it uses the default unload distance/speed from MMMS_SETTINGS.

Example Usage

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MMMS_UNLOAD DISTANCE=200 SPEED=5500

MMMS_LOAD

Loads filament by a specified distance and speed. If no distance/speed is specified, it uses the default load distance/speed from MMMS_SETTINGS.

Example Usage

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MMMS_LOAD DISTANCE=210 SPEED=3500

CHECK_FSENSOR

Checks the filament sensor state. Pauses the print if the sensor state does not match the expected value.

Example Usage

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CHECK_FSENSOR V=1

Tool Sync

SET_TOOL_SYNC

Sets the sync state of a tool. Syncs or desyncs the specified tool to/from the extruder.

Example Usage

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SET_TOOL_SYNC TOOL=0 SYNC=1

SYNC_TOOL

Syncs the specified tool and desyncs all other tools to/from the extruder.

Example Usage

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SYNC_TOOL TOOL=0

DESYNC_TOOL

Desyncs the specified tool from the extruder.

Example Usage

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DESYNC_TOOL TOOL=0

CLEAR_TOOL

Clears the current tool selection by setting it to -1.

Example Usage

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CLEAR_TOOL

DESYNC_ALL_TOOLS

Desyncs all configured tools.

Example Usage

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DESYNC_ALL_TOOLS

Print Start and End

MMMS_START

Starts the print by checking the filament sensor. If filament is detected, the print is paused and the user is notified. Regardless of the filament sensor state, the initial tool is loaded.

Example Usage

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MMMS_START INITIAL_TOOL=0

MMMS_END

Ends the print by unloading the current tool. If filament is detected after unloading, the user is notified.

Example Usage

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MMMS_END

Tool Change

T0

Changes to tool 0.

Example Usage

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T0

T1

Changes to tool 1.

Example Usage

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T1

Tx

Changes to a specified tool. Replace x with the tool number.

Example Usage

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T2
T3

Ended: Configuration

Guides ↵

Materials

Follow this guide to determine if your filament will work with the 3MS.

Materials Table

This table contains which filaments work in single mode and/or multimaterial mode with the 3MS.

Filament Single Mode Multimaterial Mode Notes
PLA Yes Yes
PLA+ Yes Yes
Silk PLA Yes Yes
Matte PLA Yes Yes
PETG Yes Yes
TPU Yes Untested

PLA(+)

PLA/PLA+/PLA Pro, etc. filaments are very easy to print in multimaterial with the 3MS. They also support the No Tip Shaping feature.

Silk/Matte PLA

Silk/Matte PLA filaments are slightly more difficult to print with or without the 3MS. They generally require tip shaping to work with the 3MS in multimaterial mode.

PETG

PETG filaments are easy to print in multimaterial with the 3MS. They will likely require tip shaping. Suggested settings options are provided below. Ideal settings for your setup will likely include a combination of the options.

Tip Shaping
Setting Name Setting Value
Nozzle Temperature 250ºC
Loading speed at the start 19mm/s
Loading speed 14mm/s
Unloading speed at start 200mm/s
Unloading speed 90mm/s
Delay after unloading 4s
# Cooling moves 3
Speed of first cooling move 1mm/s
Speed of last cooling move 20mm/s
Ramming settings
Source: Prusa Forums
Setting Name Setting Value
Nozzle Temperature 250ºC
Loading speed at the start 15mm/s
Loading speed 14mm/s
Unloading speed at start 120mm/s
Unloading speed 20mm/s
Delay after unloading 0s
# Cooling moves 1
Speed of first cooling move 1mm/s
Speed of last cooling move 15mm/s
Ramming settings
Source: Prusa Forums

TPU

TPU filaments are very difficult to print with or without the 3MS. If your printer can reliably print TPU, you can likely use it with the 3MS in single mode. To use it in multimaterial mode and/or improve reliability, see the experimental Dual Drive 3MS Extruders for TPU feature.

Tip Shaping Guidelines

Follow this guide to get faster and more reliable toolchanges with your 3MS.

Does My Filament Need Tip Shaping?

If your filament is in this list, then it likely won't need tip shaping, and you can use the No Tip Shaping feature:

  • PLA (not Silk, Matte, or glitter variants)
  • PLA+ (including PLA Pro, Tough PLA)
  • PETG

If you filament wasn't in that list, continue reading this page.

Blobby Tips

If your filament tip has a thicker tip after unloading, you can do two things:

  1. Print hotter
  2. Decrease cooling moves

Stringy Tips

If your filament tip has a stringy tip after unloading, you can do two things:

  1. Print colder
  2. Increase cooling moves

You may also be able to use the No Tip Shaping feature.

Hook of Death

If you filament tip can't unload out of your extruder and forms a hook shape, you may need to replace the PTFE tube between your printer's extruder and hotend. You may also want to follow the recommendations for Blobby tips.

Toolchanges Without Tip Shaping or Filament Cutter!

Because the 3MS is synchronized to the printer's extruder, it can perform toolchanges without any tip shaping or filament cutter.

Should Tip Shaping be Used?

See Materials for information on whether or not tip shaping should be used for your filaments.

Slicer Setup

Setup your slicer for no tip shaping as follows.

Disable Filament Ramming

Disable filament ramming in Filament Settings -> Multimaterial -> Toolchange parameters with single extruder MM printers:

Unload/Load Speed

Next, change the Unloading speed at start and Unloading speed to 300 (faster is better here). Next, change the Loading speed at start and Loading speed to 300 and 100, respectively.

What this does

The main idea behind toolchanges without tip shaping relies on the filament being unloaded too fast to form a blob. Setting the Unloading speed settings allows this. Next, loading the filament back can be generally optimized by increasing the Loading speed settings.

Temperature

If your filament has very long strings on the end of them after unloading without tip shaping (longer than 2cm), decrease your filament temperature.

If your filament tip has a nearly flat tip, increase your filament temperature.

The ideal filament tip has a pointy end and a small string (less than 5mm). When in doubt, it is recommended to aim for a slightly stringy tip over a flat tip.

Manual filament cutter

This guide explains how to integrate a filament cutter with the 3MS system, allowing automatic cutting during the filament swap. This negates the need for tip shaping, makinng color swaps much faster and more reliable.

Table of Contents

Installation

To install the filament cutter, update your 3ms/main.cfg:

3ms/main.cfg
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[save_variables]
filename: ~/printer_data/config/3ms/variables.cfg

[include ./settings.cfg]
[include ./endless/settings.cfg]
[include ./cutter/settings.cfg]
[include ./controllers/btt_skr_mini_e3_v2/steppers.cfg]

[dynamicmacros 3ms]
configs: 3ms/macros.cfg, 3ms/endless/macros.cfg, 3ms/cutter/macros.cfg

Configuration

Cutter Settings

Edit your 3ms/cutter/settings.cfg:

Variable Example Value Description
parking_x_position 280 mm X parking position (near compress pin)
parking_y_position -1 mm Y parking position (near compress pin)
start_x_cutter_position 285 mm X start position for cutting
end_x_cutter_position 310 mm X position when blade is pushed
start_y_cutter_position -1 mm Y start position for cutting
end_y_cutter_position -1 mm Y position when blade is pushed
travel_speed 6000 mm/min Speed to move to cutting position
pushing_speed 1600 mm/min Speed to push the blade
retries 2 Number of repetions

Note

If X or Y is set to -1, it indicates that the toolhead moves along one axis to reach the parking position. The printer will adjust movement accordingly. If both axes are used, define both positions.

Modifying Settings

To change values temporarily, use the SET_CUTTER_SETTINGS macro. this can be usefull during troubleshooting and testing

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SET_CUTTER_SETTINGS PARKING_X=290 PUSHING_SPEED=1700

3MS Bypass

Follow this guide to allow manually loading a spool to your printer, and bypassing the 3MS system.

Klipper Macros

Replace the MMMS_START line in your PRINT_START macro with:

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{% if (params.BYPASS|default(0)|int) %}
    DESYNC_ALL_TOOLS
{% else %}
    # You can also put your ENDLESS_START line here too
    MMMS_START INITIAL_TOOL={params.INITIAL_EXTRUDER}
{% endif %}

Replace the MMMS_END line in your PRINT_END macro with:

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{% if not (params.BYPASS|default(0)|int) %}
    MMMS_END
{% endif %}

Slicer GCode

  1. Navigate to Printer Settings -> Machine G-code.
  2. In your Machine start G-code, pass the BYPASS=1 parameter to your PRINT_START macro.
  3. In your Machine end G-code, pass the BYPASS=1 parameter to your PRINT_END macro.
  4. Save the new preset with a different name to differentiate it from your main preset.

Endless Spool

This feature is based off of Happy Hare firmware.

Requirements

To use endless spool, your printer must have one of the following:

  • A filament sensor before your printer's extruder

    Recommended

OR

  • A filament sensor before each of the 3MS's extruders

    Untested and deprecated

The endless spool feature (currently) also only works when printing single-color models.

Install

To install the endlss spool, update your 3ms/main.cfg:

3ms/main.cfg
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[save_variables]
filename: ~/printer_data/config/3ms/variables.cfg

[include ./settings.cfg]
[include ./endless/settings.cfg]
[include ./controllers/btt_skr_mini_e3_v2/steppers.cfg]

[dynamicmacros 3ms]
configs: 3ms/macros.cfg, 3ms/endless/macros.cfg

Usage

To setup endless spool, first choose which filaments can be used as backups for each other. Example with three tools:

  • T0 (PLA) -> T1(PLA)
  • T1(PLA) -> T0(PLA)
  • T2 (PETG) -> PAUSE

In this case, since T0 and T1 are backups for each other, they can be considered in the same "group" and assigned a group number. In this case, 1 will be used. Since T2 doesn't have a backup, it will be its own group. In this case, 2 will be used.

If your printer has a filament sensor before each of the 3MS's filament units, set the single setting to 0. If your printer has only one filament sensor before its main extruder, set the single setting to 1.

Edit your 3ms/endless/settings.cfg:

3ms/endless/settings.cfg
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[gcode_macro ENDLESS_SETTINGS]
single: 1 # <-- Set to 0 if you have a filament sensor before each of your 3MS extruders. Set to 1 if you have one filament sensor right before your printer's extruder.
variable_t0: 1
variable_t1: 1
### --- Uncomment below for more than two tools --- ###
variable_t2: 2
# variable_t3: -1
gcode:
    RESPOND MSG=""

Filament Sensors

If you have multiple filament sensors, change your filament sensors' runout_gcode to:

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ENDLESS_RUNOUT T=0

For the filament sensor associated with T1, change the code from T=0 to T=1, and so on.

If you have one filament sensor, change your filament sensor's runout_gcode to:

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ENDLESS_RUNOUT

Custom GCode

To define custom filament runout functionality, you can define the FILAMENT_RUNOUT macro. Example:

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[gcode_macro FILAMENT_RUNOUT]
gcode:
    RESPOND MSG="Filament runout T{params.T}!!!"

GCodes

To edit the Endless Spool state mid-print, run the SET_ENDLESS_SETTINGS command. Examples:

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; Set T0 and T1 as backups for each other, and T2 as standalone
SET_ENDLESS_SETTINGS T0=1 T1=1 T2=2

; Set T0 as standalone, and T1 and T2 as backups for each other
SET_ENDLESS_SETTINGS T0=-1 T1=1 T2=1

; Disable endless spool
SET_ENDLESS_SETTINGS ENABLED=0

; Enable endless spool
SET_ENDLESS_SETTINGS ENABLED=1

To view the Endless Spool settings, run the GET_ENDLESS_SETTINGS command.

PRINT_START

In your slicer's print start GCode, add the following parameter to your PRINT_START macro:

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NUM_TOOLCHANGES=[total_toolchanges]

Next, in your PRINT_START macro, add the following line before your MMMS_START call:

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ENDLESS_START NUM_TOOLCHANGES={params.NUM_TOOLCHANGES}

This will ensure that Endless Spool is only enabled for single-color prints.

3DChameleon to 3MS Conversion

Follow this guide to convert a 3DChameleon to a 3MS.

BOM

Name Price Quantity Link Notes
SKR Mini E3 V2 $34.99 1 Amazon
Duponts $9.99 1 Amazon These wires are only sufficient to run steppers, not heaters
12V PSU $7.39 1 Amazon This PSU is only sufficient to run steppers, not heaters
MK8 Metal Extruder $9.99 2 Amazon Alternatively, you can use this Dual-drive MK8 based extruder

The final cost of this upgrade is around $70.

Instructions

  1. Release the eight bolts on the 3DChameleon unit to remove the two NEMA17 stepper motors.
  2. Unplug the NEMA17's from the 3DChameleon electronics board
  3. Remove the PTFE tubes from the 3DChameleon unit and the Y-splitter

Next, follow the Master Instructions except for the BOM section.

Ended: Guides

Contributing ↵

Contributing

If you want to contribute to the 3MS project, follow the instructions below.

Development Setup

Follow Development Setup to setup your system for development with the 3MS.

Controllers

If your contribution adds support for another controller type, see Controller Support.

Pull Request

Finally, submit a pull request. A developer will get back to you soon with feedback, before merging your pull request into the main project.

Thank you for your contribution to the 3MS project!

Development Setup

Follow this guide to setup your system for development with the 3MS.

Configuration Changes

  1. Fork the 3MS repository
  2. Create a new branch for your pull request (from the main branch)
  3. Develop changes in the new branch

Documentation Changes

  1. Fork the 3MS repository
  2. Create a new branch for your pull request (from the docs branch)
  3. Install Python.
  4. Install Pipenv.
  5. In your terminal, navigate to the 3MS folder, and run: 
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    pipenv install
pipenv shell
  6. Develop changes in the new branch, using the following command to run the documentation locally: 
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    mkdocs serve

Controller Support

Follow this guide to add support for a new 3MS controller.

Requirements

To add support for a new 3MS controller, the following requirements must be met:

Request a new Controller

If you don't want to create the new controller configuration yourself, you can submit a Controller Request.

Supporting a new Controller

If the controller meets the aforementioned requirements, you can proceed with adding support for it.

The following example will be for a SKR Mini E3 V2.0 controller.

Removing Extra Config Sections

  1. Remove all sections from the configuration except the following:

    • Stepper configurations (e.g. [stepper_x])
    • TMC driver configurations (e.g. [tmc2209 stepper_x])
    • Extruder configurations (e.g. [extruder])
    • [static_digital_output]
    • [board_pins]

  2. If the configuration is a main MCU configuration, remove the [mcu] section.

  3. Add the following line to all [static_digital_output] and [board_pins] sections:

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    mcu: 3ms

  4. If the configuration is NOT a main MCU, replace [mcu] with [mcu 3ms].

Full Configuration Before/After 
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# This file contains common pin mappings for the BIGTREETECH SKR mini
# E3 v2.0. To use this config, the firmware should be compiled for the
# STM32F103 with a "28KiB bootloader" and USB communication. Also,
# select "Enable extra low-level configuration options" and configure
# "GPIO pins to set at micro-controller startup" to "!PA14".

# The "make flash" command does not work on the SKR mini E3. Instead,
# after running "make", copy the generated "out/klipper.bin" file to a
# file named "firmware.bin" on an SD card and then restart the SKR
# mini E3 with that SD card.

# See docs/Config_Reference.md for a description of parameters.

[stepper_x]
step_pin: PB13
dir_pin: !PB12
enable_pin: !PB14
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 40
endstop_pin: ^PC0
position_endstop: 0
position_max: 235
homing_speed: 50

[tmc2209 stepper_x]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 0
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[stepper_y]
step_pin: PB10
dir_pin: !PB2
enable_pin: !PB11
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 40
endstop_pin: ^PC1
position_endstop: 0
position_max: 235
homing_speed: 50

[tmc2209 stepper_y]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 2
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[stepper_z]
step_pin: PB0
dir_pin: PC5
enable_pin: !PB1
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 8
endstop_pin: ^PC2
position_endstop: 0.0
position_max: 250

[tmc2209 stepper_z]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 1
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[extruder]
step_pin: PB3
dir_pin: !PB4
enable_pin: !PD2
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 33.500
nozzle_diameter: 0.400
filament_diameter: 1.750
heater_pin: PC8
sensor_type: EPCOS 100K B57560G104F
sensor_pin: PA0
control: pid
pid_Kp: 21.527
pid_Ki: 1.063
pid_Kd: 108.982
min_temp: 0
max_temp: 250

[tmc2209 extruder]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 3
run_current: 0.650
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[heater_bed]
heater_pin: PC9
sensor_type: ATC Semitec 104GT-2
sensor_pin: PC3
control: pid
pid_Kp: 54.027
pid_Ki: 0.770
pid_Kd: 948.182
min_temp: 0
max_temp: 130

[heater_fan heatbreak_cooling_fan]
pin: PC7

[fan]
pin: PC6

[mcu]
serial: /dev/serial/by-id/usb-Klipper_Klipper_firmware_12345-if00

[printer]
kinematics: cartesian
max_velocity: 300
max_accel: 3000
max_z_velocity: 5
max_z_accel: 100

[static_digital_output usb_pullup_enable]
pins: !PA14

[board_pins]
aliases:
    # EXP1 header
    EXP1_1=PB5,  EXP1_3=PA9,   EXP1_5=PA10, EXP1_7=PB8,  EXP1_9=<GND>,
    EXP1_2=PA15, EXP1_4=<RST>, EXP1_6=PB9,  EXP1_8=PB15, EXP1_10=<5V>

# See the sample-lcd.cfg file for definitions of common LCD displays.

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# This file contains common pin mappings for the BIGTREETECH SKR mini
# E3 v2.0. To use this config, the firmware should be compiled for the
# STM32F103 with a "28KiB bootloader" and USB communication. Also,
# select "Enable extra low-level configuration options" and configure
# "GPIO pins to set at micro-controller startup" to "!PA14".

# The "make flash" command does not work on the SKR mini E3. Instead,
# after running "make", copy the generated "out/klipper.bin" file to a
# file named "firmware.bin" on an SD card and then restart the SKR
# mini E3 with that SD card.

# See docs/Config_Reference.md for a description of parameters.

[stepper_x]
step_pin: PB13
dir_pin: !PB12
enable_pin: !PB14
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 40
endstop_pin: ^PC0
position_endstop: 0
position_max: 235
homing_speed: 50

[tmc2209 stepper_x]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 0
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[stepper_y]
step_pin: PB10
dir_pin: !PB2
enable_pin: !PB11
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 40
endstop_pin: ^PC1
position_endstop: 0
position_max: 235
homing_speed: 50

[tmc2209 stepper_y]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 2
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[stepper_z]
step_pin: PB0
dir_pin: PC5
enable_pin: !PB1
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 8
endstop_pin: ^PC2
position_endstop: 0.0
position_max: 250

[tmc2209 stepper_z]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 1
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[extruder]
step_pin: PB3
dir_pin: !PB4
enable_pin: !PD2
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 33.500
nozzle_diameter: 0.400
filament_diameter: 1.750
heater_pin: PC8
sensor_type: EPCOS 100K B57560G104F
sensor_pin: PA0
control: pid
pid_Kp: 21.527
pid_Ki: 1.063
pid_Kd: 108.982
min_temp: 0
max_temp: 250

[tmc2209 extruder]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 3
run_current: 0.650
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[mcu]
serial: /dev/serial/by-id/usb-Klipper_Klipper_firmware_12345-if00

[static_digital_output usb_pullup_enable]
pins: !PA14

[board_pins]
mcu: 3ms
aliases:
    # EXP1 header
    EXP1_1=PB5,  EXP1_3=PA9,   EXP1_5=PA10, EXP1_7=PB8,  EXP1_9=<GND>,
    EXP1_2=PA15, EXP1_4=<RST>, EXP1_6=PB9,  EXP1_8=PB15, EXP1_10=<5V>

Stepper Configuration

Note

In the following examples, the Z stepper is not included. When creating a 3MS configuration, you can (and probably will) use the Z steppers.

  1. Change any stepper sections to an extruder_stepper named 3ms0, 3ms1, 3ms2, etc. Example:

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    [stepper_x]
...

[stepper_y]
...

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    [extruder_stepper 3ms0]
...

[extruder_stepper 3ms1]
...

  2. Change any extruder sections to an extruder_stepper. Example:

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    [extruder]
...

[extruder1]
...

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    [extruder_stepper 3ms2]
...

[extruder_stepper 3ms3]
...

  3. Remove the extruder-specific configurations from the former extruders. Example:

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    [extruder_stepper 3ms2]
step_pin: PB3
dir_pin: !PB4
enable_pin: !PD1
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 33.500
nozzle_diameter: 0.400
filament_diameter: 1.750
heater_pin: PC8
sensor_type: EPCOS 100K B57560G104F
sensor_pin: PA0
control: pid
pid_Kp: 21.527
pid_Ki: 1.063
pid_Kd: 108.982
min_temp: 0
max_temp: 250

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    [extruder_stepper 3ms2]
step_pin: PB3
dir_pin: !PB4
enable_pin: !PD1
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 33.500

  4. Update any TMC configuration sections to reflect the new extruder_steppers. Example:

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    [tmc2209 stepper_x]
...

[tmc2209 stepper_y]
...

[tmc2209 extruder]
...

[tmc2209 extruder1]
...

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    [tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3ms0]
...

[tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3ms1]
...

[tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3ms2]
...

[tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3ms3]
...
Full Configuration Before/After 
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# This file contains common pin mappings for the BIGTREETECH SKR mini
# E3 v2.0. To use this config, the firmware should be compiled for the
# STM32F103 with a "28KiB bootloader" and USB communication. Also,
# select "Enable extra low-level configuration options" and configure
# "GPIO pins to set at micro-controller startup" to "!PA14".

# The "make flash" command does not work on the SKR mini E3. Instead,
# after running "make", copy the generated "out/klipper.bin" file to a
# file named "firmware.bin" on an SD card and then restart the SKR
# mini E3 with that SD card.

# See docs/Config_Reference.md for a description of parameters.

[stepper_x]
step_pin: PB13
dir_pin: !PB12
enable_pin: !PB14
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 40
endstop_pin: ^PC0
position_endstop: 0
position_max: 235
homing_speed: 50

[tmc2209 stepper_x]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 0
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[stepper_y]
step_pin: PB10
dir_pin: !PB2
enable_pin: !PB11
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 40
endstop_pin: ^PC1
position_endstop: 0
position_max: 235
homing_speed: 50

[tmc2209 stepper_y]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 2
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[stepper_z]
step_pin: PB0
dir_pin: PC5
enable_pin: !PB1
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 8
endstop_pin: ^PC2
position_endstop: 0.0
position_max: 250

[tmc2209 stepper_z]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 1
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[extruder]
step_pin: PB3
dir_pin: !PB4
enable_pin: !PD2
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 33.500
nozzle_diameter: 0.400
filament_diameter: 1.750
heater_pin: PC8
sensor_type: EPCOS 100K B57560G104F
sensor_pin: PA0
control: pid
pid_Kp: 21.527
pid_Ki: 1.063
pid_Kd: 108.982
min_temp: 0
max_temp: 250

[tmc2209 extruder]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 3
run_current: 0.650
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[mcu]
serial: /dev/serial/by-id/usb-Klipper_Klipper_firmware_12345-if00

[static_digital_output usb_pullup_enable]
pins: !PA14

[board_pins]
mcu: 3ms
aliases:
    # EXP1 header
    EXP1_1=PB5,  EXP1_3=PA9,   EXP1_5=PA10, EXP1_7=PB8,  EXP1_9=<GND>,
    EXP1_2=PA15, EXP1_4=<RST>, EXP1_6=PB9,  EXP1_8=PB15, EXP1_10=<5V>

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# This file contains common pin mappings for the BIGTREETECH SKR mini
# E3 v2.0. To use this config, the firmware should be compiled for the
# STM32F103 with a "28KiB bootloader" and USB communication. Also,
# select "Enable extra low-level configuration options" and configure
# "GPIO pins to set at micro-controller startup" to "!PA14".

# The "make flash" command does not work on the SKR mini E3. Instead,
# after running "make", copy the generated "out/klipper.bin" file to a
# file named "firmware.bin" on an SD card and then restart the SKR
# mini E3 with that SD card.

# See docs/Config_Reference.md for a description of parameters.

[extruder_stepper 3ms0]
step_pin: PB13
dir_pin: !PB12
enable_pin: !PB14
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 40
endstop_pin: ^PC0
position_endstop: 0
position_max: 235
homing_speed: 50

[tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3ms0]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 0
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[extruder_stepper 3ms1]
step_pin: PB10
dir_pin: !PB2
enable_pin: !PB11
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 40
endstop_pin: ^PC1
position_endstop: 0
position_max: 235
homing_speed: 50

[tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3ms1]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 2
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[extruder_stepper 3ms2]
step_pin: PB0
dir_pin: PC5
enable_pin: !PB1
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 8
endstop_pin: ^PC2
position_endstop: 0.0
position_max: 250

[tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3ms2]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 1
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[extruder_stepper 3ms3]
step_pin: PB3
dir_pin: !PB4
enable_pin: !PD2
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 33.500

[tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3ms3]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 3
run_current: 0.650
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[mcu]
serial: /dev/serial/by-id/usb-Klipper_Klipper_firmware_12345-if00

[static_digital_output usb_pullup_enable]
pins: !PA14

[board_pins]
mcu: 3ms
aliases:
    # EXP1 header
    EXP1_1=PB5,  EXP1_3=PA9,   EXP1_5=PA10, EXP1_7=PB8,  EXP1_9=<GND>,
    EXP1_2=PA15, EXP1_4=<RST>, EXP1_6=PB9,  EXP1_8=PB15, EXP1_10=<5V>

Final Important Details

  1. Remove all homing/endstop-related parameters from the stepper configuration sections. Example:

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    [extruder_stepper 3ms0]
...
endstop_pin: ^PC0
position_endstop: 0
position_max: 235
homing_speed: 50

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    [extruder_stepper 3ms0]
...
# Endstop/homing parameters removed

  2. Add the following line to all extruder_stepper sections:

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    extruder: extruder

  3. Prefix all pin names IN ALL SECTIONS (not just motors) with 3ms:. Any ! or ^ should go before the 3ms: prefix. Example:

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    [extruder_stepper 3ms0]
step_pin: PB13
dir_pin: !PB12
enable_pin: !PB14
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 40

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    [extruder_stepper 3ms0]
step_pin: 3ms: PB13
dir_pin: !3ms: PB12
enable_pin: !3ms: PB14
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 40
Full Configuration Before/After 
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# This file contains common pin mappings for the BIGTREETECH SKR mini
# E3 v2.0. To use this config, the firmware should be compiled for the
# STM32F103 with a "28KiB bootloader" and USB communication. Also,
# select "Enable extra low-level configuration options" and configure
# "GPIO pins to set at micro-controller startup" to "!PA14".

# The "make flash" command does not work on the SKR mini E3. Instead,
# after running "make", copy the generated "out/klipper.bin" file to a
# file named "firmware.bin" on an SD card and then restart the SKR
# mini E3 with that SD card.

# See docs/Config_Reference.md for a description of parameters.

[extruder_stepper 3ms0]
step_pin: PB13
dir_pin: !PB12
enable_pin: !PB14
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 40
endstop_pin: ^PC0
position_endstop: 0
position_max: 235
homing_speed: 50

[tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3ms0]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 0
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[extruder_stepper 3ms1]
step_pin: PB10
dir_pin: !PB2
enable_pin: !PB11
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 40
endstop_pin: ^PC1
position_endstop: 0
position_max: 235
homing_speed: 50

[tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3ms1]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 2
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[extruder_stepper 3ms2]
step_pin: PB0
dir_pin: PC5
enable_pin: !PB1
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 8
endstop_pin: ^PC2
position_endstop: 0.0
position_max: 250

[tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3ms2]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 1
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[extruder_stepper 3ms3]
step_pin: PB3
dir_pin: !PB4
enable_pin: !PD2
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 33.500
nozzle_diameter: 0.400
filament_diameter: 1.750

[tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3ms3]
uart_pin: PC11
tx_pin: PC10
uart_address: 3
run_current: 0.650
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[mcu]
serial: /dev/serial/by-id/usb-Klipper_Klipper_firmware_12345-if00

[static_digital_output usb_pullup_enable]
pins: !PA14

[board_pins]
mcu: 3ms
aliases:
    # EXP1 header
    EXP1_1=PB5,  EXP1_3=PA9,   EXP1_5=PA10, EXP1_7=PB8,  EXP1_9=<GND>,
    EXP1_2=PA15, EXP1_4=<RST>, EXP1_6=PB9,  EXP1_8=PB15, EXP1_10=<5V>

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# This file contains common pin mappings for the BIGTREETECH SKR mini
# E3 v2.0. To use this config, the firmware should be compiled for the
# STM32F103 with a "28KiB bootloader" and USB communication. Also,
# select "Enable extra low-level configuration options" and configure
# "GPIO pins to set at micro-controller startup" to "!PA14".

# The "make flash" command does not work on the SKR mini E3. Instead,
# after running "make", copy the generated "out/klipper.bin" file to a
# file named "firmware.bin" on an SD card and then restart the SKR
# mini E3 with that SD card.

# See docs/Config_Reference.md for a description of parameters.

[extruder_stepper 3ms0]
extruder: extruder
step_pin: 3ms: PB13
dir_pin: !3ms: PB12
enable_pin: !3ms: PB14
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 40

[tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3ms0]
uart_pin: 3ms: PC11
tx_pin: 3ms: PC10
uart_address: 0
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[extruder_stepper 3ms1]
extruder: extruder
step_pin: 3ms: PB10
dir_pin: !3ms: PB2
enable_pin: !3ms: PB11
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 40

[tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3ms1]
uart_pin: 3ms: PC11
tx_pin: 3ms: PC10
uart_address: 2
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[extruder_stepper 3ms2]
extruder: extruder
step_pin: 3ms: PB0
dir_pin: 3ms: PC5
enable_pin: !3ms: PB1
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 8

[tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3ms2]
uart_pin: 3ms: PC11
tx_pin: 3ms: PC10
uart_address: 1
run_current: 0.580
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[extruder_stepper 3ms3]
extruder: extruder
step_pin: 3ms: PB3
dir_pin: !3ms: PB4
enable_pin: !3ms: PD2
microsteps: 16
rotation_distance: 33.500

[tmc2209 extruder_stepper 3ms3]
uart_pin: 3ms: PC11
tx_pin: 3ms: PC10
uart_address: 3
run_current: 0.650
stealthchop_threshold: 999999

[mcu]
serial: /dev/serial/by-id/usb-Klipper_Klipper_firmware_12345-if00

[static_digital_output usb_pullup_enable]
pins: !PA14

[board_pins]
mcu: 3ms
aliases:
    # EXP1 header
    EXP1_1=PB5,  EXP1_3=PA9,   EXP1_5=PA10, EXP1_7=PB8,  EXP1_9=<GND>,
    EXP1_2=PA15, EXP1_4=<RST>, EXP1_6=PB9,  EXP1_8=PB15, EXP1_10=<5V>

Ended: Contributing

Troubleshooting ↵

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble getting your 3MS to work properly, check if the problem you're facing is in this list:

If it is not in this list, please open an issue on Github.

Motor Skipping

If any of your extruder motors are skipping while using the 3MS, follow this troubleshooting guide to diagnose the issue and fix it.

Printer's Extruder

First, check if your printer's extruder is properly extruding. To check this, detach the PTFE tube from the inlet of your extruder, and manually load filament, using Klipper's controls for loading filament. If your printer's extruder is having trouble extruding plastic, you may have one of the following:

You can also slightly decrease the 3MS's rotation_distance.

3MS Extruder

If the printer's extruder is working properly, and you're still having skipping, check the filament tips. If the tip has a long string on it, or has a thick blob at the end, your filament tips may be to blame. If you have stringy tips, decrease your nozzle temperature while printing. If you have blobby tips, increase your nozzle temperature while printing. Alternatively, you can purchase PTFE tubes with a larger ID to allow for less precise tips.

You can also slightly increase the 3MS's rotation_distance.

Filament Sensor False Alarm/Extra Pauses

If during toolchanges, a failed toolchange false alarm occurs (print pauses even though toolchange was successful), follow this troubleshooting guide to fix it.

fsensor_delay

The main culprit for this issue is likely your fsensor_delay in 3ms/settings.cfg is too short. Short values will cause more false alarms, and long values will cause less. Generally, the default 2000ms is good for most setups, but if you are having false alarms, you will have to increase it. To set it, use the SET_MMMS_SETTINGS command:

Klipper Console
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SET_MMMS_SETTINGS FSENSOR_DELAY=3000

To save it permanently:

3ms/settings.cfg
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fsensor_delay: 2000
3ms/settings.cfg
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fsensor_delay: 3000

Underextrusion

If your prints start to have gaps in the walls, you are likely experiencing underextrusion. Follow this troubleshooting guide to diagnose the issue and fix it.

Extruder/Hotend Issues

First, try the solutions in this article in case there are any issues with your printer's extruder/hotend.

3MS rotation_distance

If your extruder and hotend are working fine, the next likely cause of underextrusion is your 3MS rotation_distance is too high. There are two likely causes and solutions, based on where in the print the underextrusion occurs:

  • Whole print - 3MS motors working backwards from the extruder or not working at all

    Follow the wiring section of Assembly.

    Follow the first two steps of Stepper Setup.

  • Partially through print - 3MS motors not turning enough

    Follow the last step of Stepper Setup.

Failed Load/Unload

If your printer is paused and displaying Please load or Please unload, follow this troubleshooting guide to diagnose the problem and fix it.

False Alarm

First, see False Alarm to ensure your filament sensor is properly configured and is being properly read by the 3MS macros.

Failed Unload

When your printer displays a Please unload message, pay attention to the Tx number it shows. For example, if it displays the message Please unload T0, it failed to unload the filament at T0. Follow these steps to recover the toolchange:

  1. Detach the PTFE tube from the inlet of your printer's extruder (you may need to push down the lever on the 3MS extruder for that tool while doing this).

  2. Manually pull the filament out of the printer's extruder.

    If it is stuck, try one of the following:

    • Reload the filament until it is extruding out of the nozzle, then unload the filament quickly while pulling firmly.
    • Open your printer's extruder assembly, pull the filament through, and cut off the tip.

    Also, see Skipping

  3. Next, manually pull the filament all the way to where the filament is usually parked between toolchanges (before the Y-splitter).

  4. Manually load the next filament. Check the console for a message like T0 -> T1 indicating which filament is next (in this case T1). It should be loaded to the entry of the printer's extruder gears.
  5. Resume your print.

Next, diagnose the problem based on these possible scenarios:

  • Filament never unloaded out of printer's extruder

    This is a sign of poor tip shaping. The quick fix for this is to increase print temperatures. Also, see Skipping.

  • Filament unloaded out of printer's extruder, but stopped before filament sensor

    This is a sign of your filament sensor causing excess friction on the filament, or your 3MS extruder tension too loose. For the 3MS tension too lose, simply rotate the tensioning screw on the 3MS extruder clockwise a couple rotations.

Failed Load

When your printer displays a Please load message, pay attention to the Tx number it shows. For example, if it displays the message Please load T1, it failed to load the filament at T1. Follow these steps to recover the toolchange:

  1. Manually push the filament all the way to the inlet of your printer's extruder.

    If your filament isn't able to load, the previous tool may not have completely unloaded. See Failed Unload for more information.

  2. Resume your print.

Next, diagnose the problem based on these possible scenarios:

  • Previous filament didn't unload enough

    Increase your unload_distance in MMMS_SETTINGS (3ms/settings.py). You can test different values by using SET_MMMS_SETTINGS at runtime. Example:

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    SET_MMMS_SETTINGS UNLOAD_DISTANCE=210

  • Filament didn't load enough

    Increase your load_distance in MMMS_SETTINGS (3ms/settings.py). You can test different values by using SET_MMMS_SETTINGS at runtime. Example:

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    SET_MMMS_SETTINGS LOAD_DISTANCE=220

Ended: Troubleshooting

Experimental ↵

Experimental

Rapid Tip Shaping

Warning

The rapid tip shaping feature is currently experimental. This page is not complete yet.

Rapid tip shaping allows for faster tip shaping and easier tuning of tip shaping.

Installation

Update your 3ms/main.cfg:

3ms/main.cfg
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[save_variables]
filename: ~/printer_data/config/3ms/variables.cfg

[include ./settings.cfg]
[include ./endless/settings.cfg]
#[include ./cutter/settings.cfg]
[include ./form_tip/settings.cfg]
[include ./controllers/btt_skr_mini_e3_v2/steppers.cfg]

[dynamicmacros 3ms]
configs: 3ms/macros.cfg, 3ms/endless/macros.cfg, 3ms/form_tip/macros.cfg #, 3ms/cutter/macros.cfg

Note the addition of 3ms/form_tip/macros.cfg in the [dynamicmacros] config section.

Confiugration

The "cooling tube" refers to the length of PTFE found in your printer's hotend. This is usually in the heatsink of your hotend.

You want to measure (or Google) three things:

  1. The distance from the bottom of the cooling tube to the tip of the nozzle
  2. The length of the cooling tube
  3. The distance from the top of the cooling tube to your extruder

Update your 3ms/form_tip/settings.cfg with these settings:

3ms/form_tip/settings.cfg
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[gcode_macro FORM_TIP_SETTINGS]
# Edit these settings for your printer
variable_cooling_tube_pos: 15 # <-- This is the distance from the bottom of the cooling tube to the tip of the nozzle
variable_cooling_tube_length: 11 # <-- This is the length of the cooling tube
variable_final_retract: 49 # <-- This is the distance from the top of the cooling tube to the extruder gears

The "parking position" refers to the location the toolhead will be at during a color swap (not on the wip tower). Ideally, this would be a purge bucket, but this can be anywhere not on the bed.

Update your settings:

3ms/form_tip/settings.cfg
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variable_park_x: 125
variable_park_y: 205
variable_park_speed: 50 # mm/s

Tip Tuning

A standard tip tuning routine would look like this:

  1. Load T0 to the nozzle

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    SYNC_TOOL TOOL=0
MMMS_LOAD
LOAD_FILAMENT

  2. Run tip shaping:

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    FORM_TIP

  3. Check your filament tip

  4. Load the filament back to the nozzle for further tuning:

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    LOAD_FILAMENT

Steps 2-4 are repeated until your filament tip comes out looking like one of these:

TODO Picture

You can alter step 2 to get better tips, changing any of the following settings:

  • PUSH_DISTANCE

    This changes how much filament is pushed out initially. Generally, you don't need to change this.

  • PUSH_SPEED

    This changes how fast the filament is pushed out initially. Increasing this generally creates a sharper filament tip. However, if this is too high, your printer's hotend may not be able to melt the filament quickly enough and result in your extruder skipping steps.

  • INITIAL_RETRACT_SPEED

    This changes how fast the filament tip is retracted to the cooling tube. If this is too low, your filament tip may have a large string on the end. If this is too high, a small piece of filament may be left in your nozzle.

  • COOLING_SPEED

    This changes how fast the filament tip is retracted through the cooling tube. If this is too high, your filament tip may come out still molten.

  • FINAL_SPEED

    This changes how fast the filament tip is retracted from the top of the cooling tube to outside the extruder. Generally, you can increase this until your printer's extruder starts skipping.

When you get a good tip, change to T1, repeat, T2, etc:

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MMMS_UNLOAD
SYNC_TOOL TOOL=1
MMMS_LOAD
LOAD_FILAMENT

Examples

TODO show pictures of filament tips when a specific settings is altered

Slicer Setup

Follow these steps to setup your slicer for rapid tip shaping.

  1. Disable filament ramming

    Nagivate to Printer Settings -> Multimaterial and uncheck the Enable filament ramming checkbox.

  2. Filament Settings

    Repeat the following steps for each of your filaments.

    Navigate to Filament Settings -> Multimaterial, and disable all multimaterial settings.

  3. Filament G-Code

    Change your filament start G-code to the following, inserting your tuned values:

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    SET_TIP_SETTINGS PUSH_DISTANCE= PUSH_SPEED= INITIAL_RETRACT_SPEED= COOLING_SPEED= FINAL_SPEED=

    Add this G-Code to your filament settings in Advanced:

Dual Drive 3MS Extruders for TPU

The 3MS's existing single-drive extruders are prone to tangling with TPU during toolchanges. Dual drive 3MS extruders may fix this issue and allow for multimaterial printing with TPU.

Info

This page, and the features mentioned on it, are in development

The extruder used in this modification can be found on Amazon here.

Benefits

Current testing shows the following benefits:

  • Increased reliability with rigid filaments
  • Easier initial filament loading
  • Less filament grinding

TPU Testing

Current testing with TPU (a check indicates it works):

  • Single material TPU prints loaded via the 3MS
  • Multimaterial TPU prints

Speed Limiting for TPU

TPU filament has a tendency to buckle when extruded at high speeds. This feature attempts to slow down the 3MS extruders during toolchanges only when TPU is involved in the toolchange.

Info

This page, and the features mentioned on it, are in development

Installation

To install the speed limiting feature, run in your terminal:

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cd ~/3MS
git fetch
git checkout 
git pull limited-speed
sh install.sh

Restart Klipper.

Configuration

Update your 3ms/main.cfg:

3ms/main.cfg
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[save_variables]
filename: ~/printer_data/config/3ms/variables.cfg

[include ./settings.cfg]
[include ./controllers/btt_skr_mini_e3_v2/steppers.cfg]

[dynamicmacros 3ms]
configs: 3ms/macros.cfg, 3ms/speedlimit.cfg

Usage

Info

This section is under construction

Ended: Experimental

Toolchange Flowchart

This flowchart assumes a fsensor_delay of 2000ms.

graph TD
  A[T1] --> B[Toolchange T=1];
  B[Toolchange T=1] --> C{Same tool?};
  C --> |No| D{Previous filament loaded?};
  C --> |Yes| E{Do nothing};
  D --> |Yes| F[MMMS_UNLOAD];
  F --> G[DESYNC_TOOL TOOL=0];
  G --> H[G4 P2000];
  H --> I[CHECK_FSENSOR V=0];
  D --> |No| J[SYNC_TOOL TOOL=1];
  I --> J;
  J --> K[MMMS_LOAD];
  K --> L[G4 P2000];
  L --> M[CHECK_FSENSOR V=1];
  M --> N[Save new previous extruder]