How to Setup Marlin with 2 Hotends

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Setting up Marlin firmware for 3D printing with two hotends involves several steps, from configuring the firmware to wiring the hardware correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Download and Install Marlin Firmware

  • Get the Latest Version: Download the latest version of Marlin from the official Marlin GitHub repository.
  • Extract the Files: Unzip the downloaded file to a location on your computer.

2. Open Marlin in an IDE

  • Install Visual Studio Code: If you haven’t already, download and install Visual Studio Code.
  • Add PlatformIO Extension: Open Visual Studio Code and install the PlatformIO extension, which is necessary for compiling Marlin.

3. Configure the Firmware for Dual Extruders

  • Open Configuration.h: In the Marlin folder, open the Configuration.h file in the editor.
  • Enable Dual Extruders: Look for the following lines and make sure they are configured correctly:
    #define EXTRUDERS 2
  • Thermistor Settings: Set the thermistor types for both hotends:
    #define TEMP_SENSOR_0 1 // Thermistor type for Hotend 1
    #define TEMP_SENSOR_1 1 // Thermistor type for Hotend 2
  • Define the Hotend Offsets: Specify the offsets between the two hotends:
    #define HOTEND_OFFSET_X {0.0, X_OFFSET} // Replace X_OFFSET with the distance in mm between the two hotends on the X-axis.
    #define HOTEND_OFFSET_Y {0.0, Y_OFFSET} // Replace Y_OFFSET if there’s an offset on the Y-axis.

4. Configure pins.h (If Needed)

  • In most cases, Marlin’s default pin assignments should work, but if your board requires custom pin assignments for the second hotend, you’ll need to edit pins.h.
  • Locate the correct board in the pins folder and ensure the second extruder and hotend are assigned to the correct pins.

5. Adjust Other Configuration Settings

  • Extruder Fan: If you’re using a cooling fan specifically for the second hotend, configure it in Configuration_adv.h.
    #define EXTRUDER_AUTO_FAN_TEMPERATURE 50 // Temperature at which the extruder fan turns on
  • Enable Extruder Management: Make sure the firmware manages both extruders correctly.
    #define E0_AUTO_FAN_PIN FAN_PIN // Pin assignment for Hotend 1 fan
    #define E1_AUTO_FAN_PIN FAN1_PIN // Pin assignment for Hotend 2 fan

6. Compile and Upload the Firmware

  • Build the Firmware: In Visual Studio Code, use PlatformIO to build the firmware by clicking on the checkmark icon (Build).
  • Upload the Firmware: Connect your printer to your computer via USB, and use PlatformIO to upload the firmware by clicking the arrow icon (Upload).

7. Wire the Second Hotend

  • Connect the Second Hotend: Wire the second hotend to the appropriate pins on your controller board. This includes the heater cartridge, thermistor, and possibly a cooling fan.
  • Verify Connections: Double-check all connections to ensure that each component is connected correctly according to your board’s pinout.

8. Test the Setup

  • Power Up the Printer: Turn on your 3D printer and make sure both hotends heat up correctly.
  • Check Hotend Offsets: Perform a test print to verify that the hotend offsets are correct and that both extruders are functioning properly.
  • Adjust and Calibrate: If necessary, make fine adjustments in Marlin’s configuration or during the printer’s calibration process.

9. Tuning and Calibration

  • PID Tuning: Run PID tuning for both hotends to ensure stable temperatures during printing.
  • Extruder Calibration: Calibrate the extruder steps for both hotends to ensure accurate filament extrusion.

By following these steps, you should have Marlin configured to handle two hotends, allowing you to take advantage of dual extrusion capabilities for multi-material or multi-color 3D printing.

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