Goal
I wanted a printer workflow that could reliably swap materials mid-print so I could make parts that would otherwise require assemblies or post-processing.
What I did
- Built a spool + feed system to keep filament paths consistent and reduce snags.
- Implemented automation macros (swap, purge, resume) and tuned the sequence for reliability.
- Iterated on printed parts to improve repeatability: alignment, friction, and cable management.
Lessons learned
- Reliability comes from removing “randomness”: consistent paths, controlled tension, and clean state transitions.
- Designing for maintenance matters: quick access to wear items beats a perfectly compact layout.