Our ‘Closer Look’ series highlights popular open source builds in the 3D printing community. This time we’re looking at the Jubilee tool changer, a project which has been pushed forward by a number of recent improvements.

A tool changer has a broad range of applications. Thanks to multiple extruders, it’s possible to use several filaments in the same print, so you can 3D print items with a range of different colors or mechanical properties. You can also add other additive tools such as paste extruders, which can dispense grease, adhesives, clay, solder paste, and even chocolate.

Why stop at additive manufacturing? You can fit a tool changer with subtractive machining tools, lasers for engraving, part inspection cameras, microscopes, pick-and-place tools, pen plotters, or any other device that will mount to a motion system. Many tool head designs are published under open source licenses, enabling a community of dedicated research volunteers and tinkerers to develop new tool heads, improve existing tool heads, and discover new applications.

How To Build Your Own Tool Changer

A typical tool changer is assembled from parts made by laser-cutting, 3D printing, and off-the-shelf hardware like 2020 or 2040 aluminum extrusions. Many tool changer research volunteers are spread throughout the 3D printing community, and some vendors sell complete kits of parts to assemble, saving you the hassle of sourcing everything yourself.

One notable open tool changer build is the Jubilee, started by Joshua Vasquez (a.k.a. ‘poofjunior’). According to the project’s wiki, Jubilee is an extensible multi-tool motion platform capable of running G-code for low-force automation applications. Out-of-the-box, Jubilee is configured for multi-material 3D printing and multi-color pen plotting, but the community has also had success with light liquid-handling and image stitching applications.

The Jubilee community maintains step-by-step assembly instructions and other documentation. They coordinate themselves via Discord, so you can share ideas or ask someone for help in real-time.

Several recent improvements have pushed the Jubilee project forward:

• New documentation: The instructions and wiring diagrams are much more polished than before.
• New extrusion tools:
  • The Baby Bullet Extruder, a dual 5015 Orbiter-based extruder head
  • A 10cc Syringe Extruder for extruding paste
• A new bed plate design: The Lab Automation Plate lets you use the same platform to run ad-hoc experiments requiring repeatable actions.

For those who don’t enjoy sourcing parts individually, Filastruder now offers a Jubilee tool changer kit which contains all the parts needed to put together the frame, controller, motors, and electronics. This kit doesn’t include Jubilee tools (extruders, syringes, plotter heads, lasers), but the components you do get come from respected suppliers such as LDO, Gates, and Duet3D. The kit also includes all the 3D printed parts, convenient plug-and-play wiring harnesses, and the option to customize the anodized color of the frame’s aluminum extrusions (including purple!)

This is an open source DIY project, so it’s the responsibility of the user to assemble everything. Be forewarned: it requires a decent amount of space and commitment, not to mention technical capability. If you’re interested in learning more, you can visit the Jubilee wiki for detailed specs.