Modix Generation 5 Announced: Tool Changing, Pellet and 45-Degree Printing in Large-Format FDM

For FDM users producing large parts, printer electronics are not simply a matter of choosing a control board; they are about managing different extruders, motion systems and production scenarios on the same platform. On 16 September 2026, Modix announced its Generation 5 electronics platform for BIG series large-format FDM printers. According to the announcement, the new system is built around the Duet 3 control platform and a CANBUS distributed electronics architecture. The details reported in the 3D Printing Industry article show that this upgrade is less about a single feature and more about an expandable foundation for large-format production.

What does Generation 5 change?

Modix states that the new electronics platform can manage more than 20 axes and drivers. This capacity paves the way for three new production options on the BIG series: automatic tool changing, pellet extrusion and 45-degree printing. According to Modix, printers ordered during the summer began shipping with this platform; the relevant technologies will also be demonstrated at Formnext 2026.

What does automatic tool changing offer in large-format printing?

Bondtech’s INDX automatic tool-changing platform is designed to enable switching between different extrusion tools during the same print. On machines with a build area of one metre or more, this approach could increase the possibility of using different colours or materials in a single part. It may be a particularly interesting option for large models that require different printing strategies for supports, the body and visible surfaces.

Caution is needed here: the announcement does not disclose the current number of tools, tool-changing time or supported material combinations. It is therefore more accurate to view the feature not as a ready-made solution that combines every material seamlessly, but as an expanding hardware option for large-format FDM.

Pellet extrusion and 45-degree printing

The new compact pellet extruder aims to combine the high feed potential of pellet material with the more controlled detail production of filament on the same machine. Users will be able to choose their extrusion approach according to the part’s geometry and production requirements. However, since Modix has not yet shared extrusion flow-rate or comparative speed data against filament, the actual benefits will need to be established through application testing.

45-degree printing has the potential to reduce the need for supports, particularly in large, hollow parts. Printing walls at an angle can reduce internal supports and post-processing cleanup for some geometries. This may offer advantages in terms of material consumption and removing hard-to-reach supports; however, the design, build-plate layout and layer orientation must be reconsidered. It cannot be said to automatically produce better results for every part.

Upgrade path for existing Modix owners

A notable aspect of Generation 5 is that the new features are not reserved only for new printers. Modix states that automatic tool changing, pellet extrusion and 45-degree printing will also be offered as upgrades for existing BIG series machines. This approach may make sense for workshops that want to increase production capabilities without replacing a working machine entirely. Even so, compatibility, installation, software profiles and material settings need to be verified for each model.

A decision note for Ucuz3D users

If you produce large-volume prototypes, moulds, fixtures or lightweight structural parts, this development is a reminder that FDM is not limited to desktop multicolour printing. Before moving to a new system, evaluate the expected flow rate, actual print time, nozzle and build-plate requirements, as well as the post-support finishing work for the part. For small and medium-sized jobs, the right material and a reliable process are often more rational than more complex hardware. To clarify the scope of your project, you can review our printing materials, and if needed, order 3d printing service. Before making a production decision, you can also see how per-gram pricing works and get an instant quote for your file.