Bambu Lab AMS - Automatic material system

The Automatic Material System (AMS) from Bambu Lab is a game-changing innovation in FDM 3D printing, specifically designed for the X1 and P1 series of printers. This module can hold up to 4 spools of filament, enabling multi-color and multi-material printing with ease.

Image 1: Four AMS module can be connected to a printer at once. Source: Bambu Lab.

By utilizing the AMS Hub, users can achieve prints with up to 16 colors or materials, expanding creative possibilities while maintaining print quality. The system also ensures filament stays dry and monitors for moisture, which is crucial for maintaining optimal printing conditions.

What materials can be used?

AMS supports a wide range of 1.75 mm filament types, including common materials like PLA, ABS, ASA, and PET(G), as well as more specialized options such as PA, PP, PC, POM, HIPS, PVA, BVOH and fiber-reinforced filaments from Bambu Lab.

Image 2: Models 3D printed with the AMS module. Source: Bambu Lab.

However, there are some limitations: materials like TPU/TPE, wet PVA and BVOH, TPU 95 A, and carbon/glass fiber composites by other brands (in short, filaments that are too soft, brittle or abrasive) are incompatible due to the risks of clogging or damaging the system. More information on how the AMS module works and what materials can be used can be found on the official Bambu Lab Wiki.

Keeping the filament dry

One of the standout features of the AMS is its ability to keep filaments dry, thanks to its air-tight seal (1) and built-in desiccant material (3). The desiccant absorbs any moisture that could compromise filament quality.

Image 3: The AMS module keeps filament dry during printing. Source: Bambu Lab.

Additionally, a humidity sensor (3) provides real-time data, alerting users when humidity levels rise or when the desiccant needs replacement. This feature is essential for avoiding common issues like poor layer adhesion or nozzle clogging, which can result in failed prints.

Intelligent filament handling

The AMS is powered by a 32-bit MCU (1), along with a hub motor (2), filament odometer (3), sensor arrays (4), a feeder motor (5), and a smart algorithm that handles complex tasks like filament loading, unloading, and fault detection.

Image 4: The anatomy of the AMS module. Source: Bambu Lab.

Bambu Lab filaments come with RFID tags that allow the AMS to automatically detect and apply optimal settings, streamlining the printing process, while non-Bambu filaments require manual configuration.

Image 5: Inside the AMS module. Source: Bambu Lab.

In situations where filament becomes tangled or the spool gets stuck, the AMS immediately suspends printing to prevent wasted time and material. This intelligent management helps reduce the chances of "air printing" and keeps the printing process running smoothly.

Video 1: Printing with the AMS Module. Source: Bambu Lab.

One of the major advantages of the AMS is its ability to automatically switch spools when a filament runs out. This ensures that printing can continue uninterrupted, minimizing filament waste and energy consumption.

Image 6: Working with 4 AMS modules simultaneously. Source: Bambu Lab.

The AMS filament backup function is especially useful for long prints or when the user is not present, allowing for a seamless transition to a new spool without any manual intervention.

In the package

The AMS package includes everything needed to get started: the AMS module itself, PTFE tubes, a PTFE tube connector, a filament buffer, bus cables, spare filament cutters, and reusable spools. This comprehensive set ensures that users have the tools required to maximize the capabilities of their Bambu Lab printers with the AMS module, enhancing both efficiency and convenience in multi-material 3D printing.