【3D Printing News】Bambu Lab AMS Explained! The Secret to Multi-Color Printing!
Color 3D printing is one of the few rational reasons Bambu Lab chose 3D printers as a development project. Initially, Bambu Lab naively and bravely believed they could have a full-color printer within 18 months that would eclipse other printers on the market. Single-material printing is boring, and mixed-color printing can be very messy. 22 months after Bambu Lab started this project, a compromise solution finally appeared: the Automatic Material System (AMS).
Technical Background
There are multiple multi-color feeding systems on the market. Prusa has two generations of MMU, and Mosaic has three generations of Palette. Bambu Lab's AMS is similar to these two on the market. Both use a single-input, single-output hot end, avoiding the constant clogging issues of multi-input, single-output methods, but requiring a large amount of filament purging to prevent color contamination. There are also multi-tool head methods to meet multi-material needs, a route Prusa's latest XL has taken. However, Bambu Lab lacked confidence in the mechanical reliability of layer-by-layer tool head switching, so they settled on the current system architecture by the end of 2020.
Detail Design
Here's how the AMS works; it consists of three main parts: a set of four spool holders, a hub, and a buffer. Each spool holder has its own motor, actively pushing filament forward or winding it back onto the spool. During extrusion, it pulls filament like an extruder. When filament needs to be retracted, the spool is rotated. The hub merges the four filament paths into one and provides the second stage of filament drive through a brushless motor. The buffer is located behind the printer, relatively close to the tool head extruder, to ensure filament tension is within a certain range, allowing the tool head extruder to operate easily and precisely. Overall, there are 10 sensors along the filament path, plus an odometer in the hub. Therefore, the position, speed, and tension of the filament are monitored and controlled.
Spool holder with active rollers
Filament path from AMS to printer, buffer in the center
In addition to these components that handle filament feeding, the entire system is enclosed and has a humidity sensor. Silicone O-rings are added to ensure moisture cannot enter and thus damage hygroscopic filaments such as PA, PC, etc. On the printer body, there is a waste chute ramp for purging material, reducing the time spent on printing purge towers, and a filament cutter on the tool head to cut off unneeded filament.
Purge chute entrance, white roller is the nozzle wiper
Excess filament cleaning exit
Advantages
1. Filament position, speed, and tension are actively controlled, allowing the printer to operate in ideal conditions at all times.
2. No messy filament around; all retracted filament returns to the spool.
3. Ideal storage for hygroscopic filaments such as PA, PC, PVA, and PETG.
4. Much better reliability than MMU2.
5. Overall, it looks neat and tidy.
Disadvantages
1. Still requires purging of waste material.
2. Filament switching takes time.
3. Incompatible with flexible materials like TPU.
4. Not very accepting of cardboard spools, which can generate dust and clog the system.
5. While reliability has improved, it is still not as good as a copier.
1. Filament position, speed, and tension are actively controlled, allowing the printer to operate in ideal conditions at all times.
2. No messy filament around; all retracted filament returns to the spool.
3. Ideal storage for hygroscopic filaments such as PA, PC, PVA, and PETG.
4. Much better reliability than MMU2.
5. Overall, it looks neat and tidy.
Disadvantages
1. Still requires purging of waste material.
2. Filament switching takes time.
3. Incompatible with flexible materials like TPU.
4. Not very accepting of cardboard spools, which can generate dust and clog the system.
5. While reliability has improved, it is still not as good as a copier.
FAQ
1. Is the RFID identification device a closed ecosystem?
No, AMS is compatible with most filaments out there. The presence of RFID is to enhance the user experience for Bambu filaments; for example, you can insert four Bambu spools in random order, and the AMS can automatically identify them. For filaments without RFID, you must select the color and material type in the slicing software or on the touchscreen.
2. The AMS has four slots, why is it referred to as 4*4 colors?
You can connect up to 4 AMS units to a single printer using an AMS hub accessory, thus allowing for up to 4*4, or 16 colors or materials.
3. Is there desiccant in the AMS?
Not necessary. With its carefully designed airtight structure, there is no need to use a desiccant in the AMS. The AMS has two slots that can hold two desiccant packets, keeping the system dry for extended periods. When the desiccant is depleted, the humidity sensor will alert you to replace it.
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References
1. Is the RFID identification device a closed ecosystem?
No, AMS is compatible with most filaments out there. The presence of RFID is to enhance the user experience for Bambu filaments; for example, you can insert four Bambu spools in random order, and the AMS can automatically identify them. For filaments without RFID, you must select the color and material type in the slicing software or on the touchscreen.
2. The AMS has four slots, why is it referred to as 4*4 colors?
You can connect up to 4 AMS units to a single printer using an AMS hub accessory, thus allowing for up to 4*4, or 16 colors or materials.
3. Is there desiccant in the AMS?
Not necessary. With its carefully designed airtight structure, there is no need to use a desiccant in the AMS. The AMS has two slots that can hold two desiccant packets, keeping the system dry for extended periods. When the desiccant is depleted, the humidity sensor will alert you to replace it.
Did you enjoy this sharing? Visit our online store now to learn more about 3D printing filaments and 3D printers, or contact us for high-quality 3D printing services.
Follow our fan page to stay updated: https://www.facebook.com/3dmart.com.tw/
https://www.instagram.com/3dmart/
References