Bambu Lab - Automated Material System (AMS)
The Automatic Material System (AMS) is a desktop accessory developed by Bambu Lab, designed to enable multi-material and multi-color 3D printing. It is compatible with the Bambu Lab X1 Series, P1 Series, and A1 series. By automating the filament loading and unloading process, it allows for seamless transitions between different filaments during a single print job.
Key Features
Multi-Color Printing: Supports up to 4 different filament spools per unit. Up to four AMS units can be daisy-chained together using an AMS Hub, allowing for a total of 16 different colors or materials in one project.
Filament Backup: If a spool runs out mid-print, the AMS can automatically switch to a second spool of the same material and color, ensuring the print doesn't fail due to an empty roll.
Airtight Storage: The unit features a silicone seal and integrated desiccant compartments to keep hygroscopic materials (like PLA or PETG) dry during storage and use.
RFID Tech: Bambu Lab’s proprietary filaments include an RFID chip that allows the AMS to automatically detect the material type, color, and remaining quantity, syncing this data directly to Bambu Studio.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Spool Capacity | 4 Slots |
| Max Spool Width | 68 mm |
| Spool Diameter | 197 - 202 mm |
| Materials Supported | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, PA, PC, PVA |
| Materials Avoided | TPU (too flexible), Glow-in-the-dark/Carbon Fiber (abrasive) |
Components and Workflow
The Internal Hub
The AMS contains a central "Internal Hub" where the four filament paths converge. It uses a series of motors and odometers to track the movement of the filament. When a color change occurs:
The toolhead cuts the current filament.
The AMS retracts the old filament back to its spool.
The Internal Hub pushes the new filament forward to the toolhead.
Material Compatibility
While the AMS is highly versatile, it is designed primarily for rigid filaments.
Abrasive Materials: While possible, materials like Carbon Fiber or Glass Fiber-reinforced filaments can wear down the plastic internal feeders over time. Users often upgrade to hardened steel components for these.
Flexible Materials: TPU and other TPEs are generally not supported inside the AMS because they are too soft to be pushed through the long PTFE tubes without jamming or tangling.