Bambu Lab AMS Compatibility Guide: What Works and What to Watch Out For

Bambu Lab AMS Compatibility Guide: What Works and What to Watch Out For

May 21, 2025
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The Bambu Lab AMS (Automatic Material System) is one of the most powerful upgrades available for multi-color and multi-material printing. Whether you're using it with the X1 Carbon, P1S Combo, or A1 Combo (AMS Lite), it offers unmatched convenience — but only when used with compatible filaments and spools.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get the best performance from your AMS, including supported filament types, spool requirements, and troubleshooting tips.

🎯 What is the AMS?

The Automatic Material System is an enclosed, humidity-controlled filament feeder that allows you to print with up to 4 different filaments — or even 16 with multiple AMS units daisy-chained.

Features:

  • Automatic filament switching

  • Filament runout and tangle detection

  • RFID auto-detection (with Bambu Lab spools)

  • Supports PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, PA, and more (with limitations)

✅ Filaments Compatible with AMS

While the AMS is technically open to third-party filaments, some materials and spool formats perform better than others.

👍 Best Performing Materials:

Material Works with AMS? Notes
PLA ✅ Excellent Low-friction, ideal for multi-color prints
PETG ✅ Good Slightly more abrasive; keep AMS clean
TPU (Soft/Flexible) ⚠️ Limited Needs to be stiff enough; some 95A works
ABS / ASA ✅ With enclosure Needs temp stability
PA / Nylon ✅ Dry only Must be kept dry; AMS helps with that
Carbon-Fiber Reinforced ⚠️ Depends Higher wear on feed system; use sparingly

📦 Spool Compatibility: What Fits in the AMS?

AMS units are physically limited by spool size and shape. Non-standard spools may cause feeding issues or not fit at all.

✔️ Recommended Spool Specs:

  • Outer Diameter: ≤ 200mm

  • Width: ≤ 70mm

  • Inner Hub Diameter: ≥ 52mm

  • Weight: < 1kg per spool

If your filament doesn’t come on a compatible spool, you can:

  • Rewind it onto a reusable Bambu Lab spool

  • Use refillable spools that support RFID tags

  • Manually load it without the AMS (for tricky materials)

🧵 Using Third-Party Filament with AMS

You can successfully use third-party filaments in the AMS system, provided they meet the spool size requirements and feed smoothly. For best results, we recommend:

  • D3D Sigma PLA

  • Filaments Depot PLA

Both are AMS-compatible and have been tested for excellent print performance using our custom configuration profiles available for Bambu Studio.

📥 Download AMS Profiles:

👉 Click here to download the configuration file

🛠️ Tips for Smooth AMS Operation

  1. Keep filament dry
    AMS includes humidity control, but hygroscopic filaments (like Nylon) should be used quickly or stored in dry boxes.

  2. Avoid sticky or soft filament
    Very flexible filaments may not feed properly due to AMS’s long PTFE paths and drive system. Use direct-drive loading when needed.

  3. Label third-party filaments manually
    If using non-Bambu filament, enter the type, color, and temperature manually via Bambu Studio for accurate print profiles.

  4. Clean AMS periodically
    Dust or filament debris inside can affect feeding. Open the lid and wipe down rollers and guides occasionally.

📌 Troubleshooting Common AMS Issues

Problem Solution
Filament won't load Check for tangles, dry box compatibility, or spool size
Material jams mid-print Use a separator (glue stick) for sticky materials like PETG
Wrong filament selected Reassign manually in Bambu Studio
TPU keeps failing Try direct loading without AMS for flexible filaments

🛒 Final Thoughts

The AMS is an outstanding upgrade that saves time, enables colorful prints, and adds a layer of automation that 3D printing has long needed. With the right filaments and setup, it's an absolute powerhouse for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Looking for AMS-compatible accessories, spools, or upgrade kits? Explore them at DigitMakers.ca — your source for Bambu Lab printers, parts, and supplies in Canada.

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