Bambu AMS Lite Specs and Information
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The Bambu Lab Automatic Material System Lite, or AMS Lite, is an add-on which allows Bambu Lab A1 series 3D printers to use up to four filament spools during a print, enabling multi-color and multi-material 3D printing. It’s available for purchase from the Bambu Lab online store, and is also available bundled with the A1 series printers in the Bambu Lab A1 Combo and A1 Mini Combo.
There are two variants of the AMS, and each one is compatible with a different set of Bambu’s 3D printers. This AMS Lite variant is compatible with the Bambu Lab A1 and A1 Mini, and is not compatible with any of Bambu Lab’s other 3D printers, nor with any 3D printers from other manufacturers. For the other AMS variant, which is compatible with Bambu Lab’s other 3D printers, see our page on the Bambu AMS.
The AMS Lite is newer than the original AMS, and deviates from the previous design in a few ways. The most important difference is that it grips the filament spools from the center using spring-loaded pegs, in contrast to the AMS, which has the filament spools resting on motorized rollers. This improves the filament compatibility of the AMS Lite, and particularly makes it more capable of working with cardboard spools, which are becoming more common.
The AMS Lite also has a different form factor from the original AMS. While the original AMS is a sealed box which fully encloses all four filament spools, the AMS Lite has an exposed design with the filament spools arranged on a stand. The AMS Lite is typically designed to sit on a surface next to the 3D printer, although Bambu Lab does provide a printable bracket to mount the unit on top of the Bambu A1.
The AMS Lite is tightly integrated with Bambu Lab’s software and hardware, making it particularly easy-to-use compared to competing multi-material systems. When you’re using Bambu’s filament, the AMS Lite reads the filament information from an RFID chip in the spool, allowing it to automatically configure the color and material. However, only a few slicers support the AMS Lite–you can use Bambu’s own Bambu Handy or Bambu Studio application, or the open-source OrcaSlicer software. Other slicers will not work properly with multicolor printing using it.
In addition to multi-color printing, the AMS Lite enables multi-material printing, such as printing support structures with a different material that breaks away from the printed model more easily. You can also use the AMS Lite to automatically switch to a new spool of filament when one is depleted, allowing you to utilize all of the filament on a spool without risking a failed print.
Compatible Printers
Brand information
Bambu Lab, founded by ex-DJI engineers in Shenzhen, has made waves in the 3D printing industry with its focus on speed, innovation, and user-friendliness. While it began its journey through a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising $7 million in a month, the brand has since had its share of growing pains, including shipping issues and firmware bugs. The company's commitment to creating intuitive, precalibrated 3D printers like the X1-Carbon and P1P is commendable, but some users have found limitations with the proprietary components and software. Despite these challenges, Bambu Lab boasts a large community of dedicated users across various platforms and continues to evolve in its offerings and customer service.
Learn more about Bambu Lab
More on the Bambu AMS Lite
- Reference - Bambu AMS Lite Accessory Overview (Current page)
- 3DPros Articles - Hands On with the Bambu Lab AMS Lite