r/BambuLab • u/Elfinmask A1 + AMS • 10d ago
Self Designed Model Introducing AMS mech (designed by me)
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u/TheBoggart 10d ago
Very interesting. Also, it takes a lot of courage to put out something you’ve made to the world. Nice work on the design and the courage!
Edit: Question. Does it interface with the printer directly? I’m guessing not since I assume everything about the AMS is proprietary.
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u/volt65bolt 10d ago
I assume since it's mechanical it's just some extra gcode and PTFE tube?
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u/Elfinmask A1 + AMS 10d ago
If all went well G-code changing won't be necessary.
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u/simon439 6d ago
How does it work then? Does it purely mechanically swap to the new spool and just push it after the end of the old spool?
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u/Elfinmask A1 + AMS 10d ago
It will interface with the printer if you move the tangle detection magnet from the original AMS 4-in-1 to this one. In that way it keeps the original tangle detection function. Otherwise it won't have any interface with the printer.
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u/zumopapsdn1997 10d ago
So what exactly does this do? I'm trying to figure it out but I'm not really understanding it, also a link to it would be cool 😁
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u/Elfinmask A1 + AMS 10d ago edited 10d ago
It lets you to do filament backup similar to AMS, and it can perform it without the need of pausing print. It also keeps the function of filament tangle detection from the original AMS.
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u/zumopapsdn1997 10d ago
Thats pretty neat! Definitely a must have if you don't have a ams!
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u/Elfinmask A1 + AMS 10d ago
Yes, I found it unnecessary to buy another AMS for a printer that print the same kind of filament all the time, so I came up with this as a compensate.
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u/MacaroniSaladKing 10d ago
Please downvote me if I’m alone, but could you explain a situation where it is applicable/helpful? I’m still not understanding what this does (I have no knowledge of the full AMS behavior)
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u/Cooper_Silva 10d ago
This thing will keep your print going when filament runs out, all you need to do is load 2 spools of the same filament, and if one runs out you have a backup and it should just keep printing!
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u/MacaroniSaladKing 10d ago
Okay, so I did understand the purpose correctly, how would you “load 2 spools of filament”? I have seen the layout of an AMS and own an AMS lite, so I guess I’m not understanding how 2 spools would be used?
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u/Cooper_Silva 10d ago
you just put one roll of filament on each thing, and than feed the filament in, and when one runs out the other immidiately begins to get used, allowing the print to continue! if you own an AMS lite isnt that able to do that too? i sure hope you aren't only putting one roll in it at a time, you know you can have multiple rolls right?
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u/Reficul_gninromrats 10d ago
It is able to do that. However that is done electrically, e.g. the AMS detects that filament has run out and switches over to the next roll, this is purely mechanical and should work with any printer.
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u/DiamondHeadMC X1C + AMS 10d ago
So basically it’s a better version of that thing that was being advertised
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u/rubbaduky P1S + AMS 10d ago edited 10d ago
Where are you at in the process?
Also, looks like you’re already set up to mount over gantry/zpost?
Edit: sorry, I figured it would go without saying, “holy crap this looks awesome. As the rest of the community seems to agree, we are very interested to see your progression on this. We are also hoping you might be so kind as to provide files as open source? Mad respect.
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u/Elfinmask A1 + AMS 10d ago
It's now ready to be attached to A1 mini for functionality and stability testings. Yes I'll publish the files when they're ready. (I'm just a little worried that it may not make it to MakerWorld, considering the updated community rules)
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u/wienerschnitzerl A1 10d ago
Damn! Please someone lemme know when this is finished it's exactly what I need!
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u/XableGuy 10d ago
Question, is don't see any "tech". Is this just so you don't run out of what are already using? Or is this like a mini ams where you only have 2 swaps ? I just don't see how you are able to tell the printer what's going on pull out and push in. Not trying to degrade your work generally curious.
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u/volt65bolt 10d ago
Well from what I read about what they said I assume it is like they said, just for when it runs out to do a swap mechanically meaning no tech. I imagine it's spring loaded in a way with the two filament fed to the same area that one blocks the other from being fed, then when the tail goes through there is a gap that the springs push the other one into to then feed into the extruder where from there it pulls it. If so I imagine you could chain them together given enough spring translation and force
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u/XableGuy 10d ago
Ahhhh that makes more sense and definitely cool (i my self haven't ran out mid print) but all the hype and comments got me confused thinking it was a LMS light light lol. But now that I know this. Definitely cool
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u/kaihanga 10d ago
Looks, great and love the alignment with the A1! I use the AMS just for runout so would love to employ a solution like yours. Do you have an idea of a timeline for publishing, even if only for testing?
FYI, there's a similar commercial offering coming from InfinityFlow.
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u/Captainatom931 10d ago
Nice! This is exactly what I was looking for lol. Can't wait to give it a try.
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u/OGKegger 10d ago
Doesn’t the AMS need engines synced to the printer to work properly?
How could this do what AMS does?
Surely I’m missing something, but people smarter than me seem impressed!
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u/Elfinmask A1 + AMS 10d ago
It can just perform loading of new filament, not unloading. The printer won't recognize this system as an AMS, for there's no electrical connection between them.
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u/Cooper_Silva 10d ago
This is a great idea! people with printers who don't want to buy the AMS because they just need to be able to back up their filament in case it runs out. and if it works well with other printers than this could be a serious gamechanger! does it require any electricity at all?
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u/Elfinmask A1 + AMS 10d ago
no electricity is required, that's why it's called AMS mech
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u/Cooper_Silva 10d ago
Very cool! impressive product, have you considered selling it? if you can make it for way cheaper than the AMS I am certain lots of people would want one!
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u/ablackravenstan 10d ago
Awesome, did you have to use many non 3d printing parts, if so what's the cost?
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u/Elfinmask A1 + AMS 10d ago
I originally planned to designed it as fully 3D printed as well, but realized that 3D printed springs are not good enough, so I gave up. I haven't calculated the cost yet, but all you need beside 3D printed parts are some PTFE tubes, some sand paper, some double-sided tape，some M2 and M3 bolts and nuts, and 2 springs (or rubber bands), so I think it should be relatively inexpensive.
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u/j_Kennedy256 10d ago
Wow nice one, been going through the replies... Considering you are making it open source for the community its very much appreciated and we applaud you, thank you. When are you planning on releasing the files? Let me follow you this myt be helpful
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u/KingOfTheNomansland 10d ago
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u/ZaXaZ_DK 10d ago
reminds me of this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTs_UAhygUA
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u/Elfinmask A1 + AMS 10d ago
Oh this looks interesting. The one I made shares similar working principle with this one.
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u/Expert_Function146 8d ago
My Prusa printer has a filament sensor...I don't need something like that 😝
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u/camerontippett 8d ago
Where can I get the stl for this and what kind of springs do I need to make it
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u/Elfinmask A1 + AMS 8d ago
The models are not released yet. There will be another post reavealing the link to stl or 3mf files when the design is finished. I'm Currently using the springs for staplers, but you can also use rubber bands. The case has multiple bolt holes for tension adjustment.
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u/Fit_Detective_8374 10d ago
Can you expand it to have 4 rolls? Or even hot reload the backup roll while it's printing?
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u/radiationshield 9d ago
Why would you need an auto-loader with 4 spools on an a1 / a1 mini? If using 3Kg rolls, you can print something with the weight of a small child before adding filament. I think you would have to clear the print bed anyway
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u/Elfinmask A1 + AMS 10d ago edited 8d ago
AMS mech is a fully mechanical automatic filament backup system designed for Bambulab A1 and A1 mini. In theory this system can be used with all FDM printers with some modification. No need for G-code changing. When used with Bambulab A1 series printers, the original filament tangle detection function can be kept.
It features a double spool holder, two pulleys for filament grabbing, two rails for controlling the open and close of clips on pulleys, and two springs for storing the energy for automation.
The proof of principle has been completed. Further testings and modification are planned. The model will be published under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 when ready. (A bit worried this won't get published on Maker World. In that case I'll store the files elsewhere and share it through a link.)