Why are Bambu Lab 3D Printers so Popular in the UK Market?
As per Tech Radar, the Bambu Labs P1P is one of the most outstanding 3D printers on the market in 2024, due to its very fast print speed and general quality. As described by UK Bambu Labs seller, Additive-X, Bambu Lab printers are known for their innovation in the budget and mid-range market, frequently performing better than models that are two to three times more expensive.
Bambu Lab Automatic Material Station: Filament for AMS
The Bambu Lab AMS (Automatic Material System) is an accessory for Bambu Lab 3D printers, used by many operators in the UK, designed to automate the filament feeding process, enabling continuous printing and streamlined material management. It allows for automatic switching between different filament types or colours, greatly enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of the printing process. This is particularly beneficial for extended or intricate printing projects that require frequent material changes, ensuring seamless transitions and maintaining consistent print quality throughout.
This system supports a broad range of 3D printing materials, including PLA, ABS, ASA, PETG, and PC, broadening the scope for creative and professional applications. With features like smart settings adjustments via RFID technology, simplified removal of support structures, and enhanced print quality through intelligent filament management, the Bambu Lab AMS minimises manual intervention and 3D printing waste. It’s an essential tool for UK-based 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals, optimising the functionality of Bambu Lab 3D printers and allowing users to focus more on design and less on operational logistics.
Are Cardboard Filament Spools an Issue for Bambu Lab AMS?
Cardboard spools can potentially cause issues for Bambu Lab AMS users, as cardboard can deposit residue on the AMS rubber rollers, causing clogs and potentially deforming the spools, possibly leading to feeding or retraction issues.
As per Bambu Lab’s own guidance, if you opt for cardboard spooled filament for your Bambu Lab 3D printing, it is recommended to use a spool adapter to minimise the risk of slippage and prevent debris accumulation in the AMS.
How to use Cardboard Spool Filament with Bambu Lab AMS
In this recent video, 3D Printing YouTube channel, 3D Revolution, discussed the potential risks of using cardboard filament spools with the Bambu Labs AMS, and explored the practical solutions available to UK Bambu Lab 3D printer operators to overcome the potential pitfalls.
One such solution involves re-spooling the filament onto spools that are compatible with the AMS. While this method ensures compatibility and prevents the aforementioned problems, it can be somewhat time-consuming. Users who opt for this approach will need to dedicate some time to carefully transfer filament from the cardboard spool to an AMS-compatible spool, ensuring that the filament is not too tightly wound or prone to tangling.
Another innovative and less time-consuming solution involves the use of specially designed 3D printable ‘rings’. These rings are crafted to fit around the edges of the cardboard spools, effectively preventing them from fraying. The designs for these rings are available through platforms like MakerWorld and Printables, where community members can access and print these helpful accessories. Links to these resources can be found here for MakerWorld and here for Printables.
These 3D printed rings have proven to be a quick, cost-effective measure that effectively mitigates the issues associated with using cardboard reels. With these rings, the 0.75 kg cardboard reels can fit more seamlessly into the AMS, reducing the risk of slippage and debris accumulation, and thus maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the printing process. This community-driven solution exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the Bambu Lab AMS users in the UK and beyond, enhancing the overall user experience by facilitating easier integration of different types of filament materials.
Going further, as of April 2024, we are modifying our 1 kg cardboard filament spool design so the narrow width allows direct compatibility with the Bambu Labs AMS.
Refill Filament for Bambu Lab AMS Compatibility for UK users
Looking ahead, we’re excited to be developing a refill solution that eliminates the need for spools altogether, further optimising AMS compatibility and promoting sustainable 3D printing.
Offering 3D printing filament in refill form is a significant step towards reducing environmental impact within the 3D printing community. 3D printing filament refills, often used by Bambu Lab 3D printer users in the UK, are more sustainable than spooled filament as they significantly reduce plastic waste by eliminating the need for plastic spools. They lower the carbon footprint by reducing resources used in production and disposal, and improve shipping efficiency due to their lighter, more compact nature. Filament refills also encourage the reuse of spools, further decreasing new plastic production and promoting resource efficiency, making them an eco-friendly choice for Bambu Lab UK operators looking to be more sustainable when 3D printing.
Bambu Lab AMS Filament: Enhancing UK 3D Printing Efficiency
In conclusion, the Bambu Lab 3D printers and their associated AMS (Automatic Material System) continue to revolutionise the 3D printing landscape in the UK. The integration of AMS enhances the efficiency, quality, and flexibility of printing projects, especially those requiring multiple material changes. Moreover, the community-driven innovations like the use of 3D printed ‘rings’ for cardboard spools and the development of refill filament solutions highlight the collaborative and sustainable spirit of Bambu Lab users in the UK. These efforts not only optimise the printing process when using Bambu Lab 3D printers but also significantly reduce environmental impact by minimising plastic waste and promoting reusable solutions. As Bambu Lab 3D printers continue to proliferate in the UK market, it sets a sustainable precedent in the 3D printing industry, ensuring that UK users can maintain high-quality outputs while advancing towards more sustainable practices.
ReFill Filaments
As of July 2024, Filamentive now offers eco-friendly refill filaments compatible with Bambu Lab 3D printers and the AMS. Our filament refills come spool-free, allowing you to use Bambu Lab’s Reusable Spool or even 3D-print your own MasterSpool. Switch to Filamentive’s ReFill filaments to reduce plastic 3D print waste and lower your 3D printing costs today!
