As Bambu Lab’s printers gain popularity across the UK, from hobbyists to professionals, many users are exploring how best to use third-party filament—particularly with the AMS (Automatic Material System).
This guide walks you through filament and spool compatibility for the Bambu Lab X1C, P1P and A1 series—highlighting user preferences, cardboard spool use, and the benefits of spool-less ReFill options. Whether you’re using the AMS or a direct spool holder, this guide will help you make informed decisions when buying filament in the UK for Bambu Lab 3D printing.
The Rise of Bambu Lab 3D Printers in the UK
Bambu Lab printers are now a firm favourite among UK users—renowned for their speed, precision, and user-friendly features. Over 40% of Filamentive customers now operate a Bambu Lab machine, and that number continues to rise.
The AMS, in particular, is a standout feature. It allows for automatic filament switching, keeping prints efficient and multi-material projects seamless. But with this innovation comes a challenge: compatibility with filament spools.
What Filaments and Spool Types Do 3D Printing Users Prefer?
Filamentive recently conducted a LinkedIn poll asking users about their preferred filament spooling formats:
Cardboard spool – 45%
Plastic spool – 27%
Spool-less refill – 29%
These insights show a diverse preference among 3D printer operators in the UK, including Bambu Lab users. Cardboard spools leading—but a growing interest in refill coils to reduce plastic waste and improve AMS performance.
Are Cardboard Spools an Issue for the AMS?
The Bambu Lab AMS is engineered for smart filament management—automatically feeding and switching up to four spools (or 16 with an AMS hub). But it has clear physical constraints, especially around spool size and outer diameter.
Filament must unspool freely and fit into the enclosed AMS unit. Spools that are too wide or too tight-fitting can cause feeding errors or trigger AMS faults. That’s where compatibility becomes key.
Cardboard spools are widely used for environmental reasons, but they’re not always a perfect fit inside the AMS.
Some issues reported by users include:
- Slight differences in flange diameter
- Weak cardboard edges deforming inside the AMS
- Cardboard dust interfering with sensors
However, these problems aren’t insurmountable. Filamentive’s new generation of 1 kg cardboard spools now fit directly in the Bambu Lab AMS. They’re sturdy, moisture-resistant, and tested for reliable feeding.
For 0.75 kg spools, you can also use a 3D printable adapter for even more security.
For the most reliable experience—and to eliminate spool waste entirely—consider switching to spool‑less ReFill coils, which fit Bambu’s reusable spool and eliminate the cardboard dust issue altogether.
Using XL Filament Spools and External Bambu Lab Spool Holder
While most Bambu Lab users stick to standard 750 g or 1 kg spools (or spool‑less coils), some applications—especially longer prints or large-format models—require more material.
That’s where XL spools come in.
Bambu Lab’s AMS cannot accommodate oversized spools. In these cases, you’ll need to switch from AMS to the external rear spool holder, which attaches directly behind the printer.
This is especially useful when printing:
- TPU or other AMS-incompatible materials
- 3 kg or larger spools
- Long prints that require more than 1 kg of filament
Refer to Bambu Lab’s official spool holder guide
UK 3D Printer Filament Solutions for Bambu Lab Operators
Filamentive is committed to making sustainable, AMS‑friendly filament accessible in the UK:
ReFill: Our spool‑less ReFill coils are fully compatible with Bambu Lab reusable spools and are made with up to 99 % recycled material. Offered in PLA and PETG (including Tough PLA and Matte PLA), these coils slot straight into the Bambu reusable spool for the most reliable AMS experience.
1 kg Spools: Our updated 1 kg cardboard spools now fit Bambu Lab’s AMS units directly, offering a plug-and-play option for those who prefer the simplicity of spooled filament.
XL Spools (2.3–8.5 kg): Ideal for long prints or batch production. Compatible via Bambu’s external spool holder setup.
Whichever path you take, Filamentive makes it easier to print sustainably and reliably on your Bambu Lab 3D printer!