| Feature | AMS (Full) | AMS Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Compatible with | P1P, P1S, X1C | A1, A1 Mini |
| Spool capacity | 4 spools | 4 spools |
| Humidity control | Built-in desiccant | None |
| Daisy-chain | Up to 4 units (16 colors) | Up to 2 units (8 colors) |
| RFID reading | Yes (Bambu spools) | Limited |
- Printer reaches a layer or region requiring a different color
- Current filament retracts back into the AMS
- New filament feeds through to the extruder
- Old color purges out onto a wipe/purge tower
- Printing continues with the new color
Filament waste is real
Each color change requires purging 2–5g of filament. A print with many color changes generates significant waste. The purge tower itself uses additional filament. This is normal and expected; plan for it when calculating material costs.
Method 1: Pre-colored models (easiest)
- Download a multi-color model from MakerWorld (3MF format, colors included)
- Open in Bambu Studio. Color assignments load automatically.
- Match your loaded filament slots to the required colors
- Slice and print
Method 2: Color paint tool
- Import any STL model
- Select the model, click the "Color Painting" tool in the left panel
- Choose a filament/color from the list
- Paint onto the model surface: the paint follows the geometry
- Use different brush sizes for detail work
Method 3: Multi-part assembly
- Import all parts of a multi-part model (separate STL files)
- Right-click ? Assemble to group them by position
- Assign different filaments to different objects
- Parts need to interlock or align correctly; they print together as one job
Method 4: Height-based color changes
Use the "Height Range Modifier" to change filament at specific Z heights. Select the model, add a height range modifier, assign a different filament. Good for gradient effects or models where a color change at a specific layer makes sense (e.g., a white base with a colored top).
- Use the purge tower wisely: Set purge volume based on how different your colors are. Dark-to-light changes need more purge than similar hues
- Group color regions: In Bambu Studio, try to minimize the number of color changes per layer. More changes = more purge
- Print purge tower in an infill material: If you have a color you're using a lot of, set it as the purge material so waste comes from that spool
- Consider the model design: Models designed for multi-color printing (where color changes happen between whole layers, not within a layer) generate much less waste
- Use the same material type for all colors: Mixing PLA and PETG in one print causes adhesion and temperature issues. Stick to all-PLA or all-PETG
- Keep color counts practical: 2–4 colors work well. 8+ colors with many per-layer changes generates enormous purge towers
- Light colors after dark: If going from black to white, you'll need