Bambu Lab X1 Carbon - The AMS Review: A 'WASTE' of your MONEY?

Overview of the Bamboo Lab AMS

The Bamboo Lab Automatic Material System (AMS) has been a significant addition to the 3D printing landscape, offering a seamless experience in multi-color and multi-material printing. Its integration with Bamboo Lab's 3D printers aims to automate the process of using different colors or materials, providing a streamlined workflow from filament loading to printing. The system is designed to hold four standard size spools of filament, facilitating the automatic switching to maintain an efficient printing process. Additionally, the inclusion of desiccant slots and an airtight seal emphasizes the attention to maintaining filament quality.

Features and Functionality

The AMS stands out for its ease of installation and user-friendly interface, allowing for straightforward filament loading and selection within the companion Bamboo Studio slicer. It supports a variety of materials including PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, and carbon-infused filaments, though it notably lacks support for flexible materials like TPU due to potential clogging issues. The system is enhanced by its integration with the slicer software, which enables detailed management of loaded filaments and facilitates precise model preparation. Its RFID technology for Bamboo Labs' own filament line enhances user convenience by automatically detecting and monitoring filament usage.

User Experience and Limitations

In practice, the AMS has proven to be a reliable tool that significantly reduces the effort and time involved in managing materials for printing. Users have appreciated its design aesthetics, material handling capabilities, and the considerable time savings it offers. However, challenges arise with the use of cardboard spools and printing with flexible materials, hinting at areas for potential improvement. Moreover, the system's multi-color printing efficiency is hampered by substantial filament waste related to purge processes, impacting both cost and environmental considerations.

Environmental and Cost Considerations

One critique of the AMS pertains to its environmental impact, particularly due to filament waste in multi-color prints. The significant amount of purge material required raises both cost and sustainability concerns. While the machine's design and features are generally praised, this aspect of operation reveals a compromise between functionality and resource efficiency. Strategies to mitigate waste, such as incorporating purge material into infill or supports, have been explored but with mixed success.

Conclusion: Is the AMS Worth It?

Despite the highlighted issues, particularly around filament waste, the Bamboo Lab AMS presents a commendable advancement in making multi-color and multi-material 3D printing more accessible. While not without drawbacks, its offerings of automation, material flexibility, and integration with Bamboo Lab's ecosystem contribute positively to the user experience. The system's high points, including automated filament switching and moisture control, underscore its value proposition. As the technology evolves, it may pave the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly multi-color printing solutions.

For enthusiasts and professionals alike, the decision to invest in the AMS will weigh its innovative features against the limitations related to material versatility and the environmental impact of filament waste. It represents a significant step forward but also highlights the need for ongoing development in the 3D printing industry towards more sustainable and versatile multi-material printing solutions.