Printer setup

Recommended physical setup around the Bambu Lab A1 3D-printer for reliable multi-color operation with the MechAMS system.

Spool placement

• Behind the printer: Ideally the spools will be placed behind the printer at the same level as the slots. A great way to achieve this is using IKEA Skadis boards and spool holders made for that system.
• Above the printer: The spools could also be located above the printer though this is not the ideal setup as the slots are meant to take filament in from the back and not the top.
• Recommended spool holders: It is recommended to use low-friction spool holders to minimize drag on the extruder gear during printing and switching.

PTFE tubes and power cable setup

• PTFE tubes: It is important that the tubes installed do not interfere with the mechanism, to achieve this use multiple clips or guides to direct the tubes towards the front of the printer out of the way of the mechanism.
• Power cable: The power cable must be attached to the toolhead mechanism correctly as to not interfere or snag onto parts of the mechanism during filament changes. Ideally the power cable will not reach above the top of the Dog clutch located on the printhead.

Overall recommendations:

The most important key factor in getting the system to function reliably is reducing friction on the filament as it is guided into the mechanism and toolhead. Higher friction can lead to multiple problems including clogging, filament grinding, under extrusion and extruder motor skips.