AMS / CFS devices?

Associate
Joined
25 Oct 2005
Posts
473
I've got a Creality CR-6 SE which has been great but I'm thinking of upgrading to a faster, enclosed unit. Currently looking at the P1S, Creality K1C and the Elegoo Centauri Carbon.

The Elegoo is the cheapest by a decent amount and looks like a copy of the Bambu unit? But it has no AMS unit (yet?). I've been printing for a few years and haven't ever felt the need to print mutliple colours and I've only ever printed in PLA (hopefully that will change though).

So I was wondering what the common consensus is on the AMS devices?

Are they useful and if so, what do you actually use them for? Different filament types, colours? Or am I missing something?

I've seem some people say they are great to start with, but that most people end up not using them much long term? Also some concerns about material wastage. That's probably not a major issue for me as I don't print that much.

I'm leaning towards the Elegoo, but if these AMS are really useful I may have to rethink that.
 
Last edited:
I have two AMS units on an X1C and they are great. The convenience of having multiple different types (or colours) of filament available to use at a click of a button can't be ignored. I print all sorts and so have an interesting range of materials in it for different requirements. While the OG AMS isn't perfect, it does keep moisture away from the filaments for a good long time too so using them as filament storage is fine. Occasionally I find I have to dry a roll out again in the printer but no big deal. I do use silica gel in the AMS with some additional/custom containers. The newer AMS2 will likely be better in this regard.

One of the main benefits for me is being able to print more complex models that require support interface material for large overhangs or similar. You get basically no scarring and a well supported model, and the support interface material just breaks away. Trying to do that manually without an AMS would be painful and honestly probably not viable. It does cause a bit of waste as you have to purge between each filament change but it is what it is. The newer H2D has kind of got round that issue with dual nozzles. I have a friend who has the K2+ with the CFS and he loves it. Seems like the CFS works in much the same was as the AMS.
 
I have two AMS units on an X1C and they are great. The convenience of having multiple different types (or colours) of filament available to use at a click of a button can't be ignored. I print all sorts and so have an interesting range of materials in it for different requirements. While the OG AMS isn't perfect, it does keep moisture away from the filaments for a good long time too so using them as filament storage is fine. Occasionally I find I have to dry a roll out again in the printer but no big deal. I do use silica gel in the AMS with some additional/custom containers. The newer AMS2 will likely be better in this regard.

One of the main benefits for me is being able to print more complex models that require support interface material for large overhangs or similar. You get basically no scarring and a well supported model, and the support interface material just breaks away. Trying to do that manually without an AMS would be painful and honestly probably not viable. It does cause a bit of waste as you have to purge between each filament change but it is what it is. The newer H2D has kind of got round that issue with dual nozzles. I have a friend who has the K2+ with the CFS and he loves it. Seems like the CFS works in much the same was as the AMS.

I hadn't thought of the support material. As you can tell, although I've had 3D printers for a few years, I've stuck to very simple projects! And storage is a plus I hadn't considered too. I have some vacuum sealed bags and dessicant now, and then a separate drier too. Another bonus is that the spools of filament sit on top of the printer, at least from what I can see for the P1S rather than behind.

I saw on one video that for PLA on the Elegoo you are meant to remove the top panel, not sure if that was required or just what one person had found. Do you need to do that on the P1S? And if so, how does it work with the AMS sitting on top?
 
The AMS is just connected by a Bowden tube and an interface cable so you can really place it anywhere near by, but they do look super neat on top! With my X1C, I've got it in a small cupboard and have my two AMS units sitting higher above it on shelves out the way. It does mean it takes a bit longer to feed filament into the nozzle, especially from the top AMS but not sure I'd fit them anywhere else.

With regards to PLA, I think Bambu's official guidance is the same as Elegoo; remove the top cover to stop heat buildup in the chamber. I don't think I've ever done that and haven't had any issues myself but my PLA profile is tweaked from the out-the-box setup. If you jump in with any of these, you'll find what works for you pretty quickly :)
 
Back
Top Bottom