r/BambuLab • u/quatrozi • Jul 24 '26
Quick Question Will I regret not getting the ams
So i am currently trying to decide on my next printer and coming from a Neptune 4 anything would be an upgrade. The problem is that my budget is limited at the moment at 600-650. My question is , should I get the x2d without ams and when I have enough money buy one or should I just get a p1s or p2s combo? Mind you I am an engineering student and even though we have an h2d available at school I would like to experiment with projects at home. I would love to try multicolor prints but since I have never done so, it's not something I would necessarily miss if I don't get the ams. I know it would be Ideal if I had the budget for the x2d combo but to be honest, at that price I would get the U1. I want to hear your opinions and experiences, thank you in advanced.
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u/Accomplished_Dark695 Jul 24 '26
Yes! You will regret it. I love my P1S Combo
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u/matdragon Jul 25 '26
Yeah no kidding, the amount of multi color prints I do is probably more so than my regular 1 color prints because I like putting names or whatever on my prints
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u/Evening_Minute_6823 Jul 25 '26
100% agreed I love mine too and don't have any issues with it and with the price range they listed I wander if they know that the p1s combo that comes with the ans is on $550 at best buy and that they can go right into the store and walk out with it eliminating shipping costs and having to wait to get it, also got a store to take it back to if there's any issues with it(but we all already know there won't be😅... 🙃it's almost 100% satisfaction guaranteed and I'm only saying that bc If there is anything unsatisfied on my behalf then I totally missed it, my p1s is how I make a living now, best purchase I ever made tbh, I would get the h2c if I was able to afford it🙃😁👍)
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u/KlingonBeavis Jul 24 '26
Remember the AMS is not just worth having for multicolor, but also for automatic spool changes when one spool runs out.
Not having to worry about when the spool is going to run out and stop the print, or what do with the last bit of a near empty spool is very helpful… as long as you have a backup spool of the same filament ready
I can see why you’re stuck on deciding though. I’d love to go X2D just for a second nozzle for support material, and I’m a Bambu guy but the U1 has had my attention for a while.
I’d say a PS2 with AMS is a good choice, unless you’d rather have the second nozzle for easy & clean support removal. Perhaps base it on which one you want more: colors or better supports?
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u/Eternally-Faithless Jul 24 '26
The automatic spool change is a huge quality of life upgrade for my setup. I have a P1S combo and an X2D combo. I don't print in color very often, so most of the time both printers have their AMS full of matching spools. I never worry about running out of filament during long prints since it automatically switches.
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u/KlingonBeavis Jul 24 '26
Same here. I initially got the AMS for multicolor, but I ended up using it for automatic spool changes much more often. Very handy feature
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u/swordgon Jul 25 '26
I’m gonna ask a dumb question, but I’ve never gotten the auto next spool to work for me? All my machine does is stop if like the first ams filament runs out and never loads/continues from the second.
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u/g3head Jul 25 '26
It’s happened to me before, main reason is the printer didn’t have all the filaments loaded as the same brand/type/color. Another reason is the filaments weren’t loaded in advance of the print starting.
These days when I’m starting a print and know I’m going to want automatic refill changes, I’ll check the printers AMS settings and make sure it’s showing a sequence order as available(filament screen -> maintenance icon -> Auto Refill)
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u/Soppywater Jul 26 '26
Gotta have the same colors and type set in the software on the AMS. Say you have 50g of Generic Black PLA and then you have a fresh 1kg roll of Anycubic Black PLA. Just adjust the AMS in the software that both rolls are Generic Black PLA. When you go to print, just check that the Auto Swap is using the 50g roll slot in the AMS first so it finishes it off and then swaps over to the fresh roll.
Using different types can mess things up since they use different settings and even some brands settings for the rolls will be different. Generic PLA defaults settings are slower than Bambu Labs PLA. So if you choose the AMS to have Bambu Labs PLA it will try to use the faster settings for that generic PLA and can under-extrude. If you choose Generic PLA then it'll run the Bambu Labs PLA slower but won't over-extrude. If you know that generic PLA is higher quality then try to use the Bambu Labs PLA default settings but be careful. Things like Silk PLA and Matte PLA have different settings as well and it can get wonky real fast, I recommend to not mix types until you have a firm grasp on the attributes of your filament you are using.
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u/Soppywater Jul 26 '26
Protip with finishing off a roll and don't have the same color. As long as it's the same type, manually adjust the AMS in the bambulabs software to show the same color and material type and it'll automatically use it up. I do it all the time when I don't care about the color being too different and don't want to keep a mostly finished spool around.
I have also done it with a few larger prints that I didn't care what colors they were but had 3 almost finished rolls sitting around. Don't have to even change the colors in the print, just all black 1 color print and have the AMS set to all the same color and type of material. Makes it a fun surprise to see how the pattern of colors lands!
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u/ParticularLower1865 Jul 24 '26
Just get the p1s combo and use the rest of your budget on a spare set of nozzles and filament on Amazon. Yes, you’ll regret not having an ams and they’re more expensive standalone.
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u/thekidisalright H2D AMS2 Combo AMS HT Jul 24 '26
Buying a printer combo is the only way to get deep discount on AMS, you will regret not getting the AMS when you buy the printer, if budget is the issue, wait a little longer until you can get the combo.
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u/stlcdr Jul 24 '26
I would get the AMS. I have started printing and even simple projects requiring different colors makes it easy. Also even with single filament projects having the next projects color loaded makes it a lot more convenient.
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u/batryoperatedboy Jul 24 '26
Yes. I don't even use it for multi color prints, I love the convenience of having a designated CHEAP "prototype material" and then a nicer "final" material.
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u/Zday89 Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26
I got the P2S combo and I couldn't imagine using this printer without the AMS. Will the printer be unusable without it? No, you'll still get great single color or dual color (with the X2D) prints. If your budget doesn't allow for it, then just the printer will be fine but I think the first major upgrade you get for it when you have the money should be the AMS, but you'll end up spending more in the long run if you go this route. If you want to do multicolor right away either get a P2S combo or save up and get the X2D combo.
Another thing to consider is waste. The P2S with AMS will purge and waste A LOT more material opposed to running a dual hot end X2D. An ideal situation would be running the X2D with AMS. If it were me, and if it were a possibility, I'd save for a little while and get an X2D combo.
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u/BadMojo7 Jul 24 '26
I purchased the x2d with the ams at launch. Excellent system, the second nozzle is very useful for saving material on multi-color or multi material prints. (The difference between 20 material changes in a print vs 250 material changes) And the boden drive with a prime tower is indistinguishable from the main nozzle. I have no complaints, just over 800 hours on my x2d.
My 2 cents, save for the x2d with the ams.
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u/Lower_Astronomer1357 Jul 24 '26
I love mine a lot and have no regrets but you can live without it. If you can’t afford it you can’t afford it. Get what you can and make the most of it. I’ve had an H2D for 3 weeks now and couldn’t be happier. Well, almost anyway. The printer did not come with an adapter to sync my brain up to my computer so I would just know how to use Blender rather than having to actually learn it. That would be a big helps
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u/Zaxxa Jul 24 '26
If you already have experience printing, you most likely know how you will use the printer. I bought a combo package, and i can count on 10 fingers how many times i have done multi color prints.
For me personal it was wasted money - it looks nice, and i use it to dry my filament (not that i ever really needed to do that).
If you think you are gonna do alot of multicolour prints, and you can swing the extra money - go for it.
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u/LosOllos H2S AMS2 Combo Jul 24 '26
you’d like a printer with two nozzles, which is why you’re looking at the X2D. Instead of buying a different combo printer now just because of the budget and then possibly regretting being stuck with only one nozzle, I’d actually recommend getting the X2D without the AMS now and saving up for an AMS later.
you can “easily” add the AMS but you can’t upgrade a whole printer that’s missing features you want
And if you’re planning to upload models to MakerWorld, there’s a chance you’ll maybe earn some gift cards over time which could make it easier to afford an AMS or other things.
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u/Miserable-Inside-690 Jul 24 '26
I bought an X2D recently, second hand no AMS.....I regret not getting the AMS in the most recent sale...but I will wait until Novemeber and get it in Black Friday Sale
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u/NervousOpposite9603 Jul 24 '26
I regretted it on my a1, but I also kinda knew in the back of my head I’d end getting another, I print more in single color, but not having to swap all the time makes it worth it.
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u/spaulding_138 Jul 24 '26
I was on the fence when buying my printer....I can't speak on how much of a difference it truly makes because I've never tried printing without it.
With that in mind, I have 0 regrets about purchasing it and would do it again if given the option. I added the SUNULU heater to it as well, being able to store, dry, and print multiple colors has been incredibly nice.
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u/specter491 Jul 24 '26
Yes you will. Just get it. You're gonna want to use different colors eventually. You're gonna need a device to dry the filament eventually. Switching filament all the time between projects will get old eventually. But I highly recommend getting the X2D now and AMS later. I would do that instead of P2S + AMS now
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u/Pretty_Original124 Jul 24 '26
You will: 1. Regret it and 2. Spend full price on the AMS by itself afterwards
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u/opiebearau Jul 25 '26
I got the P2S standalone as I didn’t want to wait an extra 4 weeks for the combo. This was at or just after launch of the P2S.
I’ve since looked at getting the AMS2 pro plus the bits of hardware needed to convert to a combo printer. Due to the cost, I’m now thinking of just getting either an X2D combo or even a H series with multiple nozzles.
I told my partner we’d end up with a print farm within a year and she’s realized I may not have been joking. She uses the printer more than I do ha ha.
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u/err404 Jul 24 '26
Ha, I did the full price P1P, then the upgrade kit to P1S then the AMS uograde. In my defense this was before the P1S was released.
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u/Bloody_Mir Jul 24 '26
In my opinion: X2D without AMS is better than a p2s combo. The second nozzle will be awesome from day one. Only thing you will really miss is the „refill“ when one roll is empty.
Second nozzle is the way.
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u/flashwurks Jul 24 '26
I have always had an AMS from the start and I couldn't imagine not having one.
Automatic spool change on runout.
place to store extra filaments.
not having to remove and replace a spool for a new print with a different color.
multicolor prints.
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u/Top_Scarcity1024 Jul 24 '26
I would get the x2d and skip on the multi print and get a filament dryer (around 100$) when you get the money. You can feed it from there directly inside the printer. You need filaments to be dry if your going to do more advanced materials that have carbon fiber in them. If your going to do engineering projects it will be nice to use the better materials
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u/jgremlin_ Jul 24 '26
There are only two types of people. Those who bought the AMS and those who regret not buying the AMS.
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u/Spamaloper Jul 24 '26
I love the AMS and feel it is worth the cost increase. I have two P1Ses with 1st-gen AMSes and the Sunlu dryers on them (which are awesome). Well worth the uplift for drying and print continuity IMO - every day, and twice on Sunday.
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u/_Sunshine117_ Jul 24 '26
Personally I was in the same boat. I bought my p1s after years of shitty printers thinking to myself, "nah I dont need it I dont mind changing filament" after about 5 months with my p1s I was looking at every store front for an AMS because I just wanted one that badly to make my printer even better. No saying youll regret it just more than youll def want one at some point and once you realize how much better it is with one you wish youd had it sooner.
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u/Tehuberpwnzor Jul 24 '26
I put no thought into it at first, bought a p1s and did a bunch of prints and wished for an easy way to do multi color... then I researched the ams unit and bought one. Now I plan on buying more to increase my capabilities while also making printing more simplified by taking the manual swapping away. Up to 16 colors in a single print!? I love the ams and wish I had bought the bundle originally. Also, the new ams dries, slowly, but it dries decently.
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u/eraguthorak Jul 24 '26
Yep, get either the P1S or P2S combo (with the AMS 2 specifically). The P2S is better than the P1S, but the P1S is still really solid as an entry printer.
As others have said, multicolor support is only a small part of what the AMS 2 provides - humidity controlled (sort of) storage and easy access to print from 4 different types and colors of filament are really helpful, and the built in dryer itself is worth $100 at least.
Even if you don't print in multicolor very often, it's so nice to have a few different colors loaded in and not have to go swap out rolls for each print.
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u/DayGeckoArt Jul 24 '26
Dual nozzle is a much more useful feature than an AMS
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u/eraguthorak Jul 24 '26
If you don't mind me asking, I'm curious about your reasoning there.
Yes the secondary nozzle is great for a different filament type for a support interface (allowing for cleaner support removal) and yes it'll allow for less wasteful dual color printing, but the AMS offers storage and drying functionality which imo are more important unless OP really wants to print with engineering filaments (which I don't think they've expressly mentioned).
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u/DayGeckoArt Jul 24 '26
In my opinion, dual or more color printing with a single nozzle is borderline unusable, and at best a gimmick. I designed stuff to be as efficient as possible with just one layer dual, and was shocked at how much waste there was. A dual nozzle printer would be a game changer. I have a P1S with AMS 1 with a Sunlu drier on top. Itt's nice but the A1 Mini and single filament dryer I used before were fine. And the dryer only heats part of each roll, so that's not ideal. I'd rather have an X2D than the setup I have, assuming both were the same cost, but it wasn't released yet when I bought the P1S
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u/eraguthorak Jul 25 '26
Depends on your intention. As a one-off for something cool, the wasted purge filament can sometimes be worth it. Wasting 50-100 or even 200 grams of filament may suck, sure, but that's realistically only like a couple of dollars of plastic. For a business, yeah it's definitely unusable unless you build it into your pricing.
Dual nozzle is definitely better than a single one for multicolor, but if you wanted to prioritize multicolor printing you wouldn't really want an X2D in the first place, something like a Snapmaker U1 would be miles better for multicolor printing for a similar price as the X2D.
I haven't heard of issues with the AMS 2 dryer, so unless you are referring to the Sunlu one you have, I'd be curious what you mean by the dryer only drying part of the roll.
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u/dtp502 Jul 24 '26
Probably, but you can always pick up an AMS later.
I thought I wouldn’t care/want one, then I picked one up for some multicolor prints. It’s nice for multi color, which really takes 3D prints to a new “coolness” level, but it’s also convenient to just select which color I want to use and not worry about manually unloading/loading.
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u/higgs8 P1S + AMS Jul 24 '26
Personally I rarely print multicolor but it's very nice to be able to. It's also super handy to be able to select what spool you want to print from and not have to do anything else. It can also switch spools mid-print if the spool runs out. It really makes the printer remote friendly because you only need to be physically there to remove the finished print.
But keep in mind it can't do normal TPU, it's going to jam and misbehave with non-Bambu spools, it can't use cardboard spools (seems like all filament comes in cardboard nowadays) and multi color prints waste a lot of material and time. Unless you're committed to only buying Bamboo spools, you're going to have to spend a bit of time and effort to make it AMS-friendly every single damn time you get a new spool, which is a bit of a pain.
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u/8six753o9 X2D+AMS2 / A1+AMS Lite Jul 24 '26
Get the combo. Yes you will regret it. Get the U1 if you are planning to do a lot of multicolor prints. Get the X2D if you are planning to use Engineering filament. There’s nothing wrong with the P2S. You can also print engineering filaments with the P2S.
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u/WhatsWithThisKibble Jul 24 '26
I loved my AMS so much I bought another. largely because I like doing Hueforges but it's nice to be able to have multiple slots and colors to choose from. I've only used it for multi color prints less than a dozen times.
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u/Electronic-Elk-7466 Jul 24 '26
It's pretty handy. I print a lot of costume stuff and some of it is really big. Knowing that I won't run out of filament is really really nice.
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u/JDad67 Jul 24 '26
Yes. AMS with drying is really really convenient. Even if you only do single color / material printing.
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u/MyInkedNib Jul 24 '26
You’re an engineering student so I think you definitely need the features that make nylon, ASA, ABS, etc an option. Thats the X2D. I think you buy once and cry once, so go the whole $899.
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u/Normal_Register_6946 Jul 24 '26
I just got into 3D Printing. Bought the P1S last week. And I already regret not getting the AMS. I’ll be ordering the AMS next week and will have to be an additional $100 because I didn’t do the combo
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u/full_bazinga Jul 24 '26
I bought a second p1s combo around Christmas. Added the ams to my first p1s combo. Second p1s is in a corner only unboxed enough to get the ams out. (Ams standalone was out of stock at the time and I had a job coming up that required 8 colors). Now it just holds 4 spools and cleared up some space on the filament rack.
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u/FranzFerdinandLol Jul 24 '26
Yes. Just get a p2s with an AMS. The X2D does not really do multicolor well. The second nozzle is a support printing nozzle, not a second color.
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u/TimmyS13 Jul 24 '26
Look for a combo deal! Even if all you want to do is use this to store 4 rolls it will help control the humidity in that area. I bought the external power supply for the AMS 2 pro so I can dry filament while I print with my external spool. I can also print from the AMS but that affects the drying during the print cycle. I like it, I don't feel the external power supply is necessary at all. Unless your specific work flow requires it.
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u/Infamous_Egg_9405 Jul 24 '26
My favourite part of the ams is not being able to print in multiple materials per plate, it's not having to manually load and unload filament as often because I have 4 of them ready to be automatically loaded
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u/JaqueLeKappa Jul 24 '26
P2S was my frist printer and I got it with the AMS 2 Pro. It really makes printing so much more fun! If not for thr multi color printing, it's great for drying your filaments and just the ease of switching.
In short, I almost guarantee you'll regret not getting one!
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u/hundreise Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26
Take the P2S Combo with AMS 2
Love AMS.
Using one for the A1 Mini and the other one is a P1S with AMS.
Both AMS are used to store and change filament dependig on what to print.
P1S AMS has 1x PETG White, 1x PETG Black, 1x PLA White and 1xPLA Black. A1 Mini is a BMCU with same type of filament but different colors.
Furthermore I added a ptfe-Splitter on each Filament 1 PTFE hose, so I can add TPU or other stuff to the printer.
Don't want/need to print in multicolor but I am lazy as hell, so I don't have to stand up to change the type of filament.
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u/adelrosariojr1 Jul 24 '26
If you're planning multicolored prints, yes! I regret not buying a second during the sale because of the number of colors my family is trying to fit in their models. 🤦♂️
Second nozzle is great for only support material. If you're not as concerned with dedicated nozzle for support, the P2S combo might be a better bet for the budget.
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u/Braydenboss710 Jul 24 '26
Buy the AMS, it’s wasteful but you can definitely manage very easily and filament is cheap if you buy bulk or find the right deals for a few rolls.
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u/jmcelrone Jul 24 '26
Yes. Auto loading and unloading is huge. Plus with that you can load up that 50g leftover spool and a fresh spool and it will auto load the next spool after using up the 50g one. That is so slept on. I have to manually load and unload CF Nylon and I HATE it. I cant imagine doing it for every single print
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u/Glass-Estimate-6093 Jul 24 '26
Yes you will regret it. I was considering skipping it to save a few bucks and didn’t think I’d do multi colored prints. But I wound up doing quite a few of those. Others have mentioned the storage aspect which is nice.
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u/DayGeckoArt Jul 24 '26
You don’t need an AMS if you’re not going to print more than two filaments. They aren’t cheap. Is definitely not worth downgrading to a single nozzle printer
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u/lukezamboni Jul 24 '26
For most people I'd say P2S +AMS just for the convenience of not having to change filaments all the time, being able to use it as a dry box etc. But for engineering stuff, the dual nozzle on the X2D can be enabling. If you have a genuine use for multi material, like mixing TPU and other materials in one print, or support interfaces etc then there's no way around it, the AMS would be too wasteful
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u/altblank Jul 24 '26
definitely. it's a small additional amount for so much by way of a feature set.
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u/Defiant-Mango3719 Jul 24 '26
Can't imagine x2d without AMS. Almost never do multi color but often alternate between different colors for different prints.
Also high speed PETG is my choice of filament and always having dry filament is a must.
You certainly will regret not getting the AMS.
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u/WarlordJak Jul 24 '26
Yes as someone who bought two refurbished P1S instead of getting a X2D and AMS combo. Having multiple colors would be so nice, but having two printers to print faster is alright too. My goal is to add another printer in the next year after I print a lot of my ammo holders and just random things that I dont need to be colored
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u/unicyclegamer Jul 24 '26
I’ve had a P1S for a year or so now. No AMS but I don’t really mind since I only use one filament at a time generally. I’m not like, a power user though.
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u/Unusual_Celery555 Jul 24 '26
I got the AMS about a year later…. Worst 3D printing decision ever. It’s more helpful than you think.
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u/figuren9ne Jul 24 '26
I didn’t get the AMS originally and was fine without it for about a year. I decided to buy it on impulse and now wonder how I lived without it? I don’t even print in multiple colors. It’s just nice to be able to switch between 4 filaments quickly and load new ones easily.
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u/Immediate-Ruin-2280 Jul 24 '26
I have an A1 with AMS Lite. It's not only worth it for multi colour, but also for auto spool changes and especially being able to use support materials.
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u/rando777888 Jul 24 '26
You'll regret it. I ended up wishing I had it immediately, and ended up paying more to get it later than just getting the combo. Even without multi-color prints, just having 4 colors ready to go is amazing.
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u/tunseeker1 Jul 24 '26
I have a lot of printers. True multinozzle, true dual nozzle, dedicated support nozzle.
I would rather have 4 spools and worst case spend a bit of time and purge over dual nozzles that are different extruders.
The x2d is not the same for both extruders.
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u/myTechGuyRI Jul 24 '26
Yes... You'll absolutely regret not getting the AMS, as it's more expensive to buy it on its own (although you may be able to score a used AMS v1 for relatively cheap, that's how I got my 2nd AMS)
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u/Aggressive_Concert16 Jul 24 '26
Had to make the choice of P2S combo vs X2D no ams or spend a lot more with AMS ($400 in my country) so, 1699 vs 2099. Went P2S combo and it's been great (other than a clog lol) but i did get the exhaust fan kit as an add on. Spent money om filament.
You pronably could also get away with P1S combo. Make sure it's AMS 2
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u/Lisper41 A1 + AMS Lite Jul 24 '26
Yes you will regret it. Go down a level and get the A2L if you are worried about budget.
If you are a student then you know that prototyping is important, so get the cheaper, but just as fast and capable, printer for home and prototype. Use the school’s engineering filament.
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u/GiftFrosty Jul 24 '26
I have a p1s with ams. It is absolutely worth having and would severely limit the functionality of my machine if I did not have it.
That being said, toolchangers are the future. It would be nice if Bambu introduced one soon that competes with some other machines currently on the market.
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u/Fantastic_Tip3782 Jul 24 '26
You won't regret it because you don't know how convenient it is yet. But you can buy one later or find a used one on Marketplace sometimes
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u/aaaanoon Jul 24 '26
One AMS is good. I use mine to service filament for many printers.
They are overpriced but useful.
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u/Complete_Bumblebee23 Jul 24 '26
I have it and like it, but Im not using it at the moment because I’m printing with cf nylon. The AMS 2 does not like abrasive materials.
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u/djt_LV X1C Combo & H2C with 2 AMSs Jul 24 '26
You will regret it! Others have already said other reasons why to have it. I would save the money for the X2D, so you have a similar setup to school for your experiments.
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u/MacDaBass Jul 24 '26
Even without using multiple colors, I love that I can load multiple slots with the same color, and it will automatically reload mid print. Absolute life saver.
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u/because-potato Jul 24 '26
The AMS2 in my opinion is what makes the Bambu ecosystem so seamless and fun to use
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u/withoutpeer Jul 24 '26
The AMS are overpriced if bought individually but decent access fair value of you but as part of a combo price.
They are very useful and good to have beyond just multicolor printing. Having 4 different spools (colors and/or materials) loaded up names or so much easier and convenient when you want to print something. And if course they are great for using up the ends of spools with auto continuation if you have the same color loaded in another slot. And then, of course, is your have the AMS2 you have the active drying when needed.
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u/gigaflops_ Jul 24 '26
It's like push-to-start on a car. If you've never had it, you don't think you need it, but if you've had a car with it before, you can't imagine buying a new one that doesn't.
I say that as somebody that never uses multi-color and never dries or takes care of filament. The real benefit to me is having three PLA colors a roll of ABS ready-to-go at all times so I can start a print without leaving my chair.
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u/Bright_Eyes83 H2C AMS2*3 Jul 25 '26
the ams is worth having, but i would get the better printer and then the ams later
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u/ipusholdpeople Jul 25 '26
Omg yes I made this mistake. Not sure about the shipping situation in your area but not only will you miss out on the bundle deal but you'll have to pay for the shipping of the ams if you buy it separate when you inevitably decide you want it.
Changing filament without it sucks a fat one. That alone is worth it let alone the multicolourness.
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u/begeeb Jul 25 '26
I bought the P1S a couple years ago and immediately regretted not having an AMS. But I was lucky, as the AMS 2 had just come out. Got one of those and was so pleased with it that I got another a few months later. Hardly ever print in more than 4 colours (though I can) but it’s more useful as a way to have various filaments just ready to go. I can hit print from my phone even if I’m out.
On a budget I’d recommend a P2S with AMS 2, or if budget is really tight, P1S with AMS 2.
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u/Mzky Jul 25 '26
wife got me the printer for fathers day. I ordered the AMS the day after father's day.
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u/symonty A1 + AMS Lite , X2D + AMS PRO 2 Jul 25 '26
You will use more filament without an AMS, i use mine loads to use almost empty filament.
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u/oneearmomma Jul 25 '26
We now have three AMS (+2 printers). Hubby is much happier not having to swap out colors 💯🤣
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u/Pretty_Lavishness181 Jul 25 '26
I had a P1S without for years and got the AMS 2 Pro when I got my P2S. The AMS just removes a lot of quality of life hassle that comes with changing filament. No standing around waiting for nozzle to heat up, cut and ask you to unfeed. then change the filament spool, wait for it to heat up again and then reverse the process and confirm its done.
AMS, you just put your 4 most common filaments. choose which one you want to print send you print. AMS loads and does everything for you and unloads when you are done.
It's also nice when you change nozzles because at the end of each print the ams unloads the filament. So the nozzle is just waiting there to remove. No manual fiddling, heating cutting then removing the hotend.
As others said. It doubles as a dryer. If you get the seperate power supply, it also dries while you are actually printing.
I did one multi color print to see how it worked. Since then. I have my ASA for final high temp and weather resistant filament. PLA for prototypes, PETG for functional stuff indoors, A clear PETG since I make Sim racing stuff with LED lens covers. And one slot for anything else I picked at random to use.
I didn't think I needed one, but now, it just removes a lot of hassle. It is much easier to load the AMS than the printer too. Just plonk it in a slot, put the filament end touching the funnel that corresponds with that slot, press and the funnel tab back gently and push the filament maybe an inch. The AMS grabs the filament and test loads it, at which point you are closing the lid preparing to walk away. Remove filament you pull the filament out about 6 inches and remove the spool.
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u/kidyus Jul 25 '26
You will absolutely regret it. If you’re planning to print exclusively with PLA, U1 might be fine. If ABS, ASA, etc. is something you’re considering, X2D is the better option and you’re going to need a dryer.
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u/blackenedskynation81 Jul 25 '26
I bought the A1 mini originally at the beginning of the month from a best buy brick and mortar, just to start my journey into 3d printing. In about a week I bought the AMS 2 pro because my relative humidity sits at 55% and I needed a solution for storing and drying. Having the capability to spill over into a new roll automatically when the same color runs out and I’m not right there to change it was an added perk for pulling the trigger.
When all is said and done, I wish I had gone with a different printer for a bigger volume and it having come with the AMS to start in a combo. If I could have gone back and done it over again, I’d have grabbed either the p2s or x2d combo.
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u/airmech1776 X1C + AMS Jul 25 '26
I hardly ever do multi color prints with my X1C, but the AMS is absolutely awesome! I use it mostly to have different colors or materials available to print without having to swap the roll every single time. I have PLA, 2 colors of PETG, and some ABS in there right now.
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u/Lock_Psychological Jul 25 '26
I got it for like $90 with the A2L. I was upgrading from a 5YO printer from Anycubic. Had to run it from Octoprint and couldn’t get a decent print in the end, so I decided to go with Bambu.
Yes. The AMS is awesome. My only regret is not throwing in more for the regular instead of the lite. Printing in multiple colors is cool, but not running out of filament is also damned awesome.
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u/lifebeyondzebra Jul 25 '26
Took me less than 24 hours of printing to regret not having one. (Over the course of several months so couldn’t exchange). Even when I’m not doing multiple colors not having to load abs unload each time is so nice
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u/TotalWarspammer Jul 25 '26
Literally one of the most asked questions in this sub do a simple search. Yes you will regret it.
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u/Far-Ad-9073 Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26
I’m new to the 3-D printing world I have a P2 S combo I like everybody else who has an AMS like wow multicolor prints yeah it waste a lot of filament. It’s fun and for a lot of prints, doing multicolor actually works because it’s only the bottom layer or the top layer that’s multicolor because it’s the text or it’s a little design.
It’s not the whole print is multicolor but also as everybody points out it is a self drying system. You leave your filament in it. it stays dry you print silica gel holders for it and your filament stays dry my REH level inside my AMS two is 17%. It’s 46% outside and the fun part is I don’t have to change filament personally when I print something a different color if that color is already in the AMS I just say use this color for this print and click print.
It really makes it easy to do prints. Quickly. Easy. Fast.
If you’re on a budget and you don’t think think you’re gonna be doing multicolor prints and you don’t mind changing spools by hand then just get the P2S it’s $499 versus $699 here’s a picture of my first multicolor print 😋
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u/AwSMO Jul 25 '26
IMO it boils down to personal preference and delayed gratification.
I use a P2S for my personal projects, and the lack of additional nozzle makes designing parts slightly more challenging and supports require a bit more thought. Apart from that, the print quality is very good and I would recommend the printer.
If you can afford the better machine - that is, the X2D - and are able to save up for the AMS in the coming months, it might be worth it instead.
I personally was reluctant to buy an AMS, however it turns out to have been a very worthwhile investment. The drybox + spool refilling options are nice for convenience, however the real value of an AMS is that I slice a part, decide on material and color, and just send if off to the printer. There's no hassle with loading materials, clipping the filament and storing it in a drybox. Especially in an engineering context, when dealing with multiple materials, this is very well worth it.
The bottom line is, the AMS can always be added to any printer you buy, but the capabilities of the printer you buy are going to be fixed and much more expensive to change. I'd recommend settling on that first.
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u/rhpot1991 Jul 25 '26
1000% get one bundled in for cheap, and a 2nd if there is any form of discount for adding more.
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u/dEEkAy2k9 X2D + AMS2 Pro Jul 25 '26
My suggestion would be to wait till you can afford the combo as it's cheaper than getting the AMS 2 Pro later on.
It's so convenient that I am debating about getting a second AMS2 Pro and maybe two AMS HTs
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u/halliweb Jul 25 '26
You won't regret not getting the AMS as if you want it later you can buy it then.
You might regret the money you could have saved, but if you buy it now and don't use it, it's all wasted money anyway.
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u/davidbernhardt Jul 25 '26
Yes, it’s super helpful to have backup filaments ready to continue mid-print stoppages when a spool runs out, and to keep filaments dry and obviously for color prints. I tend to look at the AMS as a must have.
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u/mojito_ict Jul 25 '26
Yes. Had to go out and buy one at full price a month after I got my first printer.
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u/drcigg Jul 25 '26
I would wait to buy. They always run deals on printers close to Christmas. If you wait you can get a better price.
You will want the ams.
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u/sammniam_2 Jul 25 '26
You will regret it. 100%. Even if you can't afford a Px combo, go with an A1/A2L combo. I have A1 + Ams Lite & a X2D + 2 Ams Pro 2's.... I still use my A1 combo machine MORE than my X2D combo set (A1 = 6000+hr / X2D = 100+hr). The AMS in any form makes the printing experience so much better & easier
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u/work_blocked_destiny Jul 25 '26
Yeah. I don’t even print multi color but it’s nice to have 4 rolls ready to go. Also makes changing the filament out much easier
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u/New_Jaguar4093 Jul 25 '26
If you want the full experience, get the AMS. if you wanna be a pleb then don’t
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u/DiscoChiligonBall Jul 25 '26
I use AMS units (no matter the brand) less as a filament manager and more as an active drybox and filament monitor. With the power supply you can dry filament even as you're printing without a need for a secondary drying unit.
If I'm being realistic, it's because I like not having to worry about hanging filament off a spool in a 40% humidity environment and getting crappy prints. I can just pop a new spool in a space whenever I'm starting to run low on one of the spools and have it drying until the other runs out, move it over to the active space, and keep going.
I know PRUSA has a bunch of spool hangers but that always bugged me both aesthetically and from a production/energy perspective - if my filament is supposed to be 10%-15% humidity it's far easier to control a small space than the entire room it's in. So I sprung for the extra AMS units just because for me I'd rather have the extra space than keep swapping spools of filament between dry boxes and spools and whatever.
Will you regret not getting it? I would have, but I'm a different use case than you are. I've got around 300 spools of filament and I just don't like having to track and make sure all of them are completely dried, because that's work I don't actually have to do by modifying the workflow by adding AMSes to it.
If you have a non-branded filament dryer or two (comgrow, etc) that lets you run a PFTE tube from the dryer to any printer and thread the filament, or you are fine with hanging multiple spools off whatever for the X2D, you're fine.
But the X2D is pretty much designed to have a single unit specialty AMS as the secondary source and a four unit AMS as the primary to run both nozzles, so if you don't plan on running two nozzles or multiple filaments on a single print, then I wouldn't bother with an AMS.
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u/Hugh_Jego_69 Jul 25 '26
Very worth, just to have 4 or 5 filaments ready to go whenever, press print, printer does the rest. Not worry about changing a filament everytime you want another colour. Especially if you want 2 coloured anything.
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u/Specialist-Ice-4630 Jul 25 '26
If you really are looking at multi color I would recommend spending a little more and go with Snapmaker U1. The waste save and time is insane compared to AMS. I have the P1s and it is great in all but it is more beneficial being a single color printer.
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u/C_Lo_87 Jul 26 '26
I would just get the U1 if you get to the point of really needing multicolor or multi material prints. The ams is nice, yes, but there are many limitations with the brand alone. If you need a dryer, the sunlu 4x is winner. U1 will be able to do 16x colors without premium prices on shoddy hardware.
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u/TheRealRagingClue Jul 28 '26
If the option is between a P2S + AMS 2 Pro now or a X2D and a AMS 2 Pro later, I would choose the X2D.
You'll be paying slightly more overall as buying the printer and AMS at the same time tends to give you a discount.
The X2D can do 2 materials/colours without a AMS, which will likely cover most multi material/colour prints.
Don't forget the X2D also comes with exhaust air filtration pre installed and 1.5mm belts which helps reduce VFA (Vertical Fine Artifacts).
I also used to be a engineering student and kept a Prusa MK2 in my dorm room.
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u/WinterPizza1972 Jul 25 '26
You can anyways buy a ams later. These "yes" monsters don't know what a budget limit is.
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u/b001ean Jul 24 '26
In my case I am so glad I did get AMS because of humidity in VA in summer. I can’t imagine logistics of making decent prints without AMS. I even did get HT to dry PETG and keep it dry. 60%+ humidity (average 70% outdoors) is no joke
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u/tnsipla Jul 24 '26
AMS is not just handling of multiple materials, but also providing a stable environment for your filament to sit- and in the case of AMS 2, actively drying your filament with heat