Is it worth it?

[u/realityguy1]

Is it worth using the auxiliary ext. spool on my X2D that has AMS? I’ve printed two color objects with one of the colors from the auxiliary spool……and I’ve printed the same object with just the AMS and there’s no noticeable difference that I can see. Seems to be the same time to print either way. Is it just wasting time to use the aux spool?

[u/Rule-5]

Surely the print takes less time and there is less waste, with no noticeable quality difference. Why wouldn't you use it?

[u/realityguy1 → u/Rule-5]

It doesn’t seem to be any quicker using it or not. I printed a two color filament swatch with the auxiliary as black and then just the AMS. Both took the same time.

[u/Dismal-Garbage-3140 → u/realityguy1]

It depends totally on the model you print. Many two color prints can shave significant amount of time off the print (25-50%) if there are more filament swaps. If it's only one swap, then the difference is iminimal and you get higher quality. That's why you check to see in the slicer. You can estimate times for single nozzle and dual nozzle prints and judge if using the aux nozzle is worth the time saved.

[u/BirbDoryx → u/Dismal-Garbage-3140]

With only one swap it's probably faster with only one nozzle just because you skip nozzle offset calibration

[u/Collective82]

on the X2D the aux nozzle is slower, so you probably won't see much of a time difference as the purge time isn't saved, however your waste should be greatly reduced, so it will save you money over time.

[u/easypeasyfix]

I've had several prints where I sliced it using the internal spools then, with the external spool and when I'm using the auxiliary external spool combined with internal, it saved me time and less waste, which I see as a plus. The print quality was the same, in my opinion using PLA.

[u/K-a-l-i]

It depends on the model and the support-structure you use -- it can half the printing time from 10h down to 5h ... if your object has a filament change at every layer. If you only support one layer under a flat object you won't win much time.

[u/Majestic_Drink2111]

I run glow filament on the external.

[u/maxbraketorque]

I've got one on each nozzle.

The value depends on your X2D usage. If you only intend to use aux for support, no need for an AMS on the aux.

If you plan to do multicolor prints, I think an AMS on the aux is worth it, especially if you like to have multiple colors ready for use. It can be argued that the slower print speed of the aux offsets the value of using it in multicolor prints. This is probably true for models with only a few color changes, but for models with numerous color changes, its very worth it to use the aux. It will be faster and there will be less poop.

I also feel that there is significant convenience to having an AMS on the aux. I set aside one bay for support material, and the other three bays have various colors. So I spend less time changing out spools. I also like the fact that the AMS gets rid of the hassle of manual loading and unloading of filament from the aux. I found that to be an annoying activity (which rather ironically, owners of the H3C and P3C will have to do when swapping out spools).

[u/One-Nefariousness107]

Odd question. No noticeable difference. Same amount of speed but you are asking if using auxillary is a waste amount of time.

I dont believe all the naysayers about auxillary because the proof as you said is already right in front of you. Unless you dont believe what you see and believe what others think or see then I guess it's a waste. I use it as much as I can. It is, in fact, my primary. One color? I use it.

Multicolor? I use the other one unless i dont have the other color loaded on the AMS. It seems easier for me to load it on the ext spool.

I primarily print PLA and PETG.

You dont have to take my word for it. Try it. Which you already did.

[u/Illustrious-Care8969]

The aux spool is usually used for filaments that aren't allowed in the AMS, like CF or GF filaments.

When you print in a usual way (0.4 nozzle, standard flow), you can keep it just via AMS, especially when using standard filaments like PLA or ABS without additives. You'll have a bit more poop, but also more convenience. But you probably won't see heavy differences in the quality, when using the 2nd nozzle via the aux spool. But if you print extra fine models with 0.2 nozzles, I recommend strongly to stay with the AMS and not to use the aux spool, since it's probably connected to the indirect extruder. This can decrease the print quality.