AMS Lite Saver Snag Cutter V0.1 <EXPERIMENTAL>

AMS Lite Saver Snag Cutter V0.1 <EXPERIMENTAL>

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A1 mini

AMS Lite Saver Snag Cutter V0.1 <EXPERIMENTAL>
AMS Lite Saver Snag Cutter V0.1 <EXPERIMENTAL>
Designer
41 min
1 plate
5.0(1)

A1 mini plate, 0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 15% infill
A1 mini plate, 0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 15% infill
50 min
1 plate

Open in Bambu Studio
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Released

Description

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I have spent a lot of time and care creating and updating this model. Please support this effort!

IMPORTANT NOTES:

This model is based on the AMS Saver Snag Cutter that was thoroughly tested and tuned for optimal performance on the standard AMS. I received a lot of requests for a version that works on the AMS Lite. Unfortunately, I do not own an AMS Lite, and I have been unable to find one locally that I can test on. This model has been carefully designed.  However, it remains UNTESTED at this time. By printing and using this model you are being a “beta tester”. Please provide honest feedback and plenty of information and pictures when you run into issues. I am actively updating and improving this model, and only with your support will this model achieve its potential.

 

Pay close attention to the red text below!

Change Log:

  • Version 0.1 - 1/18/25
    • Initial upload

What is this?

This is an AMS Saver unlike any other. Not only does it prevent wear and tear on your AMS filament inlet, but it also prevents snags and obstructions from delaying your print!

 

How does it work?

This AMS Saver differs from the other options because it has a mechanism that automatically cuts the filament if a tangle or an obstruction (taped end of the spool) is detected. This feature is turned on or off with a slider lock. Cutting the filament when a snag is detected allows the printer to automatically switch to your backup filament by setting up the Auto Switch function. If you are running a long print, this can save you hours of delayed print time! If you don't have the Auto Switch function activated, it gives you a few minutes to take action while the printer continues to use the filament in the tubes. You have a few minutes to address the issue and re-feed the filament manually for an uninterrupted print.

 

Process WITHOUT Cutter

  1. Snag is detected by the printer.
  2. Printer immediately pauses and the spool is retracted.
  3. Warning is displayed "The AMS Assist motor is overloaded. This could be due to entangled filament or a stuck spool. [0700 8010 083713].
  4. Printer remains paused until the issue is fixed manually

Process WITH Cutter and WITH Auto Refill enabled

  1. Snag is detected by the Cutter (not the printer).
  2. Filament is cut.
  3. Printer detects the end of the filament.
  4. Printer continues to print uninterrupted until all filament in the tubes is depleted.
  5. Printer switches to the refill spool automatically and continues to print.

Process WITH Cutter and WITHOUT Auto Refill enabled

  1. Snag is detected by the Cutter (not the printer).
  2. Filament is cut.
  3. Printer detects the end of the filament.
  4. Printer sends a warning message that the end of the filament has been detected and needs attention, but the print is not paused.
  5. Printer continues to print until all filament in the tubes is depleted (this takes a few minutes).
  6. Printer pauses if the tube is depleted before the issue has been fixed.
  7. Printer remains paused until the issue is fixed manually
  8. If issue is fixed before the filaments in the tubes is depleted then the printer continues uninterrupted.

 

Examples of the cutter performing on the AMS are below. Videos of the AMS Lite will be shown as they become available.

 

       

 

 

Compatibility

This is compatible with the AMS Lite. 

 

This has been designed for unmodified Bambu spools. Spools that are narrower/smaller, have large gaps in their walls, or have filament clips protruding from the sides may interfere with the AMS Saver. Let me know if this is a problem for you. If there is enough interest, I may work on narrowing the AMS saver for better compatibility.

Materials Needed

Filament - The cutting trigger force is dependent on the filament stiffness. I tested with standard PLA, but if you use a different material the trigger force may be too high or too low.

Filament Cutter - Spares may have been included in your printer shipment, or you can purchase them at the Bambu Store.

PTFE Tube - A length of 4 mm OD Teflon tube is required. Spares may have been included in your AMS shipment, or you can purchase it at the Bambu Store.

AMS Tape Saver Multi-Tool (Suggested) - This is a very helpful tool that helps hold and cut the Teflon tubing. https://makerworld.com/en/models/982416#profileId-956351

 

Mechanism Overview

  • Actuate the Cutter mechanism by moving the Slide down into the Body.
    • The trigger force can be changed by using a different Slide model. The “Light Trigger Force" will trigger sooner, and the “Heavy Trigger Force” will trigger later.
  • Reset the Cutter mechanism by moving the Slide up out of the Body until it clicks and stops. 
  • Lock the Cutter by sliding the lock to the Right until an (X) is visible (note that the mechanism must be in the reset position to lock).
  • Unlock the Cutter by sliding the lock to the Left until a checkmark is visible.

 

Assembly Instructions

NOTE: The pictures and videos below are for reference only and are originally for the AMS. Versions for the AMS Lite will be used as they become available.

1. Assemble the Arm into the Slide

  • Note: The default Slide design (marked with “16” on the back) seems to have the best trigger force. The trigger force can be changed by using a different Slide model. The “Light Trigger Force" (marked with “14” on the back) will trigger sooner, and the “Heavy Trigger Force” (marked with “18” on the back) will trigger later.
  • Remove the “REMOVE” tab from the Slide and flatten the nub.
  • Orient the arm as shown and slide the shaft into the slot.

2. Attach the Cutter

  • Caution: The cutter is sharp! Handle with care.
  • Slide the Cutter into the Slide slot and then snap the pins into the Arm holes.

3. Attach the Body

  • Line up the pins on the Body with the slots on the Arm.
  • Insert the Slide into the Body while inserting the pints into the slots.
  • The slide will snap in place. 
  • Note that you can disassemble the mechanism by pushing the end of a piece of filament into the hole in the side of the Body while pulling the Slide out of the Body.

4. Attach the Lock

  • Slide the Lock into the Body until it is flush.

5. Attach the Long Teflon (PTFE) Tube

  • Cut a Teflon (PTFE) Tube section to 4 inches and another section to 1/4 inch.

IMPORTANT: The Teflon tube length is an important variable that I have been unable to test please cut a length of tube that is able to reach the center core of an empty spool and let me know what length works best.

  • If the ends of the Tube got flattened from cutting then squeeze back into a round shape.
  • Push the Tube into the Slide and the Guide until it stops.
  • Hold the Slide and twist the Guide clockwise (righty tighty) while pushing them together to thread the tube into both parts.

IMPORTANT: The Guide should be perpendicular to the rest of the assembly so that it lays flat against the spool filament. This is 90 degrees from what is shown below.

  • If the tube begins to buckle/twist, you may want to use the AMS Tape Saver Multi-Tool as a clamp to grip and twist the Teflon tube.
  • Observe the Tube in the Slide inspection hole and the Guide end to ensure it is fully assembled.

6. Attach the Short Teflon (PTFE) Tube

  • Insert the short tube into the hole at the bottom of the Slide.
  • The AMS Tape Saver Multi-Tool is useful for holding onto the tube while inserting it.

7. Attach the AMS Lite Feeder

  • Slide the clip onto the Funnel as shown below.

NOTE: It would be great to get some photos of this process and feedback on how well this attachment method works.

Setup and Features

NOTE: The pictures and videos below are for reference only and are originally for the AMS. Versions for the AMS Lite will be used as they become available.

1. Insert the Filament

  • Ensure the Cutter lock is engaged so you do not accidentally cut the filament while loading it! The (X) is visible when the Cutter is locked.
  • Insert the filament spool into the AMS Lite Spool Holder.
  • Insert the end of the filament into the Guide.
  • Thread the filament down until it appears in the gap in the Body.
  • Ensure the lock is in the locked (X) position
  • Push the button while pushing the filament into the Guide.

3. Use during printing

  • Unlock the Cutter by sliding the lock to the Left until the checkmark is visible.
  • Ensure you have the “Auto Refill” option enabled on the printer (if you have a backup spool).

Removal and Disassembly

To remove and disassemble you essentially just perform the assembly instructions in reverse as seen in the video below.

 

NOTE: The video below is for reference only and is originally for the AMS. Versions for the AMS Lite will be used as they become available.

 

 

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Did you know that the sooner you use all your boosts the sooner Bambu Labs will refill them!? :D

 

Comment & Rating (12)

Please fill in your opinion
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Some initial impressions: 1. The build instructions were helpful except for the last step, installation on the AMSL funnel. My attached photo would be beneficial. 2. Changing to a new spool of filament will be awkward as threading the filament through the gizmo is time consuming. 3. Including the helper tool in the distro would be useful although the link worked. 4. As I use many different filaments suppliers and infrequently do massive prints, I am not sure I would outfit my AMSL with the 4 units required. 5 I will provide more feedback as I have more prints. 6. I boosted you for your efforts...
The designer has replied
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Thank you so much for the feedback! 1. I was imagining the Saver being installed in the opposite direction. Does it fit better the way you have it installed? 2. I can see how threading it will be awkward. Do you have to remove it before sliding a spool on/off? It looks like it might hit the walls of the spool. 3. Sorry it is a bit inconvenient having to get the helper tool in a different model. Someone else made it, and I don't want to take their intellectual property. 4. I also don't have mine installed in all four locations because I know some spools are good and other spools I suspect of having tape/tangles. 5. More feedback is greatly appreciated! 6. Thanks for the boost! 7. Will the Saver interfere with a full spool? It seems like it will be close. What if it is flipped around as seen in Assembly Instruction #7? Thanks again! I really appreciate you taking time out of your day.
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Replying to @hexavalent :
I have not had the Saver running after installation so I cannot attest to its fit being better as shown in my photograph. A confession: I plan to use the Saver only as a spool is threatening to run out if I fear tape would be sucked into my AMS Lite so I cannot attest to its fit with a full spool. Furthermore, if a spool jams more than once with a kinked overlapping segment, I will remove it and use my rewinder to respool the errant filament. It takes a bit less time than I would expect with your Saver if it detects jams and cuts the filament more than once.
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AMS Lite Saver Snag Cutter V0.1 <EXPERIMENTAL>
Very usable, One thing is that the thing that is on the farthest end gets stuck in the small holes in the spool so it cuts off too early, slightly rounder corners should fix it. But otherwise very good and I will print 3 more..
The designer has replied
1
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Thank you for the feedback! I will make that change. I am planning on releasing an updated version soon that has a lot of changes. Would you be interested in testing it? Please send me a direct message if interested so I am sure to see it.
(Edited)
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Boosted
Replying to @hexavalent :
Ahh ok, yes I will test the new when it comes, I have to order more knives so I can't use more than anon just now :)
0
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This looks interesting, but I have the Ultimate spool enclosure install and it looks like the desiccant container will be in the way based on user_924339250's picture.
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Printing it as I type this!
The designer has replied
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Great! How does it fit?
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Replying to @hexavalent :
Have you had any luck?
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The AMS version looks awesome. I'm excited to experiment with this on my AMS Lite!
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Boosted
Very usable
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