*4/19/24 Update:  Added new print profile to accommodate extra wide spools, this new re-mix reduces overall width by 3mm.

The easiest, simplest and most effective way to use cardboard spools in both the AMS and AMS Lite WITHOUT altering the original cardboard spool is here!

After trying and failing to find a model that would allow me to use cardboard spools with both the AMS and AMS Lite I came up with this design to solve that problem! I had previously tried all of the alternatives but they all had their failings or prevented me from using them with the A1 Mini's (we have 2 of them so this was a frequent frustration!).

This is the last spool solution you'll ever need!

The spools are designed to utilize all of the space in an AMS slot. At 202mm they fit nearly ALL 3rd party cardboard spools. So far I've successfully tested the following cardboard spools:

• 3DHoJor
• Aceaddity
• Comgrow
• Creality
• Duramic
• Elegoo
• Eryone
• eSUN
• Jayo
• Kinluot
• Overture
• OVV3D
• Polymaker
• R3D
• Sovol
• Sunlu
• Yousu
• Yoyi Yoyi

Installation Instructions:

1. Print both a left and a right spool adapter
   1. If printing for AMS Lite compatibility, print the “OPTIONAL AMS Lite Right Spool Adapter” instead of the Right Side Adapter
2. Lay the left side adapter on a flat surface
3. Place your cardboard spool over the left side adapter threads, center it as closely as possible
4. Place the right side spool adapter into the left side adapter threads
5. Continue threading the adapter until you achieve a tight fit
   1. Optionally, if you are unable to get a sufficiently tight fit you can use the snap peg to hook through a hole anywhere on the cardboard adapter.

I recommend using PETG, ASA or ABS to print these adapters. PLA+, PLA Meta or PLA CF should also work.

Optional Accessory Instructions

AMS Lite Adapter

The purpose of this adapter is to allow users to seamlessly use Universal Spools between an AMS and an AMS Lite system without removing the Universal spool.

To use the adapter, first remove the Rotary Spool Holder from the AMS Lite. With the spool holder removed, first insert the adapter through the “OPTIONAL AMS Lite Right Spool Adapter” then slide the spool onto the AMS Lite slot. The adapter has a connector at the end of the tube, slightly rotate the adapter to get it to lock in.

Snap Hook

These are designed to add additional connection points to stubborn cardboard spools. These have a small tip that can be inserted through a hole or opening in the cardboard spool that will catch when the spool rotates. This should enhance the grip of the cardboard spool.

Snap Spacer

The snap spacers are designed to offer additional grip for narrow cardboard spools. These can be easily modified and increased in height if needed. Print at least 4 or 5 of the same height spacer and space them out evenly in the spool to create a tight fit.