June 30 - Quick Update

Thanks for the amazing interest and feedback so far! I'm (still) on a short family holiday but I will answer all questions in the comments tomorrow, some of them need me to be at my workstation to check specs so I'll update you all soon.

Cheers!

Buy Python AMS

I've teamed up with a few different stores around the world offering the printed parts and everything you need for the build so you won't need anything outside of the kit:

• VOXELPLA (United States)
• Veetec3D (EU)
• JC-3D (Australia)
• UK reseller coming soon

Python AMS has a strict non-commercial license, it can only be sold with licensing through Hume Beam Engineering Solutions.

Interested in reselling in Asia? Contact me.

Intro

Python AMS is a highly reliable and fully modular AMS system for the Bambu Lab X1/P1 series. It can be used with two to 16 spool slots, daisy chaining AMS units is possible, just like stock AMS. The sections are joined with dovetail joints and M3 socket heads. It has a built in wall mount and the spool holders are tilted back so it can just as easily be installed on a wall.

It comes with an optional but recommended enclosure that is either passively dried (like stock Bambu AMS) or with up to four active heaters (integrated Polymaker PolyDryers) that can be used while printing or when it's not in use.

It features self-centering Double Helical gears with a high torque thanks to a 135:12 gear ratio (11.25:1) from the small drive gear on each feeder to the enlarged spool gear. It's using the Bambu AMS internals only, no modification or additional parts required apart from bearings and bolts, it's fully reversible.

No longer rely on spool weights or roller grip as the roller system is bypassed. All types of spools are supported. The spool holders can be secured with a M3 socket head against both the spool holder's threaded rod to lock it in place and also against the spool itself but in testing it has never been needed as long as they are fully tightened.

As the spools fully rest on standard 608 bearings on both sides of the spool holder, both the feeders and the AMS hub motor are offloaded, avoiding premature wear or AMS overload errors. Each slot can be used as an external spool holder for example when using abrasive filaments or for multiple printers. Or you can use four modules for a full AMS and use a fifth module on one side reserved for external spools.

Cardboard spools, refills (though a spool around it is still recommended) and various size spools are all compatible including 250 g sample spools and other odd-sized spools. Maximum spool width is around 80 mm with Python.

Python AMS? What's the story?

Some of you familiar with the Bambu Lab printers probably recognize me as the developer of Hydra AMS and Hydra PRO as well as the Vision Enclosure for the P1P.

Development of Python was started late last year but it was ramped up this spring with final testing for a little more than a month now by a team of experienced 3D printer enthusiasts and professionals close to me with over a hundred printers between us.

With Hydra I did as much as I could to maximize spool compatibility while maintaining high reliability but was limited with the size of the AMS box and the roller system which can be finicky at times and not without issues.

With Python it was time to think outside the box. The trend of more and more cardboard spools as well as refill and odd-size spools on the market I felt it was time to make an ultimate AMS system. Not only to support all kinds of spools but also as an actively heated AMS drybox with a styling matching the Bambu printers. You can also use it without any enclosure if you like or with a passive drybox without heaters (same as stock AMS).

The main changes / improvements over the standard AMS:

• Compatible with all types of spools and sizes, up to around 80 mm wide.
• All spool diameters fit, from tiny sample spools up to 210 mm diameter spools.
• External spool function (bypasses the AMS) possible for all four spool slots.
• Actively heated enclosure with up to four heaters (optional).
• No need for spool weights.
• No need to rely on roller grip or worry about stuck spools.
• High torque self-centering double helical gears.
• No support for RFID tags.
• PTFE Load Buttons to both save the funnels and improve ergonomics (optional, it's a separate download).

The main Python AMS step files are not available publically, please don't ask.

“Mega Python” for up to 3 Kg spools - Coming Soon!

A larger version of Python is in development and is coming later this summer. It's in testing and is working well but focus has been on the normal Python recently so work on it will resume soon.

It supports spools up to 3 Kg with a maximum diameter of 280 mm and width of 120 mm, useful for print farms and for others who like to use larger spools. It's a bit more advanced as it uses more gears and bearings and involves extending the feeder cables but more on that later.

It also supports smaller spools of course, even tiny 250 g sample spools, same as normal Python.

BOM - Bill of Materials

You can print Python AMS in just about any filament you like. However, if you plan on keeping the AMS directly on top of the printer it's best to print it in PETG as the heat from the printer can soften the printed Python parts if they are printed in PLA for example.

For this reason and for reliability I recommend placing the AMS next to the printer or wall mounting it.

Around 1.2 Kg of filament is required at the recommended print settings for the full build including four spool holders.

I've printed most of the test builds in Prusament ASA, PLA and eSUN PLA+, both brands and filament types work great. PETG is also a great option.

Filament

• eSUN PLA+
• eSUN PETG
• Prusament Galaxy Black

Fasteners

You need quite a few M3 hex bolts (socket head). These are the M3 hex box (socket head) you need for a full main Python AMS build:

M3-8 mm: 20 pcs, M3-10 mm: 7 pc, M3-16 mm: 9 pcs, M3-25 mm: 9 pcs

Additionally, for four spool holders you need M3-25 mm: 20 pcs

If you don't have any at home it's best to grab the kit below, it will have everything you need for this build and more:

• 1100 pcs M3 Hex Socket Head Cap Kit

M3 Heated Inserts (optional):

Python was designed so that the M3 heated inserts are optional and not required as in case you skip them the screws self tap into the printed part. It was designed for 4.00 mm long inserts (commonly named M3S or M3 Short). Using the M3 inserts it's stronger if you intend to assemble/disassemble the AMS unit often. It also looks more professional but it works completely fine without inserts as the structure is mainly supported by large dovetails, in fact for most of my test builds with hundreds of hours or print time I've just used socket heads without inserts.

If you do go for them, 40 pcs are required. Heated inserts are also not needed in all marked spots, some are just for the for attaching the enclosure so naturally not needed for the middle front modules and the PCB and motor module.

• M3 Heated Inserts (select 4.5 mm OD, 4 mm length)

The assembly instructions in the bottom of this page are for a build without heated inserts.

Bearings

For the spool holders you also need 8 x 608-ZZ bearings:

• 608-ZZ bearings (or 608-RS)

You also need 4 x 693-ZZ bearings for the front drive gears sleeves. You could use the bearings that came with your AMS (for the rear rollers, pull them off) but a set of 10 bearings is cheap and you don't need to pull them off, possibly damaging them:

• 693-ZZ bearings

PTFE tubes

You need about 1.5-2 m PTFE tube to cut to length. I recommend the stock Bambu PTFE tube which has an inner diameter of 2.5 mm and an outer diameter of 4.0 mm. Go for the AMS Hub / Custom Cut which is a single piece 4 m tube.

• Bambu Lab PTFE Tube 4 m

Optional

I highly recommend these Nano Coated Helical Extruder Gears from FYSETC, I use them for all my Bambu printers, they're inexpensive and offer a number of improvements of the stock gears:

• Extruder Gear for Bambu X1/P1P/P1S CNC Nano Coating
• Extruder Gear for Bambu X1/P1P/P1S CNC Nano Coating (Alternative Source)

Although not required these PEO/PEI/PEY bed sheets are great, I have most options myself, it gives a quite cool look on the first layer. There are a few shops offering different plates:

• Build Plate PEO/PEI/PEY Spring Steel Sheet (Super 3D)
• Build Plate PEO/PEI/PEY Spring Steel Sheet (IdeaFormer)

The Hex Tools are superb for any 3D printer, I've had mine for years. They are particularly useful for the Python assembly.

• Hex Tools (1.5 mm - 3.0 mm)

Tools

I'm using a simple tool for cutting the PTFE tube, you can use a knife as well. I also use a fine file for cleaning up the parts. And if you go for the optional heated inserts, a soldering iron is needed.

Warranty

Python AMS does not void your warranty but be careful, especially with the AMS main board, use an antistatic wrist band. Although the mod is completely reversible and you can't tell the parts have been installed in Python AMS, I take no responsibility and you're on your own. Be careful and take it slow, read this page twice before you start.

Support

All my designs and mods on MakerWorld are free to use and remix. They have a non-commercial license. If you enjoy this or any of my other designs you can send me a small donation using the link below. Thanks :)

https://www.paypal.me/humebeamengineering

If you prefer Crypto/BTC you can send me a message.

If you send a donation be sure to mention Python AMS in the comments box and you will be added to the list below.

Official Supporters

If you have donated $5 or more you will be added to this list as an official thank you from me and you will also be assigned a serial number, the list will be updated as often as possible.

You can request a custom serial number if you send a $20 donation or more but please be aware it may take a couple of days before your custom printed parts are uploaded as I need to make these manually.

If you've bought Python from one of the authorized resellers you can also request a serial number by submitting a proof of purchase.

Cheers!

• Sven Hausherr #1313, Mirko Ingold #1966, AJ Visions #2308
• Hume Beam #0001, Hume Beam #9999, GuyH #0002, Kevin Pereira #0003, Veetec3D #0004, VoxelPLA #0005, Phil Harvey #0006, Phil Harvey #0007, MediaMan3D #0008, John Cooley #0009, iandouglas736 #0010
• Kyle May #0011, b4rtol #0012

Get the custom printed parts with your serial number here:

• Python AMS - Side Panels (For Official Supporters)

Thanks again!

If you want to remain anonymous, leave a note with your donation. If I've missed your donation let me know.

Before Printing Python AMS

Make sure you dial in flow correctly before you start so that you are not overextruding. The problem then is you can't join the dovetail joints and assembly properly.

The Bambu Lab printers usually do a pretty good with automatic flow calibration but it's best to confirm flow anyway, sometimes it is inaccurate. There are ways to do manual flow calibrations directly from Bambu Studio and Orca Slicer so you can use those.

Once you have done that, print these dovetail test joints, more info here:

• Hydra AMS - Test Pieces

(The are intented for Hydra AMS but will work just as well for Python AMS, they use the same tolerances).

Print Settings

All parts print without supports and I recommend using 3 walls and an infill of around 15%. Print all parts in the direction I have set them.

There are individual 3mf files posted or you can download one of the full sets:

(Coming soon)

• python-ams-1.00-full-set-abs.3mf
• python-ams-1.00-full-set-asa.3mf
• python-ams-1.00-full-set-petg.3mf
• python-ams-1.00-full-set-pla.3mf
• python-ams-1.00-full-set-pc.3mf

(Coming soon)

All parts: Aligned seam position, slowdown for overhangs.

These can be loaded in Bambu Studio or you can print them directly from Bambu Handy.

Main parts:

• front-module-print-4pcs-1.00.3mf
• drive-gear-sleeve-12t-print-4pcs-1.00.3mf
• main-pcb-base-print-1pc-1.00.3mf
• left-rear-print-1pc-1.00.3mf
• motor-rear-print-1pc-1.00.3mf
• pcb-rear-print-1pc-1.00.3mf
• right-rear-print-1pc-1.00.3mf

Tip: The drive gear sleeves can be printed in TPU 95-98A (tested by me) for a much more silent operation but normal “hard” filament is fine too but will be louder when it's switching spools. It will be louder than a normal stock AMS regardless so keep that in mind.

Sides:

• left-side-print-1pc-1.00.3mf
• right-side-print-1pc-1.00.3mf

If you're an offical supporter, download your custom left and right sides here:

• Python AMS - Side Panels (For Official Supporters)

For these parts the Python logo and text is “hidden” in the first layer. Here you can use the Paint Bucket tool to paint the logo and text:

Spool holders:

• m3-wafer-head-gear-side-print-4pcs-1.00.3mf
• m3-wafer-head-top-side-print-4pcs-1.00.3mf
• spool-gear-135t-print-4pcs-1.00.3mf
• spool-holder-bottom-print-4pcs-1.00.3mf
• spool-holder-top-print-4pcs-1.00.3mf
• threaded-rod-print-4pcs-1.00.3mf

Use dry filament.

Optional Prints

These prints are optional but recommended to accompany Python AMS:

• Python AMS - PTFE Load Buttons
• Python AMS - Silica Gel Box
• Python AMS - Actively Heated Enclosure
• Python AMS - Passively Dried Enclosure
• Python AMS - TPU Riser