How to Create Stunning two Colour Prints in Bambu Studio Without an AMS

So, you’re itching to add some pizzazz to your 3D prints with multiple colors, but there’s one problem: you don’t have an AMS (Automatic Material System). No worries! With a little creativity and a few manual tweaks, you can achieve vibrant, multicolor prints using Bambu Studio. Let me show you how!

Unlocking Multicolor Magic: Layer Color Changes

Bambu Studio has a fantastic Layer Color Change feature, and it’s your secret weapon for multicolor printing without an AMS. Here’s how to master it:

  1. Pinpoint the Layer for the Color Change
    Instead of scrolling from the top down (like most of us instinctively do), try sliding from the bottom up in the layer preview. Why? It’s easier to isolate what will be printed in the next color, leaving no room for surprises.

  2. Add a Pause at the Right Layer
    Once you’ve identified where you want the color swap, right-click the layer marker (that little “+” icon) and select Add Pause. This tells your printer to pause when it reaches that layer, giving you the perfect window to manually switch filaments.

    For example, imagine you’re crafting a two-tone sign with blue at the base and yellow on top. The printer will pause after completing the blue section, allowing you to load the yellow filament for the next phase. Easy, right?

Bringing It to Life: A Multicolor Sign Example

Let’s say you’re printing a personalized sign, like the “Giantkiller” sign. The top part is multicolor, and here’s how to make it pop:

  • If you have an AMS, it automatically handles the filament changes for you.

  • Without an AMS, you’ll manually pause and swap filaments.

Here’s a pro tip: Slide the layer bar up until the base disappears in the preview. Everything you see left on the screen will be printed in the next color. This ensures you don’t accidentally mix in parts of previous layers that should stay a single color.

How to Manually Change Filament Mid-Print

Once your printer pauses, it’s time for a quick filament swap. Here’s how to nail it:

  1. Respond to the Pause
    Your printer will notify you that it’s paused. Head over to the printer interface to get started.

  2. Unload the Current Filament

    • Navigate to the Filament menu and select Unload.

    • The printer will heat the nozzle to 250°C, cut the filament, and prompt you to pull it out.

  3. Load the New Filament

    • Insert your new filament color (say, a crisp white for contrast).

    • Select Load on the printer, and manually feed the filament until you see the new color extruding from the nozzle.

    • If there’s still a hint of the old color, run the loading process again to fully purge it.

  4. Resume Printing
    Once the new filament is ready, hit Resume. Your printer will pick up where it left off, seamlessly transitioning to the next color.

Sure, having an AMS is convenient, but manual filament changes give you a ton of control and flexibility. You can mix and match colors on the fly and create one-of-a-kind prints without investing in extra hardware. Whether it’s a bold sign, a detailed decorative piece, or anything in between, the possibilities are endless.

Final Thoughts

With just a bit of manual effort, you can unlock a world of colorful creativity in your 3D prints—no AMS required! So grab your favorite filaments, fire up Bambu Studio, and start experimenting.

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