Hi all,
I own an A1 Mini and I just ordered the AMS2 Pro. Now I realize I’ll face a serious problem: The cardbox spools…The majority of the spools I have right now are made of cardbox…I saw a lot of projects for printing spool savers and so on but…I have an A1 Mini, so too small plate…any suggestion? I thought I could “slice” the rings in four parts and then glue them together but I was wondering weather this creates more problems than it solves…What could I do?
p.s.
please be serious and don’t tell me to change printer, thanks 
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There are always people trying to sell original Bambu Spools on eBay and the like, simply because they got more then they need.
Wow, you are correct that is an unforeseen problem, that has no immediate solution.
In order for a cardboard spool to safely work in an AMS, it should have a spool adapter placed around the rim so the cardboard spool do not get torn apart.
The A1 mini (great printer, I have one) build plate is not large enough to print the spool adapters.
This is because their diameter is too big and the AMS requires each spool to be balanced on the internal rollers.
You have some choices:
- Risk, some cardboard spools work better than others
- Get some gaffer tape cut is suitably to wrap around the cardboard rim each side. This should provide a sufficiently suitable surface that will work in the AMS while keeping the cardboard from breaking up when in use.
- Respool your filaments
You will need to obtain some empty spools.
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Hi, thanks a lot!
I think your option 2 for me shuold be the most suitable, so far…but the problem with the tape (electrician tape?) is that for sure when the AMS will be drying it will un stuck from the cardboard…how about my ida to split the rings in 4 and then glue the parts together?
To respool the filament is not an option at all honestly…
The suggestion of gaffer tape, was meant to provide something that isn’t too smooth and shiny.
It does not need to be too rough, but I suspect normal clear tape might not work well and is liable to slip and the gum may come off.
You will not be able to use the heating feature of the AMS as the adhesive on the tape will melt.
Masking tape might also work well.
You would have two problems:
- You would need to glue them to the cardboard spool rather than themselves as there isn’t sufficient surface area to provide a stable surface. This could lead to spools not being aligned correctly and being off-centre leading to impact with the closed lid.
I recommend you testing this on a spool that is almost empty as it will also not have the weight of a full spool aiding in keeping it in-place.
- There will be four points that are bumps for each rotation, it is possible that the loading and unloading processes might rip them off or cause damage over time to the rollers.
I am not suggesting these are impossible hurdles, just know what to be aware of.
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I wonder what PCBWay would charge him to print up a batch?
eBay might be easier.
An example of one available. Around $1 each.
With some card board spools you don’t even have to respool, they just sit nicely on the BL spools. Others you wold have to respool, yes. What’s the problem with that? There’s even a benefit: you could uncover tangled filament beneath the neatly surface.
Didn’t know about that, but I wonder if someone is printing and selling someone else’s models?
I am not sure what you mean, who is printing what model?
eBay sellers. Are they selling spool rings from models they designed, or just printing something from Makerworld and selling it?
Oh I see that link is for a lot of empty spools. Nevermind…
Back to my question tho, what about getting some cnc house like PCBWay to print something too large for the printer like spool adapter rings too big for the A1Mini?
It is a plan, I just imagine the cost would be less on eBay when someone wants to get rid of stuff.
Hi I’ve tried to get a couple of quotations from some 3D printing service (PCBWay included) but the prices ar TOTALLY crazy for my purpose…an Example: PCBWay asked me more than 360$ for printing 10 Bambu Lab Spools in ABS and almost 170$ for printing ithem in PETG…Those services are not for home-users like me…In the end of the day I bought a 3D Printed respooler from the famous chinese eshop (once again I couldn’t print it) and I’m searching for someone here in Italy who sells empty spools…Thanks everybody for your answers and hints!
Ciao!!
I think the best solution is to buy filament with spool and when the spool stock is enough buy only refills.
Respooling has and advantage as you get ride of the cardboard core that has a high level of humidity.
Yes, at this point I think you’re right…
And @ElektroQuark
Remember, not all filaments from Bambu Lab are available with spools.
This is sometimes often stock level related, but there are those that are not offered with spools.
Yeah, I know. That’s why is useful to make a little stack of empty spools.
I have some for other manufactures too that works OK with the AMS so I can respool if I’m in a hurry.
I had this issue, started printing my own gained some free ones and over shot by about 18 spools!
As I prepare for the end, I find myself abou to print even more.
That way, when my five printers are donated, the recipients do not have to source their own spools.
I have a lot of non-Bambu Lab and I will use those for the printed spools.
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