So I have an X2D, currently running an AMS HT for the aux nozzle, and decided to get another for the left nozzle mostly for TPU and Abrasive/Hygroscopic filaments (PA,PC, ETC). AMS 2 Pro usually connected to the left nozzle innlet.
I am also using a TPU assist module, and currently I have just been unplugging my AMS 2 and using that, but I was thinking about setting up something more seamless when I recieve the secon HT.
I am aware I will need a splitter for the TPU assist module, but would it be best to just throw everything in the left side in a 4-1 splitter, bypassing the buffer, run the AMS 2 trought the buffer and THEN the 4-1or route the regular outlet of the left AMS HT trough a splitter and then the buffer, while connecting the bypass port to the same 4-1 as the TPU assist ?
A bit convoluted of a desciption, so sorry about that.
Use this for your TPU assist module - one input becomes dedicated for it, the other will be connected to your buffer.
Put the new HT on the same side of the printer as your TPU assist - when you’re running TPU keep it in the HT and feed the filament through the “TPU hole” and into the assist module.
Then do this mod at the buffer, and feed both your AMS 2 and your new HT’s PTFE tubes into the 4 into 1 splitter.
Oh, and I always recommend this housing/bracket combo for the TPU assist. One of the wraparound brackets will be right for this situation.
I am already using most of the MiM, stuff, (I even have a profile for the spool holder version of the wrap around bracket for the X2D TPU assist​)
Truly excellent designs from that guy
But I would ideally like a triple input if I run the the second HT thought the buffer. 1 from buffer, one from TPU Assist and one from external spool/ bypass port.
I am just trying to figure out the least cluttered solution do I don’t have to disconnect tubes all the time.
I don’t see the point to retain a dedicated external spool input at all in this scenario.
If you’re doing TPU, it goes in the new HT and uses the TPU assist.
Pretty much everything else can just be fed through the AMS HT as normal.
If you’re running very stiff engineering filaments put them in the HT, run the heat, feed them through the TPU outlet and use the TPU assist for them as well.
I don’t know what other reasons there are to use an external spool. Oversized spools, I guess? Just disconnect the TPU assist’s inlet and use that in such a rare instance.
It probably won’t be necessary for the average person, I agree with that.
But you are not too far off.
I do run a lot of weird Filaments, and I have a fair amount that have spools that does not fit in the AMS HT for various reasons (or the regular AMS for that matter, (gotta love the old non standardization), and some are to brittle and expensive that I would risk respooling.
(That’s the downside of doing this a while, I have amassed a fair number of non standardized stuff.)
So while I can do it the way you describe, I was simply hoping for a way not fiddle with the PTFE too much.
It is probably the best and cleanest solution tho.
If you’re sticking with 1kg spools, one other solution would be a redesigned lid for the HT that has some sort of auto-adjusting top rollers, to allow bigger or smaller spools to be used. It would need to maintain contact with the spools to keep them from hopping, but that’s about it.
I’m somewhat in the same boat as you, I just picked up a 3kg spool of fiberon PPS-CF. Not going to attempt to respool and I don’t use it often, but it was too good a deal to pass up. I got the Sunlu SP2 modular drybox system and will feed it into the TPU assist module in situations like this. I absolutely loathe hanging external spools and will avoid it at all costs.
$164 CAD for 3kg - works out to 1/4 the cost per kilogram compared to the Bambu equivalent.
I’ll grant that the Bambu PPS appears to have somewhat better properties, but I have a roll of that if I encounter a project that truly needs that extra strength.
)