Changing Color at Layer Height, Without AMS Lite

Bambu Lab A1 Series Bambu Lab A1 mini
1

Hi, I am trying print a sign that I made, using make my sign in MakerWorld. What I am trying to do is have the color change at a certain layer (for the text on the sign). I have an idea, where I could pause the print at a layer (using Bambu Studio), and then use the extruder disengage lever, to release the filament manually. At that point, I imagine the machine should alert me that there is no filament, and I can simply insert a different color.

Has anyone tried this? Or have any other workarounds?

1 Like
2

This is easy (when you know how).

Slice your model, and look at the right to the vertical layer bar.

Slide it up and down to the exact layer you wish to PAUSE the printer.

Right-click the bar at that point and select “Add Pause”.

When you print, the printer will automatically PAUSE. You can swap the filament and RESUME the printer.

1 Like
3

Yes, I know that, I am just worried if I will break my printer doing this.

4

Nope, it is designed to do this very task.

2 Likes
5

When your printer pauses just select “unload” in your OSD.

The printer will then cut and purge. Pull back the filament and now select “load” and load the new filament with another color.

After completing this hit resume and you’re golden.

6

What do you mean by OSD? Bambu Studio? Orca Slicer?

7

It tried, but it doesn’t work. I held the disengage extruder gear lever down, and the filament was cut, but it simply would not release.

8

On-Screen Display I assume. Use the control panel on your printer to unload the filament after the printer pauses. Then use it to load new filament. Then when done, hit run on the control panel to restart.

I am doing this right now for a print. It has 3 pauses to allow me to change the filament 3 times during the print to get 4 colors - no AMS. Just careful design of the layers.

9

Yes, but the unload filament button, is greyed out during prints.

10

You have to insert the pause using Bambu Studio. Then once the printer pauses, you can unload/load filament before restarting.

1 Like
11

Exactly, once you are paused you can select unload on your printer.

1 Like
12

Also, you can just manually pause the print using the control panel on the printer. Then unload/load filament. Then restart once the new filament is loaded. Of course that means you need to be at the printer right when it gets to the point you want to change filament. By putting in the pause, you don’t need to be there waiting. It pauses, you get a notification from you Handy App, and you go change the filament.

13

I see. I will try that. Will post back soon.

14

Do you have an AMS still plugged in, even though you are using the external spool?

15

I don’t have an AMS or AMS Lite. I use an A1 Mini, and that’s the only printer I have.