I bought 20 rolls of black PLA basic for prototyping during the BF sale and I’m just getting around to using it, installed it into Bambu spools and removed the straps after as instructed, and the first three have caused the AMS to hang up at least 10 times per spool due to either a cross-tangle or the filament being stuck tightly down the side against the spool and the AMS not being able to pull it out.
If this is how it’s going for the first three the next 17 will be a nightmare as I do a lot of “set and forget” 12+ hour prototype prints where I either can’t or don’t want to be going back to the printer every hour to fix a jam.
I used to use Sunlu Recycled PLA which has zero tangling/feeding issues but I was getting unreliable strength from it, so when I saw the Bambu PLA Basic for 13/roll I figured it would be nice to have “genuine Bambu” filament again, but apparently that was a bad idea.
3. AMS filament backup: the AMS lite will switch to another spool with the same filament properties automatically when the current filament runs out. These filament properties include brand, type, color, and nozzle temperature. If the AMS cannot find the same filament, it will display a prompt that the current slot has run out. To enable this feature, please check “AMS filament backup” on the AMS settings page.This function requires filaments with exactly the same properties. It is recommended that Bambu filament be used as a replacement for Bambu filament and non-Bambu filament be used as a replacement for non-Bambu filament.
I always have it set to switch to another spool, but it’s only when it runs out, it will not switch if there is a problem, since most of the time the problem (jams or failure to reverse) leaves the filament in the main ptfe tube so it can’t run a new spool in.
I have had this happen when I failed to LOCK the spool halves after installing the refill. The halves separated in the AMS unit and the filament slipped down the sides. I have since been VERY careful to lock the halves before installing the spool into the AMS unit.
I use refills almost exclusively and have dealt with a number of issues with them. In my experience, It typically comes down to slight differences in the width of the refill vs the spool. In their instructions for the refills, they talk about working the refill some to push the plastic down, that way you’re forcing the sides out to expand to fill the gap. That gap may not always seem like much, but it’s certainly enough for filament to fall and get jammed.
I also have my own 3d printable spool which I produced to help address this issue, and others. You might consider checking it out. I went with a screw together design, so the whole of the spool can be clamped tight around the refill.
Keep in mind, you don’t need my spool. You can make the regular Bambu ones work just fine. Since I use refills as much as I can though, it made sense for me. In particular, it was hurting my hands after awhile, constantly working the filament to fit the spool correctly.
I made sure they were fully locked/seated and pressed them together as hard as I could when locking. Today I installed one and used my hydraulic shop press and some boards to really make sure it was as compressed as possible when turning/locking the spool halves together, we will see how this one goes tonight.
I’m having exactly the same issue with first two refills. One PETG the other PLA. I didn’t make it through 10% of either refill before I started getting crossover tangles. I tried clearing the crossovers but it’s a recurring problem. The Bambu spools are locked and snug. I’m not getting filament jamming on the sides, just constant crossover tangles.
I used to experience this same issue (tightly binding down edge), mostly on my own printed spools (using the cut down models with lots of space to reduce material usage ended up being a bit of a false economy because they get flimsier) - but also occasionally on actual bambu spools, and I almost exclusively buy refills…
It’s been solved so far for me by following “Step 4: Press Hard” on Refill Filament with Bambu Reusable Spool / Refill | Bambu Lab Wiki . This step is only listed on the wiki, and is not on the paper instructions that you get inserted into the refill box, so I don’t think anyone can be blamed for not knowing about it. It makes the spool look a bit messier, but works much better.
I’ve also encountered this, in cases where I either didn’t lock or the notch just wore down on my (early) printed PLA spools, although I caught it before losing the entire spool. I’m extra careful now. and although I don’t think you need to on the Bambu-made spools, I insert the Bambu Reusable Spool | Bambu Lab Wiki spool-spacing shim on the bambu reusable spools, when I insert a new spool. Peace of mind, and also it only fits in if you locked it properly so works as a cross-check.
I agree with the OP - i have experienced the same issue with most of my refill rolls i had purchased, but in general, most issues were with the filament getting caught between the windings and the AMS being unable to free it after multiple retractions and extractions which, more often than not, caused a notch in the filament causing me to have to cut away 3-4 feet, of now, unusable filament.
In fact 1 refill spool was so bad that i could not even get it on a spool. I had to respool it to another spool which ended in disaster since there was little way to contain the refill - In the end my tape job gave out and the spool went “boing”, needless to say it took a multitude of hours to untangle and respool it… Of course, that was the worst case i had experienced. I ended up having to make 1/2 dozen cuts in the filament and then splice them back together with the Sunlu Filament Connector Kit - which works BTW but is a PITA to use.
Overall, unscientifically speaking, 50% of refill issues were sorted by the AMS unaided, another 40% required manual intervention at least twice and then there is the 10% or 1 off refill that was so bad i lost hours trying to save it.
Disappointing to say the least.
just giving my 2 cents here, as i also mostly get refills, especially the matte ones. Even though i’ve also been plagued with some issues of the filament snagging and getting the famous error that the AMS is struggling with it, since i’ve started taking a bit more time massaging it a bit into place, this has greatly been reduced, and almost never happens
the issue i’ve increasingly noticed however is the lack of consistency in colour, i print a lot on the matte dark green, it’s probably the filament i use the most, not only for the final design but also for prototype prints, and the tonal variations between rolls (especially if they were bought at different times) is very noticeable - especially if you run out of filament and start printing with a new roll. it’s what i’d like to see bambu really drive improvements with their manufacturing partner