Multi-material system
A multi-material system is an add-on or built-in unit that holds several filament spools and feeds them to one printer, so a single print can use different colours or materials.
Why it matters
Bambu Lab’s AMS is one example. Each unit has four spool holders, and Bambu says up to four units can connect to one printer through a hub, for up to 16 colours or materials.
Switching has a cost. With one nozzle, the printer has to push out the old filament before the new one prints cleanly. Bambu states that the AMS still has to purge waste material, and that filament switches take time.
That purged filament is plastic you paid for and can’t use in the model. Prints with many colour changes use more filament, which raises the real cost per print. Our price per kg comparisons help you judge what that extra filament costs.
Bambu’s AMS includes a purge chute for the waste, and the slicer shows how much a print will purge. Grouping colours by height keeps the waste down.
A multi-material system also keeps spools loaded and ready to use. If you leave them in it for long, remember that some filaments are hygroscopic and absorb moisture from the air.