AMS and External Spool Adapter Housing

Ever wanted to connect both an AMS stack along with an external spool without swapping PTFE tubes on an X1C or P1S?  Look no further.

 

With a $6 part, you can connect up to 3 external spools along with an AMS stack without swapping anything.  Using the Bambu AMS Lite splitter (found here), one can marry that along with the existing PTFE coupler on the back of the X1C/P1S and achieve just that.

 

This system mounts to the back of an X1C/P1S near where the PTFE tube enters the print chamber from the AMS buffer.  This system installs a printed block that houses the AMS Lite splitter and PTFE coupler, maintaining a parallel path for the filament to pass through.

 

There are two variants one can print:

• With a lid.  The lid provides nice aesthetics by concealing the works, while also securing the parts.  This does require threaded inserts (aka heat inserts).  The model is designed for 4 x M2x2mm threaded inserts (using 4 x M2x4mm screws to mount).
• Without a lid.  The parts themselves fit pretty snug in the housing, so falling out isn't a concern.  This is a simpler approach if one doesn't have or want to deal with threaded heat inserts.

Both variants require 2 M3x6mm screws to replace the 2 M3x4mm screws in the housing.  Use button-head screws, otherwise you won't have the clearance to insert the components into the housing.  NOTE: be careful when tightening the mounting screws.  In order to maintain a parallel filament path, the mounting holes have 1mm of material in the countersunk holes.  Don't be the Hulk; snug will keep this completely in place.

 

I hope you find this useful and easy to build and enjoy.  If you like it, please consider boosting the model.  This took quite awhile to work out tolerances and optimize for filament path, while keeping the part clean for a nice look on the printer.  I've also provided print profiles for both PETG and PLA.

 

To install (if using the lid variant):

1. First, install your heat inserts.  I use a Kadrick heat insert tip set on my Weller soldering iron.  I'd highly recommend watching any YouTube video on installing heat inserts if this is your first time.  This takes 4 M2x2mm inserts (very tiny).

2. Next, remove the 2 M3x4mm screws on the back of the X1C, upper right above the belt tensioner.  This should be the two screws right next to the PTFE coupler going into the printer chamber.  Install the housing with the M3x6mm screws (don't be He-Man, be gentle), and insert the PTFE coupler into the housing.  You will need to squish the black side into the housing.  You can do this before mounting the housing too if you wish.  NOTE: The black side must be INSIDE the housing, and the blue OUTSIDE to the left.  Here's a photo of it installed and the housing mounted:
    

3. Next, install the AMS Lite splitter as seen in the next photos.  It only goes in one way.
    

4. At this point, you can mount the lid, and install PTFE tubes.  One tube can be coming from your AMS buffer, and then up to 3 tubes from external sources.  I have a Creality Plus Pi dryer that holds 2 spools, and can feed a printer from there, giving me 2 external spools, plus my entire AMS stack.

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