[How to setup the AMS and load filament](https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/x1/manual/ams-setup-and-filament-loading#:~:text=Open%20up%20the%20cover%20of,will%20start%20the%20loading%20procedure.) ## Filament [Bambu FDM 3D Printing Filament guide for Beginners](https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/knowledge-sharing/filament-guide-beginners) [Bambu Filament Guide](https://bambulab.com/en/filament-guide) [Bambu Filament Guide Wiki](https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/general/filament-guide-material-table) [Bambu Filament Store](https://au.store.bambulab.com/collections/bambu-lab-3d-printer-filament) https://syntaxglow.com/2025/02/01/how-to-store-and-dry-your-3d-filament-a-complete-guide/ ## Desiccant It is important to keep the filament dry when in storage and in the automatic feeder (AMS). One tool for this purpose is Silica Gel Bead Desiccant. They absorb moisture from the air. The type we purchase has a colour indicator. They are orange when dry and green when full. They can be recharged by heating/drying them in an oven (around 110 degrees) for a couple of hours until they turn orange again. [Silica Gel Australia:SBR1000](https://www.silicagel.com.au/silica-gel-beads/indicating/orange-green-3-5mm-beads) Orange Green Beads, 3-5mm. ### Basic materials #### PLA (Polylatic Acid) Best choice for beginners because it is easy to use and relatively inexpensive. **Pros**: Easy to print, wide variety of colours/styles, biodegradable **Cons**: Brittle, lackluster mechanical properties #### PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) **Pros:** Flexible, durable, easy to print **Cons:** Susceptible to moisture, surface scratches easily ### Engineering Materials [Bambu Printing tips for Engineering materials](https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/knowledge-sharing/pa-cf-printing-tips) #### ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) More challenging to print with than PLA but has slightly better properties. **Pros**: High strength, high durability, resistance to high temperatures **Cons**: Warps easily, hazardous fumes, requires a high-temperature print nozzle - [Bambu ABS](https://au.store.bambulab.com/products/abs-filament) Good standard engineering material - [Bambu ABS-GF](https://au.store.bambulab.com/products/abs-gf) Stronger and more aesthetic #### ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) Similar to ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) but exhibits better UV resistance, mechanical properties and aesthetics than ABS. - [Bambu ASA](https://au.store.bambulab.com/products/asa-filament) Outdoor use - [Bambu ASA Aero](https://au.store.bambulab.com/products/asa-aero) Model planes - [Bambu ASA-CF](https://au.store.bambulab.com/products/asa-cf) Large mechanical models. #### TPU ([Thermoplastic Polyurethane](https://markforged.com/resources/blog/your-tpu-3d-printing-questions-answered#:~:text=TPU%20(Thermoplastic%20Polyurethane)%20filament%2C,widely%20available%203D%20printing%20materials.)) Soft rubbery material. Useful for making gaskets and seals. - [Bambu TPU for AMS](https://au.store.bambulab.com/products/tpu-for-ams) TPU that can be used in the automatic feeder. - [Bambu TPU 95A HF](https://au.store.bambulab.com/products/tpu-95a-hf) Phone case, rubber wheels. #### PC ([Polycarbonate](https://zmorph3d.com/blog/pc-3d-printing-materials-overview/#:~:text=PC%20stands%20for%20polycarbonate.,extremely%20durable%203D%20printing%20material.)) Harder to print with but provides parts that are heat resistant and tough. Useful for mechanical components. - [Bambu PC](https://au.store.bambulab.com/products/pc-filament) #### PA ([Polyamide](https://www.simplify3d.com/resources/materials-guide/nylon/) Nylon) Tough and partially flexible High impact resistance - [Bambu PAHT-CF](https://au.store.bambulab.com/products/paht-cf) - Carbon Fibre infused. - [Bambu PA6-CF](https://au.store.bambulab.com/products/pa6-cf) - Better strength and stiffness than PA12 - [Bambu PPA-CF](https://au.store.bambulab.com/products/ppa-cf) Best engineering filament available for our printer. #### PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide) Best mechanical properties but only compatible with professional printers. - [Bambu PPS-CF](https://au.store.bambulab.com/products/pps-cf) Only compatible with X1E