machine-compat

AMS Multi-Color Printing: Material Tips for Clean Color Changes

Multi-color AMS printing needs matched materials, purge towers and smart sequencing. Here's how to get clean results.

5 min read

The Bambu Lab AMS enables multi-color printing by automatically switching between up to 4 spools. Clean color changes require matched materials (same type), proper purge settings, and smart layer sequencing.

Material Matching Rules

RuleWhy
Same material type per printDifferent melting points cause clogs
PLA + PLA (different colors)Ideal combination
Avoid mixing PLA and PETGTemperature conflict (220°C vs 240°C)
Silk + Silk (different colors)Works well, same melt profile

Purge Tower Settings

SettingValue
Purge tower volumeAuto (default)
Flush multiplier0.8-1.0
Purge tower width8mm minimum

Higher flush multipliers give cleaner color transitions but waste more material. Start at 0.8 and increase if colors bleed.

Layer Sequencing Tips

  • Place color changes at natural model boundaries (e.g., where the hat meets the head)
  • Avoid color changes on flat top surfaces (visible purge marks)
  • Use “flush into infill” to reduce waste
  • For gradient effects, consider dual-color silk filament instead of AMS

Our Silk Filaments

Dual-color silk filaments (like our Silk Gold) produce gradient effects without AMS — the color transition happens naturally as the filament melts. This eliminates waste from purge towers.

Individual results depend on your printer, environment and application.