For those interested here is a longer video showing more switching and later on during a print. This was quickly done last night expect more and bigger prints in the coming days. It's frustrating trying to both show off and iterate/improve on the same printer😅
The attached video shows the mechams system functioning. Its not sped up, the oozing seen is due to a too large difference between the unload and load length, which can be modified in the gcode to basically 0. All other movements etc in regards to the swapping is customizable. I think a 1 to 1.5 minute swap is achievable.
For more info see our other socials:
Discord (coming later today)
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I have had an overall bad experience interacting on reddit in regards to my project.
I have therefore decided that this will be the last post on reddit related to MechAMS. The project is not over and I will continue working and expanding it to other printers with more accessories etc. Follow the other socials to stay posted for that!
Hope this video is not too fast, i had to play with the lights to get the black to show a little, thought it would be visible in white, gray, dark gray and black. Please be kind :)
-What it is
MechAMS is a fully 3D-printed automatic material system for the Bambu Lab A1.
No electronics, no boards, no wiring — just mechanics.
-Why I built it
Most AMS systems rely heavily on electronics and cost.
I wanted to explore a simpler approach that’s cheaper, more customizable, and honestly just more fun to tinker with.
-How it works (short version)
8 filament slots
Mechanical switching driven by printer movement
Custom G-code handles the process
Fully printable and modular
-Current state
The system is working reliably and close to launch.
Right now I’m mainly finishing instructions, documentation, and polishing the overall experience.
-What’s coming next
Initial launch
Proper long-form videos after launch
A1 Mini version
Launchpad + “bug bounty” style system to improve and scale faster
Ongoing revisions based on feedback
!Important note
This isn’t meant to replace existing AMS systems.
It’s a different approach — and I’m also exploring ways to combine systems.
-Feedback welcome
Let me know what you think, ideas, concerns, or questions.
I’m collecting everything into a proper FAQ so it’s all in one place
This animation shows how the docking and feeding of filament works. Unloading works the same way, just backwards. Ofcourse there would normally be a belt and ptfe tubes installed. Cheers!🍻
Hey everyone,
So I've been working on something I think a lot of you will find interesting.
It's called MechAMS: a fully mechanical, entirely 3D-printed multi-filament system that works by using the printhead's position to engage filament slots via a crown gear. The extruder motor already on your toolhead drives filament in and out through a belt and gear system. Slot selection is purely positional, controlled by G-code.
No wiring. No sensors. No extra motors.
(For video footage see instagram.com/sipersmechatronics )
Here's the rundown:
Pricing: Dropping soon. Bigger audience = lower price, so spread the word if you're interested.
Everything (printable files, G-code, instructions, and access to the G-code generator) will be available at sipersmechatronics.com -- currently closed until launch.
Happy to answer questions in the comments!
Hey everyone, Wouter here, the founder of Sipers Mechatronics.
This subreddit is the official home for MechAMS: a fully 3D-printable,
electronics-free multi-color system for the Bambu Lab A1. No extra motors,
no extra electronics. Just your extruder gaining extra abilities!
This is the place to share builds, ask questions, post prints, and talk
tuning. Whether you're just getting started or already deep into the
assembly, you're welcome here.
Files and documentation will be available soon at Sipers Mechatronics. Feel free to
introduce yourself in the comments always good to know who's building.
Happy printing!