Multi Color H2C
Four AMS 2 Pro units for multi-color printing in Polymaker PETG, with PLA loaded only as the support filament.
This is the multi-color machine. Four AMS 2 Pro units (A–D, four slots each — 16 slots in total) are preloaded with Polymaker PETG colors, backed by eight high-temperature inputs (HT A–H). The only PLA on the machine is the Panchroma PLA support filament in HT G, which always prints on the left extruder. The automatic flushing between colors is where multi-color prints usually go wrong, which is why the quick start has you watch the first color changes and not just the first layer.
AMS and Filament Configuration
The AMS units and HT inputs come preloaded to the fixed default configuration below — two filament track swappers route the shared colors to either extruder, and there should be little reason to modify the setup for specific prints.
| Input | Slots | Filament | Default extruder |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMS 2 Pro A | 1–4 | Polymaker PETG Red, Magenta, Orange, Yellow | R |
| AMS 2 Pro B | 1–4 | Polymaker PETG Lemon Yellow, Green, Dark Green, Silver | R |
| AMS 2 Pro C | 1–4 | Polymaker PETG Teal, Blue, Dark Blue, Electric Blue | R |
| AMS 2 Pro D | 1–4 | Polymaker PETG Pink, Purple, Dark Purple, Dark Grey | R |
| HT A | — | Polymaker PETG Black | R |
| HT B | — | Polymaker PETG Black | L/R (track swapper) |
| HT C | — | Polymaker PETG Grey | R |
| HT D | — | Polymaker PETG Grey | L/R (track swapper) |
| HT E | — | Polymaker PETG White | R |
| HT F | — | Polymaker PETG White | L/R (track swapper) |
| HT G | — | Panchroma PLA — the support filament | L |
| HT H | — | Flex use (no assigned filament) | L/R (track swapper) |
Staff handle the AMS
Members never load, unload, or refill filament in the AMS units or HT inputs — only Helpers, Lab Assistants, and Exco handle filament loading. The units are preloaded to the default configuration above; if you need a change, ask them.
HT G is the support filament (Panchroma PLA, any color). Support filament should always be on the left extruder. HT H is the one flex slot: anyone may put their own filament in it for a print, but it must be taken out afterwards — it is left empty by default.
Nozzle Configuration
| Nozzle | Configuration |
|---|---|
| L | 0.4mm |
| R1–R6 | 0.4mm induction |
Six 0.4mm induction nozzles are the default for the right extruder; they can be swapped for 0.2mm induction nozzles if a print needs finer detail.
Quick Start
Settings
Verified profiles. The flush volumes matter as much as the temperatures here.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Nozzle temp | 230-240C |
| Bed temp | 70-80C |
| Speed | Slow-normal |
| Notes | Colors come from the preloaded AMS configuration; use the HT G Panchroma PLA on the left extruder for support interfaces. |
Troubleshooting
Increase the flush volume between colors by 50-100mm³ in the slicer. Check the flush settings for each color pair, and run AMS calibration so filament retraction behaves.
Check the spool isn't tangled, then gently push the filament by hand to help the AMS grab it. Verify the PTFE tube isn't kinked, reseat the spool in its slot, and clean the AMS feeder gears if they're clogged with filament dust. Recurring feed errors go to a Helper or Exco — don't swap spools yourself.
Heat the nozzle to 250°C and manually push filament through. Cool to 90°C and perform a cold pull; if it's still clogged, use an acupuncture needle, and replace the nozzle as a last resort.
Re-level the bed using auto-leveling and clean the plate with 99% IPA. Adjust the Z-offset (0.1mm with a feeler gauge), lower first layer speed to 20mm/s, and apply glue stick for PETG layers.
Check belt tension (~100Hz twang) and inspect for mechanical obstructions. Reduce print speed by 30%.
Repair Guides
Difficulty: Easy · Tools: Nylon filament or cleaning filament
Heat the nozzle to 250°C and manually extrude filament until it flows smoothly. Set the nozzle to cool to 90°C, then firmly yank the filament out at that temperature. Inspect the pulled filament for a clean nozzle impression and repeat 2-3 times if the clog persists.
Difficulty: Medium · Tools: 2.5mm hex key, replacement PTFE tubes, tube cutter
Remove all filament from the AMS, open the AMS hub connections, and unscrew the pneumatic fittings to free the old PTFE tubes. Cut the new tubes to exact length, insert them fully into the fittings, and test the filament path for each slot. AMS filament handling during this repair is limited to Helpers, Lab Assistants, and Exco.
Rules
- Supervise the first layer and the first color transition of every multi-color print.
- Never load or unload filament in the AMS units or HT inputs yourself — Helpers, Lab Assistants, and Exco only.
- Leave the AMS in its default configuration; there should be little reason to modify it for a specific print.
- If you use the HT H flex slot, take your own filament out after printing; the slot is left empty by default.
- The support filament (Panchroma PLA in HT G) always prints on the left extruder.
- Clean the build plate with 99% IPA before and after every print.
- Report all AMS feeding errors, tangled spools, or color mixing issues to exco immediately.
- Do not run unattended overnight prints without exco approval.
- Log all print jobs (colors used, duration, username) in the workshop registry.
- Firmware updates are restricted to exco members only.
- Do not manually force filament through the AMS; follow official protocols.
Videos
Engineering H2C
The lab's engineering FDM printer for PETG, CoPE, ABS/ASA, PC and fibre-filled filaments, with TPU fed via the external TPU feeder and a heated enclosure.
Operating the P1S
The SOP for the lab's three Bambu Lab P1S printers — what you can print, sending a job from Bambu Studio, what to watch, and cleanup.