Toolchanger vs. AMS: What is the better choice in 2026?
Multi-color 3D printing has revolutionized additive manufacturing. Systems like the Bambu Lab AMS have made this technology more accessible and efficient. But how do they stack up against advanced toolchanger systems, especially concerning waste, time, and print quality? This article illuminates current developments and ventures a look into the future.
Source: Own representation
Briefly: The most important points at a glance
- Bambu Lab AMS: Enables multi-color and multi-material printing, filament backup, humidity control.
- AMS 2 Pro & HT: Further developments with active drying (up to 85°C) and faster filament feeding.
- Toolchanger Systems: Significantly less material waste, faster change times, but more complex to operate.
- Anycubic Kobra X: Offers up to 19 colors, 30-50% time savings, and up to 80% less material waste.
- Bambu Lab H2C: Combines a fixed nozzle with interchangeable hotends, massively reduces purge quantities.
- Future: Trend towards less waste and faster printing processes, toolchangers are expected to become cheaper.
The Automatic Material System (AMS) from Bambu Lab
The Bambu Lab AMS, short for Automatic Material System, is a prime example of how multi-color and multi-material 3D printing is being made accessible to a broader user base. It is an intelligent system equipped with a 32-bit MCU, sensor arrays, and actuators. A smart algorithm controls the filament feeding, which simplifies and expands the printing process considerably. I believe the ability to seamlessly switch between different filaments is a real game changer for many projects.
Functionality and Compatibility
The AMS is compatible with most common filaments such as PLA, ABS, ASA, PETG, and PC. Even water-soluble support material like PVA can be used. One of the most impressive features is the seamless switch to a new spool when the filament runs low. This minimizes material waste and ensures that the print can continue. Additionally, it offers a filament backup function for uninterrupted printing. The system is also capable of detecting filament tangles and interrupting the print to prevent so-called "air prints."
Source: meltbro.de
The AMS base system allows the use of various filaments but also has clear limitations for certain material types.
Humidity Control and Material Management
A critical aspect for print quality, especially with hygroscopic materials, is the correct storage of filaments. The Bambu Lab AMS features an airtight seal and uses desiccant to keep moisture out. An integrated humidity sensor informs the user about the air humidity and the condition of the desiccant. Each Bambu Lab AMS offers space for four filament slots; up to four AMS units can be installed in parallel to manage up to 16 colors or materials. This opens up enormous creative possibilities.
Compatibility and Limitations
Despite its versatility, there are materials that are not compatible with the AMS. These include filaments that are too soft, brittle, or abrasive, such as Bambu PET-CF/TPU 95A, TPE, wet PVA or BVOH, as well as PA-CF/GF and PAHT-CF/GF. When using cardboard spools, a spool adapter is recommended to reduce the risk of slippage and deposits in the system. The basic model of the Bambu Lab AMS is available from €239.00 (as of January 2026).
Bambu Lab AMS 2 Pro and AMS HT: The Next Generation
The Bambu Lab AMS 2 Pro represents a significant evolution and is available from €289.00 (as of January 2026). It offers active filament drying at up to 65°C and uses electromagnetic ventilation openings. The spools are rotated regularly to ensure uniform drying - a feature I personally highly value as it significantly improves material quality.
Source: 3djake.ch
The AMS 2 Pro revolutionizes material handling with active drying at 65°C and intelligent RFID detection for optimal filament care.
A useful feature is the RFID detection of Bambu filaments, which automatically applies the appropriate drying settings. A brushless servo motor ensures 60% faster filament feeding, and exposed PTFE tubes simplify maintenance. For professional applications, up to four AMS 2 Pro and eight AMS HT devices can be connected for multi-material or 24-color printing. The Bambu Lab AMS HT, available from €139.00 (as of January 2026), offers even higher filament drying at up to 85°C.
Alternative Approaches: Toolchanger and the Anycubic Kobra X
In addition to the Bambu Lab AMS system, other manufacturers offer innovative solutions for multi-color and multi-material printing. These systems often follow different philosophies that can offer distinct advantages depending on the application.
Anycubic Kobra X: Versatility and Efficiency
The Anycubic Kobra X is equipped ex works with a 4-color multi-color print function and can be expanded to up to 19 colors using additional modules. According to Anycubic, this can save 30% to 50% time and up to 80% material waste in multi-color printing. It supports soft/hard multi-material printing, such as TPU with PLA or PVA. The ability to use so many colors while saving material is impressive.
Source: de.anycubic.com
The Anycubic Kobra X, with its 4-color function and expandable modules, allows for up to 19 colors with significantly reduced material waste.
Toolchanger Systems: Precision and minimal Waste
Toolchanger systems, such as those offered by Prusa XL or Proforge 4, represent another advanced method. These systems, which also include the Voron TapChanger project, are more material-efficient than AMS systems because they cause less material loss. They allow hotends to be kept at temperature individually to minimize changeover times. A converted Ender3-Pro with a single nozzle and two direct extruders demonstrates tool change times of just under one second, whereby the old filament can be retracted and the new one fed in without the need for a purge tower, as long as excess material disappears into the infill. This is a great advantage when it comes to complex prints with many color changes.
Bambu Lab H2C: A Hybrid Solution
The Bambu Lab H2C, intended for prosumers, ambitious makers, and small businesses, combines a fixed left nozzle with a right-mounted Vortek dock that can accommodate up to six interchangeable hotends. This allows up to seven materials to be used in one print job. The Vortek system massively reduces purge quantities and shortens material changeover times compared to traditional AMS systems. However, for mainly single-color PLA parts, the H2C does not offer a significant advantage over other Bambu models. It is more conceived for demanding multi-material applications.
Comparison: AMS vs. Toolchanger
To better understand the differences between AMS and toolchanger systems, I have compiled a small comparison table:
| Feature | Bambu Lab AMS | Toolchanger Systems (e.g., Prusa XL, H2C) |
|---|---|---|
| Material Waste | Higher (due to purge towers) | Significantly lower (less or no purging) |
| Changeover Times | Longer (filament must be retracted and reloaded) | Shorter (hotends often remain preheated, fast nozzle changes) |
| Material Diversity | Good, but limitations with soft/abrasive filaments | Very good, as separate nozzles and extruders for different materials |
| Complexity | Rather low, user-friendly | Higher, often requires more mechanical understanding |
| Cost (Trend) | More affordable for beginners | Often more expensive, but prices are expected to drop |
| Typical Users | Beginners, Hobbyists, Prosumers | Ambitious Makers, Prosumers, Small Businesses |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main advantage of a toolchanger over an AMS?
The main advantage of a toolchanger lies in significantly less material waste and shorter changeover times. Since toolchangers completely switch nozzles, the need for large purge towers, which are necessary with AMS systems to remove filament residues, is often eliminated.
Which materials are not compatible with the Bambu Lab AMS?
The AMS is not compatible with filaments that are too soft, brittle, or highly abrasive. These include, for example, Bambu PET-CF/TPU 95A, TPE, wet PVA or BVOH, as well as PA-CF/GF and PAHT-CF/GF. These materials can lead to clogging or damage in the system.
Can I combine an AMS with a toolchanger system?
The direct combination of an AMS with a toolchanger is complex, as both systems pursue different approaches to material management. The Bambu Lab H2C is an example of a hybrid solution that integrates elements of both systems to leverage the benefits. Future developments could enable further synergies, but it remains a technical challenge at present.
Conclusion: The Future of Multicolor Printing
The development in the field of multi-color and multi-material 3D printing is progressing rapidly. Systems like the Bambu Lab AMS are crucial drivers in making these complex processes accessible to a wider audience and increasing the efficiency of 3D printing. I am personally excited to see how the technology evolves in the coming years.
While classic AMS systems have their strengths in reliability and user-friendliness, toolchanger systems and novel concepts like the Bambu Lab H2C show the potential for a drastic reduction in material waste and an acceleration of the printing process. It remains exciting to observe what further innovations the coming years will bring forth in this dynamic field and how the different approaches – from the comfort of the AMS to the efficiency of toolchangers – will continue to develop and possibly merge. Additive manufacturing is becoming increasingly flexible and powerful through these advances, which opens up new possibilities for both creative minds and professional users.
Source: YouTube