MechAMS V2.2 · compared
An AMS lite alternative for the A1 and A1 mini.
The AMS lite is Bambu Lab's own four-spool unit. MechAMS is eight passive filament stations that you print yourself, driven by the printer's own extruder. Here is what each one does, what each one costs, and which one fits you.
Side by side.
| AMS lite | MechAMS V2.2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Colours | 4 at most on the A1 series | 8 |
| Price | €189 | €49 for the files, plus about €20 to €60 in parts |
| What you get | A finished unit, ready to set up | Files you print yourself, and the G-code generator |
| On the printer | Its own 4-pin bus cable | No cable, motor or board: your extruder drives it |
| Change to the printer | None | You file down the end of the extruder gear axle once |
| A spool runs out | Switches to a backup spool | No automatic backup spool |
| Bambu Lab RFID spools | Read and set up for you | You set the filaments in Bambu Studio |
| Purge | Bambu Studio's flushing volumes | Yours to set in the generator, with the pressure relief and the extra load |
| Firmware | Stock | Stock, untouched |
AMS lite details from the Bambu Lab EU store, 21 October 2026. MechAMS parts at eBay.de prices, October 2026, plus the filament you print it from. MechAMS is made by Eyeball Engineering and is not affiliated with Bambu Lab.
Which one fits you.
Take the AMS lite if
- you want it finished out of the box, with nothing to build;
- you print from Bambu Lab spools and want them read for you;
- you want a backup spool to take over when one runs out;
- four colours are enough.
Take MechAMS V2.2 if
- you want up to eight colours on your A1 or A1 mini;
- you would rather print your upgrade than buy it;
- you want nothing electronic added, and stock firmware;
- you like to tune the purge and the change yourself.
How MechAMS changes colour
Your extruder does the work.
The toolhead cuts the filament, docks at the old station to pull it back, docks at the new one to feed the next colour, and purges into a bin at the rear. The G-code generator in your account writes all of it into a printer profile that you pick in Bambu Studio.
A filament change takes 40 to 60 seconds in regular use. Set up for speed, under 30 seconds is possible.
You don't need the AMS Lite or its hub with MechAMS fitted, and no AMS Lite part is reused.
Eight filaments.
The extruder you already own.
Digital files · VAT included · one licence per person
Choose your package · from €49