HACManchester · drmattpickford-maker · Mar 8, 2026 · Mar 8, 2026 · Jul 12, 2026 · Aug 6, 2026
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+title: 3D Printers (FDM)
+nav:
+  - Overview: overview.md
+  - Self-Induction Handbook: induction.md
+  - Printer Rules: printer_rules.md
+  - Getting Started: getting_started.md
+  - Filament Guide: filament.md
+  - Slicing Guides:
+      - PrusaSlicer: prusaslicer.md
+      - Bambu Studio: bambu_studio.md
+  - Printer Reference:
+      - Prusa MK4: prusa_mk4.md
+      - Bambu P1S and P2S: bambu_p1s_p2s.md
+      - AMS 2 Pro: ams2pro.md
+      - Connect Your Computer to the Printers: connecting.md
+  - Troubleshooting: troubleshooting.md
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+# Using the AMS 2 Pro
+
+The Automatic Material System feeds filament to HacMan's Bambu printers.
+
+<figure>
+  <img src="images/fdm-ams2pro-spools-loaded-correctly.jpg" alt="AMS 2 Pro loaded with spools">
+  <figcaption>The AMS 2 Pro feeds filament to the Bambu printers. Spools must sit correctly and rotate freely.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+## Before use
+
+- Confirm the intended spool and material.
+- Check that the spool fits and rotates freely.
+- Cut a damaged filament end cleanly.
+- Close the lid fully.
+- Confirm the material and colour shown in Bambu Studio.
+- Bambu RFID spools can populate material details automatically. Other brands need manual material and colour setup.
+
+## Loading filament
+
+1. Open the AMS lid.
+2. Place the spool in an empty slot so that it can rotate freely, with the filament feeding over the top of the spool towards the inlet.
+3. Cut the filament end cleanly.
+4. Gently push the grey feeder tab at the front of the slot.
+5. Feed the filament into that slot's inlet until the AMS detects it and starts loading.
+6. Stop pushing once the AMS motor has gripped the filament.
+7. Confirm the material and colour shown on the printer or in Bambu Studio before printing.
+8. Bambu RFID spools can populate this automatically. If using another brand, set or check the slot information manually rather than assuming the previous material and colour are still correct.
+9. Close the AMS lid before starting the print.
+
+## Spool rules
+
+Bare cardboard spools must not be used directly in an AMS. Transfer the filament to a suitable plastic spool or fit approved adapter rings.
+
+TPU must only be used in the AMS if it is specifically marked as suitable for AMS use. Standard flexible TPU should be printed without the AMS to avoid feed problems and clogs.
+
+AMS compatibility is not the same as nozzle compatibility. Flexible, absorbent, brittle, very stiff, rough or fibre-filled filaments can cause AMS feeding problems even if the printer nozzle can print them. If the spool or filament does not feed smoothly, stop and use the rear spool holder or ask for help.
+
+Do not force oversized, warped, damaged or poorly-wound spools into the AMS. The spool must fit cleanly, sit flat and rotate freely.
+
+Metal-filled filament is prohibited on HacMan printers.
+
+<figure>
+  <img src="images/fdm-tpu-cardboard-spool-not-for-ams.jpg" alt="TPU cardboard spool labelled not for AMS">
+  <figcaption>Do not use bare cardboard spools in the AMS. Flexible TPU should only be used in the AMS if specifically marked as AMS-compatible.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+## Unloading filament
+
+Use the unload function on the printer or in Bambu Studio and allow the AMS to retract the filament from the printer back to the AMS.
+
+Once the filament has unloaded:
+
+1. Press the feeder tab for that slot.
+2. Remove the filament by hand.
+3. If there is resistance, do not force it. Ask for help.
+4. Remove the spool.
+5. Secure the free end in the spool holes or retaining clip immediately.
+6. Return Hackspace filament to storage, or take personal filament home or put it in your personal storage area if you have one.
+
+The manufacturer guide notes that the AMS rollers can sometimes remain engaged after an error or power interruption. If the filament does not come out smoothly, stop rather than pulling hard.
+
+<figure>
+  <img src="images/fdm-filament-end-secured-for-storage.jpg" alt="Filament end secured for storage">
+  <figcaption>Secure the free end immediately after unloading filament to prevent tangles.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+Reference: [Bambu Lab - Setup and Filament Loading for the AMS](https://wiki.bambulab.com/x1/manual/ams-setup-and-filament-loading).
+Reference: [Bambu Lab - Notes on the AMS](https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/knowledge-sharing/notes-AMS).
+
+## Errors
+
+If the AMS reports a jam, feeding error or motor problem:
+
+1. Stop the job if necessary.
+2. Read the displayed message.
+3. Check only that the spool can rotate and that there is no obvious external obstruction.
+4. Ask for help if the error remains.
+
+Do not dismantle the AMS or force filament through it.
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+# Using the Bambu P1S and P2S
+
+General rules and preparation are covered in [Getting Started](getting_started.md). This page contains Bambu-specific operation. IP addresses and access codes are kept on [Connect Your Computer to the Printers](connecting.md).
+
+<figure>
+  <img src="images/fdm-bambu-p2s-ams-front.jpg" alt="HacMan Bambu P2S with AMS 2 Pro">
+  <figcaption>A HacMan Bambu P2S fitted with an AMS 2 Pro.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<figure>
+  <img src="images/fdm-bambu-p1s-ams-front.jpg" alt="HacMan Bambu P1S with AMS 2 Pro">
+  <figcaption>The HacMan Bambu P1S fitted with an AMS 2 Pro.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+## Slicing
+
+Use Bambu Studio and select the approved profile for the exact physical printer: P1S or P2S, with a 0.4 mm nozzle. Follow the [Bambu Studio beginner guide](bambu_studio.md).
+
+Confirm the physical build-plate type and filament/AMS mapping before sending the job.
+
+## Filament sources
+
+Use the [AMS 2 Pro](ams2pro.md) or the rear spool holder. Never force filament into a feed path.
+
+Bare cardboard spools are prohibited in the AMS.
+
+Abrasive filaments are not compatible with the AMS 2 Pro. Print them from the rear spool holder instead.
+
+Flexible filaments are not compatible with the AMS 2 Pro unless the filament is specifically labelled as suitable for AMS use.
+
+To load an AMS slot, place the spool in the slot, press the grey feeder tab and feed the filament in until the AMS detects it and starts feeding automatically. Do not also run the printer's manual load command.
+
+After loading or changing spools, check the material recorded for every slot and synchronise Bambu Studio before slicing.
+
+<figure>
+  <img src="images/fdm-ams2pro-spools-loaded-correctly.jpg" alt="AMS 2 Pro loaded with spools">
+  <figcaption>Check the AMS slots before printing and synchronise the filament information in Bambu Studio.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+## Materials
+
+ABS and ASA may be printed only on these enclosed, carbon-filtered printers. Metal-filled filament is prohibited.
+
+The Bambu printers have hardened nozzles, but AMS compatibility is stricter than printer compatibility. If a material is abrasive, flexible, brittle, rough or otherwise unusual, use the rear spool holder or ask before using it with the AMS.
+
+## Starting a print
+
+In Bambu Studio's send dialog, confirm:
+
+- the intended physical printer;
+- build-plate type;
+- nozzle/profile;
+- material and AMS slot mapping; and
+- displayed thumbnail, time and weight.
+
+Do not send to a printer that is busy, out of service or not the one used for slicing. Watch the first layer after starting.
+
+<figure>
+  <img src="images/fdm-bambu-studio-send-print-job-dialog.png" alt="Bambu Studio send print job dialog">
+  <figcaption>Before sending a Bambu print, check the printer, plate type and filament mapping.</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+## Faults
+
+Do not dismantle the enclosure, print head, feeder or AMS. Do not update firmware or change machine-wide settings unless authorised. Stop and report errors that are not resolved by the basic on-screen procedure.
+
+Do not change the shared access code, disable LAN mode or bind a printer to a personal account.