5 Port Complete Replacement AMS Lite Filament Hub

5 Port Complete Replacement AMS Lite Filament Hub Kit

If you want to run an external spool on your A1 or A1 mini without using cumbersome adapters, then look no further! 

Only need 4 ports? New 4 port hub here: https://makerworld.com/en/models/1496811-4-port-complete-replacement-ams-lite-filament-hub#profileId-1565295

***NOTE: In order for the PC4-M6 connectors to work properly, you need to use STRAIGHT THROUGH ones. Standard/cheap ones have an internal lip the filament will get hung up on.***

V4 - Finally, here is the often-requested PC4-M6 compatible version! Re-designed upper section adds room for the screw-in PC4-M6 connectors. Redesigned PTFE support guide plate to match the new spacing. All other elements are the same. If you already have V3 and would like to upgrade to V4, you only need to print the two parts included in the upgrade profile. Assembly is the same as the previous version, but you'll need to purchase PC4-M6 connectors, and install the center one first. Enjoy! 

V3 - This update adds an integrated bolt-on PTFE Tube Guide to the Support Structure. It is designed to keep your tubes going straight into the 5 Port Buffer for maximum filament control and stability. If you've already printed V2, then you can just print the V3 upgrade kit which only replaces the support structure. The 5 Port Buffer model itself has not been changed. 

V2 -  The Same updated 5 port design, but now featuring an integrated support structure that bolts onto the print head using the two existing locations! This keeps the hub from moving laterally, but is fully unrestricted in the Z axis! Uses 2mm longer screws which can be found in the “For Scraper” baggie that came with your printer! This also now includes a 6 way clamp, in the same style as the Bambu one but with an added hole in the center for your 5th PTFE tube. 

V1- The original updated 5 port design with no support structure, This also now includes a 6 way clamp, in the same style as the Bambu one but with an added hole in the center for your 5th PTFE tube.

This 5 port AMS Lite hub is a complete, permanent replacement for the 4 port hub that came with your printer. It functions exactly as the original did, but gives you a 5th port for your TPU and abrasive filaments, with a direct shot straight into the extruder with zero added friction!

Installation is as easy as removing your old hub, swapping the magnet over to the new one, and reinstalling it along with the support structure! It's Designed to be light and strong; it only weighs (11 grams for V1, 18g for V2) and prints in under (1.5h for V1, 2.3h for V2) with no supports needed. You can print this out of any material, but my profile is set up to use PLA. Bambu PLA Basic Light Grey is a PERFECT match for the color of the A1 series!

To install, you will need:

1. For V2, you will need two 2mm longer screws that are mounted right behind the hub. These screws can be found in the scraper kit that came with your printer, in a baggy labeled “For Scraper”. Just remove the two silver screws, and install the new Support Structure with the two 2mm longer black screws. 
2.  QTY 5 plastic 4mm Bowden tube couplers, these are super cheap just about anywhere. Here's what I used:
   1. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CY4XLC2W?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
3. You will need to swap the magnet over from your original hub. This is really easy, just follow these instructions:
   1. First, mark the lower half of the magnet with a fine tip sharpie, as orientation of the magnet is crucial.
   2. Push the magnet out of your original hub with something pointy or a small screw driver. They aren't glued in and it doesn't take much force at all. 

   3. Insert the magnet into the new hub oriented exactly as it was when you removed it. Make sure the marker you applied is visible on the bottom. 

      

4. Put a bit of lubricant on the lower portion of the new hub that goes into the print head, you'll notice your old one was covered in it. 
5. Reinstall into the printer exactly as the old one came out, and install your center tube first.
6. Install your 4 AMS Lite tubes.
7. Start printing! 
   1. If you want to use the center tube, push the external filament into your new 5th tube and select load filament. Set the filament type on the printer interface, and when you slice and send your file, be sure to un-check “Use AMS”.
   2. When you're done using the external spool, click “Unload Filament” and continue to use your AMS Lite as normal. 

Be sure to check out my new AMS Lite vertical stand:

https://makerworld.com/en/models/1334930-ams-lite-vertical-stand-uses-a-bambu-spool-base#profileId-1374023

AMS Lite Handle Kit!

https://makerworld.com/en/models/1335057-the-ultimate-ams-lite-2-piece-handle-kit#profileId-1374152

Enjoy!

-Rob, SGW