Third-Party Filament Identification AMS Plus
AMS Plus is a third-party filament identification system for Bambu Lab AMS. It enables the Bambu Lab AMS to automatically identify (RFID) third-party filaments and apply parameters.
AMS Plus
AMS Plus is an expansion device for the Bambu 3D printer Automatic Material System (AMS), designed to support automatic identification of third-party filaments (~Down with the evil Bambu~).
Project repository: https://github.com/Hades2001/AMSPlusCore, including software/hardware/installation manual/user manual/frontend build
AMS Plus Features:
- Non-invasive design: AMS Plus uses wireless power, requiring no modification to the original structure.
- Real-time display: The screen shows current filament information as well as the temperature and humidity inside the AMS.
- Third-party filament identification: Uses NTAG technology, writing tags via a mobile app.
Design Intent
It must be admitted that Bambu’s AMS is a disruptive design that has brought multi-color 3D printing to ordinary users. However, automatic filament identification only works with Bambu’s official filaments; third-party filaments must be manually set in the interface to take effect, which is very unfriendly for users who frequently change filaments (yes, I’m just lazy). So, could we design a system that allows the AMS to recognize third-party filaments?
First Attempt
Initially, I hoped to avoid any modification to the AMS and use simulated NTAG cards to deceive the AMS operation (AMS automatic identification uses two internal NTAG readers working with tags on both sides of the filament).
Based on this repository https://github.com/Bambu-Research-Group/RFID-Tag-Guide, I attempted to reverse-engineer Bambu’s NTAG tags. However, as described in the repository, the NTAG performs data verification and uses RSA encryption. I tried using CUID blank cards to copy the official NTAG, but it seems that due to an AMS firmware update, CUID-type cards are detected (), and the copied NTAG cannot be used.
Second Attempt
After the failure of copying the official NTAG, the project stalled until a brainstorming session with a friend: “Why not build another reading system?” Yes, why not build another reading system? Conventional NTAG tags are inexpensive, the NTAG215 card has sufficient write capacity, and NTAG reader technology is very mature. So, at the end of 2024, I attempted to start again.
The solution works because Bambu’s 3D printers support MQTT messaging, through which filament information can be set. With this method, an external identification system can obtain filament information and write it to the printer via MQTT messages (since February 2025, Bambu has disabled third-party device access to MQTT; users must manually enable developer mode to use MQTT devices ).
The system framework uses two RC522 chips to read four filament spools. By using different NTAG payload contents on both sides of the filament, two readers can read the position and content of four filaments. The main controller remains our old friend, the ESP32S3. The device block diagram is as follows:
Of course, the design bottom line is to avoid any destructive modification to the AMS as much as possible, so the system uses wireless power. An external wireless coil powers the internal device, avoiding the need to disassemble the AMS and connect electrical wiring. A small screen is also designed to display AMS information.
NTAG tags use a JSON payload with custom data recording filament information. Since the filament payload is defined, a frontend web page is created to generate filament information.
Mainboard
The mainboard is very simple, basically consisting only of the main controller and power supply section.
NTAG Reader
The reader uses a commercially available RC522 module, fixed to the AMS via two snap-fit brackets, and connected to the AMS Plus host via a 7-pin cable.
Finally, a GUI is designed for the screen.
Device configuration uses the ESP’s built-in web page to set Wi-Fi information, printer information, etc.
Since the filament payload is defined, a frontend web page is created to generate filament information. The frontend is built using the VUE framework.
Of course, we cannot forget to create installation and usage instructions for the project.
AMS Plus is fully open source, and all information can be found on the project GitHub, including software/hardware/installation manual/user manual/frontend build
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