Characteristics of the AMS printing with Soft TPU's

The AMS 1 and AMS 2 are precision-engineered systems designed for rigid filaments such as PLA and ABS. However, for users who want to push beyond the machine's intended limitations, TPU offers exciting possibilities — and unique challenges.

Feeding Behavior & What to Expect

When the AMS (particularly the AMS 1) attempts to feed TPU into the print head, it will likely make multiple attempts before establishing a consistent feed. This is normal. The flexibility that makes TPU a desirable printing material is the same property that makes it resistant to reliable automated feeding.

Minor adjustments will almost certainly be required. Focus your attention on three areas:

• The Feeder Unit — tension settings will need to be dialed in specific to your filament and environment
• The 4-in-1 Hub — a common and often overlooked point of failure for soft filaments
• The Print Head — retraction and feed settings may need to be modified from standard profiles

The Role of Temperature

Ambient temperature has a direct impact on TPU's physical properties. As temperature decreases, TPU becomes stiffer and more rigid — which actually improves feeding consistency. With that in mind:

• Printing in a warmer environment? Try cooling your workspace or the filament itself before your print run.
• Printing in a cooler environment? You already have an advantage — expect more consistent results.

A Note on Our Modification Kits

These kits are not a universal solution. You are modifying a machine to perform outside of its original design parameters. Success requires patience, experimentation, and a willingness to tune settings specific to your machine and environment. There is no single configuration that works for everyone.

Test. Tune. Repeat.