With the AMS (Automatic Material System), Bambu Lab has established a new standard for convenient multi-material 3D printing. However, the concept is proprietary and limited to its own device family. Now the “Box Turtle” project shows that similar functionality can also be realized with open source means – especially for users of Klipper-based systems and DIY printers such as the Voron.
The Box Turtle unit is based almost entirely on 3D-printed components. It sits directly on the printer and offers space for four filament rolls, which are controlled via motorized feeds. LEDs signal which channel is active. Each filament path has its own extruder with manually adjustable pre-tensioning. A buffer between the box and the print head ensures material compensation when changing.
A customized setup is required for operation. The print head must have a PTFE guide, a filament runout sensor and ideally a filament cutter. The latter is crucial, as the filament is cut directly at the toolhead – unlike with the AMS, where the ends are formed in the system. Anyone who has worked with previous MMUs such as the Prusa variant will be familiar with the challenges involved.
The firmware extension is carried out via the AFC clipper add-on, which also comes from the developers of the Box Turtle project. All components and instructions are available under GPL-3.0 on GitHub. The first manufacturers, including LDO, are already offering kits. Testers such as Daniel from ModBot report that assembly and commissioning are easily feasible for experienced hobbyists. However, calibration requires time and fine-tuning.
In operation, the system looks very similar to Bambu Lab’s AMS. Technically, however, it differs in its decentralized structure and open software stack. Box Turtle thus complements existing open source solutions such as the Enraged Rabbit Carrot Feeder and also brings functional multi-material management to self-built printers. If you are prepared to invest time in the development and setup, you have a versatile alternative to the proprietary competition.
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