If you own a Bambu Lab A1 Mini, you probably love its speed, reliability, and the ability to print in multiple colors using the AMS Lite. But there’s one downside many users discover quickly: the AMS Lite takes up a lot of desk space.
For makers working in small workshops or compact desks, this can become a real problem. The AMS Lite sits beside the printer, limiting where you can place it and making the setup feel less clean and portable.
So I decided to try something different.
In my latest video, I replace the AMS Lite with a BMCU 370C multi-color unit mounted directly on top of the printer’s Z axis. The result? A compact multicolor setup that actually integrates with the printer instead of occupying your workspace.
🎥 Watch the full installation guide here:
Why Replace the AMS Lite?
The AMS Lite works well, but depending on your setup it may not be the most practical solution.
Here are a few reasons why some users might consider an alternative:
- Desk space usage – the AMS Lite requires a separate area next to the printer.
- Limited mobility – moving the printer becomes more complicated.
- Workspace clutter – cables and filament paths spread across the desk.
For small maker spaces or minimalist setups, mounting a multicolor system directly on the printer can be a much cleaner solution.
The Alternative: Creativity BMCU 370C
The BMCU 370C is a compact multi-color filament management system designed to work with different printers. Instead of sitting on the desk like the AMS Lite, it can be mounted directly on the printer frame.
In this project, I installed the assembled version of the BMCU 370C and mounted it on the Z-axis of the A1 Mini using a custom 3D printed bracket.
This approach creates a much more integrated setup where everything sits neatly on the printer itself.
🌈 If you want to check the BMCU 370C:
Get the Creativity BMCU 370C
What I Cover in the Video
In the video, I walk through the entire process from start to finish so you can see exactly how the setup works in practice.
The guide includes:
- Why the AMS Lite becomes inconvenient in smaller workspaces
- Unboxing the BMCU 370C (assembled version)
- Why mounting it on the Z-axis makes sense
- Installing the 3D printed bracket
- Proper PTFE tube routing
- Configuring the BMCU
- Running test prints with real color changes
This gives you a realistic look at the setup and helps you decide whether it might work for your own printer.
The Z-Axis Mounting Bracket
The key component that makes this setup possible is a custom bracket designed to mount the BMCU directly onto the printer’s Z axis.
The bracket used in my setup was designed by KStudio and is available on MakerWorld.
🔧 Bracket used in the video:
Mounting Bracket for BMCU 370C – A1 Mini
This bracket allows the unit to sit securely above the printer, keeping filament paths short and organized.
A Real Issue I Ran Into (And My Temporary Fix)
One thing I always try to do in my videos is show the real experience — including problems.
During the installation, I ran into a fitment issue with the bracket. It didn’t align perfectly with my setup, so I had to apply a temporary fix to make everything work properly.
I explain exactly what happened and how I solved it so you know what to expect if you attempt this modification yourself.
This kind of real-world feedback can save other makers a lot of time and frustration.
Testing the Multicolor Setup
Once the installation was complete, it was time for the fun part: multicolor printing tests.
I ran several prints with real color changes to verify:
- Filament switching reliability
- PTFE routing efficiency
- Print quality consistency
The compact design worked surprisingly well and made the overall setup feel much cleaner compared to the AMS Lite on the desk.
The New Challenge: Filament Storage
While the new setup saves a lot of desk space, it introduces a new question:
Where do you store your filament spools?
Since the BMCU sits directly on the printer, you still need a practical way to organize and manage multiple filament spools nearby.
This opens up new possibilities for creative filament storage solutions, which might become a future project.
Is This Upgrade Worth It?
This modification definitely won’t be for everyone.
But if you:
- Work in a small workspace
- Want a cleaner multicolor setup
- Prefer your accessories mounted directly on the printer
then replacing the AMS Lite with a BMCU 370C mounted on the Z axis can be a very interesting alternative.
Watch the Full Installation Guide
If you want to see the complete process step by step, including installation, routing, configuration, and real test prints, check out the video below:
▶ Watch: How to Install a BMCU 370C on the Bambu Lab A1 Mini
If you enjoy 3D printing upgrades, tutorials, and creative projects, make sure to follow the channel for more content.
I hope you found this post useful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me on my Instagram profile: Frikarte3D Happy Printing! 😊
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