Bambu Lab TPU Feed Assist Module for H2/X1/P1/P2S Series

TPU Printing, Not A Hassle Anymore.

Simplify Your TPU Feeding Path.

Important Notice Before Purchase

 1. This product provides core extruder components, main control board and various connectors, which need to be assembled by printing the TPU Feed Assist Module Housing and Frame by yourself.

 
2. The TPU Feed Assist Module can be installed on either the left or right hotend:

Installed on the right hotend: the left hotend can still be used normally, for example to print PLA supports for TPU.

Installed on the left hotend: dual-hotend printing is not supported, as the left hotend's vertical movement may cause unstable TPU feeding and increase the risk of clogging.
 
3. The TPU Feed Assist Module must be used with an external spool holder. AMS automatic loading/unloading is not supported. To keep the filament dry, you can feed the filament via the AMS HT TPU outlet.

TPU Printing, Not A Hassle Anymore

Forget the constraints of top-mounted spools or perfectly aligning your filament rack. The TPU Feed Assist Module gives you back your workspace. Now, you can keep your TPU in a side-mounted dry box or any convenient location without worrying about feed path friction. True freedom of placement, zero compromise on convenience.

Compatibility   

H2 Series/X1 Series/P1 Series/P2S

In the Box

TPU Feed Assist Module Assembly & Usage Guide

This article will tell you in detail how to assemble and use the TPU assist module.

The TPU Feed Assist Module is an enhanced component designed for flexible filament.
This kit provides core extruder components, main control board and various connectors, which need to be assembled by printing the shell and frame by yourself.

Improved Reliability: 

It stops flexible filament from tangling or snapping, making your TPU prints much more likely to succeed.

Easier Loading:

It simplifies the setup by letting you feed filament directly from a dedicated port or a sealed dry box.

FAQ: TPU Feed Assist Module（Click here to view）

1. Can the TPU Feed Assist Module be connected to the left hotend for use?

Yes. However, when the TPU Feed Assist Module is connected to the left hotend, only single-material printing is supported, and dual-hotend mixed printing is not available. This is because the left hotend needs to lift and lower during multi-material printing, which is likely to cause TPU filament clogging.

2. When the assist module is connected to the right hotend, can the left hotend print support filaments?

Yes. The left hotend can print rigid support filaments without affecting the flexible filament printing of the right hotend.

3. Is it necessary to update the printer to a specific firmware version to use this assist module?

No. The assist module is only powered by the printer and has no communication interaction with the printer.

4. If the AMS connected to the printer has no extra interfaces, can the assist module be connected to the 6PIN interface on the AMS?

Yes. A 6PIN to 4PIN adapter is included in the kit, and the assist module can be powered by the 6PIN interface of the AMS through this adapter.

5. What is the softest TPU filament model supported by the TPU Feed Assist Module?

85A. Using TPU filament with a lower hardness may cause filament winding in the module.

6. What is the hardest TPU filament model supported by the TPU Feed Assist Module?

95A-HF. This module is optimized exclusively for flexible filaments. It is not recommended to use filaments with a hardness higher than 95A-HF, otherwise filament planing may occur.

7. Must this module be used with the TPU high-flow hotend?

No. The TPU high-flow hotend is only compatible with H2D series printers and must be installed on the right hotend. The TPU Feed Assist Module can be used independently, and the printing effect is better when used with the high-flow hotend.

Applicable models

Bambu Lab H2 Series , X series, P series

Notes：

1.When the left hotend of the H2D/C is connected to the TPU Feed Assist Module, multi-color or multi-material printing is not supported (the left and right hotends cannot be used simultaneously). This is because the lifting movement of the left hotend will affect the feeding stability of the assist module, which in turn leads to extruder clogging.

2.The TPU Feed Assist Module must be used with an external spool holder, and does not support the automatic loading and unloading function of AMS. It only supports manual feeding through the TPU-dedicated filament outlet of AMS HT.

3.If any abnormality or malfunction occurs during use, please refer to the troubleshooting document: TPU Feed Assist Module - Common troubleshooting Steps.

Preparation

Hardware List

Printed Parts List

It is recommended to print the parts in PETG for better strength and durability.
Use a dark color for the main body of the power module, and white for the light guide column ( Part No 4 in the image below ) to provide better light passtrough for the board LED.

Note: The bracket model (No. 1) differs according to the 3D printer model, please ensure you print the correct bracket for your 3D printer.

TPU Feed Assist Module Installation

Step 1. Prepare the Printed Parts

Take out the printed Shell (printed part No.6) and Back Cover (printed part No.3) and remove the support structures in 5 positions as shown in the image below.

Step 2. Insert the Printed Buttons

Align the 3 buttons (printed part No.7) separately with the button mounting holes on the upper frame (printed part No.5) and gently press them into place.
They should look like the image on the right.

Step 3. Install the Button switch plates

Mount the 3 button switch plates to the switch plate mounting positions on the upper frame.

Important note: Ensure the button switch plates are positioned as shown.

Use the six BT2.6x8 screws to tighten the 3 button switch plates (2 screws for each).

⚠️Warning: Do not overtighten the screws as you can damage the printed parts.

After installation, press each button with your finger to check if it feels normal, they should feel springy and should rebound quickly and without stuttering.

Step 4. Connect the Buttons

Take out the 1-to-4 cable and connect one end of the cable to the interface of the 3 key switch boards in the color order shown in the figure below.

⚠️Warning: The cable sequence must be consistent with the color diagram, and the wrong connection will cause the module to start and stop abnormally, and the keys to fail.

Step 5. Install the extruder unit

Align the pre-assembled extruder assembly with the extruder mounting position on the upper frame and gently push it in to ensure that the extruder is perfectly aligned with the positioning marked below.

Step 6. Route the cables

Start to organize the cables, and snap the button switch cables and motor cables into the cable management buckle of the upper frame one by one to avoid being squeezed later by the housing.

Locate the black wire of the 1-to-4 cable and connect it to the interface of the Hall board.

Step 7. Assemble the upper and lower frame

Align the lower frame with the shown position of the upper frame, then use 2 BT3x10 screws to lock the fixing holes of the upper and lower frames respectively.

Step 7. Install the main control board

Remove the protective tape from the back of the main control board and align the main control board with the mounting position of the lower frame, using BT3x10 screws, secure the main control board to the lower frame.

Step 8. Connect the extruder motor

Insert the motor cable of the extruder assembly into the corresponding motor interface on the main control board to ensure that the connector is plugged in tightly and not loose.

Step 9. Install the LED light

Install the LED light in the lower position and the white Light guide column (printed part No. 4) to the upper part to ensure a tight fit.

Step 10. Tidy the cables

Insert the other end of the 1-to-4 cable into the corresponding interface on the main control board, and then arrange the cables into the cable routing slot.

 Important note: Do not extend the wiring harness beyond the PCB board to avoid the cable being crushed by the enclosure.

Step 11. Close the enclosure

Insert the Shell (printed part No. 6) into the assembled power module body to ensure that the housing fits with the upper and lower frames.

Step 11.1 Insert the screws

Use 4 BT2.6x8 screws to align the 4 fixing holes of the case and lock them one by one.

Step 11.2 Install the cover

Align the Back cover (printed part No. 3) with the mounting positions on the rear of the module and use 4 BT2.6x8 screws to tighten the back cover one by one.

After assembly, the TPU feed assist Module should look like the image below.

Step 12. Install the kit on your 3D printer

Select a tab to choose a machine model. 

H2 Series

Locate 1 set screw on the right side of the printer backplate and unscrew it with an H2.0 Allen screwdriver to keep the screws safe (to avoid losing them).

Align the Feed Assist Module bracket ( printed part No. 1) with the mounting position on the printer backplate, then use the ST3x12 screws to rescrew and lock the bracket to secure it in place.

Locate the TPU feed port of the extruder on the right side of the printer, thread the PTFE tube of the extruder on the right through this feed, and install the single pass connector to the tube.

Note：

Note: The single pass connector needs to be distinguished in the direction, the black end is the feeding port and should be facing the TPU feed assist module, the blue end is the out port, it should be facing the H2 rear panel. do not install it backwards.

Take the [ 275 mm ] long tube and attach one end of it to the black inlet end of the single-pass fitting;

Then connect one end of the 4PIN cable to the TPU feed assist module.

Note: Only a 275 mm PTFE tube is supported here. A tube that is too long or too short may cause excessive feeding resistance.

Align the TPU feed assist module with the mounting position of the bracket, gently insert and fix it;

Then connect the other end of the long tube to the outlet of the power module.

Finally, connect the other end of the 4PIN cable to the printer's 4PIN interface.

Note: If you do not have a 4PIN connector on the rear of the printer body, you can use a 4PIN to 6PIN adapter to connect the 4PIN cable to the AMS.

Connect one end of the [ 160 mm ] PTFE tube to the TPU feed assist module.

P2S

The external spool holder base of the P2S combo version is default installed on the left side and needs to be mounted to the right side.

Attach the dedicated P2S bracket to the printer, connect the [ 160 mm ] PTFE tube and insert the TPU feed assist module into the bracket. Since P2S does not have a 4PIN interface, it is necessary to use a 6PIN to 4PIN adapter.

Note after installation:

Check that the TPU bracket is securely fastened and properly plugged in.

Your set-up should look like the image below:

X1C/P1S

Cut the included [ 275 mm ] PTFE tube to [ 200 mm ].

Align the PTFE tube with the dedicated X / P Series bracket notch and cut it according to the position shown:.

Remove the original filament holder fixing screws and use ST3×12 screws to fix the new bracket directly;

Connect one end of the [ 200 mm ] PTFE tube to the printer inlet and the other end to the TPU feed assist module,

Your set-up should look like the image below:

If your model is a P1P, you can directly connect the inlet to the TPU power assist using a shorter 160 mm tube.

How To Use

Description of key functions

1. Unload button:

Click this button to enter the return mode and cooperate with the printer to complete the discharge operation. Press the button again to stop the return.

2. Indicator light: 

Used to indicate the current working status of the power assist module. (solid on, flashing)

3. Feed button: 

Click this button to enter the feeding mode and turn on the power function; Press the button again to end the assist function.

4. Gear observation window:

 can intuitively observe the rotation status of the internal extrusion gear and judge whether the feeding/discharging is normal.

5. Power adjustment button: 

used to adjust the power force, it needs to be used with the feed button and the return button.

6. Outlet: 

Used to connect the printer toolhead, from where the filaments are fed into the printer.

7. Feed port: 

for connection to the AMS HT TPU discharge port or external filaments.

TPU feed assist module calibration

When used for the first time, the module indicator may flash continuously, which means that the module is not calibrated or the calibration has failed;

At this time, although the filament can be fed, there is no power closed-loop function, and the power cannot be adjusted, so it needs to be calibrated.

Before calibration, make sure there instalation instructions for your 3D printer have been correctly followed.

1. Prepare a section of PLA or PETG hard filament,

2. press and hold the feed and unload buttons of the module with your fingers at the same time,

3. the indicator light will flash quickly to indicate that the module has entered the calibration state.

4. Align one end of the prepared hard filament with the feeding port of the TPU feed assist module, insert it gently, and the module will automatically feed the filament into the extruder.

When the module indicator light goes off, it means that the calibration is complete;

Click the unload button to unload the filament used for calibration, and the calibration process is finished.

Load Filament

Prepare a short section of PTFE tube, bend it slightly, and insert it into the shown port at the rear of the AMS HT;

Load the TPU trought the rear of the AMS HT and trought the small piece of PTFE tube.

Click the feed button on the TPU feed assist module, the indicator light is always on, which means that the module enters the power state, and the module will automatically turn on the feed assist function.

One end of the TPU filament is fed into the power module, which will automatically pulled into the extruder.

Next, click on the load button on the printer screen, observe the printer nozzle, and confirm if the filament has been extruded.

After completing the feeding, you are ready to start printing!

Unload Filament

⚠️ Warning:

Please be sure to follow the steps below for unloading filaments, as the wrong operation sequence will cause filaments to get stuck or fail to unload.

First, click the feed button of the power module, turn off the power mode (the LED light is off), and unplug the PTFE tube at the feed port of the toolhead.

The purpose of unplugging the PTFE tube: to help release filament tension inside the PTFE tube. If the filament is not removed and the material is unloaded using the machine screen, the extruder of the assist module will remain stopped, while the extruder at the head of the tool will force the retraction action.

Next, tap Unload on the printer screen.

When the pop-up prompt "Please pull out the filament from the right extruder external tray" (1),

Click the assist module unload button, the LED light will be on, and the filament will slowly exit from the printer toolhead.

After the filament is completely unloaded, manually spool it into the AMS HT;

Click the "Finished, Continue" (2) button on the screen,

Finally, the toolhead PTFE tube can be connected back.

How does it work?

The working principle of the TPU feed assist module is similar to that of the buffer:

when the filament is loaded, the thrust of the filament will act on the spring plate inside the module, causing the spring plate to be deformed; The module accurately judges the magnitude of the pushing force by detecting the deformation of the spring plate.

Through closed-loop control technology, the module can adjust the power of the pushing force according to different gears, avoiding stuttering and breakage of TPU, improving printing stability.

Note:

The unload pneumatic joint of the block is connected with the spring plate as one, avoid exerting unecessary froces on it. Otherwise it will cause the module to detect abnormally and cannot work normally.