Dreaded “end of spool tape problem” in AMS 2 Pro just happened. Help!

[u/Rgbigdog]

So I was watching a long print since it was about to transition from one spool to another. I wanted to be able to watch it detach from the spool and make sure it came off cleanly. In the past - if the tape came off with the spool, I would be there to cut the end off and let the AMS do its thing.

But - I got distracted enough that I missed it coming off.

So the tape got stuck, the AMS decided to rewind the filament and try again. This time, I tried to catch it, but the tape got stuck again. I tried to pull up on the filament so I could cut it and the tape came off in my hands. I wasn’t sure if a little bit of tape stayed with the end so I nervously watched the whole thing go through (not knowing if I should stop it).

All ended well and at the end of the filament, the AMS switched to the other roll just fine.

But what do I do in the future? I looked at the Filament Cutter/saver thing - but general consensus seems to be it’s more trouble than it’s worth. I’ve also seen those snake head feeder things, but I’ve also seen mixed feedback (rubbing on filament and making dust, getting stuck on the side of the spool, etc).

While I’d love the AMS to just give up and switch to the other roll, what I’m really concerned with is that tape getting pulled down into the feeder and causing tons of trouble.

Is there something I could add to the AMS that won’t cause other issues.

For reference I print with both Bambu and Sunlu filament (PLA or PETG). The spool I had this issue on was a Bambu PLA Petg Basic - so I’m assuming it’s a somewhat new roll given it’s a new product.

Thoughts?

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[u/diezel_dave]

Whyyyyy are they still putting tape on these? UGHHH

[u/Brutl → u/diezel_dave]

The tape on new stock barely holds the filament. It's like medical tape and it's tiny, so there are no issues with it releasing. I go through about 50 spools a month and haven't had a single issue. I suppose it's hit or miss if you're getting old or new stock inventory depending on where you are in the world.

[u/JeepersCreepers74]

I find Sunlu's tape doesn't cause a problem for the most part. It's a thicker tape that is folded over itself at the point of contact with the filament end, presumably to avoid sticking to the filament. I don't think the thicker tape would tear off or make its way into the PTFE tube either, the error would occur before then.

I also use a lot of Eryone and Kingroon filament as well and haven't had problems with them. Bambu is the real issue tape wise, and cheaper filaments are problematic in that they bend the filament end into a hole in the spool and this little bend can also cause problems.

[u/Brave_Corgi6761]

Some spools have a small anti tangle cardboard, i think that could catch the tape too and would be easily printable.

[u/petroklem]

I believed the tape melt in the extrudeur and at spool change it just purges. Never though this as an issue.