How Automatic Bed Swapping Works on the Bambu A1
Automatic bed clearing is a process that lets your printer remove the used build plate from the printer and replace it with an empty one after each print. Once the print finishes, the print bed moves to the front of the printer where it catches the bed on a latch mechanism as the print bed pulls backwards it lifts the build plate off the printer and drags it to the front edge of the print bed. The build plate is then dropped off the front of the printer and a new build plate is retrieved from the back of the printer and slid into place with a series of back and forth motions programmed into the g-code. Once the build plate is in place the printer is ready to start the next print and repeat the process as long as there are build plates to print on.
Limitations
This auto-clearing setup has a few important mechanical and practical limits.
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Due to the use of the printers range of motion to clear the bed there are bed exclusion areas built into the printer config so the bed does not accidentally collide with parts mid print
What You’ll Need
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Bambu A1 3D Printer
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Bed Swap Kit (3D Printed) – holds the replacement beds and facilitates the process of removing and replacing the beds.
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Bambu Studio printer preset and project file template – preconfigured for automatic clearing behavior
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A1 Bed Swap Kit Hardware – a full list of the necessary hardware can be found and purchased here.
All STL files, printer profiles, and project templates can be downloaded for free here.
Assembling the Kit
Installing the Rear Hook
Remove the center screw from the back of the build plate.
Slide the Rear Hook into place, use one M3x12mm and screw the Rear Hook into the build plate.
Use the included zip tie and put it through the hole in the rear hook, secure it tightly around the bed power cord and cut off the access.
Installing the Build Plate Catch
Remove the center screw from the back of the build plate.
Press the build plate catch into place and use an M3x12mm to secure it.
Assembling the Bed Holder
Install the 2 magnets in the front of the bed holder pressing them in from the top. Then stack 2 magnets together and install them in the rear of the bed holder as shown (For a more secure placement use super glue and make sure the magnets are fully pressed into place). Repeat this step for the mirrored piece.
Slide the dovetails of the Build Plate Holder into the Rear Mount. Make sure they are all the way set in place; this may require heavy pressure or some light help from a hammer. (Repeat for both sides)
Lift the back of the A1 and place the corresponding rear mounts on each side of the printer then place the printer back down on top. The printer should seat fully down with no large gap showing.
Place the brace into place; this is meant to keep the bed holder evenly spaced apart
Installing the Front Hook
Snap the front mount onto the front hook then place the key in to prevent the two pieces from sliding apart over time.
Snap the pivot arm onto the front hook.
Screw the M3x8mm Screw into the shown hole with the spring in place. Then stretch the spring and place it on the spring location on the pivot arm. Then insert the cable housing through the two holes in the front hook make sure to press it firmly until it is tightly seated in place. Feed the cable through the pivot arm and all the way through the cable housing.
Lift the front of the A1 and place the front mount under the printer then place the printer back down on top. The printer should seat fully down with no large gap showing.
Installing the Top Cable Slider
Remove the top cap on the left side of the A1 and remove the outer two screws.
Place the new cap into place and screw it on with the two screws you just removed.
Feed the cable through the hole in the bottom and push the cable housing firmly into place.
Feed the cable through the bottom of the slider and slide the slider down into place. Use the M3x8mm screw to tighten down the cable. Make sure the cable is pulled tight without lifting the pivot hook at the front of the printer.
Place the spring into place on the two hooks.
Installing the Cable Holder
Place the cable housing in the middle of the clip then snap it around the bottom of the side post on the A1
Installing the Bed Clips
Mark out and drill holes in the front edge of the build plate where the bed clip will be located using the guide provided.
Screw the M3x8mm screws into the bed clip and through the print bed.
Configuring Bambu Studio
Loading the Auto Clear Printer Config
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In Bambu Studio, go to File → Import → Import Configs…
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Locate the downloaded printer_presets.zip file included in the project package.
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Click on it to import.
Once imported, the new Build Plate Swapper printer configuration will appear under your User Presets list.
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Select this preset whenever slicing projects that use the bed swapper on the A1 for automatic bed clearing.
What’s Changed
The Build Plate Swapper printer preset includes several key modifications to the standard Bambu Studio start and end G-code to make the clearing sequence possible.
Exclusion Zone
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An exclusion zone has been added to the front and top of the print area to prevent users from placing parts in a region that will cause errors during the print due to the bed swapping design.
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This ensures only printable areas that can be safely printed on are used.
End G-code Changes
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The end sequence now includes a an auto build plate ejection routine
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After the print finishes, the bed moves to the front and pulls the old build plate off with a sequence of forward and backwards motions. The bed then moves to the back and places the next build plate with another sequence of forward and backwards movements.
Project File Template
A preconfigured project file template is included to demonstrate how the auto-clearing process works.
It contains a sample Benchy model, included as a placeholder for testing.
To use the template:
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Download the project file from the same link as the other resources — download here.
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Open it in Bambu Studio.
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Delete the Benchy and replace it with your own models.
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Slice and print to test the complete print → bed removal → auto replacement cycle.
Once verified, this template can serve as a starting point for any print you want to run with automatic clearing enabled.
