PlateCycler C1 is an automatic build plate changer designed for the Bambu Lab A1. It ejects the finished build plate, brings a fresh plate into position, and starts the next print for a more continuous multi-plate workflow.
This PlateCycler C1 installation and setup guide walks you through mounting the hardware, loading build plates, configuring AMS placement, running the self-test, preparing 3MF files, and starting remote prints on your Bambu Lab A1. If you are new to automated multi-plate printing, see our guide to continuous batch printing on the Bambu Lab A1.
1. Prepare Your Bambu Lab A1 for PlateCycler C1 Installation
Before you begin, check that all required PlateCycler C1 parts and hardware are included.
Prepare your Bambu Lab A1 for installation. Remove the build plate, unload the filament, and power off the printer.
Once the printer is powered off and clear, you can begin installing PlateCycler C1.
2. Assemble the PlateCycler C1 Heated Bed Tail Clamp
This step uses the Wire Clip, A1 Rear Bracket Assembly, Tray Base Latch, and A1 Base Mount.
Attach the Wire Clip
Position the Wire Clip in the square recess on the A1 Base Mount with the raised side facing upward. Secure it with one M3×8 FHSCS self-tapping screw (short) using a 2.5 mm hex wrench.
Attach the Rear Bracket Assembly
Snap the A1 Rear Bracket Assembly onto the A1 Base Mount. Turn the assembly over, then tighten the four M3×8 FHSCS self-tapping screws (short) using a 2.5 mm hex wrench.
Secure the Tray Base Latch
Turn the assembly back to the front. Align the slots on the Tray Base Latch with the A1 Base Mount, then secure it with one M3×12 SHCS screw (long) using a 2.5 mm hex wrench.
The Heated Bed Tail Clamp is now fully assembled.
3. Install the PlateCycler C1 Mounting Components
Locate the Three PlateCycler C1 Mounting Points
Tilt the Bambu Lab A1 slightly to access the underside of the printer.
Move the print bed toward the screen. Identify the center screw at the front of the print bed as Position 1.
Move the print bed away from the screen. Identify the center screw hole on the rear edge of the print bed as Position 2.
Locate the screw hole beside the power cable underneath the printer. This is Position 3.
Remove the screws at Positions 1, 2, and 3 with a 2.0 mm hex wrench. Keep the original screws in a safe place for future use.
Attach the A1 Push Plate Mount
Align the round pin on the A1 Push Plate Mount with the screw hole at Position 1. Secure the mount with one M3×12 SHCS screw (long) using a 2.5 mm hex wrench.
Use a 2.0 mm hex wrench to adjust the screws on both sides of the mount. Tightening the screws raises the mount, while loosening them lowers it.
Adjust the mount until its bottom sits close to the heated bed. Leave a small clearance so the print platform can move smoothly.
Attach the Hanger Assembly
Move the print bed away from the screen.
Position the two hooks of the Hanger Assembly directly above the heated bed. Align the small hole at the end opposite the wheel with Position 2, keeping the wheel facing upward.
Secure the Hanger Assembly with one M3×13 SHCS screw (long) using a 2.5 mm hex wrench.
Attach the Heated Bed Tail Clamp
Move the print bed toward the screen to expose the two guide rails.
Align the two raised dots on the upper tail of the assembled Heated Bed Tail Clamp with the guide rails. Then align the raised dot on the lower tail with Position 3.
Snap the Heated Bed Tail Clamp onto the printer and press the rail clips firmly until they are fully seated.
Finally, secure the wire from the tail of the print bed in the Wire Clip.
4. Load Build Plates for Automatic Plate Changing
Place the build plate back on the print bed. Make sure it does not cover the small white blocks on either side of the bed.
Load additional build plates in the same orientation. Up to seven additional print sheets can be stacked for PlateCycler C1.
5. Set Up AMS with PlateCycler C1
PlateCycler C1 supports two AMS placement options. Choose the layout that best fits your Bambu Lab A1 setup while keeping the moving parts clear.
AMS Mounted on Top of the Printer
If the AMS is mounted on top of the printer, move it as far to the left as possible. Make sure the filament spool does not interfere with PlateCycler C1 during operation.
AMS Placed Beside the Printer
If the AMS is placed beside the printer, route the PlateCycler C1 steel cable so it does not become tangled with the PTFE tubes.
6. Run the PlateCycler C1 Self-Test
Before regular use, run the PlateCycler C1 self-test to verify that the automatic plate-changing process works correctly.
Open the PlateCycler C1 website.
Click “Download self-test 3MF file” in the upper-right corner.
Select the self-test 3MF file that matches your printer model.
Import the selected self-test file for your printer.
Open the self-test file on the printer and start the test print.
7. Prepare 3MF Files for PlateCycler C1
Select the file upload box that matches your printer model. If the selected model does not match the upload box, an error message will appear.
Enable “Show Settings” on the right to set the file name and the total number of loops.
The upper-left area shows queue statistics, including Duration, Total Required Plates, and Filament Usage. These values update automatically when you change the total number of loops in the lower-right area.
Drag the modules to change the printing order, then set the number of loops for each plate as needed.
Once the settings are complete, import or send the generated file to the printer.
8. Start Remote Printing with Bambu Studio
Open the downloaded test file, or another file you want to print, in Bambu Studio.
After the file loads, click “Print Plate”, then click “Send” to transfer it to the printer.
Once the transfer is complete, start the print from the printer.
Note: Make sure an SD card is inserted when using remote printing.
9. Tips for Reliable PlateCycler C1 Printing
Place a box with a sponge underneath the printer to catch ejected build plates.
Allow enough clearance around the printer for the PlateCycler C1 mechanism and build plates to move freely.
The recommended print volume for this setup is 256 × 256 × 245 mm. Avoid exceeding this range, especially along the Z axis. If a model is taller than 245 mm, the toolhead may collide with it during the plate-changing process.
Models with fragile joints, very thin structures, or tall geometries are not recommended for automatic plate changing.
For large or long-duration prints, set Plate Cool Down Time to help reduce heat-related warping.
PlateCycler C1 Installation FAQ
How many additional build plates can I load?
You can stack up to seven additional print sheets in the same orientation after placing the first build plate on the print bed.
Can I use AMS with PlateCycler C1?
Yes. The guide supports either placing the AMS on top of the printer or beside it. Keep the filament spool clear of PlateCycler C1, and make sure the steel cable does not become tangled with the PTFE tubes.
How do I test PlateCycler C1 after installation?
Open the PlateCycler C1 website, download the self-test 3MF file for your printer model, import it for the printer, and run the test print to verify the plate-changing process.
What print volume is recommended for PlateCycler C1?
The recommended print volume is 256 × 256 × 245 mm. Avoid models taller than 245 mm because the toolhead may collide with the model during plate changing.
Do I need an SD card for remote printing?
Yes. Make sure an SD card is inserted when using the remote-printing workflow described in this guide.
Watch the PlateCycler C1 Installation Video
Prefer to follow the installation visually? Watch the official PlateCycler C1 installation guide below. The video opens directly at the installation section referenced in this guide.
Watch the PlateCycler C1 installation guide on YouTube
