If you are buying Bambu Lab filament, you will usually see it sold in one of two formats:
- Spool: filament comes already mounted on a reusable spool
- Refill: filament comes without the outer spool, designed to be loaded onto a reusable spool you already have
This post shows how to tell which one you are holding, and how to load a refill safely.
60 second answer
- If the box says Refill, you need a compatible reusable spool to mount it.
- If the box says Spool, you can load it directly and start printing.
- Refills save waste and are great once you own a few reusable spools, but the first time you install one, follow the steps so it does not unravel.
1) How to tell if it is a spool or a refill
Look for this indicator on the box
What it means
- Spool: ready to use immediately
- Refill: needs to be installed onto a reusable spool before use
Do you already have an empty reusable spool at home? If no, choose a spool format or add a reusable spool.
2) What you need for a refill
You need:
- A Bambu-compatible reusable spool
- The refill filament itself
Example reusable spool options:
- Bambu Lab high temperature reusable spool (good general option):
Bambu Lab High Temperature Reusable Spool - RSP002 | GigaParts.com
Example refill filament (sample product so customers know what to look for):
- PLA Basic refill example:
Bambu Lab PLA Basic Gray 3D Printer Filament 1.75mm 1kg | GigaParts.com
3) How to install a refill onto a reusable spool
Official reference from Bambu Lab:
Bambu Lab Wiki guide for swapping a refill onto a reusable spool:
Before you start
- Work on a flat surface
- Keep the refill’s plastic straps on until the spool is fully closed
- Do not cut anything until the spool halves are locked
Step-by-step
Open the reusable spool
- Twist the spool halves to unlock and separate them.
Find the alignment locator
- There is a locator feature on the spool half that aligns the refill ring correctly.
Seat the refill onto the spool half
- Slide the refill into place while the straps are still on.
- Make sure it sits flat and centered.
Close and lock the spool
- Put the other spool half on and twist until fully locked.
Only now remove the straps
- Remove the straps carefully after the spool is locked.
4) Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Mistake 1: Removing straps too early
What happens: refill expands and can unravel.
Fix: keep straps on until the spool halves are fully locked.
Mistake 2: Spool not fully locked
What happens: feeding issues, tangles, loose winding.
Fix: twist until locked, then press the filament down into the spool.
Mistake 3: Refill not seated flat
What happens: wobble, uneven feeding in AMS systems.
Fix: re-open, align the locator, re-seat, re-lock.
5) Quick FAQ
Do refills work with AMS and AMS Lite?
Yes, when installed on the proper reusable spool and locked correctly. Bambu’s reusable spool system is designed for AMS compatibility.
Should I start with spool or refill?
If it is your first time buying Bambu filament, start with a spool so you have at least one reusable spool available. Then refills become the easy, lower-waste option.