About this video
Why prime towers waste so much filament
A prime tower gives the nozzle somewhere to purge and stabilize after every filament change in a multicolor print. By default it's printed on every layer, even layers with no color change. If your model only switches color near the top, a thin text cap or a logo for example, most of that tower is wasted plastic and print time.
The fix: No Sparse Layers
- Open your slicer (Bambu Studio is shown) and go to the Others tab of the process settings.
- Find the Prime tower section.
- Turn on No Sparse Layers.
Now the tower is only built on layers that actually have a filament change. Layers without one are skipped, so a model that changes color only at the top uses far less filament for the tower.
Tips
- Place the tower away from the model. Skipping layers means the nozzle travels over and around the shorter tower, so give it some distance to avoid knocking it or the part over.
- Best for color changes near the top. If colors change all through the model, the tower is needed on most layers anyway and the saving is small.
- Cut more purge: print several copies per plate, or purge into infill or a sacrificial object.
- Check the real saving with the 3D print cost calculator.
FAQ
Is No Sparse Layers safe to use?
In Bambu Studio and OrcaSlicer it's a beta option. It works well for most prints, but check the preview and keep the tower clear of the model.
Does it work with the Bambu AMS?
Yes. It's a slicer setting, so it applies to any multi-material setup that uses a prime tower.
