LDO BoxTurtle Kit | Open-Source AMS-Style Automated Filament Changer for Klipper 3D Printers

Open, Modular Multi-Material Printing—Built for Klipper

The LDO BoxTurtle is an automated multi‑material filament system (AFC) that started from the Armored Turtle open‑source project and is now backed by LDO with production-ready kits.

Its goal is simple:
Deliver a Bambu AMS-like experience within the Klipper ecosystem—while staying fully open-source and customizable.

At its core, BoxTurtle is a complete system that combines:

• Multi-spool management
• Automated filament switching
• Rewind control  
• Klipper integration

Key Capabilities:

Multi-material and multi-color printing

Automated filament loading, unloading, and rewinding

Deep integration with Klipper (AFC Klipper Add-on)

Optimized for Voron and CoreXY DIY platforms

Fully open-source (GPL-3.0)

Supported Printers & Platforms

• Voron series (V0 / V2.4 / Trident)
• Other Klipper-based CoreXY printers
• Custom DIY Klipper machines

Required Software

• Klipper firmware
• Moonraker
• Mainsail or Fluidd
• AFC-Klipper Add-on (core control layer)

Recommended Ecosystem

• Happy Hare (multi-material logic layer)
• KlipperScreen (touch interface)
• StealthBurner / toolhead cutter (improves filament change reliability)

BoxTurtle is designed as an open, cross-platform system — not locked into any single printer architecture.

Setup Overview

Step 1 — System Preparation

• Install Klipper and Moonraker
• Python 3.8 or newer required
• Install dependencies (jq / crudini)

Step 2 — Install the AFC Add-on

Step 3 — Configure BoxTurtle

• Define spool lanes
• Set up toolhead logic
• Configure filament change macros

Step 4 — Validation & Testing

• Run initial calibration
• Perform multi-material test prints

AFC Klipper Add-on (Core Plugin)

Main Project Repository

A typical LDO BoxTurtle kit comes with:

Mechanical System

• Main structural components (CNC machined+ 3d printed parts)
• Filament guide rollers and rewind mechanism
• Full set of fasteners

Motion & Drive

• Stepper motors (feed and rewind)
• Gear assemblies
• Bearings and tensioning components

Electronics

• LDO AFC control board
• Wiring harness (JST / Dupont connectors)
• Sensors (filament runout and endstop detection)

Accessories

• Mounting hardware
• Cable management components
• Installation guide (included in some kit versions)

What the Community Is Saying:

✔ More stable multi-material performance than ERCF

✔ Integrated rewind system makes a big difference in daily use

✔ Strong Klipper integration experience

✔ Setup requires careful attention and calibration

General Consensus:

An open-source solution that comes closest to a commercial AMS—built for advanced users.

FAQ

Q1: Is BoxTurtle the same as a commercial AMS?
A: No. It is an open-source AMS-style system (AFC), not a closed commercial solution.

Q2: Do I need a Voron printer to use it?
A: No necessarily—but Voron platforms offer the best compatibility and integration.

Q3: Is it beginner-friendly?
A: Not recommended for complete beginners. You should already be comfortable with:

• Klipper configuration
• Macro setup
• Filament change tuning

Q4: How does it compare to ERCF?

ERCF: more complex, heavily DIY-focused

BoxTurtle: more modular, better system integration

Q5: What’s the biggest advantage?
A: Here's a concise way to put it:
“An open-source path to near-industrial AMS-level multi-material printing.”