Creality CFS – multi-material system for 3D printer with 4 slots and RFID

Creality CFS (Creality Filament System) – system for multicolor 3D printing

Creality CFS is an intelligent filament management and feeding system designed to automate the use of multiple spools for multicolor and multi-material 3D printing. The module features 4 spool slots and operates in conjunction with a printer (it is not a standalone device). 

Key advantages

• 4 spool slots in one CFS module. 
• Automatic loading/unloading and automatic switching (Auto Filament Relay/Automatic Refill) when working with multiple materials/colors. 
• RFID recognition of compatible spools and assisted material setup. 
• Sensor and display for temperature and relative humidity in the box. 
• Moisture-proof storage with desiccants (passive dehumidification). 

Who is Creality CFS for and what problem does it solve

If you are working with prototypes, functional parts, or product series where color matters (markings, versions, visual prototypes), manual spool changes quickly become a "bottleneck." CFS addresses exactly this: it automates the feeding and changing of filament, allowing you to plan a multicolor task without constant intervention during the process.

The system is useful when you want a smoother workflow for long tasks: when the filament in a given slot runs out, an automatic continuation mode with another suitable material/spool (Automatic Refill) is available, provided that the filament information is configured.

How the system works: slots, buffer, and automatic switching

Creality CFS has 4 channels (slots). The system includes a filament buffer that assists with feeding and retracting during a change, operating based on feedback signals.

Important: CFS cannot be used independently – it must be connected to a 3D printer.

One module serves up to 4 spools. If needed, the system allows expansion by connecting up to 4 CFS modules to one configuration (CFS Connections: ≤4).

The practical effect is evident: you get a more structured workflow with materials (loading, unloading, switching), and management is done through the printer/software interface.

RFID recognition and “filament mapping” in the Creality ecosystem

CFS has a RFID reader. When using compatible RFID spools, the system can read information about the material (type/color, etc.), as the process is described in Creality Wiki. For standard (non-RFID) spools, it is possible to manually set the information through the interface.

For multi-color tasks, there is logic for “filament mapping” – in the absence of a precisely defined color, the system can match to the closest available one (described in Creality Wiki). This is useful when working with a limited set of loaded spools, where the goal is a stable process rather than an absolute match of tone.

Humidity control: desiccants, sensor, and display

The filament is moisture-sensitive, which directly affects the stability of feeding and the surface result in 3D printing. CFS addresses part of the problem with moisture-protected storage and desiccants (passive dehumidification), as well as with a built-in temperature-humidity sensor and display for current values.

Essential clarifying point: the available official data describes the “drying” method using desiccants, meaning it is not about a typical active dryer with a heater. The practice is clear: if the material is moisture-sensitive (e.g., PVA/BVOH), the approach is to use it pre-dried and rely on CFS to maintain a more controlled environment during operation/storage.

Compatibility: printers, spools, and materials

Printer compatibility. The commercial variants include configurations “CFS (for K2/Hi Series)” and the package “CFS + K1 Series upgrade kit” for the K1 series. It is noted for the K1 series that the upgrade kit is not compatible with split-type nozzles and requires an integrated nozzle hotend.

Reel and filament dimensions. CFS is for filament 1.75 ±0.05 mm and reels 1 kg (or equivalent), with a diameter of 197–202 mm and width/thickness 42–68 mm. This is a critical condition for reliable rotation and retraction of the filament during change.

Materials. Official data lists PLA/ABS/PETG/ASA/PET/PA-CF/PLA-CF and generally “medium hardness materials.” For flexible materials (TPU) and wet PVA/BVOH there is an explicit warning not to use them to avoid clogs. It is stated in Creality Wiki that pre-dried PVA/BVOH are among the applicable types, which practically means: work with them only with discipline in preparation and moisture control.

Cardboard reels. There are compatibility guidelines, but with an important condition: avoid cardboard reels with untreated edges or deformations, as this increases the risk of jamming during feeding/retraction.

Professional scenarios

• Visual prototypes with color coding (versions, revisions, assembly orientations) without manual reel change.
• Product mockups combining base material and contrasting details (inscriptions/icons/markings).
• Serial small details, where automatic reel management reduces interruptions and errors from human intervention.
• Material combinations within compatible rigid materials (e.g. standard material + reinforced composite for specific areas), when the workflow requires it.
• Night/long tasks with less manual intervention thanks to automatic switching and monitoring (status/moisture).

Technical specifications