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Over the course of the last decade, I’ve tested nearly two dozen 3D printers with varied specs and prices. For over three weeks, I’ve been using the Bambu Lab A1, and it consistently outperforms every fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer I’ve used. That performance gap widens when it’s equipped with the AMS Lite 4-color multi-spool filament system, which enables super-simple multi-colored prints.
Specs
- Materials Supported: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA
- Print Volume (HWD): 10 x 10 x 10 inches (256 x 256 x 256 mm)
- Connectivity: MicroSD, WiFi, Ethernet
- Dimension: 15 x 16 x 17 inches (385 x 410 x430 mm)
- Weight: 18.3 lbs.
Pros
- Easy to use, even for kids
- Built-in Bambu HMS diagnosis/help assistant “OBD2 for 3D Printers”
- Simple to maintain by design
Motor noise compensation makes for quiet printing - Vibration compensation
- Print monitoring/timelapse camera
- 3.5-inch Color IPS Touchscreen Interface
- Includes WiFi, Ethernet, and a MicroSD slot
- Inbuilt filament run-out, odometry, and tangle sensors
- Excellent power loss recovery
- Large 10 x 10 x 10-inch print area
- Variety of build plates available
Cons
- ABS filament is not recommended
- Must use Bambu Studio slicing software for full functionality (thank goodness the software is excellent and is Mac / PC compatible)
- Wastes filament when changing colors (this is true for most multi-filament printers)
What is the Bambu Lab A1?
The Bambu Lab A1 is an FDM printer, which means it lays down layer upon layer of heated filament to build up structures that become the final models. The A1 borrows heavily from Bambu’s extremely popular (and game-changing) X1, which prioritizes speed and simplicity without compromising print quality. Like the existing A1 mini, the new full-sized A1 can print up to 500mm/s, which is…
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