Bambu Labs has built a reputation as a disruptor in the 3D print world.
That flexibility is another big feature of the Bambu Labs kit.
Like the P1P, there’s the ability to adapt.
The overall finish, although familiar in design, looks futuristic.
Even the single filament reel holder and filament run-out sensor have something of the future about them.
Then there’s the slightly crazy AMS Lite design with the four reels mounted two aside.
One point on the design.
This calibration accounts for the printer’s tension and environmental temperature, enhancing accuracy.
One of the big features is the Quick Swap Hotends for easy maintenance and swapping for different diameter nozzles.
And after another 15 minutes of self-calibration, mine was ready to print.
My first experiment involved simple layer changes of colour.
That last solution is good if you print many clips or other items where the colour doesn’t matter.
If you want to save material, there are ways to make colour printing less wasteful.
For those running a print farm, that facility is easily worth the asking price of the A1 Combo.
The only print issues the A1 encountered were with the smallest window components.
Everything else printed flawlessly and with a level of detail I’ve never seen from an FDM printer before.
The fully assembled Razor Crest looked great, even if I’d limited my colours to preserve filament.
These two plastics have very different requirements and typically won’t stick together.
But that second limitation can be beneficial if you print an object requiring complex supports.
But again, the issue here is waste.
So, what do I think of the Bambu Lab A1?
It lacks the material flexibility of the X and P Series printers.
If anyone wants to start 3D printing, this is the printer I’d undoubtedly recommend.
The AI is designed specifically for the it-just-works crowd.
If you only want to print PLA, PETG or TPU, then the A1 is ideal.
Which begs the question, how could it be better?
The A1’s design is both futuristic and practical, offering a fast-switch nozzle system and a user-friendly experience.
My only reservation is the open design, which restricts where it can be used.
