Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D Printer Assessment

Some of the spectacular corporations within the 3D printing world, Bambu Lab, launched an reasonably priced “mini” Bambu Lab A1 machine, whose value is near Anycubic and Creality entries. The Chair of the Engineering Division at Gambody has examined and reviewed the brand new A1 mini, providing his opinion on this new state-of-the-art desktop machine that may change the way you 3D print at dwelling.

Discover out what’s contained in the field with A1 mini, the way it 3D prints, and what extras Bambu Lab gives their prospects, alongside with 3D printers.

Learn additionally: Beautiful 3D Printer Designs 2024

Bambu 3D Printer

Bambu Lab grew to become top-of-the-line home-use 3D printer producers shortly sufficient, successful prospects’ hearts with their price-quality ratio. It was the final idea of the corporate, not simply its AMS multi-colored plastic provide system. Bambu Lab didn’t observe anybody else. Their engineers, who had lately created DJI, the world’s greatest digicam drone for dwelling use, turned their consideration to 3D printing and utterly reimagined the machine by designing the primary Bambu 3D printer, Lab X1.

Even earlier than its launch, 1000’s of hobbyists pre-ordered the primary Bambu 3D printer by way of the crowdfunding platform as a result of they trusted the corporate (DJI), loved low cost on the Bambu printer, and had been wowed by a totally new strategy to 3D printing with multi-colored filaments.

Lab X1 boasts many vital benefits, similar to an inner fan for making a uniform temperature surroundings contained in the body, the flexibility to print with carbon fiber, a quick-release nozzle, an AMS system, and, after all, glorious print velocity and high quality. Nonetheless, one factor that scared away some prospects was the Banby 3D printer’s value of over 1,700 euros (roughly $1,845). Such an entry value was excessive, though justified, and never everybody may afford it.

Bambu Lab understood the worth issues and launched two extra 3D printers, P1S and his “stripped brother,” P1P. Engineers eliminated the whole lot pointless, together with the Bambu 3D printer partitions, leaving solely the extruder and kinematics. These machines boast good velocity and high quality for 700 euros ($760), which is reasonably priced to just about everybody.

Introducing these three Bambu printer fashions with the AMS system made Bambu Lab machines very well-liked amongst 3D printing lovers. Nevertheless, Bambu Lab nonetheless couldn’t compete with giants like Anycubic and Creality, whose primary 3D printers had been $200 to $250, though their print high quality was decrease.

Bambu A1 Mini

All of it modified within the fall of 2023 when Bambu Lab offered its smallest and most reasonably priced A1 mini, initially priced at $299 with out or $459 with the AMS system. Just lately, the Bambu A1 mini value was decreased by $50, which makes it essentially the most reasonably priced Bambu 3D printer! So, right this moment, you possibly can start your unbelievable Bambu Lab 3D printing adventures at simply $249, having fun with the spectacular print high quality and complete pleasure.

Within the Bambu A1 mini, the corporate deserted CoreXY kinematics in favor of a railwayman. This helped cut back the ultimate 3D printer value with out compromising the print high quality. In accordance with Bambu Lab, its A1 mini prints simply nearly as good as its older “brother,” Bambu Lab A1, whereas its AMS system is quieter, and the design is just beautiful.

Regardless of its small measurement, the A1 mini boasts the most recent applied sciences in 3D printing, making it probably the most modern 3D printers within the hobbyist market. The Bambu Lab A1 mini 3D printer has an opportunity to turn out to be the world’s hottest desktop 3D printer for dwelling use. Due to this fact, the Engineering Division at Gambody couldn’t go by the A1 mini with out appreciating all its options and sharing its unboxing, overview, and testing outcomes with our readers.

Learn additionally: Ideas for Rising Your 3D Printer Velocity

A1 Mini Unboxing and Configuration

Though the Bambu Lab A1 mini (the essential model with out the AMS system) appears small, it is available in a large field measuring 380 x 430 x 450 mm (14.9″ x 16.9″ x 17.7″) and weighing about 12 kg (over 26 lbs). The machine with the AMS system will probably be bigger.

The mini Bambu Lab A1 arrives assembled. You want to unbox it, and it is able to run. I think about this an enormous bonus! In case you are new to 3D printing, the producer leaves you no room for error and takes care of all of the A1 mini meeting work.

As you open the field, you first see a craft cardboard cowl with the Bambu Lab emblem. Inside, you could find a field with 3D printer equipment, together with a number of branded meeting instruments, lubricant, bagged screws with tags, a blade, and a number of other plastic components. The package contains no additional nozzles or filament tongs, so in the event you want these gadgets, you need to get them organized alongside together with your Bambu Lab A1 mini 3D printer.

Take away the protecting cardboard, and your A1 mini is able to be taken out of the field. Oh sure, it’s very heavy regardless of its small measurement! It seems nearly completed. In addition to the 3D printer, you’ll discover directions and a small spool of Bambu Lab white filament.

A listing of the whole lot you’ll discover contained in the field with the Bambu 3D printer:

• Filament holder;
• Filament cleaner;
• Bowden tube;
• Filament pattern;
• PEI plate;
• Directions;
• Field with instruments.

The Bambu Lab A1 printhead is wrapped in a cardboard field and bolted to the Z and X-axis with particular technical fasteners, which should be eliminated and changed with the filament holder. The mattress is secured alongside the Y-axis with zip ties, which should even be eliminated.

Once you assemble the Bambu A1 mini, set up a nozzle cleaner on the finish of the Y-axis (it’s the primary time I’ve seen such a particular system). All that is still is to attach the Bambu mini to your community and press the ability button.

Learn additionally: Ideas for Cleansing 3D Printer Nozzles at Residence

Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D Printer: First Impressions

The Bambu 3D printer seems merely unbelievable proper out of the field. The mix of high-quality gentle grey plastic with anodized aluminum evokes solely constructive feelings, and the eye of Bambu Lab to element is mesmerizing.

The corporate provides a company emblem on nearly all of its components, ranging from the PEI plate and ending with branded instruments. The producer’s perspective to varied little particulars, such because the fixing paste on every screw, additionally deserves consideration. You’ll be able to’t assist however return to your childhood recollections if you simply purchased a brand new LEGO set.

A1 Mini Bambu Options

Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at the A1 mini 3D printer options provided by Bambu Lab.

1. Print Space

Once you have a look at the mini Bambu 3D printer, the very first thing that involves thoughts is that the Bambu A1 mini has the identical print space as its competitor, Prusa Mini: 180 x 180 x 180 mm (7.08″ x 7.08″ x 7.08″).

You might need heard that such a small print space is not sufficient for full-scale 3D printing. I’ve to say instantly that our expertise proves this falsehood. In actual fact, the Bambu Lab A1 mini will simply match 70% to 80% of the mannequin components. In addition to, when Gambody moderates a 3D printing mannequin, our engineers do their greatest to divide the mannequin into the components that slot in the precise dimensions of 180 x 180 x 180 mm (7.08″ x 7.08″ x 7.08″). The exceptions are huge tasks with a big scale, the place some components might not match attributable to their measurement.

Don’t get discouraged by the Bambu A1 mini print space. To be sincere, I’m impressed by such small 3D printers. When each inch issues in a small house in fashionable megapolises, the A1 mini 3D printer can simply match on any desk.

2. Printhead

The Bambu 3D printer comes with a direct extruder with a pre-installed AMS lite. In different phrases, you possibly can order Bambu Lab A1 mini with out the AMS system and buy it later. The nozzle has already been tailored for AMS. It has 4 inputs for multi-colored filaments.

The A1 mini Bambu nozzle design could be very uncommon and enticing. Engineers moved the cooling fan from the entrance to the again and positioned a plastic filament indicator on the entrance, which is tremendous handy! As well as, the A1 mini Bambu 3D printer has quick-release nozzles which can be straightforward to alter. The nozzle diameter included with the A1 mini is 0.4 mm, however you can even buy a nozzle of a distinct diameter (0.2 mm or 0.1 mm) and change it.

The nozzle can warmth as much as 300 °F, which permits Bambu Lab’s new printer to print PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, and comparable filaments.

Learn additionally: The way to Change Nozzle on 3D Printer from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm

3. Heated Mattress

The Bambu A1 mini has a well-recognized PEI plate, which permits 3D printing with out adhesives. The mattress has a model emblem and its personal title (Bambu Lab gives a number of totally different plates on their web site).

As well as, the heated mattress options an modern system for cleansing plastics and calibrating itself. Now we have already seen one thing comparable on the Anycubic Kobra 2 3D printer. Nevertheless, Bambu Lab engineers went additional and used a silicone brush as an alternative of a silicone disk; this mechanism cleans the nozzle even higher and calibrates it. The mattress’s most heating temperature is 80 °F (26.67 °C).

4. Bambu Mini Kinematics

A1 mini options CoreXZ kinematics, whereas the X-axis has solely one-side help, like in Prusa MINI. Such a construction reduces the 3D printer value, however it additionally will increase the meeting necessities from an engineering perspective.

In accordance with Bambu Lab, the Bambu mini can print at as much as 500 mm/sec. It sounds so superior! The A1 mini 3D printer strikes alongside its axes on high-precision rail guides to make sure correct positioning and high-quality outcomes. The elevated machine weight eliminates pointless vibrations. At first look, Bambu Lab’s new printer is of top quality with nothing unfastened.

5. Interface

Though the Bambu A1 mini has an ordinary SD card port, the producer pays nice consideration to the online interface. I’ve by no means taken a card out of this 3D printer. Every part is adjusted over the community, and it is extremely snug.

Bambu mini has a default Wi-Fi module. As well as, the A1 mini 3D printer has a cellular software to your smartphone, which helps you to monitor the 3D printing course of by way of the telephone digicam. You’ll be able to even management your Bambu mini by way of your telephone! You bought it proper, this is unbelievable!

6. Slicer

Once you order Bambu A1 mini, you are absolutely immersed in Bambu Lab’s unbelievable infrastructure and philosophy. You obtain a high-quality 3D printer, plastics, and a slicer with optimum settings particularly to your machine. I feel this is a superb resolution!

Do you bear in mind how nicely Cura is tailored particularly for Ultimaker 3D printers and Prusa Slicer is ideal for Prusa 3D printers? We see the identical factor with Bambu Studio as the Bambu Lab {hardware} and software program go hand in hand. Due to this fact, if we provide any slicer suggestions, they are going to be minimal. In addition to, the Bambu slicer can be utilized with different 3D printers, and we’ll undoubtedly check it.

Learn additionally: Free 3D Printing Software program

A1 Mini 3D Printer Launch and Calibration

When you assemble and begin your Bambu 3D printer, it’s going to make a humorous sound that jogs my memory of a Japanese retro online game melody. Instantly after this, Bambu 1A mini requires you to attach it to the community after which requests you to replace its firmware to the most recent model.

The subsequent step is to calibrate your Bambu Lab A1 mini 3D printer, which gives automated calibration of its nozzle peak above the mattress, the mattress itself, and the jerk and acceleration speeds. The Bambu A1 mini calibration takes about 5 minutes which is longer than it takes different 3D printers. Nonetheless, watching how the Bambu Lab printer cleans its nozzle a number of instances and strikes at nice velocity is a pleasure. It’s very good and necessary that the corporate devoted a lot time to the calibration course of. You, as a person, don’t have anything to do however safely observe the entire course of.

The plastic cleansing system can also be very spectacular. The Bambu 3D printer strikes alongside the X-axis to the furthest level on the left and extrudes the filament right into a particular basket. Then a particular spatula removes this plastic.

The A1 mini comes with a pre-installed flash drive that accommodates a number of testing information you possibly can 3D print. The Bambu Lab printer’s interface is designed to indicate you a preview of the whole lot you print. Are you able to think about this cool function obtainable in a $250 3D printer? The very first thing you’ll discover is the well-known #3DBenchy check. You’ll be amazed at how briskly the Bambu Lab A1 mini prints this boat (an unbelievable quarter-hour!), and I’m happy with the standard. The primary layer is laid out evenly and adheres nicely.

Amongst different helpful 3D printing gadget fashions, the flash drive additionally gives a 3D printing file of a deal with for the blade that comes together with your Bambu 3D printer. 3D print this deal with, and you’ll have a handy branded scraper for eradicating the 3D printed components!

Bambu Lab Cell and Desktop Apps

Hobbyists who select a Bambu printer for his or her dwelling tasks ought to think about the corporate’s cellular and desktop apps, Bambu Useful and Bambu Studio.

Bambu Useful

Bambu Lab printers are very carefully related to smartphones and computer systems. Actually, as quickly as you activate Bambu Lab A1, this mini machine requests to be related to the Wi-Fi community. Then, you are requested to scan the QR code from the cellular software, including the Bambu A1 mini to your account.

The corporate launched an assistant software known as Bambu Useful (Whats up, Mr. Useful!), which helps you monitor all primary processes and management your 3D printer. You are able to do this from anyplace on the earth so long as the Bambu Lab A1 mini 3D printer is related to your community.

The Bambu Useful app is split into 3 sections and has a social part:

• The primary part is devoted to the inner free platform the place anybody can add their 3D printing information, with or with out AMS system help. There are not very many fashions on this platform but, however you could find some attention-grabbing tasks to 3D print. The fashions are divided into two classes: technical (tasks that complement your Bambu 3D printer, similar to a plastic bin or a key holder) and toy.

• The second part is devoted particularly to your connection to A1 mini. Right here you can see the principle configurations, such because the nozzle or mattress temperature and print velocity. You can too entry your Bambu Lab printer management menu. On the prime of the display screen, there is an area for displaying photographs out of your digicam, which has lights for simpler monitoring of the 3D printing course of even at night time (you possibly can flip off the backlight and shut the digicam). It’s unbelievable as you possibly can all the time verify if the whole lot is ok, velocity up or decelerate the printing, transfer the printhead, and many others. When A1 mini finishes printing, you’ll obtain a notification in your smartphone app. Even this one great function makes you wish to order a Bambu Lab 3D printer without delay!

• The third part is social. Right here, you could find your profile photograph, subscribers, and the fashions you uploaded. You can too entry the historical past of your 3D printing on A1 mini Bambu, the filament used, and the success or failure of the prints. Additionally, you possibly can see all of your requests to the Buyer Help Heart and their course of. Bambu Lab awards you with factors, which improve your stage with each job you full, similar to loading your 3D printing information, and many others.

Bambu Studio

Bambu Lab releases its 3D printers with their personal slicer, Bambu Studio. Many customers have already known as it one of the best slicer available on the market. Let’s see if they’ve some extent!

Bambu Studio has an eye-pleasing inexperienced interface with a relaxing impact. This interface jogs my memory of Prusa Slicer, which, as we’ll quickly discover out, is constructed utilizing the identical engine. I think about this factor as a result of Prusa Slicer has lately developed a extra intelligible G-code and is extra handy to make use of than Ultimaker Cura.

Bambu Lab slicer works with the corporate’s branded 3D printers, similar to A1 mini, and likewise helps third-party producers, which is undoubtedly an enormous plus. As well as, you possibly can add and configure your personal printer.

Bambu Studio interface has a number of menu settings, together with Put together, Preview, Gadget, Undertaking, and Calibration. Let’s take a fast have a look at each.

• Put together accommodates the essential printing settings for wall thickness, layer peak, velocity, helps, and filament-dedicated settings (shade, kind, printing temperature). Bambu Lab engineers have already adjusted all these parameters to your Bambu 3D printer, which is unbelievable as a result of they work nice! There are even a number of layer peak presets. As for third-party 3D printers, Gambody will present our 3D printing suggestions quickly. Please observe the updates on gambody.com.

• Preview reveals how the mannequin will probably be 3D printed, together with its filling, seam location, help placement, and rather more. The 3D printing information are despatched over the community on to Bambu Lab A1 mini. I by no means had to make use of a flash drive. Although we’ve seen this earlier than, Bambu Lab made this course of actually handy and intuitive.

• Gadget helps you handle and monitor your A1 mini 3D printer. The greatest a part of the display screen reveals your digicam picture, and to the correct, you possibly can see the 3D printer management menu. Right here you possibly can alter the printing temperature barely or ship the Bambu mini to its dwelling place. The underside portion of the display screen reveals the 3D printing progress, printing time, and an choice to pause or cease the print. On the left, you possibly can view the 3D printing information in your card and replace your Bambu Lab printer to the most recent firmware model.
• Undertaking lets you handle your challenge. We’ll return to this part later in our Bambu Lab A1 mini overview.
• Calibration is about A1 mini calibration. This part supplies details about calibration and allows you to calibrate your Bambu Lab 3D printer.

General, the Bambu Studio slicer is value your consideration. It seems nice and purposeful. The one query you might need if you’re used to Ultimaker Cura is the place to search for the temperature settings. It would sound uncommon, however Bambu Studio gives these settings underneath Filament as an alternative of 3D printer settings.

Maker World

As talked about above, Bambu Lab has its personal platform on which all customers can publish the 3D printing fashions they’ve modeled. All of the fashions are 100% free, however the firm rewards customers with cash for every add they make, and you should use these cash as a reduction when buying some merchandise on Bambu Lab web site.

Maker World helps STL and 3mf information. Please word that Bambu Studio has its personal 3mf format, and anybody wishing to open a pre-colored file should save the coloured challenge in Bambu Studio, which is inconvenient. I hope that this subject will probably be fastened within the future and that 3mf will turn out to be versatile, changing STL information.

It’s straightforward to decide on filament colours to your fashions utilizing Bambu Studio. The slicer gives sensible fill, thus, all you want is the proper polygonal mesh of your 3D mannequin. Gambody.com gives 3D printing tasks largely with the proper polygonal mesh, particularly for spaceships, automobiles, and robots. Nevertheless, in the event you plan to 3D print fashions from Gambody 3D printing market with multi-colored filament, we advocate you seek the advice of our buyer help concerning the compatibility of a selected 3D mannequin with multi-color printing and filling in Bambu Studio.

Learn additionally: 7 Strategies of The way to 3D Print 2 Colors with 1 Extruder

Utilizing Maker World by Bambu Lab, you possibly can add your 3D mannequin and add its description, photographs, and printing settings (optionally available). This manner, you possibly can earn awards.

After this, your 3D mannequin is revealed on the platform and anybody can obtain it. We uploaded an unique free Gambody-branded keychain to Maker World as a check. Utilizing your Bambu 3D printer and the AMS system, you may give your keys a brand new appear and feel slightly nearer to us!

Bambu Lab A1 Mini Testing

We selected one of many latest fashions on Gambody 3D printing market, the F-14 Tomcat mannequin from the cult film TOPGUN, to check the Bambu A1 mini. David Richardson designed this iconic plane mannequin. Though he’s new to our market, David thought-about all our suggestions on the way to add 3D printing fashions on Gambody and earn cash whereas creating this lovely mannequin.

The F-14 Tomcat is of medium complexity, boasting components similar to a skinny cabin body, a skinny empennage, and a fragile chassis. It’s excellent for testing A1 mini. As already talked about, do not underestimate the dimensions of the Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D printer mattress, as most 3D printing fashions on gambody.com are designed particularly for these dimensions.

We positioned a number of F-14 components on the A1 mini Bambu mattress without delay and didn’t use the brim in any respect. We blocked some helps and added extra help constructions in some areas to strengthen them. We selected the minimal 5% infill and three partitions.

The ultimate end result impressed us quite a bit.

Bambu Lab A1 print high quality is unbelievable, contemplating the superfast speeds. Bambu 3D printer could be very quiet, even in the event you don’t allow Silent Mode, which reduces the noise and velocity by 50%. The components keep on the mattress even with out the brim. We didn’t alter the default settings. The slicer slows down whereas printing the small components, growing the drying time of every layer. It does the identical when engaged on the steep overhang angles. There are not any webs from retracts in any respect. Bambu Lab’s most reasonably priced 3D printer is unbelievable!

As soon as all F-14 components are 3D printed, it’s time to assemble them with glue and paint with silver paint. You can too print with silver plastic and depart that lovely grey shade!

Bambu Lab Mini Closing Rating

The Bambu Lab A1 Mini combines many nice options, similar to a beautiful design, excessive print velocity, glorious print high quality, and an reasonably priced value. It is usually a part of an unique ecosystem constructed round this 3D printer by Bambu Lab, which contains branded filaments, a slicer, a platform for importing 3D fashions, a cellular and desktop software, and rather more.

You need to use Bambu A1 mini as your predominant 3D printer for nice 3D printing adventures, inserting it in your desk (the machine requires little house, can print most fashions from gambody.com, and gained’t disturb you with its noise). You can too use the A1 mini 3D printer as a necessary assistant to a bigger Bambu Lab A1 or X1. There can by no means be too many 3D printers, can’t it? In case you are uncertain in the event you want the AMS system, you possibly can order the A1 mini with out it and buy AMS later.

This Bambu Lab 3D printer has no drawbacks. Quite the opposite, it’s a number of steps forward of its opponents. The one factor I may spotlight is that it’s unattainable to decelerate A1 mini by greater than 50% throughout 3D printing, and I could be joyful to return to the share setting provided by different producers prior to now (at the least throughout the net interface).

I’m very impressed with the digicam in a $250 A1 mini 3D printer! All the nice options carried out by engineers on this Bambu printer are unbelievable for the worth. The A1 mini requires no meeting. It really works straight out of the field. Common software program updates from Bambu Lab and the addition of new options will make you content.

In my humble opinion, the Bambu Lab A1 mini is the cutest 3D printer in the complete line. I prefer it essentially the most for its compact measurement and design. I can simply place it, for instance, on the armrest of my sofa.

Creator: The Chair of the Engineering Division (Gambody)

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