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I've been playing with the Bambu Lab A1 Mini and it's a real game changer. This little guy is a budget bed slinger that's fast, quiet, and really easy to use. Sure, it's a small build size, but trust me, it's got room for some seriously cool prints.
If you’re looking for an affordable 3D printer that punches above its weight, the Bambu Lab A1 Mini is worth a closer look. At just $239 (on sale, with a retail price of $299), this compact printer offers impressive speed, reliability, and ease of use—all without breaking the bank. It’s still affordable at $389 for the combo, which includes the AMS Lite for multi-color prints.
My A1 Mini is currently under my desk and I use it constantly for running prototypes and using up scraps of rolls on small prints to give to the kids at festivals. It’s a great choice for anyone who needs quick, high-quality results with minimal fuss.
Key Features I Love:
- Affordable: At $239, this is one of the most budget-friendly options for reliable, high-speed printing. If you want multi-color prints, the combo with AMS Lite is just $389.
- Fast and Quiet: With a top speed of 500mm/s, it’s one of the fastest printers in its class—plus, it operates quietly, so no need to worry about noise while you work.
- Intuitive Control: The full-color touchscreen interface makes it easy to adjust settings and monitor your prints with just a few taps.
- Maintenance Made Easy: The quick-change nozzles and AMS Lite system make upkeep straightforward, and the AMS Lite’s spool setup prevents jams, meaning fewer headaches with filament issues.
- Improved Spool Setup: Unlike traditional roller systems, the AMS Lite uses spindles to hold filament spools from the center, which works better with more filament brands and reduces the likelihood of crushed edges.
A Few Drawbacks:
- Size with AMS Lite: The footprint with the AMS Lite setup is a bit larger, so be mindful of your space if you’re tight on room.
- Material Waste During Color Changes: The AMS Lite system can result in some filament waste when switching colors, but this is something I plan to cover in an upcoming post to help you minimize it.
- Lacking Aesthetics: While the AMS system is functional, its appearance is not as clean as the original AMS.
Overall, the Bambu Lab A1 Mini delivers a great blend of speed, affordability, and ease of use. It’s perfect for makers, crafters, and anyone looking for fast prototyping. With its streamlined design and budget-friendly price tag, it’s an excellent addition to any 3D printing setup.
Bambu Lab A1 Mini FAQ
1. What is the Bambu Lab A1 Mini?
The Bambu Lab A1 Mini is a compact, budget-friendly 3D printer that offers fast printing speeds, easy maintenance, and an intuitive interface. It’s designed for users looking for a reliable printer that won’t break the bank.
2. What is the price of the Bambu Lab A1 Mini?
The standalone A1 Mini is currently priced at $239 (on sale, with a retail price of $299). The combo with the AMS Lite system is priced at $389.
3. What is the AMS Lite?
The AMS Lite (Automatic Material System) allows you to print in multiple colors without the need for manual filament swaps during a print. It features a simplified design that prevents jams and supports a variety of filament brands.
4. What’s the maximum print speed of the A1 Mini?
The A1 Mini can reach print speeds of up to 500mm/s, making it one of the fastest printers in its price range. Typical print speeds average 300mm/s.
5. Is the Bambu Lab A1 Mini noisy?
No, the A1 Mini is designed to operate quietly, so it’s great for use in shared spaces or when you need a printer that won’t disrupt your workflow.
6. Can I use any type of filament with the A1 Mini?
No, though the A1 Mini is compatible with a wide variety of filaments, like PLA, PETG and TPU, it is an open frame printer. Bambu Lab does not recommend placing it in an enclosure.
7. How easy is it to maintain the A1 Mini?
The A1 Mini is user-friendly, with quick-change nozzles and an easy-to-use AMS Lite system for seamless filament changes. This makes maintenance much easier compared to it's Core XY big siblings, the P1S and X1C.
8. What’s the build volume of the A1 Mini?
The A1 Mini has a 180mm cubed build volume, which is about 7 inches.
9. What are the limitations of the Bambu Lab A1 Mini?
While the A1 Mini is a fantastic printer for its size and price, its main drawbacks include the larger footprint when using the AMS Lite and material waste during color changes with the AMS system. It also has a more limited build volume compared to larger printers.