The first impression of the Bambu Labs A1 Mini will likely be its quirky design, which sets it apart from other 3D printers on the market. The compact size, ultra-fast print option, and multiple filament printing capabilities make it a standout in its class.
Design and Features
While the Bamboo Lab A1 Mini may look different from its predecessors, it still packs a punch when it comes to design and features.
New design for Bamboo Labs
Clearly, Bamboo Labs has taken a departure from their traditional core XY enclosed design, opting for a cantilevered bedslinger design with linear rails instead.
Bedslinger design with linear rails
Assuming you’re familiar with bedslinger designs, you’ll notice that this one inherits many features from Bamboo Lab’s existing line of printers, but with some notable differences.
Design-wise, the bedslinger design allows for a more compact footprint while still maintaining a decent print bed size of 180mm x 180mm x 180mm. The linear rails provide smooth and precise movement, which is imperative for achieving high-quality prints. Additionally, the printer’s calibration process, which includes input shaping and vibration compensation, ensures that your prints turn out accurate and reliable.
Pros
You’ll love the A1 Mini’s compact design, which makes it perfect for small workspaces. The ultra-fast print option is also a major advantage, allowing you to produce high-quality prints quickly. Additionally, the multiple filament printing capability gives you the flexibility to experiment with different materials and colors.
Cons
There’s no denying that the touchscreen could be more responsive, which may be frustrating for some users. Additionally, the filament swaps can be time-consuming, and the lightweight design makes it awkward to carry.
For instance, the lack of an enclosure option may limit the printer’s use in certain settings, such as educational institutions. However, this is a minor drawback considering the printer’s overall performance and features.
Performance
Now, let’s look into the performance of the A1 Mini 3D printer.
Travel speeds and print speeds
While the A1 Mini may not be the fastest printer on the market, it still boasts impressive travel speeds of up to 500 millimeters per second, which is the same as the higher-end printers from Bamboo Labs. The print speeds are also quite fast, with infill speeds reaching 300 millimeters per second.
Input shaping and calibration
Traveling to the heart of the printer’s performance, the A1 Mini features input shaping and calibration, which is Bamboo Labs’ secret sauce for compensating for motor vibrations during printing. This results in smoother and more accurate prints.
The input shaping and calibration process is quite impressive, as it allows the printer to adjust its movements to minimize vibrations and ensure that your prints come out perfectly. This feature is especially useful for printing delicate or intricate designs.
Audio calibration and quiet operation
Little did I know that the A1 Mini would surprise me with its quiet operation. The audio calibration feature is a new addition to the Bamboo Labs line of printers, and it makes a significant difference in reducing the noise level during printing.
For instance, when I was printing with the A1 Mini, I was surprised by how quiet it was compared to other printers I’ve used. The audio compensation feature really does make a big difference, and it’s a great feature to have if you plan to use your printer in a shared space or at home.
Setup and Interface
All in all, setting up the Mini 3D Printer is a breeze, and you’ll be printing in no time.
Simple setup process
On unboxing, you’ll find that the setup process is straightforward. You’ll need to connect the velden tubes, tighten a few bolts, and you’re good to go. The printer will then run through an audio calibration, which is a new feature in the A1 Mini. This process is quick and easy, and you’ll be printing within half an hour.
New AMS multi-material system
To take advantage of the printer’s multi-material capabilities, you’ll need to use the new AMS system. This system allows for automatic material switching, making it easy to print with multiple colors.
It’s worth noting that the AMS system is designed to work seamlessly with the printer, allowing for fast and efficient material switching. The system uses four Bowden tubes, which are pre-loaded with filament, making it easy to switch between colors. The motorized spools feed the filament into the extruder, allowing for smooth and consistent printing.
Touch screen interface and Wi-Fi connectivity
If you’re looking for a user-friendly interface, the Mini 3D Printer delivers. The touch screen interface is easy to navigate, allowing you to browse pre-sliced files, adjust settings, and monitor your prints. Additionally, the printer features Wi-Fi connectivity, making it easy to connect to your network and print remotely.
Setup is a breeze, and you’ll be able to connect to your printer using the bamboo app. While the touchscreen interface is serviceable, it’s worth noting that it’s not as responsive as some other printers on the market. However, the app provides a more seamless experience, allowing you to monitor and control your prints with ease.
Print Quality and Performance
Despite being an entry-level printer, the Bambu Lab A1 Printer delivers impressive print quality and performance.
Comparable print quality to higher-end printers
You’ll be pleased to know that the print quality of the A1 Printer is comparable to higher-end printers. In fact, when printing the same model with the same filament and settings on both the A1 Mini and higher-end printers, the results are almost indistinguishable.
Print speeds and acceleration
The A1 Printer boasts impressive print speeds and acceleration, making it suitable for a wide range of printing tasks.
Print speeds of up to 300mm/s and travel speeds of up to 500mm/s ensure that your prints are completed quickly and efficiently. Although the acceleration is capped at 6,000mm/s², which is slightly slower than higher-end printers, the overall print quality and performance are still impressive.
Multi-material printing with AMS light system
The A1 Printer features a unique automatic material switching (AMS) light system, which enables multi-material printing with ease.
It’s impressive to see how the AMS light system works, with four individually motorized spools feeding filament into the extruder. This design allows for faster print speeds and more reliable material switching, making it ideal for complex prints with multiple colors and materials.
It’s worth noting that the AMS light system is specifically designed for the A1 Printer and takes advantage of its open design, allowing for faster print speeds and more efficient material switching.
Specifications
| Build Volume | 180 x 180 x 180 mm (7 x 7 x 7 inches) |
| Material | PLA/PETG/TPU (up to 300 degrees) |
| Extruder Type | Direct Drive |
| Nozzle | .4 high flow |
| Build Platform | PEI textured spring steel sheet, heated |
| Bed Leveling | Automatic |
| Filament Runout Sensor | Yes |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Bambu-Bus, Micro SD |
| Interface | 2.4 Inch Touch Screen |
| Machine Footprint | 347 × 314 × 365 mm (13.6 x 12.4 x 14.4 in) |
| Machine Weight | 5.5 KG (12.1 lbs) |
FAQ
Q: What is the bed size of the Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D Printer?
A: The bed size of the Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D Printer is 180 millimeters by 180 millimeters by 180 millimeters, or a 7-inch cube.
Q: How does the A1 Mini’s print speed compare to the higher-end P1P and X1C printers?
A: The A1 Mini has the same travel speeds of up to 500 millimeters per second as the higher-end P1P and X1C printers, but the acceleration is about half as fast. The print speeds are also comparable, with the A1 Mini taking about 15% longer to complete a print job.
Q: What is the AMS multi-material system, and how does it work on the A1 Mini?
A: The AMS (Automatic Material Switching) system is a unique design that allows for multi-material printing. On the A1 Mini, it uses a four-Bowden tube system that goes all the way up to the extruder, allowing for faster print speeds than on the X1C with the standard AMS. The system pre-loads and queues up the colors, and then the motorized spools feed them in, allowing for seamless material switching.