Bambu Lab R1 unveiled: Powerful 55-watt CO₂ laser cutter targets consumer market

Bambu Lab is no stranger to laser cutting and engraving, having previously offered dedicated expansion modules for its 3D printers. With the new Bambu Lab R1, however, the company has introduced a standalone laser cutter intended to significantly expand local fabrication capabilities for end users.

At its core is a 55-watt CO₂ laser—a high power output for the consumer market. Using a CO₂ laser also broadens the scope of compatible materials, allowing the machine to process acrylic and glass alongside traditional substrates like wood, leather, and paper. Coated metals and even stone can be engraved. According to Bambu Lab, the unit cuts acrylic up to 20 millimeters thick, while black walnut plywood is supported up to 18 millimeters—enabling the production of both aesthetic and structurally durable parts.

Bambu Lab is also targeting light furniture making, though larger projects may require optional accessories. The standard working area measures 600 x 300 millimeters, but an optional conveyor feeder allows processing of continuous or semi-finished materials up to 3,000 millimeters in length.

True to the brand's focus on user experience, the machine is marketed as straightforward to operate. The laser features automatic alignment and can process irregularly shaped objects rather than being restricted to flat stock. This is facilitated by laser-based distance measurement, with a specified tolerance of less than 0.2 millimeters. In the EU, the Bambu Lab R1 is priced at $2,499.