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Bambu Lab launches incredibly feature packed A1 mini multicolor 3D printer at entry-level price

The A1 mini with AMS lite module (Image Source: Bambu Lab)
The A1 mini with AMS lite module (Image Source: Bambu Lab)
Bambu Lab has just launched the A1 mini, a compact, entry-level, multicolor 3D printer packed with state-of-the-art features, including auto bed leveling, active vibration and flow-rate compensation, motor noise cancellation, tool-less swappable nozzle and a monitoring camera. The new AMS lite system automates filament loading with 4 spools at a time. The A1 mini is priced at an attractive US$459, or US$299 without the AMS lite, and will be available from mid-October.

Bambu Lab has been trickling hints about its new printer for weeks. Yesterday, it finally revealed the newest member of its product lineup, the A1 mini – a relatively compact, bedslinger style 3D printer, and the new AMS lite multi-material handling module. The A1 mini has some state-of-the-art features that will genuinely make the process of getting high quality prints much easier for beginners.

The A1 mini uses multiple sensors to do a full auto calibration before each print, which includes bed-leveling, Z-offset calibration, vibration compensation in the X and Y axes, and active motor noise compensation. That last one is rather unique: Bambu Lab claims by “injecting specific high-frequency movements into the motor, we can negate a substantial portion of the noise”, translating to sub 48dB noise levels. While printing, it checks for filament runout, flow dynamics using nozzle pressure (for smooth corners) and filament tangling. All this makes printing worry-free, in addition to being fast: print speeds go up to 500 mm/s and acceleration up to 10,000 mm/s².

Optimum belt tensioning made easy (Image Source: Bambu Lab)
Optimum belt tensioning made easy (Image Source: Bambu Lab)
Quick-swap hotend module (Image Source: Bambu Lab)
Quick-swap hotend module (Image Source: Bambu Lab)
Auto bed leveling (Image Source: Bambu Lab)
Auto bed leveling (Image Source: Bambu Lab)
All metal rails on every axis (Image Source: Bambu Lab)
All metal rails on every axis (Image Source: Bambu Lab)

The new automatic material system (AMS) can handle up to four filament spools and, using RFID, can identify Bambu Lab’s own filaments and apply the best settings for them, making multi-material and multicolor printing a breeze. Another innovation is the tool-less, quick-swap hotend. For even more peace of mind, remote monitoring can be done using a built-in camera. In terms of reliability, the A1 mini features highly stable, durable and covered all-metal rails and bearing mechanisms, while three cooling fans ensure that everything remains within safe thermal limits.

Being targeted at beginners, the A1 mini comes pre-assembled in the box, and a simplified touchscreen-based UI makes setting things up easy. Further, printing can be started with one click and monitored remotely via the Bambu Handy App as well as Bambu Studio and the upcoming MakerWorld platform. Build volume is relatively modest 180*180*180 mm³.

Multicolor printing made easy (Image Source: Bambu Lab)
Multicolor printing made easy (Image Source: Bambu Lab)

If all that sounds like a lot, that’s because it is. The A1 mini truly sets a new bar for value-packed, entry-level 3D printers – one that will leave competitors scrambling to catch up – just like its siblings did before. Bambu Lab continues to live up to its mission of making 3D printing accessible to everyone by packaging a lot of ease-of-life features in one model at an extremely attractive price. The company has also stated that there will be more A1 models in the future, which is a rather exciting prospect. The A1 mini combo with AMS lite costs US$459, and on its own, US$299. The combo can be pre-ordered now on the Bambu Lab website, with shipping starting on October 16.

For your next multicolor print, buy this 4-pack of glow-in-the-dark multicolor PLA filament bundle on Amazon

Source(s)

Bambu Lab (1) (2), The Verge

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2023 09 > Bambu Lab launches incredibly feature packed A1 mini multicolor 3D printer at entry-level price
Vishal Bhardwaj, 2023-09-21 (Update: 2024-08-15)