Who's this for? Bambu Lab A1 Mini + AMS Lite Review

Summary

In this video, the reviewer provides an in-depth look at the Bamboo Lab A1 Mini 3D printer and the AMS light system. While the machine is marketed as an affordable entry-level 3D printer with high-speed multi-color printing capabilities, the reviewer highlights both its advantages, such as ease of assembly, quiet operation, and aggressive pricing, and its drawbacks, including occasional filament clogs, space requirements, and some usability issues with the AMS light. Overall, the A1 Mini is a solid option for newcomers to 3D printing, but it may not be ideal for seasoned users seeking larger-scale capabilities.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Bamboo Lab A1 Mini is an affordable, entry-level 3D printer aimed at those starting with 3D printing or multi-color printing.
• 😀 The printer has a 180mm x 180mm x 180mm build volume and operates with a bed slinger design, making it similar to older models like the Monoprice mini.
• 😀 Setup is easy, requiring little assembly, with the majority of the printer ready to use right out of the box.
• 😀 The A1 Mini features a user-friendly touchscreen interface, a major improvement over the older wheel click-through design seen in other Bamboo Lab printers.
• 😀 The printer offers a relatively low pre-order price of $459, which includes the ability to print with four colors via the AMS light system.
• 😀 Bamboo Lab’s AMS light system offers easier maintenance and support for more types of filament spools, but it takes up more horizontal space than the AMS unit on larger models.
• 😀 The printer is quieter than previous Bamboo Lab models, though the fan can still get quite loud during operation.
• 😀 Some issues with the printer include clogs that can be difficult to clear and challenges with the purge mechanism, which can scatter filament around.
• 😀 Wi-Fi connectivity is straightforward, and the app provides easy management of the printer's functions, including firmware updates.
• 😀 The A1 Mini is not for everyone, especially for those already using larger Bamboo Lab printers, but it is a solid choice for beginners or those looking for a small 3D printing farm setup.

Q & A

What is the Bamboo Lab A1 Mini 3D printer, and what are its key features?

The Bamboo Lab A1 Mini is an entry-level 3D printer designed for those getting started with 3D printing or multi-color printing. It has a 180mm cubed build volume, a bed slinger design, and is priced aggressively at $459. It is semi-reliable, fast, and features a touch screen interface, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a low noise profile.

What makes the Bamboo Lab A1 Mini different from the X1 Carbon and P1P models?

The A1 Mini is designed as an entry-level machine, unlike the X1 Carbon or P1P which are targeted for larger objects and advanced users. It offers a smaller build volume, simpler setup, and is more affordable, making it ideal for beginners or those looking for multi-color printing at a budget-friendly price.

Does Bamboo Lab sponsor the video reviewed in the script?

No, Bamboo Lab did not sponsor the video. They sent the printer for review, but the creator is not being paid by Bamboo Lab to make the video. The creator also mentions that Bamboo Lab has not seen the video before it was published.

What are some pros and cons of the AMS Light system included with the A1 Mini?

The AMS Light system is more affordable, easier to maintain, and supports a wider variety of spool types, including cardboard spools. However, it takes up more space compared to the AMS system on other Bamboo Lab printers and can sometimes be tricky to load or unload filament due to its design.

How does the print quality of the A1 Mini compare to other Bamboo Lab printers?

The print quality of the A1 Mini is generally good, but it does face some issues, such as filament clogs. The printer can produce detailed and sharp prints, especially for multi-color objects. However, prints may fail if clogs or other problems occur during longer print jobs.

What is the biggest issue with the AMS Light system?

The biggest issue with the AMS Light system is the amount of horizontal space it occupies. The combination of the A1 Mini, AMS Light, and a filament catch bin requires significant space on a workbench or countertop, which can be cumbersome for users with limited space.

What problems did the reviewer encounter with the A1 Mini during testing?

The reviewer encountered several issues with the A1 Mini, such as clogs in the extruder, problems with the AMS Light system not recognizing clogs, and print failures where the printer continued to print in mid-air due to filament issues. Despite these problems, the reviewer successfully printed some objects after troubleshooting.

What are the benefits of the touch screen interface on the A1 Mini?

The touch screen interface is a significant upgrade over the wheel click-through design found on other Bamboo Lab printers. It makes navigating the printer’s settings easier and more intuitive, improving the overall user experience.

How does the A1 Mini handle multi-color printing, and what are its limitations?

The A1 Mini can perform multi-color printing with the AMS Light system, but it tends to waste a lot of filament during these prints. The reviewer noted significant filament waste and several failed prints when attempting multi-color jobs. Despite this, successful prints like the multi-colored parrot showed impressive results.

What is the reviewer’s overall opinion on the A1 Mini and the AMS Light system?

The reviewer appreciates the A1 Mini for its affordability, ease of use, and quiet operation. It is especially suitable for beginners and those wanting to set up a small 3D printing farm. However, the reviewer mentions that it’s not perfect, with issues like filament clogs, space requirements for the AMS Light, and some quality control problems.