I really appreciate this video. I'm not into gaming but I am a 3d printer user wanting to purchase another machine. It is sooo refreshing to watch an unboxing/review from someone that is NOT getting a free printer from the manufacturer to make a video of. Maybe those other reviews are honest but I just prefer your way of doing it. A big thanks also for pointing out the problems and the fixes you encountered.
Cheers! This video appears to have reached a broader audience than my little niche. I'm amazed at the technology in general and how it has improved. You're probably hard pressed to go wrong with these newer generation machines from any of the big manufacturers looking to compete.
Haha, I did the purge wiper too. I know a picture is worth a thousand words, it's still nice to have a few more words, or at least an arrow or something calling things out.
I pulled the pin and picked up an A1. Why did I wait sooo long. Maybe it was good I did cause I am loving it so far. Thanks again for your channel. It really is top tier.
I can’t believe I made the exact same two mistakes you did when installing two weeks ago and it took me forever to figure out the problem with the USB-C cable😂
Thank you for making this video. I just got my new A1 in the mail today. When I set it up it made that crazy noise and I couldn’t find anything anywhere on what it was. I thought for sure I was one of those lucky guys who’s new tool was broken right out of the bus. Your video solved my issue! So…. Thanks 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼
Good review from someone who clearly isn't the type of person who spends hundreds of hours tuning a printer hahaha. I would just like to note that you could have used almost any slicer with your Ender 3 to get the more advanced features you enjoyed with the A1. Glad it's working well for you!
A1 arrived today. Z Axis not homing. Wish I had seen this video before putting in a ticket. USB connection wasn't fully home. Many many thanks. Now working great.
Waiting on mine which should arrive in a day or 2 so thank you for the heads up on those things that they fail to mention in the manual! Appreciate it!
Really nice video! I'm thinking of getting an A1 to replace my current Kobra Go and this video set that in stone. There's no sponsor sugarcoating or anything and you point out some flaws that other reviewers don't (especially in the setup. When i got my kobra go I had to troubleshoot it for weeks since it seemed that no one else encountered similar issues to mine). It's also really helpful that you're comparing it to an older printer instead of one released recently, since it gave me a clearer view of the improvements and similarities i can expect upgrading from mine instead of the smaller differences that other reviews show comparing it to modern machines.
I went through EXACTLY the same trouble as you. In addition, I snagged the Z axis cables between the base and the X-Z structure when putting the two together. An update of the instructions would be really welcome.
This is a great PSA, thanks for including your troubleshooting work. Great to see an unsponsored take. The comparison with the Ender 3 benchy really shows how much printing tech has evolved in recent years. Have you had any print issues since the video was filmed? Since day one I've had massive stringing issues with anything I slice in Bambu Studio or Orca Slicer no matter what filament settings I adjust or how long I dry the filament (multiple brands of PLA). It kills me because the consistency in extrusion is better than any other printer I've owned, and the AMS Lite functions very well for swapping filament, but I can't enjoy it because I can't get any good parts. Extruder gears have been cleaned, filament calibrations have all by done. I can use the same filament on my old Prusa MK3S and print perfect parts, so I'm suspecting a firmware issue (and the old firmware is not available for me to downgrade to in the app), or more likely a hardware issue, since plenty of other folks are having no issues. Some of the models on the SD card printed fine, but I lost the files when I formatted the SD card during troubleshooting so I can't check out that Gcode to see if it's code related- slicing the same models in Bambu Studio with the stock profiles leaves me with tons of stringing. I mitigated the issue by installing a hardened steel nozzle and bumping the temp up 5 degrees, but then a day later I started seeing bad seams and sporadic under-extrusions. My current theory is that it's related to the extruder's pressure sensor that they touted could compensate flow rate on the fly. If it's presenting faulty readings, it could be compensating incorrectly and causing my issues. I submitted a support ticket to Bambu on December 26th and am still awaiting a response. I will edit my comment with an update if they end up coming through for me, but overall I'm not impressed with the product or company's support.
That’s unfortunate. Thank you for sharing as others may relate. I’ve had zero issues since my initial set up problems. I finished a 12 hour print last night. It has been running pretty much non-stop. I’m not savvy enough at this point to trouble shoot on the machine but curious what you learn. Keep me posted!
So far I'm very pleased but I haven't tried others printers in the space. I'm always skeptical of "best printer ever" videos when a "this video is sponsored" shows on the screen. Bambu does a fantastic job marketing I will say that
@@sasquatchphil89 The AMS is a weak point. I expect them to redesign it for their next line of core xy machines. I found that the feed path bend radii for the Bowden tubing should all be as large as possible, as try to get the path in to the head unit as close to perpendicular as you can. This greatly reduces filament feeding problems. (Abrasive filament does still cause some issues, however that isn’t easy to resolve.)
Many have put out much improved machines in the past year. That is only part of being competitive, though. Bambu has two real advantages: parts are readily available and not expensive, and they’re a big company with a lot of experienced people.
I experience inconsistent extrusions in like every print, but the 0.6mm nozzle can compensate it a little bit. Maybe you can feed any brands PLA and print, but some calibrations are still needed. At this point my P1”S” isn’t that far away - Just have to accept VFA or inconsistent layer lines
None of that here. I have my A1+AMS Lite and P1S+AMS side by side printing PETG dungeon blocks at a steady clip, average 14 hour print jobs, and I've yet to have any failures on either using stock settings for the filaments in the last two weeks. The P1S is still the one for ASA and ABS, but the A1 is matching the P1S blow for blow about 10% slower. Wish I could say the same for my QIDI X Max 3 and my Korbra 2 Max. Both good printers, but they take special care and feeding. As for the A1, I'd watched enough assembly videos by the time I got mine that I didn't have any serious challenges getting it ready to roll. Point of reference, there should be an extra client for your PTFE lines and you should use the two of them to keep your electronics cord away from your print bed. You can also print them out from Maker World.
Thankfully mine went together a lot simpler. My biggest issue was realizing I had to connect it to the internet and connect it to my phone and computer thru Bambu Studio to receive a critical firmware update. My prints were starting at 140 c, which caused very poor adhesion for the first layer. The firmware update fixed this. Since then it has been putting out flawless prints. I'm really happy with it.
Bought this printer and had the exact same experience ie jammed tool head and difficulty loading the filament. Bambu support is well aware of this problem but have done nothing to warn new users. Fortunately I solved the issue on my own as it took several days for support to get back to me.
I'm glad it's not just me. I almost contacted support because I couldn't find anything helpful. That's why I had to make this video. 😂 All they need to do is update the instructions.
@@MiniatureGameMontage Too right, it’s a pity I did not have your excellent video to refer to at the time. The printer has many excellent features but is not perfect, having to use Bambu Labs slow and laggy cloud service for WiFi is bad. I used an Ender V3 KE for a short period which just connected via home Wi Fi and it was so much better in this respect. The slicer is much better than the Creality slicer but again is not perfect as it is not connecting brims correctly to the model which makes certain thin parts warp badly.
This my first 3D printer. I’ve printed a few things from the sdcard, plus I drew and printed a simple wedge piece for mounting a battery charger at an angle to make the display more visible. I had no problems with any of them. I used PLA Tough filament. It’s quite amazing watching this thing work. Granted I don’t have the AMS so any inherent issue in that piece of equipment won’t apply to me. I’m very happy with my purchase so far.
Great video, I also had a few difficulties. I think the assembly instructions should be better. As soon as you switch on the device, there are a few things, such as calibration, that are not mentioned at all in the enclosed paper instructions. My first print looked terrible. I had loaded the Benchy on the SD card and wanted to print it. The print speed was far too fast and the temperature for the set PLA was at 240°C. As a result, the filament turned out too soft and the Benchy was matt instead of glossy. Not as nice as in your video. I still have a few things to adjust here.
You went into detail about the troubleshooting involved with the filament cutter. Aside from seeing the bottom cable assembly going in at an angle, I'm curious how you diagnosed the improperly inserted USB-C connector. Glad it's working for you now. I have a Gen 1 Ender 3 which worked for a while, and I got tired of tinkering with, along with a Kickstarter clone which never worked all that well, and my interest waned. Seeing all the RU-vidrs raving about the A1 makes me want to buy it with the AMS Lite and sell the other printers cheaply to someone who loves to tinker, and revive my interest in making stuff rather than troubleshooting and fixing printers.
This article about the A1 Mini got me thinking about it. It's funny because at the time I don't think the A1 was there. It appears to be now! wiki.bambulab.com/en/x1/troubleshooting/hmscode/0500_0300_0001_0002
I got back into 3d printing this year after a two-year hiatus. I bought a P1S, QIDI X Max 3, Kobra 2 Max and an A1 (with AMS Lite). Of all of them, the P1S is my favorite, but the A1 is over $400 less with AMS and I actually like the AMS Lite better than the regular. Awesome printer. I just hope they use the lessons learned on the AMS Lite to improve their mid "P" line of printers.
CALIBRATION FAIL! Hi! If I hadn’t seen your video some days before I got my bambu I would never would get it to calibrate. That step when you screw the bolt under the cutter if you don’t move the extruder to the center it fails! THANK YOU for your vid!
Good review. I just set my a1 up last week. I printed a benchy successfully within 30 to 45 minutes. I was trying to get my old ender 3 v2 and after 6 months of tinkering only got itnto printn90% once. The auto bed leveling and z axis offset axjustment just frees me up to do other stuff. Inhear different things about needing gluestick or not but my first few didnt need it
Big thanks for this video! Since you got the device, did u encounter any other issues? Do you still recommend this over to your friends w/o 3d printing experience?
Sweet! Thank you. For the purge wiper issue, could you post any link/video issue how you resolve it? Based on your video, I dont think I follow your resolution. You just showed a picture of the wiper which we didnt see in any other shots. Thanks in advance
@@beforethebigbang892 you need to slide the nozzle head over prior to installation. Somehow installing it as is locked mine and some others in the comments in place.
As someone who is considering 3D printing I really enjoyed your video. Clear concise no sales edge just told it how it is. But if you as an experienced printer ha this much trouble then one for me to avoid I think.
I think what you were seeing in the video was the learning curve from the old technology to the new technology. These are very straightforward printers. I really don't think it gets any easier than this one or the Ankermake M5. Having recently upgraded myself I can tell you these are pretty much plug and play printers in the 3D printing world. I went ahead and spent the extra $200 and got the color printing option; which is something I've been waiting on for over 5 years.
Glad it was helpful! Since my initial set up issues my prints have been perfect. I've had zero failed prints. So if you go this route out of the many options out there, just be mindful of those initial steps.
Take a few hours and watch the many assembly videos. It will fall together like a champ and you'll be printing in an hour. Make sure you buy some filament!
I've been printing for over 12 years now. I've worked at least 20 plus printers to their death. The first printer I purchased took over 4 hours to build, had to hand wire the circuit board in. Went to a glass company to make a glass bed as the steel bed provided was junk. Like you I recently purchased this newer technology. I have to say these advancements make 3D printing, 3D printing. You no longer have to troubleshoot and tinker with these machines like you used to to get them working. The speed at which you can print is insane compared to previous models. My hobby is 3D printing objects, not fixing the machines. Unfortunately all the years of doing it I've learned both. You put really good video together straightforward with an honest take on your results, Great job
For FDM I don’t worry too much to be honest. I have 3 children and print in a large room. I have concern for resin but I’m sure if you ask 10 different people you’ll get 10 different answers with regards to PLA. My wife is allergic to everything and is fine.
Hi, I wanted to make a fence for A1 bamboo because I have a room at 16°C and I had thought of making the walls with "non-woven fabric" (i.e. the fabric that is put on plants in winter). but without the front wall and the another 3 removable so that the machine can breathe but at the same time have a more or less acceptable temperature for printing. I think the electronics have no problems ps. I will only use pla and petg, what do you think?
I had the ender 3 and loved it, especially with its silent board. So, can you please tell me if the A1 is as quiet at low speeds. Because I need a quiet printer
How did you solve the issue with filament loading? Loading the 1rst time,my extruder just keeps clicking around and no filament comes out. Already unload and loaded several times. :/
There’s a filament button on the screen. Press it then press load filament. The hot end will heat up and you gently press the filament forward at the spool. When you see it extrude click done. If you don’t see it, repeat the steps. Once complete your filament is loaded and ready to go
The noise level is lower I think. The fans on the Ender V2 crank up and it’s noticeably louder. I will say if you’re printing fast and have a lot of corners, the noise level increases.
Thanks for the video. Bought the A1 as well and after the set-up I couldn’t get a benchy printed ‚cause the first layer just won’t hold…frustrating and trying next week again
Yeah will check again next week ‚cause as you mentioned a bit frustrating - but maybe it is me 😅 the speed is insane right but on my prints that I tried I reduced the speed on the display to standard or even I guess it is called silent (in Germany so maybe translation is wrong 😅).
@@Marc_JPM if it's dragging the filament around right from the start, check your Z height and your temps. Make sure you've got your print bed set to PEI, your filament set to PLA (if that's what you're using) and try printing something at normal speed. Remember that silk PLA and sparkle are different animals with different heat constraints. Been there so many times and I know how frustrating that is.
Guys - it works and you wouldn‘t believe what the root cause was. It appears I used a not really clean tissue! I changed to a paper towel more or less and that did it 🤷♂️ thanks for your hints and tips and wishing a healthy and nice 2024 🎉 for you guys and your community
Why people ask for bigger printers? When you go over a certain size most of the machine needs to be changed, it's not just doing it bigger 🤔 To go faster with bigger will change the shape of it so it will not be square anymore and so on. I think this bed size is in the sweet spot 😉 I have the mini and it's the only go to printer now, and the ender S1 pro , I use it as a laser engraver 👍 that's it. Others found their way back to the box and will be sold 👍
I set mine up just yesterday and have only printed the speed boat and scraper so far. And so far everything is just awsome.... But the noise from it vibrations it makes going so fast is a little concern of mine. Maybe it needs a rubber mat to stand on
Awesome! I loaded up a few files in the slicer and put them on default settings. The noise and vibrations have went way down I’m thinking because the speed is reduced. Those preloaded files are on super speed I think to show off what it can do.
You're not going to print anything but test files at those speeds. After calibration, your standard prints are going to be as quiet as it gets without an enclosure. I can't hear a sound coming from it over my other printers, and it's right in my ear.
I'm lucky I didnt have your problems. I bought the A1 with ams for my 8-year-old. We know nothing about 3D printing. But let's just say I'm already ordering more filament. Him and my 13 year old are having a ball with it
Hey Jimmy thanks for this video. I was gonna reach out to you last week to ask your thoughts on a 3d printer. Perfect timing! Thinking about getting a Bambu A1, A1 mini or PS1. Three questions - a) what type of filament do you use for your terrain (plastic type pla or pet or something else)? b) would this printer make movement trays (for kow or warhammer fantady / old world) which stay flat on all corners or would it likely produce warped movement trays? c) would you recommend a different sz nozzle (.2 for example) or to upgrade to a hardened nozzle vs what it comes with?
Glad it was helpful. I use just regular PLA. Not anything fancy. I typically would use Sunlu but I recently ran into an issue with a spool. In looking at it, I purchased their Matte line and it caused nozzle clogs in my Ender 3. They were zero help in refunding my product and I've used them for years. I purchased Elegoo PLA and I'm back to printing. The Bambu bed appears to stick really well. Almost too well. My Ender 3 would require a glue stick to prevent warping on larger prints but the Bambu I'm not using anything and it sticks really well. I'm doing a larger print now and it's just fine. I'm confident you could product non-warped movement trays as long as you allow the print to fully cool before removing it from the bed. They couldn't be too thin, however, or any printer wouldn't work. Hope that helps!
After about two weeks it looks like this: drive.google.com/file/d/1q9EbJsZIJidMAjVnoUqmq60U2AzGS5JT/view?usp=drivesdk I have no clue on how it looks on other Printers, but to me this isn`t normal. @@MiniatureGameMontage
Bambulabs Canada recently shipped a known defective A1 with a recall notice on powerup on the LCD. They have not contacted the customer and have not informed the government that the unit could cause a fire and possible electrocution since February. The unit was delivered close to the Burnaby depot and they could have easily shipped a working unit and a tech to make it right. Drive time is now 28 minutes. Avoid this shabby company. I have unopened X1C and P1P and an A1 Mini. Perhaps I will return them tomorrow if nothing is resolved.
The Canadian Government has just (6 days ago) posted a recall notice update on a safety problem that goes back to Jan 30 this year. Perhaps my negative comments on the A1 for 3 months have finally been listened to. As the fault was electrical / fire risk with mains voltage how many electrocutions and fires were reported? Issue When the recalled 3D printer’s heatbed cable is bent or damaged, it can short-circuit and spark or burn through the insulation layer, posing electric shock and fire hazards. As of July 20, 2024 the company has received 7 reports of damage to the heat bed cable in Canada, and no reports of injuries. What you should do Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Bambu Lab Model A1 3D printer and contact Bambu lab for a refund or repair.
Right on. This has been on-going. I received my replacement bed last month and took care of it. My original cord was not impacted but I did it anyway. Safety first.
This printer is putting every other consumer 3D printer on notice. Specifically Prusa as a brand. You are getting more features in a quality product at less than half the price of a Prusa. Which used to the best consumer printers you could buy.
Yeah honestly I wish I had a Prusa so I could compare. The pricing was a bit much for me in my little hobby, however. I've heard the machines are great and the customer service is as well. For my Ender 3, however, I have never had to contact anyone. A little research has always helped me fix whatever I needed.
I would absolutely recommend. It’s pretty hands off once you get started. I did a lot of research on what I wanted and I’m happy with it despite my initial frustration. My 3 year old came into the room and stopped my latest print. I was able to pick up flawlessly where it left off.
Bambu need to release a min. 300x300mm big size printer in next year ! Otherwise they will stay behind everybody else , couse size is matter ( well , at least in this case 😆). Good review bro !
As an owner of the big printers from "everybody else," I am eagerly awaiting the big Bambu. If it's CoreXY, I'll be replacing my QIDI X Max 3 with it. If bed slinger, I'll sub it in for my Kobra 2.
I just ordered the A1 with AMS lite yesterday and received a tracking number today. I'm sorry, but I didn't quite get how you solved the "stuck tool head" issue. Can you give a little more step-by-step details about it? I just want to mentally prepare for when I receive it. Thanks for the informative video!
@TheAwesomeSam Yep, he nailed it. Move that toolhead over before you put the screw in. And make sure that USB-C is nice and snug at the bottom. I haven't had a failed print yet so I hope you have the same success.
I have been a ender 3 v2 user for about 1 year. It's driving me crazy that the printer keeps breaking something. The nozzle constantly gets clogged and the calibration setting is broken. So I will order A1
I’ve had good success with my Ender. That said, I’ve replaced springs, nozzles, hot end, Bowden tube, extruder gear, extruder arm, and various other things. It’s still going strong but tinkering is a big part of it.
@@MiniatureGameMontage Yes, it produces very nice prints as long as it is repaired. I made very nice prints with Ender 3, but the same simple mistakes over and over become annoying after a while. It takes too much time.
@@Craftzone3d I agree. My recent issue with replacing the extruder arms and gears made me start to look at other options. And the technology has really progressed!
Man you know that can update the firmware of that Ender? Mine makes a benchy in 21 minutes. OFC you have to update the cooling and nozzle too. BTW that Ender is an older model, it even has a glass bed, this year Ender 3 VE has full auto bed level too and can make a benchy in less than 30m, I mean it's not that fair to compare a recent fast bedslinger to an old Ender running Marlin 1.x without input shaping.
Yeah I'm sure that Creality and the rest of the big players are making similar speed and quality printers. That's great to hear. Since I already had an Ender I figured I would give something else a shot.
I was pretty close buying a printer on Black Friday. This past fall, I got the chance to fiddle around with a printer of both types. Resin is absolutely horrible, it's messy, it's smelly, it's freaking toxic. You ideally need a separate device to finish the prints, and you clean them with more toxic stuff. Anything left behind is hazardous waste that you _really_ should dispose of properly. Sure, there's water washable resin, but the resin's still toxic; you can't pour it into a drain. And there's a concern of it being more easily absorbed into the body thanks to its water solubility. The tech's not there yet, and honestly might never be. A shame because the prints are great even for older printers. The filament printer I messed around with might have soured my opinion on them. A 2019-2020 model that had had a special build plate installed that the instructions given didn't account for. Trying to follow them, and the general instructions online, I ended up with so much plastic spaghetti because the thing wouldn't stick, but apparently this fancy plate needs the extruder to _just_ touch the plate, a paper's width akin to a cosmic rift, so that if you pressed the corner you're trying to level ever so slightly, you can see the tiniest gap form. The print quality on it is barely good enough for some simple scatter terrain, like barrels, but honestly, that's fine enough for me. Only need to print like a couple dozen barrels to break even over buying them. Maybe I'll have another look next year!
I can relate. As I already owned an FDM printer I weighed getting a resin printer. It seemed like a logical next step but I ended up avoiding it for some of the reasons you listed. I’ve been using this new one and it’s as hands off as a printer can be. It auto-levels, the slicer is intuitive, it sends my files wirelessly to the printer and sends me a message on my phone when complete. I have not had a single failed print yet. I’m honestly not sure what the next steps are for this technology. Maybe faster but it’s already really fast.
I don't know what you mean about the Ender 3! I built one of the first Ender 3s ever sold and it was a breeze to put together. Far less screws and set up than an A1 from Bambu!!!
Just my experience. It has been a few years but I remember assembling the axis (x and z). I think belts were involved and assembling the hot end to everything. Then trying to get it at the perfect height to bed level. It was my first experience with it so it took me some time. Everyone will be different I guess.
That was the USB-C cable at the bottom. Essentially it wasn't reading as I didn't have the cable pushed in enough. But yes, lots of options in this price range between Bambu, Elegoo, Creatlity, Prusa and others.
@@michaelpartlow6625He literally said himself that he didn’t install it correctly. After he fixed everything that wasn’t the printers fault, it worked perfectly (not a quality issue). Prusa makes great printers but they are falling way behind printers like this. Yet they still charge more than double the price for their now inferior product.
@@michaelpartlow6625 the MK4 is a fine bit of kit, but you'll have to spend many hours assembling it for a much higher price than the A1 with the AMS unit. Prusa is just not competitive any more at the
