Bambu A1 Mini Update: After 6 Months, Is It Worth It?

[@lukeclayton7578]

I had a CR-6 SE with klipper, vibration calibration, and basically near perfect tuning. It doesn’t come close to what the A1 mini can print out and at incredible speeds. I loved klipper w/ fluidd, very fun project for tinkering however I also want an appliance that just works without the fuss of some random thing going wrong which happened way too often. I don’t know what black magic but the A1 is just incredible value.

[@jumpytater6663]

Overall, it's a great option for people at any experience level. Most of us just want to print stuff, not spend days tinkering and adjusting settings all the time. It's funny to read some of the rants from people because you won't have the "experience" of learning how these work and how to fix them. I've been printing for 4+ years and would have LOVED access to something like this when I started.

[@my3DPrintLab]

LOL, I agree. I nearly quit 3D printing altogether because of my Tenlog Hands 2 machines. If I'd had a Bambu back then, I'd probably have a print farm now. So... maybe that was a good thing? Nah. Thanks!

[@eaman11]

It's not that you don't have the trouble to tune it, it's that you can't upgrade or modify it so you don't have a chance to learn how to do it. It's all fun and games now with those A1, what happens in 6 months when the new models with new multiestrusion comes out and they realize that they can not upgrade or modify those printers? What happens 3 years from now? We have always been able to update the old printers to the actual technology, even my original Ender3 can do a benchy in 18 minutes and it went through 2 generation upgrade since I got it.

[@xacharon]

@@eaman11 What happens? They'll probably just go buy a new one with the new features they want. :) For them, designing and printing stuff is the goal, not messing with the printer itself. It's the same way most people just want to run their favorite applications on their PC without needing to know how to assemble their PC. Having the deeper knowledge absolutely has its benefits, but lowering the barrier to entry is what really lets a hobby take off into the mainstream, and I feel these new printers are ushering in that phase for home 3d printing. And overall, that's probably a very good thing. Those who want to learn more about the hardware side of things, to up their game, can still do so, AFTER they've been hooked thanks to the easy start.

[@eaman11]

@@xacharon Sure, that's the point for Bambu, making you spend more and buy more and keep you dependent. 3D printers are tools for makers, people who want to learn and make things and are used to so. You can't "learn more" on 3d printers hardware and firmware after the easy start with Bambu because those are closed proprietary platforms. You do what they let you do how they let you do, no more.

[@xacharon]

@@eaman11 Well, unless Bambu becomes a monopoly, nothing prevents you from transitioning to another printer, maybe one more amenable to tinkering and modding, if that interest is sparked.

[@daveterry4326]

Not specific to the A1 mini, but I recently got myself a P1P, and as you say about this little printer, it just works!! I've played with 3d printers for years, but this is the first time I've felt confident that I could just send the file, and know I'm not going to have to worry about it. Bambu is revolutionising the market

[@my3DPrintLab]

I agree. Great for all of us because I've seen other manufacturers stepping up their game. I have the P1S and love it as well. Thanks!

[@sangeetsatheesan846]

Thank you for the detailed review after 6 months of use :)

[@my3DPrintLab]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sumaznkid]

I’ve had my A1 Mini with the AMS lite for a little over a week. And I couldn’t agree with you more about the reliability of this machine. It just continues to print really well. I never wanted to get one before as I knew the amount of time and work just to get a machine to print. What’s great about it being reliable is that I can just concentrate on modeling or creating new things and prototype quickly. I’ll take a look at your other videos. Thanks!

[@jepjep40on]

how good does it handle over hangs?

[@tedh7543]

Just purchased an A1 Mini two days ago with the AMS lite for $399 + shipping and tax. I have an A1 and I love it but wanted a second printer to replace my Ender 2 Pro that is now in the trash due to a failed motherboard. The A1 mini is light years more technologically advanced than my Ender 2 Pro.

[@isrz8740]

I’ve been casually 3d printing for 3 years now and just trashed a JGmaker machine as I could no longer fix it. And this printer as a replacement is way better than what I have. At current $199 price it’s a no brainer for any level of experience.

[@DrClaw-y2l]

I'm not even really interested in multi color printing but that ams lite is SO nice for loading and unloading filament and having several ready to go at once is nice because while I don't generally do multicolor printing I DO print things in different colors to assemble so having 4 spools ready to go is SO nice.

[@glencwilson]

Had mine for about 6 weeks now and have used it nearly every day. Had a couple of failed prints that were my fault after playing with settings. It is a great printer as you can just print stuff. Closest printer to an appliance you can get - the printer does not become the hobby. It feels as though it will last too. Print size could be limiting but not that much. Biggest surprise is the quality of prints, not as good as resin but close enough.

[@my3DPrintLab]

Yeah, the allure of resin. Sigh. There's not an FDM out there that can match it, but the price and ease makes it worth sticking to FDM. Glad you're liking it!

[@RozvozceTofu]

just 2 days ago A1 was delivered, i was shocked how easy and perfect it was for 1st print,...my friend just bought A1 mini before me and show me this printers,...so i refund my V2 neo and bought this :D

[@Atx-aim]

mine a1 mini arrives on monday

[@dupre7416]

Thanks for the review. Very helpful. I have an A1 Mini + AMS on the way to me. It’s my first 3D printer even though I’ve been watching the maker scene since the early 2000s. I can’t wait 😛

[@robbiebettilyon5304]

I am really excited about buying the Bambu A1 Mini 3D printer. But I have a question to ask you! When you buy the machine, does it come with the Bambu Studio software, or do you have to go to the website to download the software? I am assuming this software is for free? It would mean a lot if you could answer the question. Thanks and I appreciate it.

[@johnsanford3596]

You CAN print a full sized Mandalorian helmet for your cat.

[@LouisCollison-rj5ks]

Yipeee

[@iLoveYourBackpack]

I bought one. This was my first and I absolutely love it

[@franzgriffle6063]

You posted 7 months ago, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the print now. Can you give details and pros and cons? So of if I am asking to much lol

[@iLoveYourBackpack]

@@franzgriffle6063 Still love it and it is by far the easiest buy, set up, and use tool I have ever bought.

[@octaviasavage6404]

Just pulled the trigger to purchase one. Where do you recommend I buy quality/budget filament?

[@SneakyJoeRu]

I have x1c. I'm still curious to get A1m. Do you own other BBL printers?

[@danielezuccoli1808]

What if I'm a beginner, it would be my first printer, and my objective is to print a Daft Punk helmet? I mean, if I chop the build in more parts, will it come out decent, with obviously a bit of tinkering post print?

[@lockeboss502]

Just get the a1 (non mini). The mini is too small for helmets I would assume

[@my3DPrintLab]

I agree with other commenters, for just a bit more you could get the A1 (not the mini). It would allow for less chopping and gluing, same speed, dependability and functionality with a bigger plate. That's if you stay with Bambu. There are other printers that allow full-size prints like that, but I've not used them. Uncle Jessy prints a LOT of helmets, might want to look at his recommendations. Although, most of his are sponsored, so do your due diligence in researching!

[@Fyrestare]

I started with an ender 3 pro in late 2022 because it was only $99 and I thought it'd be fun to tinker with. I got maybe 10 good prints out of it before I had to start replacing parts. I spent an additional $80 trying to get it to print well consistently. I added a glass bed, a BL touch, a direct drive extruder, and replaced things, but it never worked. I got the A1 Mini in December of 2023 and immediately got rid of the ender 3. This works so much better and I'm so glad I bought it. So far every print failure has been my fault, and I've figured out he causes fairly quickly.

[@enosunim]

Well, you do not need bl-touch or glass bed. Or even replace 'things'. Only direct drive, a PEI sheet, replace bed springs, and make bed kinda straight. I do not think you need extra $80 for that. But, yeah, you have so much ways to tinker with Ender 3. Oh my, people put belts on Z axis or add additional Z spindle. Or change board. With bambu A1mini all you can is to trick it to heat up bed to 100C by soldering a resistor. And I guess that is all. No motor replacement, no printhead remodeling, not even able to reflash firmware to set some wrong temperatures. For example on Edner 3 you can unlock 300C, and it will ruin stock hotend which can withstand only 240C. But with Bambu you can't even get you bed to heat to 100C, which can withstand that with no problem. Well I guess freedom is not always what people need. = ) I also bought Ender 3 (without fancy PRO as it really have nothing game changing for additional money), because it was under $100. And yes, with Ender 3 you just need to stop at some moment, or you will upgrade printer to infinity and forget to print anything else = ) I look at new printers from time to time and still would make the same decision. But I should agree Bambu printers at least are worth buying. Comparing to Ender 3 knock offs for overpriced tags.

[@usmanasad790]

Im stuck in deciding between getting an A1 mini with AMS, vs the new Ender 3 V3. The A1 is also in budget but without the AMS. The problem with that is i'd have to wait till may for its release. Would you recommend the A1 mini over the Ender 3 v3?

[@Antassium]

Absolutely, get the A1 Mini! After yet another printer dying on me, I switched to A1

[@enosunim]

Yeah if you buy Ender 3, you by classic bowden printer, not those marketing parasite models. And under $100 only. This is its real price. So if you choose between marketing Ender 3 name parasite model and anything else, you buy anything else = ) I use Ender 3 classic, with mods of course and can not imaging it 'dying'. Maybe board can blew out of order, but this can be replaced too. Also a good reason for upgrade to normal board. = )

[@JeffBenedict]

Great video. My Mini will be here next week. Cant wait to get started.

[@leeedsonetwo]

Really useful, thanks. I may go for the A! just for the extra size.

[@martinquinn8437]

We have an a1 that we use in our etsy shop. We just bought the mini because of the price and it’s big enough for what we need.

[@nougat00]

how about when you live on a hot weather? does the printing affects the filaments to go brittle?? even with ams lite without hydrator?

[@justinteague4041]

Just picked up a mini for $179. Already have an X1C but wanted something for printing small things when the X1C is doing long prints.

[@emmabentley7945]

Just picked up the A1 MIni for 169 , as a christmas gift. fantastic little thing

[@jamis1232]

I’ve got a p1s now gonna buy one of these cuz it looks cute and I need more printing power

[@Kid_illithid]

My first printer was an Anycubic kobra 2 neo. Just ordered an A1 mini. Can’t wait. I loved the montage of easythread printers 😂 i almost bought one of those hunks of junk just for the laughs

[@SlorideI20]

Well done sir.

[@bradnd99]

I just bought one about 2 hours ago. Looking forward to exploring this world with a well reviewed printer like this and at a very reasonable price (it was on sale from the $299 price in this video).

[@arranwilliams2523]

Man i have the A1 and its my first printer but this recall is killingme! They said we would have the new heatbed by now but of cource there is no word from them... I dont have the disposable income to purchase another one and am just disappointed with the lack of updates and the long extended wait.

[@my3DPrintLab]

Don't forget that the recall ONLY affects... I think... less than 10% of the A1 machines. You can reach out to Bambu to make sure, but there are plenty of sites about what to look for. Bambu also has a print to attach to the power cord, regardless of whether you have the issue (just to make sure). (BTW: this is my opinion only, not professional advice. Don't burn anything down, though, so if you're unsure, unplug and follow Bambu's advice.) Good luck!

[@komradkyle]

constant tangles and spool issues loading with the AMS even on new roles. Took it apart with PTFE tubes and the filament hub no blockages. Still refuses to load.

[@ckupcu]

I just ordered one, curious to put my hands on it. This will be my 5th printer (1. CraftBot Original, 2. CraftBot FLOW, 3. Ultimaker 2+, 4. BCN3D R19). I keep my CraftBot FLOW - which I like very much, I wonder if this little A1 mini can beat it...

[@gus452000]

Question for you, Have you printed off a 100mm X Y Z test print and measured it?

[@my3DPrintLab]

Hey! Nope, haven't done that as I've not had any calibration issues with measurements. I print on the Mini and the P1S and K1 and all fit together "mostly" good enough. I've seen on Teaching Tech and others that those cubes are mostly wrong, but I've done it on some other printers and gotten things dialed in, so... it may work for you, maybe not.

[@enosunim]

What reason to do this anyways? Can you correct skew in firmware like in Marlin? I do not think there are any settings like that, which user can do.

[@nickstubbings]

i just ordered mine from Bambu Lab. £299 for the A1 Mini AND the AMS. It would've been rude not to at that price.

[@joeking433]

So, what is better the A1 or the MIni? That's my dilemma. I already had the A1 and it was great but they recalled it and I either will buy a Mini or an A1. I'd kind of like something different so I'm thinking Mini. I already have a Prusa Mini which is great and don't really need the bigger bed since I have a couple of cheap Kobras with the bigger bed size. But besides the bed size is the A1 better than the Mini in any way? I actually heard that the Min had slightly better prints.

[@mick2d2]

I have an FLSUN QQs Pro that I like to tinker with, but sometimes I just need to print something quickly. At 200€ (what it costs now on sale) this will hopefully be the perfect solution.

[@thediplomat1124]

Great review! How much space lengthwise does this unit take up with the AMS unit?

[@my3DPrintLab]

My setup is roughly 30 inches by 24 inches or so and about 18 inches tall. I have mine sideways and spread out a little but works great. Thanks!

[@mendelian8768]

I got one and have some issues. During printing the printer randomly stops for few seconds makes a drop of polymer and resumes printing. So you get sometimes drops of polymer on your print. The wifi connections seems to be the reason. Also this printer is not quiet the fans are loud especially the mainboard fan is annoying. Otherwise it is fast and the prints look great and it is easy to use.

[@my3DPrintLab]

That "drop" shoudn't be there. That could be the heat setting, a retraction issue, or possibly your Volumetric speed settings. If you're not using Bambu, try the Generic setting, but definitely look at Calibration and making a Filament setting for that brand with good settings. I'm not sure that WiFi can cause this, but try putting it on the SD card and see what happens. And yeah, fans. Ugh. At least it's not my Creality K1! That literally sounds like a jet engine. Thanks!

[@michaels3003]

The smaller the fan, the larger the RPM, and therefore the noise. There is no room to put larger fans in small enclosures.

[@metaphysicalArtist]

@4:44 Price is down to $249 in North America

[@my3DPrintLab]

Yeah! The price change wasn't something I saw coming! But it's pretty awesome. They are also having a sale right now on parts and filament.

[@randy80ism]

Love this printer as it was my first and only. Had amazing results, just the issue was I. Left my filamate, I'll expose too long

[@timapple2501]

Thanks for the video,I might give bambu a try next time. currently have aCreality ender 3 s1 pro. I can say I will never own another creality brand again because of the poor quality of this printer.

[@jinkoneko]

I honestly had the same problem 2 years back when I tried to get into 3d printing myself. Got an ender 5 plus based on community extolling how great creality can be and how good open-source/tinkering is. God what a nightmare, it was literally 2 months of back and forth online finding no good answers to my unique issues and replacing over a dozen parts. The most annoying was how bad the service was, had to source and find out what was wrong myself because support was terrible. Had a "slight" bent right z rail screw which didn't show well on camera, but every time I ran the printer it would offset the bed after 1-2 hours on one side.. support basically didn't want to send any replacement parts even with photos and video. Got a Bambu P1S a few months back based on that they say works out of box and how well they seem to publicly handle the A1 recall on the cable issue. Honestly never looking back to anything else now, it just works. Honestly it feels like a lot of the jaded community is quite toxic in 3d printing. Like if it's not "open source", it's bad or etc etc. I mean sure if you want to dive in and tinker or have years of exp building/using printers go for it. But it's 2024 now and not 10 years back, a lot of people just want to get into this and print, not spend ages getting to the starting line. Bambu really has something going good here, now just wish they'd make an XL already...

[@my3DPrintLab]

I've heard good and bad about the Enders. The new 3 v3 looks really good, but I've not used it. I have the Creality K1 (not the launch version, the fixed one!) and absolutely love it. For a single color printer, I honestly think it's on par with my P1S, speed and quality. Don't give up! Michael at TeachingTech has great info for calibrating. It's detailed but worth it, and you'll learn a lot as well. teachingtechyt.github.io/calibration.html

[@enosunim]

I agree, they created Ender 3 model, which was a revolution at the time. But later they copy only not very good mods from community. For example they removed V slots from frame. But the whole idea is that you can connect mods there. And if you do not need them, just print spacers. Easy does it? But no, they produce custom profiles which makes it more expensive and less versatile. The sprite extruder is kinda OK, and you can just buy ordinary Ender 3 and put sprite if you want. But I personally would prefer something else. All those rails, shafts and so on are just marketing and they gave even more trouble than V slot wheels, which are cheap and easy to maintain.

[@josuad6890]

I never printed anything until last week. Bought the A1 Mini, set it up, downloaded the app, and oh boy the prints are just good with the cheapest elegoo PLA I've found. Just a simple search from bambu handy app and the thing goes off to the races. It's almost like magic 3D printing these days. I still remember wanting to dive into this hobby some years ago, only to find out that everything is still janky, the printers are expensive and mostly needed to be assembled yourself, not to mention mandatory "fixes" with 3rd party parts that may or may not cost more than the printers themselves. Those things scared me off back then, so I never looked back until now. Now, it's just that easy, almost like online shopping of what you want with your cellphone and the printer will make it for you. Also, that 18x18cm restriction never really bothered me. If I want bigger part, I just cut that in two via bambu studio and glue it later.

[@michaels3003]

How many years ago? Going back several years (but fewer than ten), there were always some good printers available but not for $200 or $300. I understand that in some countries $200 was a considerable amount of money, but in the "well developed" countries those cheap printers should have been ignored ("you get what you paid for").

[@Ashmodai]

they're on sale right now and I'm having a reaaaally tough time deciding between a 200 bucks barebone A1 mini and the A1 with AMS lite for 560... just to get all those shenanigans... :\

[@arielmarshall5501]

Do you know if it has the same privacy concerns as the x1 and p1s, etc? Does the printer need to be registered with an internet connection and does it send data back to Bambulab?

[@my3DPrintLab]

All their printers use the same software and online settings, so yes, the same concerns. I have thought about it a good bit, but so far I haven't done anything proprietary. I do believe I read that it sends files to Bambu, but I don't know how to verify that. It's also possible to keep it local or just use the SD card.

[@logitech4873]

​@@my3DPrintLab They don't send print files to Bambu. They send diagnostics files. The guys making that custom firmware for the X1 confirmed this.

[@othomsen1]

Does anyone have a tip for a good cheap filament holder for the a1 mini?

[@my3DPrintLab]

Assuming you're printing without AMS, Thangs and MakerWorld have a lot of add-ons. One thing I've seen is the little rollers you sit it on and have to add bearings to them. Biggest issue with that is they tend to move, so maybe attach to a board or desk.

[@othomsen1]

Okay, thanks. I’ll check it out.

[@Azuu001]

is the bigger one more worth it or does it depend?

[@my3DPrintLab]

Same speed and quality and dependability, just a difference in build plate. If I didn't have my other printers, I would probably get the A1 if money allowed. But, obviously, I have no problem with the Mini.

[@legendaryshadow6428]

the price has changed, to 250 dollars, or £230 just today

[@PaulB-justme]

That's why I ordered one a few days ago - should be delivered today! 😃

[@Ale_giro]

Or still 310€ (or 470€ ams) = way more than 360$

[@xKenn]

It's now $199USD letsss gooo :D

[@ESGamingCentral]

$199

[@reloading--if1hw]

199 just coped one

[@Tonys.Top.Tips.Workshop]

great well informed review

[@remconet]

Right now the price for the A1 Mini (in Europe) is only €199! Or €349 for the combo.

[@suzannelandry9785]

Mine hasnt printed in 3 weeks 😡 now i have to change the temperature sensor and dont know how and cant find a video to help me

[@my3DPrintLab]

Sorry to hear it! Try this: wiki.bambulab.com/en/a1/maintenance/filament-sensor-replacement

[@suzannelandry9785]

@@my3DPrintLab i tried it all and they r sending me a new "board" waiting for it to come in. hope its that! i am in printing withdrawl lol

[@Valiantlion23]

Creality V2 Neo vs This one?

[@enosunim]

Forget about any bedsligers which are not Ender 3 (the very first one). They repeat same mistakes over and over. So I guess you better choose something else, without Ender 3 V99 SUPER ULTRA PRO name = )

[@timkline162]

Does Filament printing smell bad like resin printing?

[@my3DPrintLab]

Hey! The comparison is night and day! Especially with PLA. When I'm running my open printers all at the same time, I can smell it, but I keep air flowing and clean. PETG is a little worse but not bad. ABS and others are toxic and smell horrible. That's why most people stick to PLA or PETG. Creality K1's and Bambu P1's have filters that mitigate this completely, but it's not really for ABS but supposedly works somewhat.

[@michaels3003]

@@my3DPrintLab , luckily many bad things smell bad, so we can avoid them. All printers use the same basic "filters" that are only partly effective. Some expensive "outboard" filtration systems use multi-stage filtering, but the it is still a good idea to remove the air from a living space. Luckily, not that many people are printing yet, so the air is breathable for now. Long term exposure to chemical gases can be very damaging.

[@eriorellana89]

why is this called a beginner printer? it works so much better than so many other printers.

[@Thijmenhb1]

Probably because it's so much more easy for beginners to use compared to other printers

[@michaels3003]

Mostly because of the size of the print bed. Secondly, due to limited types of the filaments that can be printed well.

[@B3NN1.]

Does somebody know what comes with the a1 mini (not the combo)?

[@Ale_giro]

A1mini, samples (pla) and chips of printed materials. Even in the webpage of the store it's written in the box. Too lazy to check/search by yourself?!

[@B3NN1.]

No i guess i just was blind

[@B3NN1.]

But do the tools also come with it

[@thenextension9160]

@@B3NN1.yes some basic stuff comes, including the Allen keys to set everything up. 2.5mm is the size I believe.

[@unfixinggaming4961]

rn it is 330 for the lite

[@Forsigh]

Bought for 199 in europe

[@StylishJedi]

Why do you keep pointing out for beginners? Are you ashamed that this printer is better than all of your other more expensive printers? Because it is. I own it as well. I have watched many reviews from people that have access to almost all other printers under $2000 and they all agree that this printer prints better than most of them. I will agree. I used to have an Elegoo Neptune 4 pro. What a piece of crap in comparison to the A1 mini with AMS. Stop saying "for beginners". This prints three types of filaments perfectly. (of course it's a bed slinger so it doesn't have a contained heated environment). This is one of the best printers period. They only drawback is the tiny build plate. I have a feeling that bamboo's next large format printer will be large copy of this one. People keep saying I'm wrong and that it will not. I think it will be. This is why they made this printer first to test it out. Everybody was so surprised when the A1 mini came out why they didn't make a larger printer that everybody had been asking for.because this was the test run on something that everyone can afford with bells and whistles like no other affordable printer.

[@HerzogJoni]

I see it like you. I've had a lot of printers. Anycubic Vyper, Anycubic Kobra Max, Ender 3 and 2 Pro, Craftbot, Prusa and more.They were all terrible. I got the P1S and was thrilled. Yes, the P1S is super cool but I've now also got the A1 Mini. Some friends asked me why I got such a little Bedslinger. I answered because it is enough for most things. If you compare the price, the A1 Mini is the best printer I've had so far. I love small printers because they don't take up much space. The printer is small but a littel monster. The quality, speed, size and value for money is just perfect.

[@my3DPrintLab]

Great points! My reasoning is that I constantly get asked about what I recommend "for beginners." I see this a lot online, too. I did point out that even though I have a lot of printers, the A1 Mini probably gets used more than others. BUT! I agree I should have made it more "general" since I think it's great for everybody! Thanks!

[@redherring5532]

Because it's literally targeted to beginners. 😂

[@hot_wheelz]

And because it doesn't offer the build volume and the ability to print more engineering grade / high performance filament that more advanced, more expensive printers are able to offer.

[@802Garage]

They already did a larger version, the A1. Will they make an even larger bed slinger? Definitely possible. I think if they do a larger bed slinger before a larger enclosed core XY a lot of fans will be upset though. The main aspects that would target it at beginners rather than advanced users are the inability to print any filaments that require higher temperatures or an enclosure and the small build volume.

[@mradeschnig]

Annoying music, could you please only have it during some Intos, Chapter changes but not when you are talking.

[@herlantunggana9383]

.

[@roysutton577]

According to my grandchildren an A1 delivered this week has a recall notice. Why is Bambulabs delivering faulty units that are not even registered with the Canadian govt recall database? This is probably a criminal violation or a good reason for a class action.

[@michaels3003]

Criminal violation requires a criminal intent.

[@roysutton577]

"Ignorance of law excuses no one" is a legal principle holding that a person who is unaware of a law may not escape liability for violating that law merely by being unaware of its content.

[@SniperSlayer980]

Jesus loves you