You were NOT expecting THIS! Bambu Lab A1 Mini - The Nu Bambu 4 U?

[@FilamentStories]

Bryan, as always, everything we need to know. I ordered one before your video was even finished! Love it!

[@josefsteiner9401]

hi courtney

[@BV3D]

Aw, thank you Courtney! I'm looking forward to what you do with it once you get it!

[@MediaMan3D]

“Perfectly Pops the Poop Purges to the Printer’s Periphery Projected Precisely into a Plastic repository that you Provide”. A beautiful alliteration of what it does! 

That along with your Dad jokes is what many of us have come to admire and look for in your videos. But with a little more time, I’m sure you could have found a way to add; Plenty, Perpendicular, Parallel, Plate, or even Persnickety into that sentence. Cheers 😁

[@TheToonamiRevolution]

Finally. Someone who explained the slicing and options for how to get that code to the printer. I do not like the Cloud-services of these printers but most other reviews just jump to "print from your phone using the app" etc. It is not my work-flow, having LAN mode and the good ol' SD card is my go-to. Thanks for reassuring me it was at least an option!

[@jimmyeddie6612]

Hands down the most informative A1 mini video i have watched so far. Thank you!

[@BV3D]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Festivaljunkie]

I wish they came clear/opaque as an option!! i'd choose it every time!

[@Tulcas]

I love how the A1 mini looks because it looks retro to me.

[@Lyss3733]

Great review! As always, the dad jokes were on point.

[@enyoc3d]

great review! i own 4 bambu's and i'll be ordering several of these once available without ams for my farm. but more importantly, it's a printer i can confidently recommend to friends wanting to get started in the hobby

[@Walt1119]

Great very informative video Brian! Bambu has done it again! Knocked it out of the park, this seems to be a stellar little printer along w the ams also! The P1S w AMS is on my list, this would be a great addition also!! Thanks so much tor sharing w us!!!!

[@trugbilddrachen]

This was the best video so far on the A1 . Lots of info and feedback

[@justsomeguy471]

thanks for the vid bryan, this is a super cool little mini machine cant wait to get my hands on it!

[@shaunharvey1112]

Good review showed up for the dad jokes saw a printer review too I’m seriously thinking about one build volume a little small but still looks like a solid unit bamboo is definitely challenging the other printing companies I like it it’s going to make them advance so much faster can’t wait for at home metal printing that you don’t need to take a second mortgage out to buy

[@PaulB-justme]

I am totally new to 3D printing, and I wanted to get a 3D printer that just worked - without a lot of tweaking, calibrating and fiddling around to get it to work properly! So I have just bought the Bambu A1 mini - so far i haven't had much of a chance to print much, but it does seem to be pretty easy to use, and also to get good quality results! 👍

[@hrdcpy]

I like that you included a clock in the background of your print time-lapse and I've done the same. ✌️

[@BV3D]

Thanks!

[@crowguy506]

Can you set it up without ams even out of the combo to get it mobile?

[@BV3D]

Hi! Yes, you could disconnect all the Bowden tubes from the AMS lite, then disconnect all but one of them from the tool head. There's a spot on the right side of the printer to connect the end of that tube, right by the single spool holder. If you think I should make a short video showing that, let me know!

[@crowguy506]

@@BV3D That would be a good idea. It’s a mini after all and it’s biggest bonus would be mobility, without an ams strapping it down. None of several videos is really showing it.

[@chalky3320]

Just ordered 1, thanks for the review brian😊

[@GutsyGibbon]

Ordered with your affiliate link. Been watching your videos for a while. Happy to have a chance to support you. Donating my Prusa mini to the local library.

[@Jynxx_13]

I'm not fortunate enough to have one of these but the new Prusa Mini firmware with input shaping is blowing my mind. I've already run 3 prints including the ridiculous 16 min benchy. Incredible

[@TheNature101]

Apple and oranges. The 14min benchy of the A1 mini adheres to the speed boat race parameters. The equivalent Prusa mini bency that adheres to the speed boat race parameters, with the new buggy alpha1 firmware, takes 24-26min and it also looks worse in quality than the A1 mini. And the A1 mini is only $299.

[@rtpman1953]

I've been interested in the A1 Mini and came across this video and your channel. I enjoyed your style of review along with the Good, the Bad, and the ugly. I subscribed to your channel as well and will be looking forward to new content.

[@ToddRumbach]

I used your link to get one sent to San Antonio. I can hardly wait. Thanks so much for all your videos.

[@BV3D]

Awesome! And THANK YOU for watching!

[@NathanielCrispin]

Does the AMS light accept TPU? I know the Full size doesn't, is this one any different?

[@BV3D]

Hi, the AMS lite shares the full-size AMS unit's dislike of TPU. Printing TPU is possible: Disconnect the AMS, move one of the AMS tubes to the feeder on the right side of the gantry, and manually load from the rear spool holder. I did it last night to print a CaliCat in black Overture TPU.

[@NathanielCrispin]

@@BV3D one day maybe my racing drones will get the love they deserve

[@venados65]

Awesome review Bryan!

[@WTCheatShaming]

The noise compensation will be amazing for my P1P cant wait for the update to test it

[@AlexWithAStar]

I would love it if they made the swatches available to buy. Those are so nice! I hope every manufacturer starts doing that. If you are trying to sell aesthetic prints, or just decide what you want for your own prints, it would come in handy.

[@AndrewAHayes]

They are available to buy! and you get a free A1 with them LOL I can see them selling the swatches once production ramps up, they know that owners of their other machines will want these swatches and Bamboo Lab are a forward thinking company.

[@BV3D]

I totally agree! I mentioned it to them - people are wanting to buy the swatch packs and are also hoping Bambu Lab starts including them with all their printers.

[@corlissmedia2.0]

I bought it this morning. The full package. Like your new studio. It looks like you're lights are a bit hot? If you cool them off you'll get better details.

[@BV3D]

Hi! I'm still getting things dialed in. Both camera settings and lighting. 😉

[@corlissmedia2.0]

@@BV3D I'm sure you're get it worked out.

[@MrCPPG]

Came here after watching Joel's review of this printer. Your's was way more informative. Not sure if I want another bed slinger though but affordable multicolor is attractive.

[@Ratler]

Fantastic review! It's the best one I've come across, packed with valuable insights not mentioned anywhere else. And big + on the dad jokes :D

[@brianholdridge1860]

Fun and informative video. I will be ordering one as soon as it is available in the US.

[@supercurioTube]

Thanks for the great review! Questions? Yes 😀 - How well does the AMS handles printing from filament drier(s) - Can this AMS handle flexibles like TPU 95A or 40D - Would it be possible to print multicolor TPU from filament drier(s)?

[@BV3D]

Hi! I think if you have the room for the filament driers, it would work OK. The AMS doesn't pull filament all the way back to the spool. At most I think it pulls it back maybe 40 or 50 millimeters. As for TPU, no -- the AMS just doesn't like it. It'll tend to jam up. TPU prints are best done feeding through the non-AMS port. There's a place on the right side of the X gantry where you can connect one of the AMS tubes to use the rear spool holder on the A1 mini.

[@supercurioTube]

@@BV3D thanks a lot for the details! Sad that the AMS doesn't like TPUs, I wonder if gentler retractions accelerations would help, or maybe tighter PTFE tubes. And also where is the current limit as some TPUs are only semi rigid and still super though (like extrudr TPU Hard)

[@tomstone2080]

Can you give some details on how it auto levels - is it using a sensor in the nozzle or something else

[@securityranger773]

Well done review Bryan! I can see the A1 Mini, minus the AMS,making a great choice for a print farm. It will be interesting to see if Bambu Labs eventually offers a software version for such.

[@yobtnirp3D]

3:53 that was the smoothest transition I have seen

[@brianswille]

Great Video! Love the Bon Jovi reference. Me and my friends use that all the time lol

[@BV3D]

Thanks! Glad you liked it! 😁

[@espariz]

Hi Brian, great review!!! Please a question, do you know if the extruder that comes with A1 mini has hardened gears? Thank you!

[@drobinson4545]

I like it a lot and would consider this for my kid. The build plate is small and wish it was a bit bigger. Thanks for the review.

[@MrBaskins2010]

thanks for going in depth on the noise cancelling feature (sounds strange, no pun intended)

[@BV3D]

You're welcome. I figured at least a few people would want to know what it sounded like when the feature was on versus off.

[@3DPUK-TECH-CHANNEL]

Great Review Bryan 👏

[@Maggus910]

Did you test multicolor TPU prints?

[@-jackinspokane6648]

I like it. I own the X1-C. I would also prefer the see-through version.

[@Xenthera]

Slick transition 3:52

[@BV3D]

Thanks! I was surprised that it turned out so smoothly.

[@reprinted3D]

Fantastic video, Bryan, and absolutely amazing alliteration also.😊 If I may be permitted one bit of feedback, the fancy wipe, while nice, felt a bit overused.

[@BV3D]

Re: the wipes, yeah, I get that. I'm trying to use them as a visual separator between segments in the video, and there were just a lot of segments in this one. I'll try dialing them back a bit for the next one. Thanks for the feedback!

[@TheAndrewBen]

Newbie question. In 3:23 you said this is not a color mixing toolhead. In 4:35 it prints white and green at the same time. Could you clarify the difference please? What is the difference between color mixing and what was shown in 4:35? Very nice review! I'm definitely putting this on my wish list :)

[@BV3D]

Hi! A color mixing toolhead has two or more extruder motors feeding filament into a single hot end. The two (or more) filaments melt together and blend their colors, to achieve a custom color coming out of the nozzle. Feeding pure yellow and pure cyan (blue) into such a toolhead in a 50/50 ratio would theoretically result in green filament being extruded. In practice, a color mixing toolhead can be more trouble than it's worth. The Bambu Lab printers, when equipped with an AMS or AMS lite, perform automatic color swaps. They print only one color at a time, but they can print multiple colors on the same layer, by automatically swapping filament. And when they do those swaps, they have to run a certain amount of the new color through the nozzle to clear out the old color. That's what we humorously refer to as printer poops. 😁 So in this video, when printing the green and white poker chips, the printer printed all the white parts of a layer, then switched to green, and printed all the green parts of a layer. Then it did the green parts of the next layer, switched to white, and did the white parts. The poker chips had the green and white all the way up, so the printer had to swap between green and white on every layer.

[@GTW-1807]

Bryan- great video! Very informative as always.. Just one thing- when you mentioned that it sprawls with the AMS Lite connected. I wish you would have showed a tape measure and gave an approximate width of the A1/with AMS. It's hard to guess looking at a video. Gerry

[@joedaugherty9533]

I seen another video say around 27” for footprint width

[@BenEBrady]

Thanks for the excellent and super informative review

[@Stevon2012]

I think it's great! I've been a longtime channel viewer, but I'm partially paralyzed and haven't been able to join in the fun. The A1 mini will allow me to join the movement. I also believe that Prusa printers are way overpriced (i.e., the Sovol SV06), so competition may well cause Prusa and other companies to toe the line and produce newer and more advanced printers at better prices. If they don't, Bambu Labs will control the market and take their market share as well. Thanks for the honest review, but I didn't see anything here or on other channels to dissuade me from buying one. I plan on preordering next week... The Gathering is upon us, Connor MacLeod. We must fight for the prize until only one of us remains... There can be only one.

[@todayintheshopbanksy5904]

A lot of existing customers have been a tad down on the A1. Personally I really like it. I have a P1P at home and a X1C at work but would love one of these too

[@chuckmccollim]

Great info Bryan!

[@thomasharbin9949]

Fantastic review. This is the 5th video I've watched on the new A1 Mini and the first one to mention standard nozzle size, bed temp, max nozzle temp or recommended materials. After the other videos I didn't even know if the bed was heated. The one question I still have though is alternate nozzles. Will there be hardened nozzles available for infused materials?

[@wk5199]

It's not recommended according to the spec sheet. 0.2, 0.6, and 0.8 stainless nozzles. That's why he only mentioned those 4 materials @ 4:10

[@stevenpoole1968]

great video !!!!!!

[@codswallop.]

a+ admirable alliteration attempt

[@Fusilier0]

Great, well detailed review. The only real thing I could think of that work make this really attractive would be a bigger print volume - say 250x250x250. I’m in Canada so by the time this printer and filament management system would teach me it could probably cost me close to $1500 CAD. Not very attractive for a smallish print volume. Just my opinion of course.

[@Killa_Prints]

Wish I could get the transparent version. Like you Brian, I'm a huge fan of this style from the 90s/2000s. A missed opportunity IMHO

[@Killa_Prints]

I say this knowing that I got my Preorder in ASAP after launch.

[@oliverfong418]

It's unexpected, but I think this thing could be a beast for print farm, that 1 clip quick change hotend makes maintenance super fast and easy, $299 price tag with Bambu's solid build and software. Surely a to go for newbies or anyone looking for a solid budget machine.

[@insultobot]

I wish more filament manufacturers would sell swatches so I can pick the perfect color for each project. I was once trying to duplicate an item and purchased 7 different shades of the same color until I found one close enough compared to the cost sink of ordering all of the different colors.

[@kdotaustralia]

Great review! The Bon Jovi reference got me! Any clue if users will be able to print the A1's parts to replicate that transparent look? Also I've seen a lot of multicolour prints done across reviews but no mentions of multi material. Were you able to test PETG prints with PLA used for the support interface layer? And also how well the A1 handles PETG printing in general.

[@BV3D]

I was printing PLA due to limited time with the printer. Bambu Lab has some support interface material that seems to work pretty well, at least on the P1S. I've been meaning to do a video about using it, I just haven't had time. I did print a CaliCat in TPU last night. The AMS does not like TPU. So I had to put the TPU spool on the external spool holder and move one of the AMS tubes over to the side feeder slot, and manually load the TPU. The result had some stringing between the CaliCat's tail and its body, which I expected to see. Was good otherwise. For me, TPU just strings a lot if there are areas where the toolhead has to traverse an open gap. I'll run some PETG through it later.

[@kdotaustralia]

@@BV3D Bambu's support material works great for PLA but my prints are PETG. I'm having great success printing my parts on my X1C and P1S so adding an A1 would be to free up time on those machines by using it for the smaller parts but they're still PETG with PLA support interface.

[@JaredCoiner]

I noticed that the top plastic cap on the Z pillar of the clear test unit is not clear whereas the one "The Edge of Tech" received is clear. It'd be interesting to know what differences there are in the test units they sent out.

[@BV3D]

Bambu Lab said there were only about 15 of them. Each one is probably unique in its own way. But yeah, I think being able to line them up and look at all of them at the same time would be really neat.

[@trugbilddrachen]

Nice to know previous owners will get the active noise canceling some day.

[@yeroca]

The compromise is both on table space and print volume. I think I would save my $ and buy the X1 or P1 and then... maybe... buy an AMS later, mainly for the water-soluable support material.

[@BV3D]

If you don't need the spaghetti detection or the hardened steel nozzle, look at the P1S. Add the AMS when you start wanting to do multiple materials. I don't think I've done a print with PVA on one of mine yet, but I do have some, so I could try it. Bambu Lab has a couple of different support materials, but they're designed for easy breakaway, and aren't water soluble.

[@retokramer]

Excellent video!

[@3DHP]

Great video, shared on my group and Socials.

[@ipdjbt]

My only concern with this combo is the footprint. It takes up far more space than an X1C with the AMS on top. That said, I want one.

[@malaythakkar8772]

The community will definitely make a nice solution to mount it on top or something

[@brandonopolis]

I have a Longer LK5 Pro w/ BL Touch. I never print anything that takes advantage of it's size. This may very well be my next (and second!) 3D printer!

[@designsbyrdw907daphnejwalker]

I would definitely but one because it’s in my price range for a multi color printer and it will get me used to coloring prints before i save up enough to get a x1c

[@dyops]

As I said in Twitter, I call the filament purger the "Booger Flicker." Anyway, I'm still looking what to get as my 1st 3D printer. Even if the A1 is made for people like me, a newbie of sorts, it's the size that turns me off. I want to print out cosplay stuff for myself and my family aside from toys for the kids. I also plan on printing shelves and pots too, so I need the size. My choices of a first and only printer are the P1S Combo and the K1 Max. But I am leaning towards the K1 Max because the size is there. Also, soon enough either Creality or other companies like Co Print are developing their own AMS units. I'm sure they'll buy this and take it apart aside from the original BL AMS to build their own.

[@tomhollett]

What is the smallest footprint (length, width and height) the printer and AMS lite can occupy without impeding printing?

[@BV3D]

It could live in a block about 20 inches deep, 23 inches wide, and 19 inches tall (51cm x 59cm x 49cm). That gives room for the bed to move fully forward and fully back (including space so the bed's cable doesn't bump anything).

[@dfortin0011]

great work !

[@JonLaRue]

I was wanting a smaller printer like the KPS3 V2, but with all of the existing issues I didn't want another printer I tinker with all day like I do my Klipperized Delta... This foots the bill for me, so I ordered. Not happy with the footprint size of the AMS lite but I am sure there will be mods soon. I would like to wall mount mine 😁

[@Juntzo09]

So when is the A1 Max coming? 😁

[@ToeBlake316]

The Bon Jovi point 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@mscir]

It would have been good to know what base speed you printed the prints at.

[@hapaboy0808]

Wondering why Bambu doesn't include the swatch set and project kit with their higher end printers.

[@scotthyder9729]

I was so hoping that they would come out with a big volume 😢 I can already print small volume

[@Zachonewheel]

How about a video showing the transparent one in action? So cool

[@Condamine123456]

Being able to print pva water soluble sign me up glad i ordered it

[@makedaevilmage]

Hahah luv the Bon jovi joke, cracked me up xD

[@BV3D]

I figure Bon Jovi's got to be at LEAST three-quarters of the way there by now...

[@footbal.edits.1324]

Could you please compare this with the elegoo Neptune 4 pro, I'm looking for my first printer and I don't know what I should get.

[@AndrewAHayes]

I havent bought an X1C yet as I was hoping Bamboo Lab would come up with a toolchanger printer to compete with the XL, I suppose if the XL sells well enough that might become a reality, I would settle for an Idex with AMS, or an AMS on each head, seeing as Im dreaming Im going to set my sights high. LOL

[@ScottLahteine]

I’m definitely going to have to get that AMS unit and add support to Marlin for it. (I assume Bambu wants anyone to be able to use it on any printer, eventually.) But my first task will be to reduce that AMS to the bare essentials and mount it above the machine.

[@kimmotoivanen]

Do you have original AMS? Is the communication encrypted, or plain messages in USB/CAN/whatever medium?

[@JStudio33]

Your print head will have to have a cutting tool. You'll need to make the cutting mechanism and program the cut, purge and clean function. Bambu had done a lot of enginerring here.

[@judd_s5643]

I can’t imagine Bambu doing anything to sell their AMS for other printers. If you want to take on the task the6 will gladly sell you a AMS!

[@NihilisticZebra]

can you confirm if object skipping is enabled on the A1

[@hedgehogform]

It would be nice if you could review the Anycubic Kobra 2 Max.

[@802Garage]

Great video! They should really sell the transparent version. People would probably pay $30-50 extra for it, hahaha.

[@judd_s5643]

The CEO stated the clear material is too fragile.

[@802Garage]

@@judd_s5643 Oh I know, but still.

[@hjc0706]

It would be nice if they offered a clear one for sale.

[@BV3D]

💯 I completely agree!

[@Gunner0352]

As always a great video. Unfortunately this is a big miss on their current customer base.

[@BV3D]

I think they're trying to reach people who want to get into it, particularly for multicolor printing, and have it just work,, right out of the box. They may also have something bigger in the works, but if they do, I haven't heard about it. Increasing the customer base by bringing them in on a smaller, much less expensive printer isn't a bad thing. Those customers may want to print bigger once they get a taste of it, and then get one of Bambu Lab's bigger printers (a P1S + AMS would be the next inexpensive step).

[@anayazg]

I agree with this. At just over half the price of a P1S/AMS combo it would get me into a multi-material space I haven’t explored yet. I’m interested in smaller multicoloured models, have bigger printers for helmets and whatnot, so I’m considering it even though it’s 180mm cubed.

[@DonsArtnGames]

Would it be too much to ask for pictures of the A1's Poop Kicker? I have an idea for a poop collector, but need dimensions of the end of the arm as well as how high it is from the table. Thank you in advance!

[@jraiello]

Even though I have P1P and X1 Carbon both with AMS, there is just something compelling about this machine that I wanted to experience and it is a bit quieter, so it can stay in my office instead of being banished to the shop…

[@kathyzieger6207]

I love it, but going to get the Bambu X1 Carbon

[@mobilechaosyt]

If they were able to use the 3mm or so filament instead of purging it would be best even if you used the “waste” as infill.

[@dekopuma]

This is not the printer for me, but I think it fills a really nice niche for people looking to get into printing. I really like the easy swap nozzles and I hope they find a way to retrofit existing X and P series printers to use that nozzle type.

[@wollinger]

If it had a print area just a little bit bigger, it would be a no brainer

[@danjmc35]

Would this b an upgrade to an ender 3

[@shaunmorrissey7313]

Bambu Lab really have reshaped the landscape

[@mpetty9947]

These micro's are good for filling landfills will plastic trash.

[@paulcumber4732]

where i can order one

[@AlessandroBertolucci]

This printer is targeting schools and maker spaces. Its all about ease of use, perfect for such situations. Honestly, if my kids were younger this would be a perfect first printer.

[@DerekMatthews]

hmm thought Sport mode is 124%

[@themountain59]

Even with his nice features I think its a weird offer from Bambo. I don't want to sound grumpy but in this day and age you can find better offers ,even cheaper, all around. Its an odd one.

[@josischwann7627]

For the similar prize, I'd like to choose Creality Ender-3 V2 Neo

[@BV3D]

That's a good choice for the larger print volume and the sheer number of modifications available for the Ender 3 series. 👍

[@dannonyogurt98]

2:40 didn't realize that I had clicked on a void star labs video lol.

[@marka7958]

I think it looks like a mess myself, Frankenstein's monster comes to mind, i think bambu should of found another way to mount the AMS, maybe under the main printer.

[@rampart1234]

Do you have to use their slicer? Do you have to use their filament? Yes, you do.

[@BV3D]

Hi Rampart! You can use OrcaSlicer or PrusaSlicer to slice files for the Bambu Lab printers. OrcaSlicer is based on Bambu Studio, which itself is based on PrusaSlicer/Slic3r. As for filament, as long as it fits (and is PLA, PETG, TPU, or PVA), it prints. Note that TPU won't work in the AMS, but you can print TPU using the external spool holder and manually loading it. I did it last night with some Overture TPU.

[@rampart1234]

Thank you for the information. I do appreciate it.@@BV3D

[@BV3D]

@@rampart1234 You are very welcome!