Bambu Lab A1 series - FDM 3D printer

The A1 FDM 3D printer by Bambu Lab is a desktop 3D printer that offers astonishing printing quality, speed, and versatility in a sturdy format. With dimensions of 385 x 410 x 430 mm and a build volume of 256 x 256 x 256 mm, the A1 3D printer is the bigger brother of the Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D printer. Similarly to most bambu Lab printers, the A1 printer can be purchased on its own or in an AMS Combo bundle with the AMS Lite module. The features of both options will be discussed in detail below.

The A1 printer takes only about 20 minutes to set up prior to its initial use as it arrives pre-assembled, squared, and tuned, aiming to enhance accessibility for users at various experience levels, while also being user-friendly, dependable, and efficient. Additionally, due to its active motor noise cancellation feature, the A1 operates at noise levels below 48 dB, positioning it as one of the quietest printers available, suitable for offices, households, and educational institutions.

A1 provides a build volume of 256 x 256 x 256 mm, an extrusion temperature reaching up to 300 ºC, a bed temperature of 100 ºC, and a diverse range of compatible materials like PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, or HIPS. While feasible for small parts with low filling density, it's not advisable to utilize materials such as ABS, ASA, PC, PA, or PET and their fiber-filled variations on substantial parts with dense filling using the A1 printer due to the absence of an enclosure, and a thereby increased risk of warping in the 3D printed components.

A1 is constructed with premium materials to ensure the printer's durability and superior printing outcomes. The printer's frame comprises high-quality steel and extruded aluminum, featuring all-metal linear rails on the X and Z axes, and an all-metal linear guide on the Y axis. This rail system was devised to minimize the need for frequent adjustments by users, necessitating solely regular lubrication to guarantee the printer's accuracy and longevity.

The all-metal hotend incorporates stainless steel gears and includes a stainless steel nozzle (0.4 mm) in the standard variant (exclusive to the A1 printer), while the AMS Combo version offers 0.2 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.8 mm nozzles. The design of the A1 hotend prioritizes swift and secure nozzle changes with a simple click. Both part cooling, hotend cooling, and motion control board cooling are integrated into a closed loop control system.

The A1 features a Dual-Core Cortex M4 motion controller, delivering a printing speed of 500 mm/s, capable of accelerating up to 10000 m/s², achieving a maximum toolhead speed of 10 m/s², and allowing a maximum hotend flow of 28 mm³/s (while extruding ABS at 280 ºC).

Automated Calibration and Tuning

With a focus on ultimate precision and enhancing user experience, Bambu Lab has equipped the A1 printer with multiple automatic systems for calibration, tuning, and even one-click filament loading and unloading.

To counteract any vibrations during high-speed printing, Bambu Lab has implemented an active vibration compensation technology for the XY axes. This technology meticulously measures the parameters of the X and Y axes prior to each print using sensors situated on both the toolhead and the heatbed. This process ensures unparalleled precision and exceptional results regardless of fluctuations in environmental temperature, variations in belt tension, or changes in the build plate's mass.

Moreover, the A1 can automatically assess belt tension through vibration frequency calibration. If the belt is slack, the user will receive a notification to utilize the automatic belt tensioner to adjust the belt to the appropriate tension.

Another notable aspect of the A1 printer is its utilization of active flow rate compensation. The difference in the quantity of plastic fed into the hotend by the extruder compared to the plastic that exits the nozzle frequently results in printing defects or bulging corners, particularly when operating at high speeds.

The active flow rate compensation feature predicts and regulates the flow of molten plastic, enhancing precision in extrusion. Additionally, the A1 eliminates the requirement for printing calibration lines to verify flow rates and manually correct compensation, thereby conserving both material and time. Instead, the A1 gauges the nozzle pressure, providing all necessary parameters directly prior to each print.

The A1 3D printer integrates an automatic bed leveling sensor (ABL) ensuring the printing bed remains consistently leveled for a flawless initial layer every time. In this leveling system, the nozzle serves as the probe measuring the absolute distance from the print bed (Z-offset). This approach enables A1 to achieve fully automated bed leveling with no user intervention.

Advanced Filament Monitoring

To guarantee superior print quality and a seamless printing process, Bambu Lab has outfitted the A1 printer with an extensive filament monitoring system. This system encompasses a filament tension sensor on the toolhead, a filament position sensor positioned before the extruder, and a nozzle pressure sensor situated between the extruder and the nozzle.

Additionally, the AMS Lite module included in the Combo package is equipped with a filament odometer that, along with sophisticated algorithms, adeptly detects potential issues like filament tangles, breakage, and extruder skipping. With these features, users can promptly initiate a print job and be confident that potential issues will be identified and resolved.

The amalgamation of a robust and durable chassis, quality components, robust electronics, compensation technologies, and filament monitoring empowers the A1 printer to produce parts with outstanding surface finishes and consistent properties. An excellent demonstration is the impeccable benchy printed by A1 in approximately 14 minutes, using standard filament and high printing speeds.

A1 AMS Combo

A very valuable feature of this 3D printer is that it is compatible with the Bambu Lab AMS Lite Module, a device that gives the printer the capability to 3D print with up to 4 spools in multicolor/multimaterial mode. As opposed to the AMS Module compatible with the X1 and P1 Bambu Lab printers, the AMS Lite module is a non-enclosed module and can only be used with the A1 printer.

The AMS Lite module has two main sections. The first one is the feeder and rotary spool holder for each filament slot. The second section is closer to the tool head, and it consists of the filament tangle detection module placed right above the extruder. The AMS Lite module can be placed next to the A1 printer or mounted on top of its with the help of the printable top mount.

The detailed characteristics of the AMS Lite module can be consulted on the manufacturer's website. While compatible with most filaments on the market, AMS Lite uses RFID to detect Bambu filament with RFID tag, and automatically applies the best suited settings for them. It also enable the user to monitor the filament usage remotely.

User interface

The A1 printer offers connectivity via WiFi and Bambu-Bus. The simplified and intuitive user interface is displayed on a 3.5-inch IPS touchscreen and the printer can also be controlled via the mobile application Bambu Handy (with MakerWorld) or web application. The native laminating software for the A1 printer is the Bambu Studio.

Nevertheless, third party laminating software which export standard G-code such as Superslicer, Prusa Slicer and Cura, are also compatible (certain advanced features may not be supported).

For users who prefer not to work with Cloud printing, LAN printing is available to enable remote control and print monitoring. The latter is possible thanks to an included camera with a timelapse function. The camera lense can be covered with a simple mechanism to ensure privacy.

Speed, quality, versatility and user-friendliness

The A1 3D printer is the ideal equipment for those who want to start their 3D printing adventure, as well as for advanced users. The numerous automatic solutions, ease of use, and safety make the A1 printer a machine that can perform any task quickly and with minimum user intervention. The possibility to use the AMS Lite module unlocks the door to multimaterial and multicolor 3D printing for a wide range of modeling and prototyping projects with superb quality.