Bambu Lab pushes the boundaries of desktop 3D printing with blazing print speeds, LiDAR sensors that measure depth in micrometres, and AI that can monitor and correct prints in real time.
The Chinese company shook the 3D printing world in 2022 with the X1 Carbon (X1C) launch, raising over £5 million on Kickstarter to bring it to market.
And we don’t say “shook” lightly.
The X1-Carbon brought high-end features like LiDAR and spec-sheet busting figures like 500mm/s print speeds to the table at ridiculously low prices.
The X1-Carbon starter bundle is a snip over £1,300, including VAT, with hardware, software, and print results worthy of a price tag five times that.
But Bambu Lab is not a value brand, far from it. Its printers lead the way for innovation across the budget and mid-range market, often outperforming machines that cost two or three times more.
And no, there isn’t a catch.
The launch of the P1P in 2022 and P1S in 2023 cemented Bambu Lab’s position as one of the world’s most exciting 3D printing brands.
Buying into Bambu Lab gives you access to features and specs usually reserved for printers costing tens of thousands of pounds.
We provide more colour on what makes Bambu Lab printers different below.
Redefining value in 3D printing
3D printing is traditionally expensive, with professional-grade desktop printers costing several thousands of pounds.
Bambu Lab is redefining value for money in the 3D printing market with cutting-edge features like LiDAR scanning, high print speeds, and AI-powered software that previously were only found on elite industrial machines.
LiDAR is especially outstanding at this price point. It probes nozzle height, calibrates material flow, and accurately scans the first layers. By integrating this precision measurement and control level, Bambu Lab removes many variables that lead to print failures.
All Bambu Labs printers print at speeds up to 500mm/s. For example, this print took 70-hours:
Bambu’s printers also deliver an exceptional user experience, enabling hobbyists and businesses to adopt 3D printing for the first time without high complexity and maintenance costs.
Bambu Lab X1-Carbon
Features:
- 256 x 256 x 256 mm build volume.
- Aluminium and glass body.
- Auxiliary part cooling fan.
- Activated carbon filter.
- Chamber monitoring camera.
- Hardened steel extrusion system (prints abrasive filaments).
The X1-Carbon has an integrated micro-LiDAR scanner that performs bed levelling, nozzle calibration, and print monitoring in one scan before printing, removing the hassle of manual calibration and letting the X1-Carbon self-adjust for optimal print quality.
You also get advanced AI capabilities not found on competing desktop 3D printers. The AI actively monitors prints and makes corrections in real time, improving accuracy and reliability. This removes the hassle of failed prints and creates a smoother user experience.
Active vibration control is another standout feature, using accelerometers and speed modulation to compensate for vibrations during printing, producing smoother finishes and more consistent prints overall. The full metal hot end reaches temperatures up to 300°C, enabling advanced materials like polycarbonates.
The X1 Carbon Combo (pictured above) includes an Automatic Material System (AMS) on top, which lets you print multi-colour models or use different filaments in one print.
The X1-Carbon employs a CoreXY system that inverts the printhead and bed positioning compared to traditional Cartesian designs. The benefit is that it lightens the printhead for faster, cleaner prints across the large 256 x 256 x 256 mm build volume. Meanwhile, the 4 filament bays with blend mixing allow for unique colour combinations.
Built-in monitoring is enhanced through the 1080p camera and AI-powered Bambu Studio software. With a few clicks, you can slice and optimise models for the X1-Carbon, making it as easy as 1-2-3 to print high-quality parts.
Ease of use is another big focus, with an intuitive touchscreen interface and a dedicated mobile app (Bambu Handy) for monitoring and controlling prints remotely, enabling new and experienced users to get quality results with minimal hassle. Unique features like automated material detection and management also streamline the process.
Bambu Lab P1P
Features:
- 500mm/s print speeds (same as X1C).
- 256 x 256 x 256 mm build volume (same as X1C).
- Steel frame with open enclosure.
- Stainless steel nozzle (doesn’t print abrasive filaments).
- Cooling is optional (you can add a control board and auxiliary part cooling fan).
Riding the X1-Carbon’s success, Bambu Lab released the more affordable P1P in 2022 with the same high-speed CoreXY chassis and carbon fibre rods.
Both boast blistering speeds up to 500mm/s in “Ludicrous Mode”, outstripping the print speeds of other FFF printers at their price points.
With the P1P, you get a filament run-out sensor, semi-automatic belt tensioning, a built-in chamber camera, and an all-metal hot end.
The P1P is cheaper on account of a few things:
- It has a stripped-down open frame/enclosure, while the X1C has a high-end aluminium body and glass enclosure.
- The X1C has a hardened steel nozzle for printing abrasive filaments like carbon fibre, unlike the P1P’s standard stainless steel.
- The P1P lacks a touchscreen, making do with a click wheel and a small display for scrolling through the settings.
- The P1P doesn’t have LiDAR, although it does have an automatic bed levelling sensor to ensure the printing bed is always correctly levelled.
- The X1C has a small mainboard cooling fan, while the P1P doesn’t.
Basically, the P1P does without the X1-Carbon’s fancy features and is aimed more at the hobbyist market than the professional market.
P1S
Features
- 500mm/s print speeds (same as X1C and P1P).
- 256 x 256 x 256 mm build volume (same as X1C and P1P).
- Same cooling as X1C.
- Plastic and glass enclosure.
Bambu Lab launched the P1S in 2023 as an upgraded version of the P1P with an enclosed build chamber. It has a plastic and glass body (the X1C uses aluminium) and boasts the same cooling features as the X1C to deliver reliable print quality at high temps.
It lacks the X1C’s LiDAR sensors and door sensor, and the camera has a lower resolution of 720p versus 1080p. Besides that, the P1S offers print quality similar to the X1-Carbon but with fewer bells and whistles.
It lacks the X1C’s LiDAR sensors, and the camera has a lower resolution of 720p versus 1080p. Besides that, the P1S offers print quality similar to the X1-Carbon but with fewer bells and whistles.
Something we love about Bambu Lab is its user-friendly features, and no better example exists than the P1P to P1S upgrade kit. For £138, including VAT, you can upgrade your P1P to a P1S, outer cases, cooling fan, etc.
Summing up
Bambu Lab printers stand out not just on the spec sheet but in unlocking 3D printing’s potential.
Under the hood, Bambu’s printers showcase technical innovation rarely seen at any price point, such as integrated LiDAR scanning and AI-powered software.
Usability is equally impressive. The software, calibration, and monitoring features reduce the learning curve and maintenance times that often frustrate new users, while modular, upgradeable builds allow the printers to be modified and improved over time.
In a nutshell, you get exceptional print quality, speed, precision, and reliability out of the box with a Bambu Lab printer, making them one of the best 3D printers you can buy.
You can find out more about Bambu Lab at the official website.