3d printer

Rosco P. Coltrane

Rosco P. Coltrane

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So I have been wanting to get a 3d printer for awhile. But know absolutely nothing about them. Kind of want a printer where I can print just about anything I want to in the future as far as material wise. Any recommendations? I do not need a top of the line printer but wanting something half way decent. One printer that was recommended to me was the Bambu lab p1s combo. Is that any good? Looking to spend between $400-$600. Any help is appreciated!
 
When you say print anything material wise in the future, what kind of materials are you talking about? Cause that plays into it quite a bit. The P1S isnt a bad printer at all, but it can be kinda basic when it comes to capabilities. If you want something where you can expand and grow with it as you learn, you may want something a bit better so you don't outgrow it too soon.
 
Pocket said:


When you say print anything material wise in the future, what kind of materials are you talking about? Cause that plays into it quite a bit. The P1S isnt a bad printer at all, but it can be kinda basic when it comes to capabilities. If you want something where you can expand and grow with it as you learn, you may want something a bit better so you don't outgrow it too soon.

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I wanting something capable of doing pla+. But yes definitely want something I can expand/grow with. I dont care if I can do everything right away but atleast want the option to in the future.
 
The more exotic materials you want the more requirements there are. You can get a lot done on a P1S since its enclosed and has a steel nozzle, so it can do things like ABS and some of the abrasives like carbon fibre. But the nozzle is limited to 300C so that will limit some materials that require 350 and the build plate is only 100C which also limits somewhat.

But honestly most people don't need to go past PLA (and PLA+ which has the same requirements as PLA), PETG and TPU anyway and that works on almost all of them.

Bamboo labs are very popular because they work well. I am not a big fan of them personally because its a locked down ecosystem and I prefer open software so I can do what I want with my printer but I understand why people choose the bamboo labs machines they are well tuned from the outset. The P1S being able to take an AMS for multiple colours as well is a popular choice.
 
BrightCandle said:


The more exotic materials you want the more requirements there are. You can get a lot done on a P1S since its enclosed and has a steel nozzle, so it can do things like ABS and some of the abrasives like carbon fibre. But the nozzle is limited to 300C so that will limit some materials that require 350 and the build plate is only 100C which also limits somewhat.

But honestly most people don't need to go past PLA (and PLA+), PETG and TPU anyway and that works on almost all of them.

Bamboo labs are very popular because they work well. I am not a big fan of them personally because its a locked down ecosystem and I prefer open software so I can do what I want with my printer but I understand why people choose the bamboo labs machines they are well tuned from the outset. The P1S being able to take an AMS for multiple colours as well is a popular choice.

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Do you have any recommendations to a printer similar to the p1s but different brand?
 
BrightCandle said:


The more exotic materials you want the more requirements there are. You can get a lot done on a P1S since its enclosed and has a steel nozzle, so it can do things like ABS and some of the abrasives like carbon fibre. But the nozzle is limited to 300C so that will limit some materials that require 350 and the build plate is only 100C which also limits somewhat.

But honestly most people don't need to go past PLA (and PLA+ which has the same requirements as PLA), PETG and TPU anyway and that works on almost all of them.

Bamboo labs are very popular because they work well. I am not a big fan of them personally because its a locked down ecosystem and I prefer open software so I can do what I want with my printer but I understand why people choose the bamboo labs machines they are well tuned from the outset. The P1S being able to take an AMS for multiple colours as well is a popular choice.

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100% agree with this. Not a fan of BBL because of their business practices, but they do make printers that just work.

Rosco P. Coltrane said:


Do you have any recommendations to a printer similar to the p1s but different brand?

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Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 would be a decent one to look at.
 
The SnapMaker U1 is a popular alternative to Bambu. I have a P1S with AMS and I’m really happy with it. It just works and I can upgrade it to meet any needs I have for more abrasive filament types.

Bambu’s software is really nice and simple, but they’re trying hard to make it a closed garden and are hostile to open-source options.
 
BrightCandle said:


Bamboo labs are very popular because they work well. I am not a big fan of them personally because its a locked down ecosystem and I prefer open software so I can do what I want with my printer

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JustSomeGuy050 said:


Bambu’s software is really nice and simple, but they’re trying hard to make it a closed garden and are hostile to open-source options.

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I just decided I want a 3D printer a few weeks ago and am planning to purchase in a few weeks. Since I am BRAND new, know very little about printing (though trying to learn day by day) and will likely be sticking to PLA, PLA+ & PETG (I have no need for the flexible materials), I was going to get either a Bambu A1 Combo or the AnyCubic Kobra X, leaning toward Bambu because of it’s “great from the box” reputation.

Can y’all explain like I’m five what the limitations with Bambu’s ecosystem means? Like, will I be able to import self made CAD/.STL files that I make using other software or AI? Sorry if these are really basic questions.
 
HouseCat said:


I just decided I want a 3D printer a few weeks ago and am planning to purchase in a few weeks. Since I am BRAND new, know very little about printing (though trying to learn day by day) and will likely be sticking to PLA, PLA+ & PETG (I have no need for the flexible materials), I was going to get either a Bambu A1 Combo or the AnyCubic Kobra X, leaning toward Bambu because of it’s “great from the box” reputation.

Can y’all explain like I’m five what the limitations with Bambu’s ecosystem means? Like, will I be able to import self made CAD/.STL files that I make using other software or AI? Sorry if these are really basic questions.

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You absolutely can import self made files. That’s not a problem at all.

The issues arise with their API integration with other open source software to integrate (like Orca Slicer).

There is also some concern about them locking out features, making currently free features cost money, potentially playing nice with possible legislation and tracking what you print. Out of the box the printer is cloud connected to their servers so if they want to push an update that you don’t agree with, you may not have a choice unless you disconnect your printer from the internet.
 
JustSomeGuy050 said:


You absolutely can import self made files. That’s not a problem at all.

The issues arise with their API integration with other open source software to integrate (like Orca Slicer).

There is also some concern about them locking out features, making currently free features cost money, potentially playing nice with possible legislation and tracking what you print. Out of the box the printer is cloud connected to their servers so if they want to push an update that you don’t agree with, you may not have a choice unless you disconnect your printer from the internet.

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So im a avid outdoorsman if that tells you the type of stuff im interested in making. Will I have problems with bambu on making that type of stuff?
 
JustSomeGuy050 said:


You absolutely can import self made files. That’s not a problem at all.

The issues arise with their API integration with other open source software to integrate (like Orca Slicer).

There is also some concern about them locking out features, making currently free features cost money, potentially playing nice with possible legislation and tracking what you print. Out of the box the printer is cloud connected to their servers so if they want to push an update that you don’t agree with, you may not have a choice unless you disconnect your printer from the internet.

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Exactly this. They are making it so you may eventually have to ask them for permission to use your printer. They are taking a page out of Apple's playbook. They are making hardware that is super solid and reliable, but they are limiting their customers on what they can and cannot do with their printers.

Rosco P. Coltrane said:


So im a avid outdoorsman if that tells you the type of stuff im interested in making. Will I have problems with bambu on making that type of stuff?

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If you want to print outdoorsy stuff, you will definitely want to get a printer capable of ABS or ASA. So you are looking at an enclosed printer. The P1s would work just fine for that. I may be limited on what engineering plastics it can print because its hot end and bed wont get hot enough, but unless you specifically are looking to print in some exotic materials it likely wont be an issue for you.
 
I've got a P2S and have printed quite a few types of filament, my most recent project was in PAHT-CF. Plan on getting the H2C for my second printer later this year.
 
Been doing a lot of research the past day and keep on circling back to the Bambu p1s. Wanting something more open sourced. Other models I have looked at have been, anycubic kobra s1, qidi q2, Elegoo Centauri Carbon, and a couple others. Seems like the bambu may be a little better even though its more locked down?
 
Hey y’all! I pulled the trigger and just bought my first 3D printer, a Bambu A1 Combo. I appreciate everyone’s comments and explaining their ecosystem to me! Even though it doesn’t allow for open source, since I am brand new and can’t even picture creating my own Benchy boat, I think Bambu’s out of the box performance is the right level for me at this point. SO EXCITED!!! Hydrapeak inserts, vial caps, storage boxes and more are coming my way! 😁
 
HouseCat said:


Hey y’all! I pulled the trigger and just bought my first 3D printer, a Bambu A1 Combo. I appreciate everyone’s comments and explaining their ecosystem to me! Even though it doesn’t allow for open source, since I am brand new and can’t even picture creating my own Benchy boat, I think Bambu’s out of the box performance is the right level for me at this point. SO EXCITED!!! Hydrapeak inserts, vial caps, storage boxes and more are coming my way! 😁

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You will not be disappointed. The A1 is a super solid printer. Unless you get HEAVY into 3D printing, the Bambu restrictions likely won't even come up for you. congrats on the purchase and feel free to reach out if you run into any issues or have questions. Happy to help.
 
Pocket said:


You will not be disappointed. The A1 is a super solid printer. Unless you get HEAVY into 3D printing, the Bambu restrictions likely won't even come up for you. congrats on the purchase and feel free to reach out if you run into any issues or have questions. Happy to help.

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Thank you so much —much appreciated @Pocket !
 
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