Bambu Lab’s A1 Mini is a budget 3D printer with a 4-color system.
Bambu Lab's A1 Mini is a budget 3D printer with a 4-color system.
The A1 Mini: Bambu Lab’s Compact and Colorful Addition to the 3D Printer Family
Today, Bambu Lab, the creator of our favorite 3D printer, the P1S, has excitedly unveiled their latest innovation – the A1 Mini. Breaking away from the blueprint of their previous machines, the A1 Mini offers a more compact and unenclosed design. Priced at $459 (£370 or AUD710), this combo is expected to be a game-changer in the world of 3D printing.
The A1 Mini features a small 180 by 180 by 180mm print area, similar to the Prusa Mini. But don’t let its size fool you – this machine is packed with impressive features. It boasts an all-metal hot end, ensuring reliable and efficient printing. Repairing is made easy with its easy-to-remove heatsink. On top of that, it is equipped with a unique four-way splitter on the extruder, allowing connectivity to the AMS Lite color system. This means you can now print in multiple colors simultaneously, adding a new level of creativity to your projects. Unlike the large enclosed AMS system on the X1 Carbon, accessing the mechanical parts of the A1 Mini is a breeze, making maintenance a hassle-free experience.
The A1 Mini is designed to be ready to print straight out of the box. Its advanced features enable it to achieve an impressive maximum speed of 500 mm per second – an unheard-of capability for a printer of its size. With automatic bed leveling and filament runout sensors, the A1 Mini ensures precision and efficiency in every print. Furthermore, it comes equipped with a 1080p camera, allowing you to monitor your print progress and create captivating time-lapse videos for sharing on social media. However, it’s worth noting that the build area can only reach a maximum temperature of 80 Celsius, restricting the use of certain materials.
One of the most exciting additions to the A1 Mini Combo is the AMS Lite. This unique system allows for up to four different color materials to be used. While PLA, PETG, and TPU are recommended, ABS and ASA are not compatible with this system. The AMS Lite perfectly complements the aesthetic of the 3D printer, adding an element of style to the printing experience. It’s truly remarkable to see a four-color system at such an affordable price point, and we’re eagerly awaiting its performance.
Starting from September 20, 2023, the A1 Series Combo is available for pre-order. Priced at $459 (£370 or AU$710), the combo includes an A1 Mini, an AMS Lite, and a delightful mystery gift. Alternatively, you can purchase the A1 Mini on its own for $299. If you’re considering buying the AMS Lite separately, it carries a retail price of $249, making it a wise decision to save $90 by purchasing the combo. What’s more, each Bambu Lab A1 Mini comes with a mystery box gift, providing an enjoyable project to kickstart your 3D printing journey.
The introduction of the A1 Mini showcases Bambu Lab’s commitment to advancing the field of 3D printing. With its compact design, advanced features, and affordable price, this printer is poised to make a significant impact. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, the A1 Mini Combo is an excellent investment for unleashing your creativity and bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Pre-order your A1 Mini today and experience the wonders of this remarkable 3D printer.
