Bambu Lab's A1 One Year Later...

[granz]

I recently picked up this printer and now I am getting rid of my Creality Ender printers! That's how much I love this thing! Not only did it work right out of the box with minimal setup, but it is FAST and supports 4 colors using the AMS system and I can even run prints remotely using an app on my phone!

... I am very impressed after the experiences I had with the Ender 5 and Ender 3 S1.

So, Chris, after using this printer for a bit over a year, how do you like it?

The above thread shows a lot of printing, and one filament jam...

You mentioned, at the time, that this was not the fault of the printer, but the filament. So, how has everything else been?

I have been having too much trouble with my Voxel (although Peter's seems to be working well for him.) So, I am almost at the point where I have enough money saved up to purchase a new printer. So, what is your after-one-year review now?

Also,

...it is FAST and supports 4 colors using the AMS system

How does that AMS system work? Do you have to use the Bambu filament spools, or can you get RFID(?) tags and put them on generic spools. Also, if you can use generic, what filament do you like most?

[Chris Savage]

So, Chris, after using this printer for a bit over a year, how do you like it? The above thread shows a lot of printing, and one filament jam...

I also had some printing issues that were related to moisture in the filament or skin oil on the printing plate. Since these issues, I haven't experienced them again. I learned from my mistakes. I just had the one jam of the hot end. I got a lot of use from it before that happened and the replacement was inexpensive.

How does that AMS system work?

The AMS allows you to print multicolor prints. I have posted a few in this sub-forum. But another use of it is if you have a large or complex print that needs more than 1 spool (or you have one that's not full), you can have it automatically switch to a backup spool if the initial one runs out of filament.

Do you have to use the Bambu filament spools, or can you get RFID(?) tags and put them on generic spools.

I use the Bambu Lab filament, not only for convenience, but because the RFID tags tell the printer the details about the filament, saving me issues. You can't use the tags on someone else's filament. I mean, you could, but the printer would think it was genuine branded filament and set the temperatures and other profile information as if it were. As you can imagine, that could cause issues.

Also, if you can use generic, what filament do you like most?

I do not use generic filament. I buy the Bambu filament 4 or 6 at a time to get the bulk discount. A coworker uses generic filament he gets from Amazon. His prints are usually fine, but they don't seem to look as good as mine. If I had to guess, there are subtle differences in the speed / temperatures that he doesn't know.

As a note, the Bambu Lab Studio (slicer) supports filament from other vendors and has their print profile information as well. I just don't think that works from the mobile app. I've never tried. But when you first setup the sliver on your PC, it gives you the option to import other brand printers and / or filaments.

[granz]

I use the Bambu Lab filament

Okay, that sounds good.

Do you get your filament straight from Bambu Lab, or Amazon, or somewhere else? I will need to add in the price of several spools of filament (Amazon is showing about $20-$30 per spool, but I have not checked Bambu Lab's prices.

[Chris Savage]

Do you get your filament straight from Bambu Lab, or Amazon, or somewhere else? I will need to add in the price of several spools of filament (Amazon is showing about $20-$30 per spool, but I have not checked Bambu Lab's prices.

I buy directly on the Bambu Lab website with a delivery time average of 4 days. My last order was for four (4) refills, which cost me $14.99 each. On the previous order of six (6) spools, I paid $13.99 each. Bear in mind, my most recent orders are refills, which are generally less expensive, because you don't get the spool. You re-use the spools and the refill comes with the core and RFID tags. The spool separates and the refill fits right in.

The following video shows how the refills work:

[granz]

Nice, I like it. And, the price is not too bad, either. So, the first filaments that you purchase is the ones with the spools, and then you get refills? Or, do you just purchase a few/several empty spools and then use the refills on those empty spools?

Thanks.

[Chris Savage]

Nice, I like it. And, the price is not too bad, either. So, the first filaments that you purchase is the ones with the spools, and then you get refills? Or, do you just purchase a few/several empty spools and then use the refills on those empty spools?

I originally bought the spools. Then when they were empty, I gave them away to someone else I knew had an A1. At that time I didn't know how the refills worked, so I didn't think I would ever get them. When I found out how easy it was, I regretted giving my spools away and actually printed a couple (there are several styles online) and they worked perfectly. After so much printing, I started having empty spools and started buying the replacements as refills, which generally cost less.

P.S. - It takes very little to print the spools yourself. Mine came out perfect and worked for a while until I passed them on to someone else who needed a couple of spools for refills.

[granz]

Okay, I now have the printer in my Bambu shopping cart, along with ten spools of 1kg filament - one of each color in the resistor color code (I figured that this would give me a nice selection of colors to start with, plus the ability to print color-coded numbers.)

I noticed that there are recommendations for accessories, but not any specifics. What accessories do you recommend that I get (an additional nozzle, grease/oil, additional build plate, anything else? I won't have a lot of money after the purchase, but would like to get the most important extras when I purchase the printer - if you could list the extras in order of what you think most important to less important, I would appreciate it.

Also, now that I think about it, is there some program where you can get some kind of credit (money, supplies, etc.) for recommending this printer to me? After all, you are the one who convinced me to get a Bambu Lab printer, so you should benefit - if possible.

[Chris Savage]

Okay, I now have the printer in my Bambu shopping cart, along with ten spools of 1kg filament - one of each color in the resistor color code (I figured that this would give me a nice selection of colors to start with, plus the ability to print color-coded numbers.)

Sounds like you're ready to go!

I noticed that there are recommendations for accessories, but not any specifics. What accessories do you recommend that I get (an additional nozzle, grease/oil, additional build plate, anything else? I won't have a lot of money after the purchase, but would like to get the most important extras when I purchase the printer - if you could list the extras in order of what you think most important to less important, I would appreciate it.

Honestly, an extra hot end and build plate are about all I would recommend. The printer comes with the lubricants and some additional hardware and accessories. The most commonly used items, anyway.

Also, now that I think about it, is there some program where you can get some kind of credit (money, supplies, etc.) for recommending this printer to me? After all, you are the one who convinced me to get a Bambu Lab printer, so you should benefit - if possible.

I know in the past they have done referrals, but they're usually for a limited time. I'm not seeing anything running currently. Thanks for thinking of me though.