The Budget-Friendly 3D Printer I Like Best Is $50 Off Right Now
If you're already immersed in the 3D printing world, you may find the Mini too small for you, but if you're new to 3D printing or you know someone who's been thinking about getting into the hobby, this is one you'll definitely want to consider. That's especially true when you can find it at a discount. Right now Bambu is offering the A1 Mini for $249, a $50 discount.
I've been using the Mini since it first came out in 2023, and it's such a simple machine to use. It's the one I fire up when I want something quickly and easily. The bed is small, just 180 by 180 millimeters, so you can't print giant things like helmets or masks, but you can make smaller pieces like sculptures or detailed miniatures for your Dungeons & Dragons game.
It prints speedily, too, with a max print speed of 500mm/s, meaning you can print little jobs nice and fast. It also comes with a four-color system called the AMS lite that will feed four different materials into the printer so you can make full-color models like what's in the image below.
A1 Mini Combo specifications
undefined Build volume 180x180x180 Hot end Swappable Extruder type Direct Drive AMS (color system) Nozzle diameter 0.4mm Nozzle max temperature 300C Build plate max temperature 80C Official max speed 500mm/s Supported material PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA Auto bed leveling Yes Filament run out sensor Yes Connectivity Wi-Fi, app enabled Time-lapse camera Yes Slicer Bambu slicer
Read more: A1 Mini Combo review
My colleague recently asked me which 3D printer she should get for her 13-year-old son, and this is the one I suggested. It will fit on a normal desk, even with the AMS color system. It's pretty quiet, and, as long as you have a bucket to catch the waste, clean to have in your home. If you're using it inside, I would recommend using safe materials like PLA or PETG, especially in a bedroom. Ideally, you would want it to be in a spare room or garage if possible.
Even better, consider opting for the A1 Mini Combo, which includes the AMS Lite for multi-color printing and is currently discounted to $399. That opens up even more fun printing options as you get up and running.
This cute little pumpkin is practically perfect and printed all in one piece.
James Bricknell/CNET
There are many options for your first 3D printer, and I've seen many people on Threads and Reddit recommend the A1 Mini. They agree that the A1 Mini is a great starting place, though you may need something bigger as you advance in the craft.
Why this deal matters
3D printing can be an expensive hobby. A new 3D printer is a big-ticket item and the cost of filament adds up over time too, so any savings you can find are important. The A1 Mini Combo is also excellently priced to be a gift for someone you know who wants to jump into the world of 3D printing -- or to try it out yourself without making a huge investment. At $399, it comes with the AMS Lite for multicolor printing, which means you'll be able to do more with the machine over time.
What other expenses come from owning a 3D printer?
After the initial layout, you'll need to buy a few 3D printing accessories and some materials to get the most out of your 3D printer. If the printer doesn't come with a roll of filament, I would suggest grabbing some from Overture. Its PLA is excellent and comes in plenty of fun colors. Start with PLA, as it is the easiest and cheapest material.
The accessories are all optional, as your 3D printer will come with every tool you need, as well as fun projects to print some of those tools. Eventually, you'll probably want to replace your nozzle, but Bambu makes that incredibly simple and cost-effective. You won't need a new one for a long time, so don't worry.
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