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CNET
09-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
I Tell All Beginners to Start With This Affordable 3D Printer, and It's $80 Off Right Now
Amazon Prime Day sale: The A1 Mini 3D printer is marked down to $219 -- an $80 discount -- on the Bambu Lab website in a deal competing with Amazon Prime Day. As an alternative, you can opt for the step-up A1 Mini Combo, which enables multi-color printing, for $359 -- a discount of $100. You can also get up to 30% off accessories and rolls of filament so you can get started on projects right away. These prices make the A1 Mini incredibly compelling for anyone who's curious about getting started with 3D printing. For almost 10 years now, I've been testing and using a variety of 3D printers. I recently had the chance to try out the latest model from Bambu Lab, the H2D, and wrote about that model here. The company has made quite a few quality 3D printers, and one of its devices, the A1 Mini Combo, has become a firm favorite in my household. The A1 Mini Combo is on the smaller side but reliably produces excellent print quality. With a number of printers to choose from, it's the one we break out whenever we need a small something printed quickly. 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. 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 what 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 are 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 $359. 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 $359, it comes with the AMS Lite for multi-color 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.
Geeky Gadgets
27-06-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Bamboo Lab A1 budget 3D printer review
Is it possible for a budget 3D printer to deliver high-quality results without compromising on ease of use? The Bamboo Lab A1 Mini boldly claims to do just that, positioning itself as an affordable yet capable choice for hobbyists and small-scale creators. With its compact design, quiet operation, and focus on producing standout PLA prints, this printer seems to promise a lot for its price. But does it truly live up to the hype, or are there trade-offs lurking beneath its sleek exterior? In this rundown of the Bamboo Lab A1 Mini, we'll explore whether this entry-level printer can balance affordability with performance—or if its limitations outweigh its strengths. Throughout this review by Optimum, you'll discover what makes the A1 Mini a practical choice for PLA enthusiasts, as well as where it falls short for users seeking versatility or advanced features. From its sturdy yet portable build to its intuitive software and print quality, we'll break down the details that matter most to hobbyists and beginners. Whether you're curious about its ability to handle materials beyond PLA or wondering if its compact design sacrifices functionality, this review by optimum will give you the clarity you need. After all, the true test of any budget-friendly device is whether it delivers more than you expect—or just enough to get by. Budget-Friendly 3D Printer Design and Build: Compact and Practical The A1 Mini employs a 'bedslinger' design with a modest build volume of 180mm³, making it ideal for small projects and tight workspaces. Its steel and aluminum frame ensures durability while maintaining a sleek, professional appearance. This combination of materials provides a sturdy foundation for consistent printing while keeping the overall weight manageable for portability. A built-in camera allows for remote monitoring of prints, which is a useful feature for users who want to keep track of progress without being physically present. However, the responsiveness of the camera is less refined compared to higher-end models, which may limit its utility for more intricate projects. The overall design strikes a balance between portability and functionality, making it a practical choice for users who value simplicity without sacrificing quality. Performance: Optimized for PLA The A1 Mini delivers impressive results with PLA, producing high-quality prints even at faster speeds. Features like automatic bed leveling and filament flow calibration enhance reliability, reducing the need for manual adjustments and making sure consistent results. Its quiet operation is another advantage, making it suitable for use in home or office environments where noise levels are a concern. However, the printer's performance with materials such as PETG and nylon composites is more limited. Achieving consistent results with these materials often requires additional equipment, such as a filament dryer, to address moisture-related issues. Furthermore, the lack of an enclosure restricts its ability to handle ABS, as this material is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Without a stable thermal environment, ABS prints are prone to warping or failure. These constraints make the A1 Mini a strong performer for PLA, but less versatile for users seeking to work with advanced materials. Bamboo Lab A1 3D Printer Review Watch this video on YouTube. Stay informed about the latest in 3D printers by exploring our other resources and articles. Software and Usability: Intuitive but Limited The A1 Mini's software is designed with ease of use in mind, offering pre-calibrated settings that simplify the setup process. Adjustable presets for print quality and speed allow users to customize their prints based on specific priorities, whether they value fine detail or faster production times. Advanced features, such as overhang supports and wall order adjustments, provide additional flexibility for tackling more complex designs. Despite these strengths, the absence of a micro LAR sensor means the printer lacks first-layer inspection capabilities. This limitation can impact reliability, particularly for intricate or high-precision projects where the first layer is critical to the overall success of the print. While the software is intuitive and user-friendly, these gaps may pose challenges for users attempting more demanding tasks. Material Compatibility: Best for PLA PLA remains the A1 Mini's standout material, delivering consistent, high-quality results suitable for most general-purpose prints. Its ease of use and reliability make it an excellent choice for beginners and hobbyists alike. While the printer does support materials like PETG and nylon composites, achieving optimal results requires careful preparation. For example, a filament dryer is often necessary to prevent moisture-related issues that can compromise print quality. ABS, a popular material for creating high-strength parts, is not recommended for use with the A1 Mini. The lack of an enclosure makes it difficult to maintain the stable printing temperatures required for ABS, leading to issues such as warping or failed prints. These material limitations underscore the A1 Mini's focus on PLA-based applications, making it less suitable for users with more diverse material needs. Key Limitations While the A1 Mini offers several strengths, it also has notable limitations that may affect its appeal for certain users. These include: Slower acceleration compared to higher-end models like the X1 Carbon, which impacts overall print speed and efficiency. compared to higher-end models like the X1 Carbon, which impacts overall print speed and efficiency. A tedious filament loading process that requires patience and precision, potentially frustrating users seeking a more streamlined experience. that requires patience and precision, potentially frustrating users seeking a more streamlined experience. The absence of advanced features such as a micro LAR sensor and an enclosure, which restricts its versatility for demanding or high-performance applications. These factors make the A1 Mini less suited for users with high-performance or large-scale printing needs, positioning it as a more specialized tool for hobbyists and PLA-focused projects. A Practical Choice for PLA Enthusiasts The Bamboo Lab A1 Mini offers a compelling combination of affordability, compact design, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for hobbyists and users with moderate 3D printing needs. Its quiet operation and intuitive software enhance its appeal for small-scale projects, particularly those focused on PLA. While it lacks the versatility and advanced features of higher-end models, it provides reliable performance at an accessible price point. For users prioritizing simplicity and quality in PLA-based applications, the A1 Mini delivers a practical and dependable solution. Media Credit: optimum Filed Under: Gadgets News, Hardware, Reviews Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
