A beginners (essential) guide to setting up a 3D printer

Bambu Lab P1 Series General Discussions
1

I received my P1S yesterday and although it’s half unboxed to check for any potential damage, everything so far looks intact. I will be looking to set up the printer tomorrow evening and I am wondering if any experienced users can share their tips and tricks to a complete novice. I couldn’t’ find anything specific like this on the forum so apologies if there is already something out there.

I appreciate everyone has their own way of doing things and there is no hard or fast rule about how to go about setting up a 3D printer as well as the number of steps taken (I have seen some people suggest more, some people less), I would like to gauge what everyone does and maybe I can pick up some things I have not learnt about so far.

So this does not get out of hand, let’s keep it to the top 10 essential steps when setting up a 3D printer. I will start with what I know so far and feel free to fill in the gaps in the order you would do it (outside of unboxing and assembly).

  1. Set the printer on a sturdy, level platform that can handle rough movements from the printer. I’ve seen some suggestions like a concrete slab!

  2. Double check all safety screws and connectors have been removed that were in place during transit.

  3. Check the printer for any damage both internal and external, loose screws and ensure free movement of parts.

  4. Maintenance checks. I understand there may be minimal lubricant oil applied due to delivery of the printer to avoid it going all over the place and it is recommended to lubricate all moving components before first print.

Queston: Any recommendations on lubricant oil? I have seen some recommendations of WD40- Anti-Friction PTFE Dry Lubricant Spray since it doesn’t leave any leftover residue. I think I may give this a go but get some liquid type oil as a backup.

  1. Run calibration. Don’t assume everything is calibrated and runs perfectly out of the box. Best to run through all the calibration process before conducting first print e.g. auto bed levelling, filament calibration. If a firmware update has been applied, re-run the calibration process.

  2. Clean the build plate. Some suggest isopropyl alcohol (IPA) others suggest a simple warm soap and water wash. I think I will stick with the latter option.

Question: Do you always need to use glue for all filaments? When would you not recommend using glue on the build plate? I have the Cool Plate SuperTack and understand it is designed for PLA and PETG, but does it also work for other filament types?

  1. Load up the filament and start your first test print. I think I will do something simple other than Benchy. Maybe more practical like a scraper.

  2. If in doubt, consult the Bambu Wiki.

Have I missed anything or do you recommend a different set of steps?

2

you missed the most important thing. Read the Bambu Lab Wiki information >> @ >> Bambu Lab Wiki Homepage | Bambu Lab Wiki

3

Thanks, I already the Wiki had that at #9. I don’t believe the Wiki details the steps to take other than unboxing and assembly hence why I made the post. Sometimes experienced users have a better way of setting up and configuring their printer than what the manuals suggest.

4

For a beginner, running through the Bambu courses may be helpful:
https://bambulab.com/en/support/academy

A bit dated and not specific for Bambu, but good background reading in order to get on the right track in troubleshooting:
https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/

And finally: Do not (!) try to optimize the printer and profiles as a beginner before you have actually encountered a problem. The days where we bought printers in order to print parts enabling the printer to print properly are fortunately behind us.
Unless you have an AMS of course :sweat_smile: AMS savers and spool centre dessiccant/weight holders are a must (for the V1 at least) :sweat_smile: .

Happy Printing, :crossed_fingers: & :four_leaf_clover:,
Eno

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5

On the lubricant question, your P1S came with a little baggie that has both grease and oil.

There are also tons of unboxing videos on YouTube - it’s worth it to spend a little time watching at least a couple of these.

6

So I tried the Bambu Academy but the only printer option was the A1Mini, am I missing something?

7

A lot of the principles translate to other printers. Specifics may differ, but it helps to be able to locate the most likely root causes.

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