A1 mini + AMS lite or more AMS

Bambu Lab A1 Series General Discussions
1

I have a bit of decision to make. I just use the AMS to have different materials at hand, do not do any multicolor prints and the only time I use multi materials is when using support interface materials.

My current setup is:
X1C and 2 AMS. One AMS is filled with 1xPLA and 3xPETG (PETG-CF, PETG ESD from 3DXTech and PETG Tungsten from Prusament) while the other one will be 1xSupport G and 2x PA (PA12 ESD 3DXTech, PAHT-CF) and 1xASA.

Now, not every print does require such specialized filaments, but I would like to keep them inside the AMS, as they stay nicely dry inside, after adding the desiccant mods. I am in need to have some materials at hand for some fast prototyping, so I would like to use PLA for that.

Now the price of a single AMS, given I already have the hub, is 360€ over here. That means, there is just 130€ difference to buying the A1 combo. As stated above, the new AMS would just be used for PLA, so the dry storage is actually not strictly required and PLA should print even better on the A1 mini. Given PLAs low emissions, I would also be much more ok with an open printer, especially as I have proper air filtration system build for the X1C.

I do not need another printer, as the X1C has plenty of capacity over the week, so this is not really an upside. Also, I am a bit worried, as I mostly build custom fixtures and cases with the printer, that the 180mm cubed might be a bit small. I have checked the last projects, it would have been enough, but I would be quite annoyed if I now get a new printer and the next project would require me to change it all.

I know, that this is kind of a luxury problem, but I would still like your input, what you would do.

2

Bypass the AMS and use an external PLA spool fed through a splitter to run your prototypes.

3

I would invest in expansion of an AMS rather than a complete printer with mini AMS. The downside of the new A1 is in my opinion it’s structure. The A1 lacks a door and a box around it, as does its material storage.

I understand why Bambu LAb has released this model. It opens the world of 3D printing for those on a budget.

greetings
Gwenda

4

If it were me, Id get the a1 for any multicolor/pla prints you did want to do and use the x1 for advanced materials. If you have space for it. Doubles your bambu power lol. Also, the next gen may have a new ams thats drastically better. dont want to be in my situation where it would be hard to upgrade. Gonna be hard to sell the ams gen 1 if a gen 2 is on the market.

I dont even have a huge need for the a1, but Im so close to ordering one to play with. Seems like when I do want to make a multicolor print its a larger model (over 75mm x 75mm). From what ive seen, the a1 can drop an 18 hour multicolor print to 15. It can also be placed closer to living areas because if the noise reduction. Unless all existing printing actually do get noise reduction updates. Then that doesnt matter as much.

Based on your last paragraph though, Your sutuation sounds like it calls for a p1s or another ams.

Found this video yesterday. Its the best one ive watched. Very detailed .

5

This is the first I’ve heard that A1 can do Multicolor faster than X1 or P1 - can you tell me more?

6

Because of the time it takes of moving the filament. More drastic as you add colors.

It may be really close, if the x or p is just using factory length of ptfe tube (1 ams mounted on the printer). Probably still offset due to startup procedures bejng faster on the a1 also. And making less overall effect as print size grows.

Norm Talks about it here.

1 Like
7

Did anyone check if object skipping is available?

8

See the video just above your post at 7:40.

9

Thanks :pray:, weird that the p1 series don’t support that so I’m keeping my preorder then

10

Have a look at the Sunlu S4 filament dryer - that is currently on kickstarter but has room for 4 spools so you can store your 4 spools in there, keep them dry, even schedule the heater to jump on if the humidity gets too hight and you can also print out of it.