Hi, I have been wanting a A1 after I returned my last printer after various issues I really like both the A1 and A1 Mini. The thing what holds me up is the build volume. I don’t print huge helmets, but after 4 past printers I can say I would appreciate the bigger space. I was wondering if I am better off waiting for the A1? As far as I know, it could be back in May, or get delayed until July. I really like 3D printing so I don’t think I want to wait too long. If any other Mini owners don’t think the build volume really restricts you, please tell me! I am looking for any advice.
all good printers but saving up for the p1p or potentially a x1c would be a far better choice imo there is little error in the machine and the build volume for its speed is second to none,and if you dont have the means and you really want some build volume the a1 is wayyy better than the a1 mini
I’ve had many clones of the P1P/X1 in the past. So even though I am buying for the original creator in this case I’m still not sure about the quality. Do you strongly think that the P1P has consistently good quality? I would also save up for a AMS in the future. The main reason i resorted to the Mini was because I wanted multi color printing at ease, and the A1 will be out for a bit. Love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
This is why I bought my A1 Mini.
There have been only a few things I couldn’t print on it and fewer I just resized.
But I would say 98% of models I print, the Mini does fine.
If I need a bigger bed, I just use my SV06 or SV06 Plus.
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The mini does seem like a great option. It would be my only printer. Does this change your response as I would want a larger print size as I would be running a mini by itself?
The P1/X1 experience is different to the A1. I went from an Ender to the X1 and can tell you the step up is quite impressive. The A1’s are going to be much the same but don’t quite get there in some areas like advanced material handling. I like the mini cause its low fuss and sending daily stuff to it is easy, a big percentage of my prints are within the print dimension. It’s cheap and works well for what it is. The ideal would be to have both :))
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Would it still be worth my money to Buy a P1P if I’m not in need of advanced filaments?
TBH, I’d save and buy the P1S.
They both have strong points and at the core would both print the same model with the same quality. I have a soft spot for coreXY (possibly soft in the head lol).
There are other options to consider also…
It also depends on maintenance. The X1 & P1 use a different hotend, that clogs & breaks at the heatbreak. You have to dismantle it to replace the nozzle.
Where as the A1, you flip a lever & the nozzle comes off.
Just some other things you should look into…IMO
I’d argue the hot end clog/break scenario is rare enough to discount. I do however agree with the ease of swapping. I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve contended with a clog (800hrs + assorted materials). It’s like most things, look after your machine and know how to use it and most days it’ll be fine. 3d printing being random as it is, some people will have more issue than others with the same set up.
Yes, thank you for pointing that out. It’s just annoying having to wait! Could be May or way later based on what people think for the A1’s return
yourr right about that the a1 minis alot better for multicolor so if thats a big factor in your decision then the a1 mini is a great choice
Waiting for the A1 is tricky since delays can happen pretty easily; especially when you’re talking about engineering work to redesign something due to safety concerns.
I feel pretty confident Bambu Lab will deliver on their timelines, but they, like us, are just human.
For me, I personally bought an A1 mini to hold me over while my A1 is out of commission. For me I print mainly small trinkets for gift giving, or functional prints (e.g. keyboard stand). I do feel pretty restricted for stuff like organizers which are usually designed for the larger build volume; but those make up a minority of my desired prints.
So for me it’s been worth it since I usually print smaller items. As far as I can tell, the A1 mini has performed the exact same as my A1 with exception of the build volume.