I bought my P2S just 6 weeks before the X2D version was released… I have the opportunity to upgrade, if I can sell my P2S. So I’m looking here at the comments Plus & Minus of H2D or H2C.
I’m still quite new to 3D printing, but find many of the models available are often not sized for the P2S print plate, I like the concept of H2C for future flexibility, but don’t understand why they didn’t make the unit bigger to have the same print plate size. I can only assume manufacturing folks gave that a no, no to keep their process costs down.
So I don’t currently need the C model, but don’t want to buy the “lesser” version for the cost difference. Print time on multi color models is an issue for P2S but I’m only a Grandad having fun for grand kids and neighbors.
Zero regrets about buying the H2C. I love the H2C’s multicolor capability, the ability to have one of each nozzle size available without having to lift a finger, and if Bambu or anyone else opens up the ability to use multiple nozzle sizes on a single print the H2C will become the most powerful prosumer printer options out there, far beyond the toolchangers like the U1 and whatnot.
The H2C is very complex, and I do somewhat fear an issue when it’s off warranty but my other Bambu machines have been rock solid so I’m willing to take a risk here.
As you touched on, build plates are unique to the H2C/A2L, but there are a lot of aftermarket options available now. The need to stock two different nozzle types in all the sides is also a bit pricey, especially if you want to have high flow options and one of each size.
Printing for the grandkids is a very noble pursuit. I’m still waiting for mine to show up. So I print fun toys for myself.
As to the printers? I have both the D and the C. I use the D for printing “things” around the house. PETG stuff that requires some strength under use. As for the C? That is used for the fun toys and multicolor goofy things I print. Cartoon characters, neat cars and planes, Nintendo stuff, etc. That’s probably more in line with what your grandkids will want. Lots of colors and recognizable characters. I’d steer you more towards the C if that’s the path you’re going to travel. It will obviously still allow for you to print the PETG household items. But I can speak from experience, that D will frustrate you when you’re printing a fun 6 color toy and you realize just how much filament you wasted.
I did a test by printing a large custom LEGO character that required 6 colors. It was a massive amount of waste on the D. THAT is the moment the wife and I agreed - we’d purchase a C ASAP.
We love the C and use it quite a few times a week. We print LOTS of household items on the D. They both get a lot of use. But if I had just one, it would be the C.
I can vouch for the lack of waste. I recently upgraded to add a H2C to my collection. I now feel guilty printing anything multi-colour on my P1S. I have had it for about 2 months printing near 24/7 and have produced about a handful of waste. It’s really quite incredible.
When I design and print now that H2C capabilities are out there, waste is less of a thought and I would think the trend will continue this way into the future. My incentive on design creation for multi colour items now depends on whether time is a factor and if I plan to print for markets. Filament changes still take lots of time, but so does assembly.
My vote is H2C! If you buy a H2D you’ll start to wonder if it was the right decision, but your invested so it would be much harder to shift then.
The H2D can always be upgraded to the H2C at any time. In the long run buying the H2C now would save you money, but only if you found the H2D is all you needed.
Point is, you are not locked into the H2D. Just another data point to consider.
I think you answered your own question with your statement.
They are both great machines, if I had to choose between them, H2C no questions asked. You get everything the H2D can do plus the flexibility of 7 nozzles.
I say it totally depends on what you’re printing. I have 1 x H2C and 2 x H2S and the H2S’s get hammered way more purely for their bed size. It turns out I didn’t really need the H2C as I don’t really do many multicolour prints. But having the smaller and bigger nozzles ready to go does make a huge difference to me!
Someone local is downsizing and selling an H2C, with only 500 hours at 30% off list. I’m going to look at it, but otherwise my purchase plan was to do so where they offer a low cost 4 yr warranty. I checked and officially used products are not covered by BL 1year warranty - but its “possible” to get around that.
Seems tempting. My thoughts on the warranty is that it isn’t as important to me because most of the components that go bad are relatively inexpensive and given the back and forth communication to get a claim submitted, it’s almost easier to just buy what broke. Plus extended warranties are tilted in the insurer’s favor. They make a profit on these warranties.
If this was a newer car, then a warranty is much more important to me because the expense for repairs is so much higher. Extended warranties may be a much better buy.
That’s just my opinion and I can’t say it’s a gold standard. Good luck with your search.
Post Script: The used H2C seller may very well be willing to negotiate down more than 30%, too.
I thought that.. He just changed the deal to be H2S and H2C AMS Pro2 and 2x AMS-HT all for $2250. Good price, but too much product for me, but it makes the decision easy to buy the H2C combo from BB with the optional $180 4 year warranty.
I agree about warranties, I rarely buy them, but it seems many products nowadays seem designed to fail within the first few weeks or just after the warranty expires.
Timing is better also, I can try to sell my P2S combo.
