Bambu Lab A1 Mini + AMS Lite: The ideal beginner 3D printer?

A new 3D printer from Bambu Lab, aimed at those entering the hobby. The A1 Mini and AMS Lite are packed with smart features that make it easy to set up and use. In this video, I put them through their paces, to find out what they do well, and where improvement is needed.

These printers were supplied free of charge by Bambu Lab for the purpose of testing, in accordance with my review policy. All opinions expressed are my own.

0:00 Introduction

0:53 Specifications and price

2:39 Unboxing and setup

5:35 AMS lite filament loading

6:18 Pre-sliced prints

8:43 Further test prints

12:38 Mystery box print - wireless mouse

14:35 MakerWorld

16:26 Machine inspection and features

19:08 Pros and cons

22:07 Summary

Models and images used in this video:

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[soggynode]

It's probably not something I would buy for myself, but I'm really happy there are finally some printers available that I feel comfortable recommending to new users. It's definitely a good time to get into 3d printing. If you like to scratch build, mod and tinker, there are plenty of options available. If you want something big to build props for cosplay or practical prints, there are options for that. If you just want an appliance that prints the stuff you want to print, we've got that now too.

[neebick]

Thank you for showing loading filament without the ams. Don’t think I’ve seen another review that has done that. Your thoroughness is very much appreciated.

[scott]

@Teaching Tech - Just a heads up. You put the scrapper thumb rest on the wrong side, that's why it didn't seem to fit. Turn it 180 and move it to the other side with the screws entering from the face with the text (Blade Side). It's actually a really good scraper and has replace all my old ones. The logo is face down and the rounded edge should be pressed onto the bed when used. This sets the perfect angle for the cutting edge of the blade and prevents the blade from digging into the bed.

[ChippWalters]

As always, a clear, concise, and unbiased view of this printer. Thanks for that. I've built two prusa printers and within two weeks of my first X1C I gave them both away. It's a complete new paradigm in 3D printing and I've been doing it since the first 3D systems Cubify over 11 years ago. As an industrial designer, I only want a 3D printer to help realize my designs. I'm not interested in learning how to fix a warped input shaper sensor or replace the accelerometer-- just as I'm not interested in having to figure out how to repair my car or refrigerator.

Probably like you, I'm only interested in the best product that works for my requirements. I don't care about brand loyalty or fanboyism and I think that competition between these companies is good for the consumer and for me in particular. Thanks again for sharing.

[Frooderick]

I'd say this is a printer also suitable for those who are tired of fiddling about with their printer and just want to print something without having to sort all the various issues, . People like me. I'm still using my E3P and while it's a good printer, tweaking it for my R2 build is tiresome, to the point where I no longer care about layer lines and will deal with them in post. A printer like this at this price point ( we can't all buy Bambu's best) would bring back a lot of the joy I expected from such a project. It can't print the larger pieces, , but there are tons of smaller bits that this would make short work of while the E3P does the large grunt work. Plus, R2's wheels are TPU, which I have been avoiding like the plague (some of us still do that) because of the potential issues. But this little gem would clearly not even hiccup and deliver quality parts.

[teslaactions]

Thanks for the recognition on the remix. I had the same issue with warping on that part

[MumrikDK]

Including that massive pile of color samples for their own filaments is brilliant marketing.

[TomatePasFraiche]

This is such a no fuss mini printing powerhouse, I’m all for it!

[cmputer]

This printer looks great and the price is right. I could easily see buying this for my niece for Christmas. Not a huge cost and I can be confident it won’t be a frustration machine.

[robosilo]

That attachment method for the nozzle looks amazing. I look forward to all the other brands ripping it off. Seems like a feature that we should have had years ago.

[MCsCreations]

Fantastic review, Michael! Thanks a bunch! 😃
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[AlexisMelo]

THE youtuber I was looking forward to hear about the A1!! Thanks Michael!

[MrWizard]

They are literally out engineering everyone. Very impressive.

[BernardoBerndsen]

Not only are your videos super informative. As a Brazilian guy, Iit bring me great joy to see your love for Senna. You have some of the coolest shirts. Love the videos.

[BloodSteyn]

I have a B1, a K1 and I think saving up for an A1 that would allow fast and easy access to Multi-Colour printing is definitely an option for my collection. Plus, having a printer that would be easy enough for my Wife and Daughter to use straight from a phone app seems like a huge plus.

[mcorrade]

Man 3d printing tech is getting so much better. I wish I had the room for this system lololo

[vivianerobadey]

One of the best 3d printers I have ever had

[STomHacks]

I'm glag you liked my model :)
Thanks for the video

[reasonablebeing]

Great video. Fine tuning my old relaibles and printing with them while I am saving my money up for when all of these innovations are combined into my ideal printer(s) and I do a "forklift upgrade" of my 3D printer collection. Hats off to Bambu for all of their innovations especially for AMS which is still klunky but a lot further than ever before.

[marianososa]

Not only because the price is good, its quality is the best!!!! and they are always improving their products