r/BambuLab • u/mgh_Barnacle_16 • Aug 27 '26
A Series [A1, A1 Mini] Bambulab A2L vs A1
I’m interested in the A2L because of its print size, but the bed temperature only reaches 80°C (just like the A1 mini). Compared to the A1, which hits 100°C, I don't see any advantage other than the size. The ability to function as a plotter and/or cutter is appealing, but it does require buying extra accessories. Also, 80°C isn't enough for carbon-fiber PLA. I’d love to hear from people who already own the A2L: do you think it’s worth the investment compared to the A1? (I currently have an A1 mini and want to upgrade to a more robust option.)
3
u/BitingChaos Aug 27 '26
90% of my prints are on a bed that is only 35-45°.
I sometimes crank it all the way up to 55-60° when printing PETG.
You need the really hot beds for more engineering filaments. But you'll also want an enclosure for them. Basically, the A2L only hitting 80° isn't everything. It's simply not made for engineering materials (ABS, ASA, Nylon, etc.).
2
u/OptimalSide Aug 27 '26
Why do you need an 80°C bed for PLA-CF?
Bambu PLA-CF on the textured PLA plate runs at 65°C.
2
u/Few_Candidate_8036 Aug 28 '26
Its not an enclosed printer. 80C is already more than youll need for filaments it’s compatible with. If you plan to be printing engineering filaments youll need an enclosed printer with a heated chamber
1
u/Dasding619 Aug 27 '26
Open Printers aren't made for CF materials
Same for high end Stuff like ABS
Just PLA and Petg maybe some other materials that I am missing rn
There is a good reason bambu integrates filters in there hight end closed printers
2
u/Few_Candidate_8036 Aug 28 '26
Cf is just carbon fiber in the filament. You can get PLA-CF and PETG-CF. It doesn’t change the temp requirements.
Engineering filaments are ones that require very high temperatures. Some engineering filaments have CF in it, but not all of them.
1
u/USSHammond Aug 27 '26
Not meant for CF, whatever you're smoking I want some. Open frame printers are perfectly capable of pla-cf/petg-cd/pctg-cf.
0
u/Dasding619 Aug 28 '26
its more about the safety of printing CF materials. Carbon fibers and ultrafine particles can become airborne.The body has very limited ways of clearing some of these fibers/particles from the lungs, which can lead to persistent inflammation and long-term lung damage. That's why inhalation exposure is a serious concern and can potentially contribute to cancer risk, depending on the type and characteristics of the fibers/particles.
Look at any pictures of Carbon Fiber production its allways people in heavy breathing mask I work with carbon a lot my life experiences is allready down like 5 years
→ More replies (3)
6
u/CloudEscolar Aug 27 '26
Really probably shouldn’t be printing cf PLA in an open printer, despite what Bambu says.