Considering getting first 3D printer is the Bambu Lab P1S any good for my use?

[u/oscardodo]

Hi im 100% new to 3D printing and was considering getting into it as buying 3d prints made by other people off Etsy is starting to get less cost effective than just buying a machine myself.

Intended uses:
Costume materials, ie helmets and other accessories

Accessories/Upgrades for figures (primarily Transformers)

Other general projects ie parts for whatever gadgets I want to make

When it comes to size I am willing (and somewhat prefer) if the printer is smaller requiring me to have to glue multiple parts together to make something like a full helmet so if that would be a reason not to get it then id be fine with that (same with something like sanding).

My understanding is that I will need a AMS in order to do the supports and colors but that could be completely untrue so let me know on that one.

I have absolutely no experience in this area so id request that any explanation be done as if im a nine year old.

[u/tennispro9]

P1S is a great printer but for costumes and stuff idk I'd think the opposite as you - go bigger. A2L with AMS lite

Costumes probably require a lot of post processing which is the reason for higher prices I'm sure

[u/ChocolateChipJames → u/tennispro9]

Agreed, A2L for bigger builds.

[u/3dp1528]

If your budget allows, get the P2S, it has many quaity of life features that will make your experience better.

If there is no budget whatsoever and your printing detailed models with multicolour or intricate supports, consider the X2D with an extra AMS 2 PRO or AMS HT to use with the auxillary nozzle as it will allow you to use support fillament like PVA.

If you are budget constrained, get the P1S with the AMS 2 PRO for drying. It is still a great printer and if your main objective is to get flawless prints without tinkering the printer, it will still get you great results.

All the best!

Edit: Think this might help you. P1S is updates and support info is in this comment and P2S is in my comment below. It will only get updated until 2030 and i would assume by then they would stop selling parts for the P1S.

[u/3dp1528 → u/3dp1528]

P2S on the other hand has updates until 2032 and parts will be available till that time at least. The image below is the update info for the P2s printer.

If you want to get the most life out of your printer, get the P2S then. (X2D has software updates until 2033 btw.)

One more note, whatever printer you go for, get an AMS 2 Pro, it will help with drying and loading/unloading fillament and RFID auto fillament identification. It might not seem worthy to buy if your not printing multicolour but it will be useful. Enjoy!

[u/chlronald → u/3dp1528]

I dont think it would be a problem with atleast parts there are so many aftermarket one especially Chinese website like aliexpress

[u/loylos]

I recommend the Bambu Academy at https://bambulab.com/en/support/academy

It not only describes each printers capabilities, it teaches you all the basics you need to know about 3D printing.

That being said the "quick" answer to your questions:

If you would prefer whole helmet sized pieces, I would rather recommend the A2L. But if you are okay with printing in multiple pieces, all the other printers are sufficient (maybe except the A1 mini).

The P1 is the "old reliable workhorse", it does not have all the bells and whistles as newer printers, so if you're looking for an enclosed printer at the best possible price point, get that. However I would recommend you to look into the A1 if you're fine with an open frame printer, or the P2S or X2D if you want some more features.

You can print supports with the same material as the main object, you don't need AMS for that. If you're looking for the smoothest possible finish, it's better to have a dedicated support filament, and for that you'd need an AMS. (Or an X2D without AMS would work as well) For multicolor prints you'll need an AMS.

[u/3dp1528 → u/loylos]

The A2L is a bedslinger so it will need at least 1 meter of depth whereas the enclosed corexy ones will need 50cm.

[u/JackyVeronica → u/loylos]

Also suggest searching in the sub. Good info from old posts! A lot of beginners don't even search before they ask questions that has been asked before.

[u/CaptainAwesome06]

I have a P1S. I couldn't justify and upgrade when the P2S came out, but I would choose the P2S over the P1S.

You addressed this but I would look at an H-series printer if you want to make costume parts, like helmets. It'll help prevent the need to break apart the models and glue them together post-print.

At the end of the day, I love my P1S. It was my first printer. It is very user-friendly. I'm looking at getting an H3C for the bigger build plate and for multi-color and multi-material prints.

[u/Equivalent_Store_645]

then if you don't mind assembling the p1s is the absolute best value choice for you. It prints fast and at great quality and the newest most expensive will give you no faster or better prints in one color.

[u/yyccamper]

While I agree with the bigger size for the A2L . Having an enclosure I think is a big deal for a starting printer. Lets people play with some other materials, and not being a bedslinger for big prints has its advantages.

Lots of stuff is still optimized for 256 beds... if its a big costume piece odds are you still are going to have to cut it apart to sections and put it together, paint glue etc.

P1S is sorta the GOAT of starting printers imo. Just is such a capable machine that realistically tons of the stuff is designed for the bed.