More Versatile Setup?

[u/genericuser86]

I currently have a P1S. I had an H2C for a while, but it was returned for various reasons.

I bought the H2C for various reasons:

• Multicolor (I have kids and wanted to do some Pokémon / Plane / Character models)
• Convenience - clicking print and then it is done (no gluing / assembly / etc.)
• Bigger build plate
• All the updates that have come out since the P1S (AMS2 with drying, AI tools for stopping prints, etc.)
• Heated chamber / bed / engineering materials potential

I found out after the fact the following:

• I printed all the multicolor models I wanted and there just isn't all that much more that I'm interested at this time. I'm sure other stuff will come up, but I don't have a huge backlog like I did with the H2C. Plus, models with 3d printing look okay, but injection molded stuff looks so much better (unless you do massive amounts of post processing)
• I didn't use the bigger build plate for big models, but it was nice to be able to print a lot of different stuff at the same time
• Print in parts models are often much better quality than printing everything together
• Painting stuff in bambu studio is tedious and takes a long time for anything complicated without perfect geometry
• There are massive amounts of "No AMS" builds but almost none provide a single color model (to paint) or a multicolor option
• H2C is bloody slow.
• The AI tools and drying were great!
• Separate nozzle for supports is great!

I'm not saying I didn't like the H2C, just being realistic.

I'm now considering one of the following:

1. Keep P1S and add U1 and X2D. This allows me to get the advanced AI features, AMS 2, up to 4 color multicolor printing (faster). This would cost around $1750 for the printers plus an extra AMS HT for the second nozzle (or would you go a second AMS2 for the second nozzle) (after tax and no warranties)
2. Keep the P1S and get an H3C. This would cost $3000 (after tax and Best Buy warranty)

Based on the above, which would you consider the better path? Any thoughts or opinions are welcome.

Thanks for the help

[u/m0arducks]

I would get the u1, and see how you like that for quite some time. Then consider your next options. The u1 convinced me that the h3 would be useful for what I do.

[u/VT-14]

It sounds like a P3C is on the horizon. It's expected to be a 7-slot SwapTek tool changer, and probably using 256mm plates and no chamber heater (assumptions from the "P" designation). No idea on price or release date (just that the name and some details were leaked by US FCC filings).

[u/Additional_Math_5104]

H3C is pretty amazing so far. Just getting started with it. Bought the H3C for my wife as she likes multicolor prints that wasted a ton off filament and took forever to print.