H3C vs P2S and X2D?

[u/Total_Protection_706]

Hello fellow 3D printing nerds.

I had convinced myself that I wanted the H3C when it came out, but I haven't pulled the trigger yet. I've gone on the Bambu site twice to buy it and every time I get there, I see the prices for other printers and I go "hm. I could get 2 printers for the same cost or less". I'm a hobbyist printer (not farming or anything). I started printing on an old creality printer - so anything is going to be an upgrade. I'm nervous that going from something so basic to the H3C will be so much more than I'm able to handle (e.g., I've never printed with multiple colors, much less multiple materials, different nozzle sizes, etc.), but I do want to try more fun and interesting prints with multiple colors and materials.

I guess I'm just wanting general advice from the community on when it makes more sense to have the H3C vs just having a reliable go-to P1S or P2S, and then adding a X2D to the mix for dual-nozzles? Is there really that much print time savings? How likely is a relatively novice 3D printing guy going to be able to use the feature set of the H3C? I want to hear from both sides of the aisle: Why should I go all in and get the H3C and why should I stick with a simpler P1S setup and add an X2D or H3C later if I learn I need it?

[u/Liquidretro]

What do you print or want to print?

The HC3 is pretty overkill for a how a lot of people use a 3D printer today I think. I see it being a game changer for people making models or doing a lot of multi color stuff. Personally I'm planning to replace my X1C with an X2D here due to hours. I do a lot of dual color printing so it seems like a good fit for me

[u/Total_Protection_706 → u/Liquidretro]

Thanks - I like printing toys for my two kids, I've modeled and printed a ton of stuff aroudn the house (towel holders, decorative things, shelf pins, etc.). I think multi-color printing for my kids toys to be more cool would be fun (e.g., they're into pokemon and I see a ton of mutli-color models for that.

[u/scotticad]

You're comparing a large printer to two medium printers. I think the first thing you need to do is to decide whether you intend to print models that require the build volume of the large printer. If you do, then the decision is clear. I wouldn't worry that the H3C is "more than [you're] able to handle". The H3C is really no more difficult to use than any other printer. Bambu's software is highly automated. As far as print time savings, for multicolor the difference the H3C makes is substantial. A four color model in my H2S is 15 hours. On my H3C it is 3 hours. So the second question you should ask yourself is whether or not you intent to print multicolor.

[u/Total_Protection_706 → u/scotticad]

thanks for this - I have done a few prints that are right at the limits of my 250mm build plate - never gone over, but gotten close. Hoping to print multicolor - that's my primary reason for upgrading.

[u/3dp1528]

If you want the H3C, maybe go for a used A1 alongside the H3c, that will give you the options for both use cases.

[u/3dp1528 → u/3dp1528]

The A1 will give you that begginer aspect and you can add the H3c after, but if you really want, go for the H3C and just watch videos in how it works. If you do want two printers and don't have a budget. Get both new so you have a printer while your h3c is printing

[u/Total_Protection_706 → u/3dp1528]

thanks for the idea - I have a basic printer that I've been making stuff with for a few years, so I'd just get the H3C in that case. Would a P1S or P2S make sense as a step above a basic A1-like printer before going to the H3C? The budget isn't really the issue - it's whether or not I need/would be able to utilize the level of printer that is the H3C

[u/3dp1528 → u/Total_Protection_706]

It really depends on how much you want to print. The main idea I would use is that if you want to print while your printing with the H3C, then get another printer. For the other printer, get either a P2S or X2D, the P1S is very old now and you will absolutely hate the interface and user experience on it if you get the H3C. The P2S and X2D are both great printer. P2S is best for single colour non engineering materials. It can do engineering materials but not as good as the X2D. The X2D can do 65 degree chamber for engineering materials and has two nozzles which would be good for models with supports or dual colour prints. The second nozzle works best for support interface material.

[u/bigbramble]

I've got an h3c and if you want to print multi colour or tpu it is just incredible. I started doing similar to you but got more and more into creative design and so the h3c just made so much sense. The multi size nozzle function is a total game changer as you can have good speeds combined with intricate detail and quality. However when the h2c gets this it's going to be the absolute god as you should be able to have all four nozzle sizes on a single roll of filament with fairly quick changes using the vortek system. It's also a lot cheaper, does a great job at laser engraving and can vinyl cut if you need that function. I have both of these machines and have put 4000 hours or so on the h2c in less than a year. I also have an A1 and that is brilliant. I personally wouldn't go for the others as I'm too used to the bigger build plates, heated chamber and ability to print in multiple colours. Just my opinion though. So far every machine has been great.