Bambu Lab P1P Review: Worth It or Not?

Shenzhen Bambu Technology has introduced its second high-speed 3D printer, the P1P, also known as the simplified version of the X1. Following the groundbreaking success of the Bambu Lab X1 series, the P1P offers a more affordable option while retaining the key advantages of speed and quality. Although its appearance may seem minimalistic, resembling a mere “skeleton,” it encompasses the essential features that made the X1 popular: impressive speed and exceptional print quality.

We recently acquired the P1P and are eager to provide an objective and authentic review, covering various aspects such as installation, design, functionality, and print testing. We look forward to sharing our comprehensive evaluation of the Bambu Lab P1P to assist readers in making an informed decision about this highly capable 3D printer.

P1P Specifications:

• Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM/FFF)
• Product Dimensions: 386 x 389 x 458 mm
• Printing Size: 256 x 256 x 256 mm
• Maximum Printing Speed: 500mm/s
• Build Plate: Double-sided PEI-coated Spring Steel Sheet (supports other printing surfaces)
• Nozzle Maximum Temperature: 300°C
• Heated Bed Maximum Temperature: 100°C
• Slicing Software: Bambu Studio (compatible with other third-party software)
• Supported Materials: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, etc.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroSD card
• User Interface: 2.7-inch LCD screen
• Product Net Weight: 9.65kg

Unboxing The Bambulab P1P:

The Bambu Lab P1P is a pre-assembled machine, but before we can start printing, there are still some simple setups that need to be done, taking approximately 20-30 minutes.

In addition to the machine itself, the accessories included with the Bambu Lab P1P are 1KG of PLA filament, an LCD screen, a spool holder, spare nozzle components and nozzle cleaning tools, a power cord, a needle, a PTFE tube, a heated bed scraper blade, an Allen wrench, a filament guide, thermal paste, lubricant, and some screws.

Furthermore, there is a Quick Start Guide manual included in the accessories. Following the instructions in the manual, we installed the spool holder, filament guide, and LCD screen. We also removed three screws that were holding the heated bed in place. After connecting the power, we scanned the QR code on the screen to connect the printer to our local network. Additionally, we downloaded the Bambu Handy mobile app, registered an account, and scanned to bind the machine.

Once connected, the printer performs a self-check. During this process, there may be some noise and machine vibrations, but there’s no need to worry as these are normal. This is because the machine is conducting resonance compensation and automatic bed leveling settings.

After the self-check is complete, we can load the filament and prepare for the next printing step. The MicroSD card contains several pre-sliced test models, as well as some tool models, such as the scraper accessory, the auxiliary part cooling fan bracket, and the AMS support.

Design of Bambulab P1P:

Frame:

The Bambu Lab P1P is a printer that employs a CoreXY structure, utilizing two motors to control the movement of the XY axes simultaneously, resulting in smoother and faster prints. The machine’s frame is constructed using sheet metal welding, making it robust and reliable.

What sets the P1P apart from other machines is its adoption of ultra-lightweight carbon fiber rods for the X-axis guide. This design choice reduces weight and minimizes vibrations, ensuring higher print quality. Additionally, the Z-axis of the P1P is supported by a combination of three sets of lead screws and linear rods, with two sets positioned in the front and one set at the back. Designed using the principles of triangles, this configuration enhances stability and provides a more secure foundation for the printer.

Side Panels:

The P1P distinguishes itself from the X1 series with a more “skeletal” appearance. This design choice was influenced by cost considerations while also providing users with greater customization options. Currently, the official Bambu website offers four different styles of side panel models for users to download. Additionally, users with design skills can refer to the provided 3D model and specifications of the machine frame to design and customize their own side panels.

Apart from the aesthetic appeal, enclosed enclosures also facilitate the printing of high-performance materials such as carbon fiber or glass fiber-reinforced filaments. However, when using these materials, it is necessary to replace the nozzle with a hardened steel nozzle and the extruder gear with a hardened steel one. The print bed also needs to be replaced with a high-temperature printing surface. If, like me, you primarily print PLA, PETG, and occasionally ABS, then the bare machine is sufficient for your needs.

Print Bed:

The P1P features a dual-sided PEI-coated flexible print bed. This allows for excellent adhesion of the models during printing while also making it easy to remove the models once they have cooled. It provides convenience and practicality.

Furthermore, the P1P incorporates a fully automatic bed leveling design. It is equipped with a leveling sensor system that calculates the relative heights of the nozzle and the print bed, automatically adjusting to ensure perfect first-layer quality.

This is undoubtedly a game-changer for 3D printing enthusiasts, as it eliminates the tedious manual bed leveling process and the frustrating failures that can occur with a poorly adhered first layer.

Extrusion and Nozzle:

The P1P utilizes a direct drive extrusion system with a dual-gear design, providing better control over filament extrusion and retraction, thus minimizing filament stringing issues. The printer is equipped with a full-metal hot end and a default 0.4mm stainless steel nozzle. The fan shroud is designed with magnets, making it convenient to replace the hot end. Additionally, the P1P features filament detection, where the filament sensor detects any abnormalities in the filament above the extruder and promptly sends feedback notifications through the software and mobile app.

An important feature of the P1P is its automatic nozzle cleaning functionality. Before each print, any excess filament that may have oozed out is not left on the print bed. Instead, it is cleaned by the nozzle cleaning tool and directed into a trough located at the rear of the machine.

Display Screen:

The P1P features a 2.7-inch, 192×64-pixel screen that resembles an old-fashioned MP3 player. This small screen allows for basic operations such as heating the filament for extrusion or retraction and selecting the desired model for printing. However, to be honest, this design appears outdated in the present day and seems to belong to a technology level of a decade ago. The user interface can be a bit cumbersome and not very user-friendly. Additionally, the screen displays information in English, which may pose a barrier for some users.

The MicroSD card slot is positioned next to the display screen, utilizing an outdated method of data transfer. Inserting and removing the card can also be inconvenient. However, during my usage, I have grown accustomed to controlling the printing process remotely through the built-in network control of Bambu Studio. Simply sending the print code to the P1P initiates the printing process. Therefore, the usability of the display screen or MicroSD card becomes less crucial in such cases.

Printing:

Testing:

As customary, we evaluated the performance of this high-speed 3D printer using the classic Benchy boat model. Selecting the pre-loaded Benchy model from the MicroSD card, the final print was completed in just 26 minutes. This is a significant improvement compared to traditional 3D printers, which typically take over an hour to complete the same print with similar settings. Even at such high speeds, the printed Benchy boat maintained excellent quality.

Furthermore, I successfully printed some other tool models. After installing Bambu’s slicing software, I directly used the default settings to print multiple whistles simultaneously. There were minimal issues with stringing between the printed objects, and the surface of each model was remarkably smooth. After using it for some time, the most notable aspect is that I no longer need to stay beside the machine every time I start a print. There is no concern about the first layer or the need to manually clean the nozzle residue from the print bed.

Software:

The Bambu Lab P1P comes with its proprietary slicing software, Bambu Studio. This open-source software is developed based on software like PrusaSlicer but tailored specifically for Bambu Lab 3D printers, offering powerful features. The slicing software provides multiple preset options, including parameter configurations optimized for different materials, making it highly suitable for beginners.

The default print speeds for the P1P range from 200-300mm/s, with outer walls and top layers set at 200mm/s, and inner walls and infill between 250-300mm/s. When in idle motion, the print head moves at a speed of 500mm/s. This speed increase is around 3-4 times faster compared to conventional consumer-grade 3D printers, but the trade-off is that the printer generates some noticeable noise during operation.

Additionally, on the P1P’s LCD screen, you can further control the print speed. In addition to the default Standard mode, it offers three optional modes: “Rampage Mode,” “Motion Mode,” and “Silent Mode.” The first two modes increase the speed to 166% and 124% respectively, while Silent Mode reduces the speed to 50%, effectively reducing noise levels.

Moreover, Bambu Studio supports the 3MF format by default and provides a “Add New Plate” function for efficient management of all models, allowing them to be saved in a single file. This is particularly useful for large models that require assembly and can be managed as a project. This feature has long been anticipated by 3D printing farms as well.

Another aspect I appreciate about the software is its Wi-Fi cloud printing feature. After slicing, with a simple click, the printing can start automatically, making it a streamlined and efficient process. With firmware updates, the real-time video/monitoring function is not only limited to the local network but now supports wide-area network access as well. When used in conjunction with Bambu’s mobile app, Bambu Handy, you can control and monitor the printing process, as well as enable time-lapse photography. With the latest firmware update, smooth mode time-lapse photography is also supported, adding even more versatility and fun to the machine.

Materials:

The P1P comes with a full roll of green PLA filament as a gift, but it also supports other materials such as ABS, PETG, TPU, PC, and nylon. Therefore, I conducted printing tests with various materials.

Firstly, I printed a honeycomb-shaped tool holder model using ABS material with the software’s default parameters. Despite not using an enclosed printer, there were no issues with warping, and the print was successfully completed. With an average speed of 250mm/s, it took 2 hours and 27 minutes. In comparison, traditional 3D printers would take 8 hours and 37 minutes to print at a speed of 50mm/s.

Next, although it is not officially recommended by the manufacturer to print carbon fiber-reinforced materials with the P1P (due to the stainless steel nozzle being susceptible to wear, requiring a switch to a hardened steel nozzle), I still tried using a modified high-speed black ABS carbon fiber material to print a wrench. Similarly, using the default average speed of 250mm/s, the print time was 34 minutes and 35 seconds, and the result was excellent.

Furthermore, printing with PETG was also not an issue. I used white PETG material to print a waste collector for all the scattered waste, and the final result was quite satisfactory. I no longer needed to go around picking up the waste.

It is worth mentioning that Bambu Technology has implemented a removable spool design, allowing users to purchase separate filaments. This not only promotes environmental sustainability but also helps save money.

AMS (Automatic Material Supply):

The Bambu Lab’s Automatic Material Supply (AMS) system enables multi-color or multi-material printing, and the P1P is also compatible with AMS. With the AMS system, the loading and unloading of materials are handled by the machine itself. Simply insert the material into the feeder, and once it is locked in place, it will be automatically drawn into the printer. The “Paint” feature in Bambu Studio makes it easy to obtain multi-color models.

I conducted a simple test using font models from the “3D Printing Resource Library,” where several letters were printed in different colors. The results showed no color bleeding between the different colored sections of the model. Additionally, if you are using Bambu’s official filaments, each spool comes with an RFID tag that AMS can automatically read. For third-party materials, you can manually specify the color and material. However, please note that if you are using a cardboard spool, there may be some issues with filament binding. In such cases, you can print an adapter provided by the filament manufacturer to use with AMS.

In practical use, there are two noticeable issues with AMS. The first issue is material waste. When switching between different materials, the printer needs to perform a material purge to ensure there is no color mixing. The amount of material used in this “purge” process can sometimes be more than what is actually required for printing the model. Another issue is the slowdown in print speed. Whether it’s performing a purge or printing a purge tower to clean the nozzle, it typically requires longer printing times.

Critique:

In addition to the issues encountered with AMS, it has been mentioned earlier that the outdated MP3-like control screen is not user-friendly. Furthermore, after the print is completed, the screen does not provide any indication, making it seem as if nothing happened.

Without the side panels, it can be challenging to print materials that require higher chamber temperatures. Additionally, due to the absence of side panels, the noise generated during machine movements can fill the air and become quite noisy.

Furthermore, although the monitoring camera is convenient, there are often issues with lag or delays in the video feed. This is especially true with the mobile application, which sometimes requires waiting times of up to 30 seconds, which can be frustrating.

Lastly, all the printer components from Bambu Lab are custom-made, which means they can only be purchased from the official Bambu Lab store. For example, when it comes to nozzles, it is not possible to replace just the nozzle itself but instead requires replacing the entire hot end. However, the cost of such replacements is not expensive, typically around 100 yuan.

Bambu Lab P1P Review: Worth It or Not?

In reality, the issues mentioned in the feedback can likely be addressed and are not major concerns. The Bambu Lab P1P remains a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly 3D printer, and within its market segment and price range, there are currently no other machines that surpass it. With a build volume of 256x256x256mm, the P1P may not be as advanced as the X1 Carbon, but it still delivers fast printing speeds and excellent quality while being more affordable, which is crucial.

If the P1P is beyond your budget but you still want a high-speed printer, you might consider the more affordable Creality K1. It features the same motion structure, faster print speeds, and includes a casing and touchscreen. However, compared to the K1, the P1P offers one-third more build volume and comes with a monitoring camera.

If you’re looking for a larger-sized high-speed 3D printer, the Voron 2.4 by VORON might be an option. It is another Core XY printer that offers fast and impressive print quality with a build volume of 350x350x350mm. However, it comes with a higher price tag and is not suitable for beginners as it requires around 100 hours for assembly.

Of course, if budget is not a concern, you could consider directly purchasing the advanced version of the X1 Carbon Combo, which features advanced LIDAR technology, AI print failure detection, an automatic material supply system (AMS), and the ability to print engineering plastics like carbon fiber-reinforced nylon.

Where to Buy?

Currently, you can only buy from the Bambu Lab official store here.