Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer - Everything You Need to Know in 2025
Looking for a complete overview of the Bambu Lab P1S? This guide provides an in-depth analysis and all the essential details to help you make a well-informed purchase. With a clear breakdown of key aspects like its features, performance, and value, you’ll be confident in your decision whether you’re a 3D printing beginner or a seasoned enthusiast.
1. What is the Bambu Lab P1S?
The Bambu Lab P1S is a mid-range 3D printer designed to deliver high performance with ease of use, making it a top choice for hobbyists, educators, and professionals alike. Featuring a fully enclosed chamber and advanced CoreXY kinematics, this printer offers fast printing speeds and excellent quality, positioning it as a standout in the consumer electronics market for 3D printing.
2. Key Features at a Glance
The P1S comes packed with features that enhance its appeal:
- CoreXY Kinematics: Enables rapid printing up to 500 mm/s (19.7 in/s).
- Automatic Bed Leveling: Ensures hassle-free setup and consistent prints.
- Fully Enclosed Chamber: Supports advanced filaments like ABS and ASA.
- Multi-Color Printing: Compatible with the Automatic Material System (AMS) for up to 16 colors.
- Built-In Camera: Allows remote monitoring and timelapse creation.
These features make the P1S a versatile tool for a variety of printing needs.
3. Design and Build Quality
Built with a welded steel chassis and an enclosed shell of plastic and glass, the P1S measures 389 x 389 x 458 mm (15.3 x 15.3 x 18 in) and weighs 12.95 kg (28.5 lbs). Its sturdy construction minimizes vibrations, ensuring stability during high-speed prints. The sleek, compact design fits well on a desk while offering durability for long-term use.
4. Technical Specifications
Here’s a breakdown of the P1S’s key technical specs:
- Build Volume: 256 x 256 x 256 mm³ (10 x 10 x 10 in³)
- Max Speed: 500 mm/s (19.7 in/s)
- Max Acceleration: 20,000 mm/s² (787 in/s²)
- Hot End: All-metal, max temperature of 300°C (572°F)
- Nozzle: Stainless steel, 0.4 mm standard (optional 0.2, 0.6, 0.8 mm)
These specs highlight its capability to handle detailed and large-scale projects efficiently.
5. Performance and Print Quality
The P1S shines with its ability to produce high-quality prints at remarkable speeds. Advanced features like vibration compensation and pressure advance ensure smooth surfaces and precise details, even at 500 mm/s. Whether you’re printing prototypes or intricate models, the P1S delivers consistent results that rival more expensive printers. Specific performance metrics include:
- Auto Bed Leveling: Takes about 6 minutes per print, highly sensitive, and eliminates the need for manual z-height adjustments, enhancing reliability.
- Input Shaping: Includes vibration damping for smooth prints, ensuring high-quality outputs even at high speeds.
- Material Performance: Capable of handling a wide range, with ideal performance for PLA, PETG, TPU, and ABS, and capable performance for PA and PC. Volumetric speed limitations affect print speed based on material, with TPU printing slower in "ludicrous" mode compared to PLA.
- Speed Modes: Offers standard, "sport" (124% faster), and "ludicrous" (164% faster) modes, accessible via the slicer or interface, though high-speed printing may impact surface quality and layer adhesion.
6. Ease of Use
Designed for simplicity, the P1S offers a setup time of just 15 minutes. Its automatic bed leveling eliminates manual adjustments, while the Bambu Studio software and Handy app provide intuitive remote control. Beginners will appreciate the plug-and-play experience, and advanced users can tweak settings for custom projects.
- Auto Bed Leveling: Handles calibration automatically, taking about 6 minutes per print, as per performance reviews.
- Vibration Compensation: Ensures smooth prints, reducing the need for manual adjustments.
- Interface Design: Features a simple button interface and app-based control via Bambu Studio and Bambu Handy, with remote monitoring capabilities via a built-in camera.
- Installation/Setup Process: Described as "plug and play" by users, with minimal tweaking needed, especially when using Bambu Lab filaments.
7. Filament Compatibility
The P1S supports a wide range of filaments, making it highly versatile:
- Ideal: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PET, ABS, ASA
- Capable: PA (Nylon), PC (Polycarbonate)
The enclosed chamber and high hot-end temperature (300°C / 572°F) make it perfect for engineering-grade materials, broadening its application scope.
8. Multi-Color Printing with AMS
Pair the P1S with the optional Automatic Material System (AMS), and you unlock multi-color printing with up to 16 colors when using multiple AMS units. This feature is a game-changer for creating vibrant, detailed models without manual filament swaps, appealing to artists and designers.
9. What’s Included in the Box?
The P1S package comes with everything you need to start printing:
- Bambu Lab P1S printer
- Spare 0.4 mm hotend
- Textured PEI build plate
- Sample Bambu PLA filament
- Tools: Scraper, unclogging pin, nozzle wipes
This comprehensive kit ensures you’re ready to print right away.
10. Accessories and Upgrades
Enhance your P1S with accessories like:
- AMS Unit: For multi-color printing
- Build Plates: Cool, Engineering, or High-Temperature options
- Nozzle Sizes: 0.2 mm, 0.6 mm, or 0.8 mm for varying precision
These upgrades allow you to tailor the printer to your specific needs, boosting its flexibility.
11. Sustainability Features
The P1S prioritizes sustainability with:
- Activated Carbon Filter: Reduces odors and harmful emissions from filaments like ABS.
- Power Loss Recovery: Minimizes waste from interrupted prints.
- Filament Run-Out Sensor: Prevents incomplete prints by detecting low filament levels.
These features align with Bambu Lab’s eco-friendly mission, making it a responsible choice.
12. Real-World Applications
From prototyping and product development to crafting toys and artistic designs, the P1S excels in diverse settings. Its speed and quality make it ideal for educational use, small businesses, and hobbyists looking to bring their ideas to life with precision.
13. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast printing with excellent quality
- User-friendly setup and operation
- Supports a wide range of filaments
- Multi-color printing capability
Cons:
- Slightly noisy during operation
- Minor maintenance issues reported by some users
- Higher cost than basic entry-level printers
These factors help weigh its value against your needs.
14. Pricing and Value for Money
Positioned as a mid-range option, the P1S offers premium features at a competitive price. Its combination of speed, quality, and versatility provides great value for money, especially for users seeking a reliable all-in-one 3D printing solution without breaking the bank.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S Right for You?
If you’re looking for a 3D printer that balances speed, quality, and ease of use, the Bambu Lab P1S could be your perfect match. Its robust design, advanced features, and sustainability focus make it ideal for beginners and pros alike. Whether you’re prototyping, creating multi-color designs, or experimenting with advanced materials, the P1S offers the tools to succeed. Ready to elevate your 3D printing game? This printer might just be the investment you need.