Swapmod for BambuLab A1 Mini - Automated 3D Printing Flow in 2025
A few weeks ago, I came across several videos about the Kickstarter project Swapmod for the BambuLab A1 Mini by Andre Bar from Germany. After watching reviews and test results on YouTube, I realized this innovation has the potential to transform the 3D printing farm industry. The Swapmod focuses on one powerful feature: it automatically swaps in a new print plate after each job, allowing continuous printing—even while you sleep.
Impressive, right? This blog offers a detailed review and all the key information to help you better understand this automated 3D printing solution and make an informed purchase decision.
As this is still a Kickstarter project, please refer to the project page for the latest updates.
1. What is Swapmod?
Swapmod is a third-party DIY add-on designed specifically for the BambuLab A1 Mini 3D printer. It transforms your printer into an automated multi-plate printing system, allowing it to print multiple plates in sequence without manual intervention. Whether you’re working on a single project with multiple plates, combining different project files, or repeating the same plate, Swapmod simplifies the process. Just drag and drop your gcode.3mf files into the included “swaplist” application, set your print queue, and let your printer do the rest.
Note: Swapmod is not an official BambuLab product but a compatible accessory.
2. How Does Swapmod Work?
Once you start the print queue, the BambuLab A1 Mini with Swapmod loads a blank plate from its magazine, prints your design, and ejects the finished plate automatically. It then replaces it with another blank plate from the magazine and continues until the queue is complete or the magazine is empty. This eliminates the need to manually clear or swap plates after each print, saving you time and effort.
3. Why Choose Swapmod?
Swapmod offers several compelling benefits for 3D printing enthusiasts and small business owners alike. Here’s why it stands out:
- Larger Print Capacity: Print multi-plate projects effortlessly, effectively expanding your printer’s build area.
- Efficiency: Reduce material waste and print time by dedicating each plate to a single material or color.
- Reliability: Minimize the risk of a failed part ruining an entire print by spreading parts across multiple plates.
- Remote Control: Manage your printer remotely with the “swapnow” file, even from your smartphone.
- Scalability: Automate production to scale your 3D printing projects with minimal labor.
4. Tackling Larger Projects with Ease
With Swapmod, size limitations become less of a concern. For example, printing accessories like SKÅDIS components (available on MakerWorld) across multiple plates expands your effective print area. A magazine with nine plates could simulate a build space of 54 cm x 54 cm (21.3 in x 21.3 in)—far beyond the A1 Mini’s standard capacity. You can even reload ejected plates into the magazine mid-print, making it ideal for ambitious projects.
5. Boosting Efficiency in Multi-Color Prints
Printing multi-color objects on a single plate often leads to excessive material swaps, wasting time and filament. Swapmod solves this by letting you assign one material per plate. For a model like the Ninja Cats Stacking Balance Game (MakerWorld), this means faster prints with minimal waste, as the printer only switches materials between plates.
6. Enhancing Print Reliability
Failed prints are a nightmare, especially when one bad part ruins everything on the plate. Swapmod reduces this risk by distributing parts across multiple plates. If a tricky piece—like one requiring vase mode—fails, the rest of your project remains intact. This reliability is a game-changer for delicate or experimental designs.
7. Remote Control Made Simple
Swapmod takes remote printing to the next level. Using the BambuLab Handy app or your slicer, you can run the “swapnow” file to eject a plate and load a new one from anywhere. This feature ensures your printer stays productive, even if you’re not nearby to intervene.
8. Scaling Your 3D Printing Business
For entrepreneurs, Swapmod slashes labor costs and downtime. Instead of manually restarting prints, you can automate production runs—like creating vases with BambuLab’s Make My Vase generator. Clear finished plates at your convenience, making it easier to meet customer demand efficiently.
9. Cost-Effective and Sustainable Printing
At a fraction of the cost of a new printer, Swapmod maximizes your existing BambuLab A1 Mini. Start with just 2-3 extra plates and scale up to 10 or more as needed. This approach reduces machine downtime, saves labor, and minimizes resource waste, benefiting both your wallet and the environment.
10. What’s Included in the Swapmod Kit?
The Swapmod kit is a DIY package containing all necessary hardware parts, but you’ll print the structural components yourself using your A1 Mini. Expect to use 250-300 g (0.55-0.66 lbs) of PLA or PETG filament, taking about 12 hours across three plates. Assembly is straightforward and takes 20-30 minutes, requiring no technical expertise.
11. What’s Not Included?
The kit does not include the BambuLab A1 Mini printer or build plates. You’ll need to source original BambuLab A1 Mini build plates separately, as third-party plates may not meet the system’s quality standards. The kit supports up to 10 plates, though this is a recommended maximum, not a strict limit.
12. Easy Assembly and Installation
Designed like building blocks, Swapmod parts snap together effortlessly. A detailed video tutorial guides you through the process, making it a fun project for all ages. Installation onto your printer is just as simple, using metal springs and bars for a secure fit. A self-test file ensures everything works before you start printing.
13. Streamlined Workflow with Swaplist
Swapmod integrates with BambuStudio or OrcaSlicer, adding one extra step: the swaplist application. This browser-based tool (no installation needed) lets you create and manage print queues, reorder plates, or combine files. Once the queue is set, your printer runs autonomously.
14. Where to Find Reviews?
Curious about real-world performance? Check out recent reviews:
These reviews highlight Swapmod’s practicality and reliability from early adopters.
Is the Swapmod Right for You?
If you’re a BambuLab A1 Mini owner looking to streamline multi-plate projects, boost efficiency, or scale production, Swapmod could be the perfect upgrade. Its affordability, ease of use, and automation make it a smart choice for hobbyists and small businesses alike. Weigh the DIY assembly and space requirements against its benefits—larger prints, remote control, and sustainability—and decide if it fits your 3D printing goals.