The new sensation in 3D printer land is the launch of the Bambulab X1 (Carbon). A new face that promises specifications that many will love, but can they deliver? Filamentz sets out the facts.
What is the Bambulab X1?
Bambulab was founded by a number of former employees of the drone maker DJI. The goal of this Kickstarter was to develop a 3D printer that was more reliable than existing 3D printers, could print faster, could give better results and was also affordable. The result is the Bambulab X1 and the Bambulab X1 Carbon. Both 3D printers have a print volume of 256 x 256 x 256 mm, a print speed of 500 mm/s and an acceleration of 20,000 mm/sec2.
Features Bambulab 3D printer
The unique features of the Bambulab 3D printers cannot be counted on one hand. Both 3D printers come with a list of features that printers with a much higher price tag cannot offer.
Active Vibration Compensation
Active Vibration Compensation has to do with the vibrations that occur on both the X and Y axes of 3D printers in general. The Bambulab 3D printer has developed an algorithm that tests these vibrations before a 3D print and actively compensates for them during the printing of the object. This test can be started before each print, if desired. The result of the Active Vibration Compensation is that walls are printed tighter while still maintaining a high speed.
Precise Z-layer height
Thanks to the 6 Z-axes, the system has a True Bed Leveling system on board. This system measures the difference with the bed and actively compensates for this during the calibration of the first layer.
Spaghetti Detection
Thanks to the built-in camera, the Bambulab 3D printer is able to detect whether a print goes well or fails, with a certainty of 86%. Using an AI, he compares the data from thousands of prints to detect whether everything is going as desired. If this does not go well, the printer will pause, ask the user for confirmation and then continue with the print or cancel it.
Lidar sensors
Using an alternative Lidar system, it can measure various things before and during printing. Before printing, the Bambulab will use these sensors to determine the correct flow for the filament used, regardless of the material. This type provides the correct so-called K value and calibrates the flow before the print starts. After the print has started, the same sensors can also be used to measure whether the first layer is as desired and is at the correct height. Using AI and these sensors, it also indicates to the user that something deviates from the standard and gives the choice to continue or cancel.
Specifications Bambulab X1
Type 3D printer: FDM
Case material: Plastic and glass
Nozzle material: Steel
Material extruder gears: Steel
Additional cooling fan for 3D print: Optional
Air filter: Optional
Printing nylon, polycarbonate: Is possible
Printing carbon and others: Not recommended
Camera inside print room: Optional
Weight: 13.2 kg
Specifications Bambulab X1 Carbon
Type 3D printer: FDM
Case material: Aluminum and glass
Nozzle material: Hardened steel
Extruder gear material: Hardened steel
Extra cooling fan for 3D print: Present, closed loop control
Air filter: Activated carbon filter
Printing nylon, polycarbonate: Is possible
Printing carbon and other: Is possible
Camera inside print room: Present, resolution 1920 x 1080
Weight: 14.1 kg
Bambulab X1 AMS station
In addition to 3D printers, Bambulab has also launched the Automatic Material System (AMS). In this system it is possible to store 4 different filaments and materials that are actively controlled by the printer. Airtight, humidity sensor, filament buffer and an active filament feeding system are just a few of the features that this box houses. According to Bambulab, it is possible to connect four of these AMS stations to use 16 filaments in one print, although the results are only sparsely available. However, there are also disadvantages to the AMS station, according to the first reviews. This is because the filament feeding system is made of plastic and can therefore fail relatively quickly and not all sizes fit, since the size of the lid is fixed. It is possible to combine materials, combine colors or print until one color runs out and then continue with the next. These options can be selected via the touchscreen that is linked to the Bambulab 3D printer.
Availability and deliveries Bambulab X1 3D printers
The Kickstarter for the Bambulab X1 and the Bambulab X1 Carbon 3D printer ended at the end of June. The first printers will be shipped worldwide at the end of July and the first pre-orders are expected to go out in September, as well as spare parts, the AMS station and the filaments that they manufacture in-house. So far they ship everything themselves, no official distributors are known yet.