Hey 3D printing enthusiasts! Since Bambu Lab launched the X1E, there have been differing opinions on its benefits or whether it's worth the price. Below, we'll take you on a deep dive into this machine and explain why it's so expensive!
The engineering team at 3D Printing Industry recently reviewed the Bambu Lab X1E desktop 3D printer, a machine that not only disrupts the status quo but also sets a new standard, potentially splitting the 3D printing community like MakerBot split from RepRap. Essentially, the Bambu Lab X1E is an FDM 3D printer with enhanced network connectivity and a core XY-configured printhead, boasting impressive speed and reliability.
Since its inception in 2020, Bambu Lab has launched several 3D printers, including the X1 Carbon (September 2022), P1P (November 2022), P1S (August 2023), A1 Mini (September 2023) , X1E (October 2023) , and A1 (December 2023) . Market intelligence firm CONTEXT indicates that Bambu Lab reported a 3000% increase in desktop system shipments in Q4 2023.
However, the Bambu Lab X1E is not without its critics. Critics primarily point to its cybersecurity issues, which potential users should consider.
Want to learn more? Read on for the full report and over 300 hours of comprehensive testing of Bambu Labs’ latest desktop 3D printer!
Bambu Lab X1E 3D printer (Photo credit: 3D Printing Industry)
Main features and advantages of Bambu Lab X1E
The Bambu Lab X1E is designed to address common issues with desktop 3D printers and enhance the user experience.
This 3D printer features a high-speed printhead with a maximum printing speed of 500mm/s. Combined with calibrated software, it can precisely control the printing process and prevent failures. The integration of the printhead and software significantly reduces printing time and improves production efficiency.
The new hot end can reach temperatures up to 320°C , while the actively heated molding chamber can withstand temperatures up to 60°C . These features expand the range of usable materials and unlock more application scenarios.
The air filtration system uses coconut shell particles (H12, G3) and is specifically designed to eliminate toxic fumes released from materials such as caprolactam or styrene. When certain materials (such as ABS and nylon) are heated during the 3D printing process, they release ultrafine particles (UFP) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These emissions can be harmful, including known carcinogens, irritants, and developmental and reproductive toxins.
The X1E's heavy-duty air filter minimizes these emissions, ensuring your safety even during extended use. Its AI-powered fault detection utilizes a miniature radar camera. This significantly reduces material waste and downtime, greatly benefiting the user.
Users with security concerns may be interested in the X1E's new features, which now support WiFi WPA2 Enterprise authentication, WLAN/LAN, and Ethernet, enhancing connection security through encrypted channels. This is ideal for situations requiring offline printing, such as when design documents are under control.
Hardware and electronic design and manufacturing quality
The X1E boasts a sleek, modern, and stylish appearance. Its gray aluminum alloy and glass casing measures 389 x 389 x 457 mm and weighs 16 kg, placing it in the mid-range for its size.
Two rigid carbon fiber rods support the tool head, with a steel base ensuring stability, while two belt-driven stepper motors provide torque in the core-XY configuration. The heated bed is supported by three lead screws, with a larger stepper motor controlling the Z-axis gantry.
A close-up of the interior of the Bambu Lab X1E ( Photo credit: 3D Printing Industry)
The thick foam inner wall with good thermal insulation can optimize the room temperature of active heating and provide sound absorption to maintain a low noise level in the working environment.
X1E Setup and Calibration
The X1E came in perfect condition, with appropriate plastic sleeves on the glass components, and all components were securely fixed and protected. Unboxing was very intuitive. Using an Allen wrench and screwdriver, assembly was completed in 15 minutes.
👉Related Article : Bambu Lab Launches X1E Industrial-Grade 3D Printer - Features Explained & Specifications Comparison!
Bambu Lab X1E 3D Printer: Let your creativity take flight!
The full-color 5-inch LCD touchscreen in front allows you to easily grasp all important printing information and perform necessary operations, making it a smart little helper in the 3D printing world!
After rigorous testing, the X1E has been printing continuously for over 300 hours without any damage, which is the best proof of its quality!
The X1E has multiple built-in sensors that remind you to perform maintenance checks at any time. Scan the barcode to access the Bambu Wiki and instructional videos, making it easy for you to learn how to repair and maintain it.
A comprehensive calibration is required before starting 3D printing. This includes the following items:
1) Automatic bed leveling
2) Resonant frequency identification (became a standard for FDM printers in 2021)
3) Micro-LiDAR Calibration
4) Motor noise level calibration
The entire process takes 25 minutes. This is the average time required for other desktop 3D printers similar to the X1E.
The Bambu miniature radar uses two dual-red lasers to measure depth with an accuracy of up to 7 µm for bed flatness. It can also determine the flow rate of the extrusion, including the first-layer scan for failure analysis.
3D printing software and user interface
Bambu Lab offers its proprietary software, Bambu Studio, which is compatible with all 3D printers . However, because the X1E can read g-code, it is not limited to receiving g-code data from other slicers when importing via micro-SD.
The X1E 's full-color 5-inch touchscreen provides users with a variety of prompts and helpful guides. All commands can be executed here, such as loading/unloading filament, nozzle/chamber/bed temperature, fan/print speed, and calibration. Access to the build chamber camera can also be found on the device label.
Bambu Studio offers a variety of useful tools not found in other slicing software. Its multi-color and multi-material capabilities enable creative artists and architects to achieve a level of design freedom unmatched by other desktop systems.
This also allows engineering application components to be printed using support materials , thereby reducing overall surface defects during post-processing. The software includes both simple and expert modes, welcoming users of all skill levels.
X1E's 3D printing performance
The X1E includes four firmware speed modes that can double the motor speed and can only be modified after printing has begun. Silent (50%), Normal (100%), Sport (124%), and Funny (166%) allow users to speed up or mute 3D printing at their convenience.
📣This article also includes a second part: a hands-on test of the finished product, which will be released next week! Please stay tuned!
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