Which of Bambu Lab's popular X1E and X1C models best suits your needs? AII3DP's hands-on review will highlight the differences between the X1E and X1C, helping you better understand which one to choose!
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When the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon (X1C) was launched in 2022, it revolutionized the consumer 3D printing industry with its high-speed printing, extremely high reliability, and repair-free operation, quickly becoming the preferred choice for many hobbyists! Around the end of 2023, Bambu Lab launched the X1E , which is not intended for general consumers. Instead, it targets professional users such as engineering firms and R&D departments. They addressed some of the well-known security issues of the X1C and made the X1E more suitable for enterprise use overall through a host of impressive cybersecurity features.
But which one is right for you, whether you're a consumer or a business owner? That's the question we'll be discussing today! In this article, we'll explore the core differences between the X1C and X1E in terms of security features, design upgrades, and price. By the end of the article, you should have a good understanding of the unique value propositions of these two printers and their differences.
Without further ado, let's get started!
Specifications Comparison
design
When choosing a printer, build volume is likely one of your key deciding factors. If it's too small, you might not be able to print many small models or one large model at the same time. If it's too large, even if you want to print small models, heating may take longer.
Fortunately, Bambu Lab's building dimensions are just right!
Construction volume
Both the X1E and X1C have a build volume of 256 x 256 x 256 mm, with an 18 x 28 mm partition on the front left to accommodate accessories. You can make slight modifications to unlock the entire chassis volume, but in that case, you will not be able to use AMS (which we will discuss further below).
Compared to most comparable 3D printers (typically 220 x 220 x 250 mm), this printer still has a relatively large build volume, sufficient for printing most practical or decorative models. Another advantage of its medium size is its short heating time.
Printing Platform
As for the print platform (build plate), both printers are equipped with a flexible, removable magnetic build plate, which is quite standard nowadays and facilitates the removal of printed parts. However, the surfaces of the two are not the same.
The X1C is equipped with a textured PEI plate . The textured PEI surface enhances durability and improves adhesion between prints and the printing plate without the need for adhesives.
The X1E comes with a smooth PEI sheet , which allows for a silky smooth first layer. However, this is a rather odd choice, as a smooth sheet isn't necessarily the best option for printing on harder-to-print materials like ABS or PETG, since you'll need to use glue (which can be messy) to avoid damaging the bed. While this PEI sheet is arguably better suited for PLA, using a smooth PEI sheet might not make much sense for printers used for printing high-temperature materials—the target users might prefer a textured PEI sheet.
Regardless, the cost of purchasing the textured PEI board (or smooth board, if you choose the X1C or any other build board) is only a fraction of the total price of the printer, so it won't necessarily affect the deal, but please note the size. Both printers have a maximum bed temperature of 110 °C, which is sufficient for all materials supported by the extrusion nozzles.
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Extrusion nozzle
The hot end of the X1 Carbon can only be heated to 300 °C (Source: All3DP)
This is precisely why the X1E stands out! While both the X1E and X1C utilize a direct extrusion setup with an all-metal extruder featuring a hardened steel nozzle, the X1E's nozzle temperature can reach up to 320 °C, while the X1C only reaches 300 °C. A 20 °C difference may not seem like much, but it opens up entirely new possibilities for printing high-temperature engineering filaments.
The X1C cannot print specialty materials such as carbon fiber or glass fiber filled PPA (polyphthalamide) or PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) because they require nozzle temperatures above 300 °C. However, the X1E can print both of these materials!
cavity heater
In addition to a more powerful hot end, the X1E is equipped with a built-in cavity heater that can heat the build cavity to 60 °C. When printing on high-temperature materials such as PA, PC, ABS, or ASA, it effectively prevents printing defects caused by warping . Furthermore, the ability to control the cavity temperature via a 5-inch display ensures greater overall print stability!
Although the X1C does not have an active chamber heater, since it is also a closed system, the X1C's chamber can be heated by letting the bed heat up for a period of time. However, this is time-consuming and power-intensive, and the chamber temperature cannot be reliably controlled.
Under the hood
The X1 series of electronics is well-designed and works smoothly. Let's take a closer look.
motherboard
Both models come with Bambu Lab's proprietary control board, with no difference in performance or specifications. This is a 32-bit board equipped with an SPC2168 microcontroller and an AT8236 stepper motor driver. The driver can easily keep up with high-speed printing, although the noise level is slightly higher than other machines (though this is not disruptive).
However, the X1E also includes a network panel, providing some important security features for businesses. This is significant because there were security concerns about the X1C's cloud connectivity, and Bambu Lab has publicly addressed these issues. While technically you can disable the cloud and run it locally, the Wi-Fi module cannot be removed from the control panel, so the possibility of network vulnerabilities always exists. Coupled with the lack of an Ethernet port, it's unlikely to meet the requirements of large enterprises that frequently handle sensitive information.
With the X1E, Bambu Lab addresses these issues by adding a network interface (providing an Ethernet port, a network "off" switch (Wi-Fi and Ethernet)), a detachable Wi-Fi module, 802.1X enterprise-grade network access control, and WPA-Enterprise support). It also supports EAP-PEAP, EAP-TLS, and TAP-TTLS network access authentication, allowing encrypted communication between the user and the printer. Finally, the X1E requires no connection to Bambu Lab's cloud servers and can operate completely independently.
However, it does have a minor drawback: you still need to connect to the cloud using a mobile app to update the firmware. Nevertheless, enterprise-grade networking capabilities remain a major highlight of the X1E .
firmware
Speaking of firmware, the X1 series doesn't run the Marlin or Klipper-based firmware commonly found in other printers. Instead, it runs a proprietary Linux-based firmware developed by Bambu Labs.
The firmware of the X1 Carbon and X1E is largely the same. Both printers can achieve a maximum speed of 500 mm/s and an acceleration of up to 20,000 mm/s² . In addition, the X1E's firmware includes support for the aforementioned enterprise-class network hardware.
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Functions to improve quality of life
A 5-inch display can show all the important information on the dashboard (Source: All3DP) As we expected from Bambu Lab, the X1C and X1E come equipped with a host of QoL (Quality of Life) features. Technically, these features don't improve print quality, but they do make your life easier, such as automating tedious tasks like bed leveling.
Bed leveling and AI-based fault detection system
In today's market, even most entry-level printers come equipped with automatic bed leveling. However, despite being advertised as automatic, users may still need to set the Z-offset (the distance between the nozzle and the bed), which can be quite confusing for beginners. Not to mention the need for periodic recalibration.
Fortunately, the X1C and X1E are equipped with a fully automatic bed leveling function . The nozzles repeatedly tap three points on the bed and automatically set the Z offset with the help of a load cell. No user intervention is required. In addition, a state-of-the-art LiDAR sensor scans the bed surface during the first layer of printing to check for any problems. If the AI detects any risk of failure in the first layer, it prompts the user to check the printing status and decide whether to continue or stop printing.
The print bed is correctly installed at the factory. If further adjustments are needed, they can be made manually using the three screws located under the print bed.
user interface
The X1C and X1E share the same display: a 5-inch (1,200 x 720 pixels) full-color LCD touchscreen. Its user interface is responsive and touch-sensitive, allowing for easy operation of the printer. The screen controls functions such as heating (cavity temperature on the X1E), start, pause, stop printing, and cable loading/unloading. Additionally, the X1E allows for configuration of additional network hardware via a menu.
Most users prefer to remotely control the printer via Bambu Studio (which we will discuss below) because it allows them to stay away from their computer. However, an onboard monitor is always convenient.
software
Bambu Lab has its own open-source slicer called Bambu Studio, which should be used on the X1C and X1E for the best user experience. Some users have also successfully used Cura, but it's not an officially supported tool and doesn't have a default profile for Bambu Lab, so you'll have to add it yourself later. Bambu Studio is a fork of PrusaSlicer, so the interface is very intuitive and user-friendly. It also borrows some advanced features from other slicers, such as SuperSlicer's adjustable dynamic print speed and more advanced cooling configuration. Bambu Studio can also automatically perform input shaping and linear pressure pre-tuning using sensors installed on the printer. Printing can be monitored via real-time streaming from the printer's camera (1080p).
Bambu Studio's slicer component is open source, but for security reasons, its cloud connectivity and Bambu Lab's encrypted data link are closed source. As long as your device (computer) and printer are connected to the same network, you can remotely control almost all devices on the printer .
If you want to check print status or remotely control the printer when you're not at home, you can also use the Bambu Handy mobile app to access the printer anytime, anywhere.
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Additional features
Imagine four AMS instances running in parallel, producing 16-color printing! (Source: Traciebri via Reddit)
Finally, the X1 series also offers some features beyond printing. Here's what you need to know:
Air purification
Some high-temperature materials (such as ABS) can release unpleasant odors or fumes during printing. Since both printers are enclosed, the odor isn't a major issue. Nevertheless, having some form of air filtration system is always helpful.
The X1C's activated carbon filter uses coal particles to filter VOCs (volatile organic compounds). The X1E, on the other hand, takes the crown with its G3 pre-filter, H12 HEPA filter, and particulate matter filtration capabilities. Furthermore, it employs a granular coconut shell activated carbon filter, which is superior to the X1C's coal filter .
Supports AMS (Automated Material System)
Needless to say, both the X1C and X1E fully support the Automated Material System (AMS), a multi-material printing system developed by Bambu Lab. A single AMS unit can hold up to four spools, allowing you to use four different materials or the same material in color for printing. With the help of an AMS hub, you can use up to four AMS modules simultaneously, or a total of 16 colors or materials.
One point to note is that some fiber-injected materials (such as carbon fiber filaments) do not work well with AMS because they may break or tangle in the system, as do flexible filaments such as TPU or TPE (note the cardboard spools).
You can upgrade the X1C's existing air purification system using community-based aftermarket parts like BentoBox. The Voron printer also uses BentoBox, though this requires more work.
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price
The X1C is cheaper than the X1E, and the X1E costs roughly twice as much (even including AMS), which seems a bit odd, especially considering that neither offers a significant improvement in printing performance. Aside from a better air filtration system and upgraded chamber and nozzle heating, the main difference between the X1C and X1E lies in the latter's enterprise-grade networking capabilities. Most hobbyists using printers at home are unlikely to need such a feature.
However, the price of the X1E doesn't only include the machine itself. Creators can purchase the X1C directly from Bambu Lab, but the X1E can only be sold through distributors. This is because large companies may require enterprise-level technical support when purchasing equipment, a service that Bambu Lab currently does not offer.
In summary, the prices of the X1C and X1E are commensurate with their features and their respective target audiences (consumers and businesses). The X1C may be slightly more expensive than other hobbyist printers, but it offers excellent value for money. While the X1E is more expensive, it provides more relevant value for businesses, specifically meeting their needs.
in conclusion
(Source: All3DP)
Now that we've discussed the differences and value propositions of each printer, let's take a moment to review them.
The X1 Carbon is a reliable and precise 3D printer that works without any repairs. While it lacks a dedicated cavity heater and the nozzle's maximum temperature is only 300 °C, it is still well-suited for printing amateur filaments such as PLA and PETG, and even entry-level engineering materials like ABS, ASA, and nylon.
The X1E has all the features of the X1C. But beyond that, it offers a wider selection of printing engineering materials (including improved stock air filtration performance), and, importantly for security-conscious businesses, compatibility with enterprise-grade networks and the ability to operate offline via Ethernet. After-sales support is provided by the distributor. While the X1E is an excellent device, it's not suitable for hobbyists. Furthermore, if you're concerned about the X1C's cloud connectivity, it also offers Ethernet connectivity.
Nevertheless, if your company is looking for a reliable printer and is concerned about the security risks of the X1C, then the X1E can meet your needs! It not only addresses and mitigates all the security flaws of the X1C, but also provides appropriate enterprise-level support from the distributor, building on the existing reliability of the X1 Carbon!