Bambu Lab may be a relatively new player in the 3D printing industry, but it has quickly earned a strong reputation and loyal following. The company has made a name for itself by delivering 3D printers that not only produce exceptional print quality for experienced makers but also offer user-friendly features ideal for beginners. With the launch of the new Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer, I put it to the test to see if it truly lives up to the growing hype.
Disclaimer: Bambu Lab provided this printer at no cost for review purposes. However, this review reflects my honest and unbiased opinions. Bambu Lab did not sponsor or influence the content in any way — all thoughts and conclusions are entirely my own.
- Specifications
- Background
- First impressions
- Print Quality
- Features galore
- AMS and multi-material printing
- Compatibility and proprietary products
- Bambu Studio and the Handy app
- Frequently Asked Question
- What makes the Bambu Lab P1S different from other 3D printers on the market?
- Is the Bambu Lab P1S easy to set up?
- Can I use third-party filament with the P1S?
- What is the AMS (Automatic Material System), and how does it work?
- How does the Bambu Studio software work?
- What is the print quality like on the Bambu Lab P1S?
- Can I use the P1S for multi-color or multi-material printing?
- Conclusion
Specifications
While I’m hesitant to focus too much on specifications — because they don’t fully capture real-world performance — it’s important to cover the basics. On paper, the Bambu Lab P1S might appear similar to many budget 3D printers, but make no mistake: its performance sets it in an entirely different league. That said, here’s a quick overview of the key specs:
- Build Volume: 256 × 256 × 256 mm
- Hot End: All-metal construction
- Nozzle: 0.4mm stainless steel (optional sizes available)
- Maximum Hot End Temperature: 300°C
- Build Plate: Heated textured PEI (alternative options available)
- Maximum Build Plate Temperature: 100°C
- Maximum Print Speed: 500 mm/s
- Maximum Acceleration: 20 m/s²
- AMS Compatibility: Yes
Background
Bambu Lab made a powerful entry into the 3D printing industry with their flagship X1-Carbon (X1C) 3D printer, boasting cutting-edge features and top-tier performance. However, the X1C’s high price tag made it less accessible for many hobbyists. In response, Bambu Lab launched the P1P, a more budget-friendly model, though it sacrificed some of the premium features that made the X1C so highly regarded.
Now, with the release of the Bambu Lab P1S, Bambu Lab has positioned this new model as a sweet spot between the X1C and P1P, offering a balanced mix of affordability and advanced features. In this review, I’ll explore whether the P1S can live up to the growing hype and if it’s worth considering for 3D printing enthusiasts.
First impressions
I received my Bambu Lab P1S securely packaged in a robust cardboard box via DHL, which arrived without any damage. Inside, the P1S and AMS (Automatic Material System) units were neatly packed with custom foam cutouts for added protection.
The AMS is an optional add-on system similar to the Prusa MMU (Multi-Material Upgrade). It allows the printer to switch between multiple filament spools during a print. While the AMS is not included with the base Bambu Lab P1S, it is available as part of a combo package or for individual purchases. The AMS supports up to four filament spools, and I’ll share my experience with this feature later in the review.
To optimize shipping space, the AMS unit was placed inside the P1S’s chamber. Unboxing took a bit longer than expected, as it required removing several screws that were only there to keep everything securely in place during transit. While this is a rare sight, it made sense and wasn’t much of an inconvenience.
Bambu Lab claims that the setup for the P1S only takes 15 minutes, but I found that to be optimistic. Taking my time, it took me closer to 45 minutes before I was ready to start my first test print.
That said, the setup process itself was simple and intuitive. The instructions provided were clear, and the entire process was as straightforward as setting up a new TV. Even beginners will find it easy to get started with the Bambu Lab P1S.
While it’s not mandatory, I highly recommend connecting the printer to your WiFi network and using the free Handy app. This enhances the experience of starting and monitoring prints and configuring everything only takes a few minutes.
Print Quality
There’s a lot to cover with the Bambu Lab P1S, so I’m breaking from my usual review format. Typically, I focus on print quality and printer performance, but Bambu Lab offers much more to consider with this model.
Let’s get straight to the point: the Bambu Lab P1S delivers exceptional print quality. I’d confidently put it up against any FFF/FDM 3D printer on the market. I didn’t make any adjustments or fine-tuning, yet the prints were virtually flawless. Its speed is equally impressive, thanks to the CoreXY kinematic system and its effective vibration control.
Having reviewed dozens of 3D printers, I’m mainly comparing the P1S to my Voron Trident, which I built from scratch and spent countless hours fine-tuning. Yet, right out of the box, with its default profiles, the P1S outperforms the Trident in both print quality and overall performance. This is a bold statement, especially considering the Voron Trident cost me twice as much as the P1S.
Features galore
The Bambu Lab P1S is packed with features that make it stand out. For starters, it includes a built-in camera that lets you monitor your prints via the Handy app or Bambu Studio software. There are also various sensors and self-check systems to ensure the printer is continuously operating at its best. Bambu Lab has put a lot of thought into anticipating potential issues and designing solutions to make the P1S as user-friendly as possible.
One example of this thoughtful design is the code printed on the build plate. Before starting a print, the printer scans this code to verify that the build plate is positioned correctly and compatible with the print settings.
When initiating a print, the P1S automatically performs self-checks and leveling. I never had to manually adjust the nozzle or use a piece of paper for leveling — the printer takes care of everything on its own.
While these self-checks do add a few extra minutes at the start of a print, the added convenience is well worth the wait, especially when considering a 10-hour print job.
AMS and multi-material printing
Bambu Lab included the AMS (Automatic Material System) with my P1S, and I was excited to try it. However, I’d previously given up on multi-material printing after many frustrating experiences. I bought a Prusa MMU for my Mk3 but could never get it to work reliably through an entire print. Even a dual-extruder printer I tried didn’t deliver outstanding results.
However, the AMS exceeded my expectations. I tested it on multiple jobs, including multi-color prints and support materials. For a brief period, I did encounter an issue with filament getting stuck during swaps, but it resolved itself, and since then, the AMS has worked flawlessly.
One standout feature of the AMS is the RFID spool detection. Each Bambu Lab spool is equipped with an RFID tag, allowing the AMS to recognize the material, color, and unique identifier of each spool. The software displays this data, letting you easily see what’s loaded in each slot and track filament usage.
Though Bambu Lab doesn’t officially recommend it, I tested soluble PVA support material, which may have contributed to the earlier issue. The results weren’t great, but that’s typical for PVA. Instead, I switched to Bambu Lab’s breakaway support material, which was impressive. While it’s not soluble, it doesn’t adhere well to its counterpart (like PLA), making it easy to remove after printing. It’s about twice the cost of regular filament, but since only a tiny amount is used for the interface between the support and the part, it’s worth the investment.
Compatibility and proprietary products
One of my biggest concerns going into this review was that the Bambu Lab P1S might lock me into an expensive, proprietary ecosystem. After all, the build plates have unique codes, and the filament spools come with RFID tags. Would that mean I’d be forced to use only Bambu Lab products?
Fortunately, the answer is no. I tested third-party filament from other manufacturers, and it worked without any issues. In fact, you can configure custom spools within the Bambu Studio software, and the AMS will treat them just like official Bambu spools — you won’t get automatic recognition via RFID.
You’re also free to use build plates from other brands. When you do, the printer will display a warning that the plate isn’t recognized, but you acknowledge it and continue. You can even turn off that warning entirely or add your code to third-party plates if you want.
This is fantastic news. Bambu Lab clearly added those features to make the P1S more user-friendly, not to trap users into buying their accessories—a move many other manufacturers have unfortunately taken in the past.
If you do choose to stick with Bambu Lab products, as I plan to, you’ll be happy to know their prices are reasonable. Filament costs are in line with other reputable brands, with just a slight premium for the RFID tags. Plus, you can even reuse spools and their RFID tags if you want to save a few extra bucks.
Bambu Studio and the Handy app
You can use third-party slicers with the Bambu Lab P1S, but you probably won’t want to. Bambu Studio is excellent — I couldn’t find a single reason to switch to anything else.
If you prefer simplicity, the default print profiles work beautifully and are easy to use. If you would like to dive deeper into fine-tuning, all the advanced settings are there, too. Everything you’d expect from a modern slicer is available, from tree supports to fuzzy skin and more.
Once you set up WiFi on your P1S, Bambu Studio unlocks even more functionality. You can remotely manage the printer and AMS, view the live camera feed and control timelapse recordings. Just be aware that if you want to access the timelapse videos, you’ll need to remove the SD card from the printer and load it onto your computer manually.
One feature that really surprised me was the intuitive multi-material “painting” tool. It lets you take any standard 3D model and easily assign different materials or colors to specific areas. I’ve always been more focused on functional prints than multi-color projects, but Bambu Studio made the process so straightforward that I actually had fun experimenting with it.
The Handy app, while more basic, is still valid. It gives you live video access from your smartphone, some information about the AMS, and simple controls to pause or stop a print. I mostly used it for quick progress checks when I was away from the printer.
Frequently Asked Question
What makes the Bambu Lab P1S different from other 3D printers on the market?
The Bambu Lab P1S offers exceptional print quality and speed thanks to its CoreXY kinematic system and advanced vibration control. It stands out for its easy setup, user-friendly Bambu Studio software, and unique features like RFID filament recognition and automatic leveling. The AMS (Automatic Material System) makes multi-material printing accessible and efficient, even for beginners.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S easy to set up?
Yes, setting up the Bambu Lab P1S is straightforward. Although Bambu Lab claims it takes 15 minutes, if you take your time, expect it to take around 45 minutes. The included instructions are clear, and the setup is as intuitive as installing a new TV. The printer also has automatic leveling and self-checks to ensure a hassle-free start.
Can I use third-party filament with the P1S?
Yes, you can use third-party filament with the Bambu Lab P1S without issues. While the RFID tags on Bambu’s filaments allow for automatic recognition, you can manually configure third-party spools in Bambu Studio. However, you won’t get the automatic identification feature from the AMS.
What is the AMS (Automatic Material System), and how does it work?
The AMS is an add-on system that allows the Bambu Lab P1S to automatically switch between multiple filament spools during a print. It is ideal for multi-color prints or using different types of materials for support. Each filament spool is equipped with an RFID tag, which allows the system to recognize the material, color, and remaining filament.
How does the Bambu Studio software work?
Bambu Studio is a powerful and user-friendly slicer that includes features like tree supports, fuzzy skin, and advanced settings. The software makes it easy to set up prints using the default profiles, but it also offers more detailed control for advanced users. Once your P1S is connected to WiFi, you can manage the printer remotely, view the live video feed, and track AMS settings.
What is the print quality like on the Bambu Lab P1S?
The P1S’s print quality is outstanding and competes with higher-end models in the market. Even without any fine-tuning, the prints were essentially perfect, with no noticeable layer lines or defects. Its CoreXY design allows for precise and fast prints, while the AMS enhances multi-material accuracy.
Can I use the P1S for multi-color or multi-material printing?
Yes! The AMS allows you to easily print with multiple colors or materials. The Bambu Studio software even includes a multi-material painting tool that lets you assign different colors or materials to other parts of a model. The P1S can handle everything from simple multi-color prints to more complex support materials like breakaway and soluble PVA.
Conclusion
The Bambu Lab P1S is an exceptional 3D printer that strikes a perfect balance between affordability, performance, and ease of use. Its CoreXY kinematic system, AMS (Automatic Material System), and Bambu Studio software provide both beginners and experienced users with powerful features that simplify the 3D printing process. The print quality is top-notch, and the printer’s intuitive setup, automatic leveling, and remote management make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to produce high-quality prints with minimal hassle.
What sets the P1S apart from other printers in its class is its flexibility. Whether you’re using Bambu Lab’s proprietary filament or third-party materials, the P1S ensures smooth operation without forcing you into an expensive ecosystem. Its affordability, combined with premium features like multi-material printing and WiFi connectivity, makes it an excellent value for hobbyists and professionals alike.