The Best Consumer 3D Printer

[Jeff]

A few months ago I started with the budget Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro, then added a second due to the $159 pricing. A very capable beginner printer, but needed constant tweaking and part replacements too early. I ended up replacing the Elegoo's with the Bambu A1 w/ AMS lite ($449). I'm just a home tinkerer.

 

[Angie Grans]

Thanks for the detailed information. My grandson wants the Bambu printer. I was just looking for contact information and experiences around reaching their customer service people. Hopefully, there will be support available.

 

[colmal]

I'm still months away from upgrading my laptop/buying a 3D printer as my path has gone a tad sideways with a Mini-lathe arriving tomorrow - another totally new learning experience, but more inline with what I need at the moment.

Still keeping an eye on the 3D field and this popped up tonight, something to think about and I don't know how much of an impact it will have, but definitely sticking to my Prusa or similar non PRC 3D printer when I buy.

 

[danski0224]

I don't know how many people here are really into 3D printing, but this video needs to be made a sticky... and if you have or want a Bambu printer, you need to watch it.

 

[Dh3256]

I'm still months away from upgrading my laptop/buying a 3D printer as my path has gone a tad sideways with a Mini-lathe arriving tomorrow - another totally new learning experience, but more inline with what I need at the moment.

Still keeping an eye on the 3D field and this popped up tonight, something to think about and I don't know how much of an impact it will have, but definitely sticking to my Prusa or similar non PRC 3D printer when I buy.

It seems to be a lot of fear mongering on the part of a few people, the update itself is an improvement and does not impact the ability to use third party tools.

Bambu lab is still the best option for beginners, all the others require some setup and tinkering.

 

[fillister]

I don't currently own a 3d printer, but read these threads to keep informed prior to a future purchase. Just curious if the recent Stratsys patent lawsuits against Bambu Lab's has something to with this update, such as deleting or modifying settings to comply with the lawsuit.

 

[American Locomotive]

It seems to be a lot of fear mongering on the part of a few people, the update itself is an improvement and does not impact the ability to use third party tools.

Bambu lab is still the best option for beginners, all the others require some setup and tinkering.

It's not fear mongering. That change from Bambu basically guarantees your printer will become e-waste. You will now need an always-online connection for "authentication" to do basically anything with the printer, and 3rd party slicers and control software like Orca Slicer will no longer work as far as I can tell.

• If Bambu ever goes out of business - your printer is now a giant paper weight
• If the U.S. ever sanctions/bans more Chinese tech companies (like they already have) - your printer is now scrap.
• If there's an available update and your internet connection goes down - your printer won't work.

This same thing literally happens with every "Internet of Things" (IoT) device. Millions of people have bought "smart" internet connected gadgets only for the company to go under, be bought out or just discontinue the service a few short years later. There are mountains of perfectly functional hardware in landfills right now because of this.

No company puts such strong restrictions on their hardware unless they plan on ripping off users to ensure continued revenue streams. The 3D Printing market is only so big, especially for $1000+ printers. The Bambu labs printers are very good, and there's likely little reason for anyone to upgrade or replace their printer any time soon. Bambu is going to want more money, so they're either going to go to a "subscription" model, forcing users to pay a monthly fee to use their printers they bought, or they're going to stop supporting "end of life" printers for "security reasons" forcing users to buy a new one.

How many people have bought expensive Smart TVs, only for them to stop receiving software updates and all of the apps to stop working just a couple of years later, effectively rendering the "Smart" functionality useless?

You will own nothing and be happy.

 

[jeepxj]

its just the start of chinese new year. so i dont expect any course corrections from bambu in the next month on this.

 

[1redTA]

I had a Creality and gave it to my father for his around the house usage. It had a 300^2 build area and I wanted something I could reproduce the plastic vents on my 81 MasterCraft Skier 19’. I ended up with an AnyCubic K2 Max and love the larger build area and speed!

As mentioned SolidWorks has a 3d Maker subscription that is around $50 a year and I had just took a class for it.

 

[WildBill]

My favorite use for my 3d printers is to print items to be used as sacrificial molding material. Cover them in plaster, burn out the printed plastic part, pour in the metal, make sweet metal part. Look up lost PLA casting for info.

 

[ArcReactorKC]

For those that say the bambu update is "no big deal"

Yes, yes it is. They are indeed breaking 3rd part functionality and it does devalue their product.
SoftFever has come out and already told us that OrcaSlicer will be hamstrung by this. Not to mention the home assistant and other MQTT implementations that will be broken.
For those who just got into 3d printing with the advent of the Bambu printers this doesn't seem like a big deal. But for those of us who have been around since the Mendel days this is a big deal breaker.

It's already somewhat known that all of the bambu line runs on a massaged version of klipper (open source) and the slicer they produce is based on prusa slicer (open source) which is already an open source derivative.

I'm running modified firmware on my X1 as is, and it's been firewalled from the internet and my files haven't run through the cloud in some time, but there are many farm operators out there that this will be a big ordeal for.

 

[Ryan]

Americans don’t give a damn about their data privacy—none at all. They’re sleepwalking through a minefield, handing over every scrap of their lives to Meta, TikTok, Twitter, and God knows who else. It baffles me—truly. I can’t wrap my head around this level of blind surrender. We’ve gone from “don’t tread on me” to “please, sir, take my data” in the blink of a generation.

And this Bambu Labs thing? Small potatoes, sure—but it’s the canary in the coal mine, signaling something bigger and darker on the horizon. DJI makes drones, but let’s not kid ourselves—they’re in the same racket as Bambu. Data mining.

Frankly, you’d have to be certifiable to buy a Bambu printer.

 

[Ryan]

For those that say the bambu update is "no big deal"

Yes, yes it is. They are indeed breaking 3rd part functionality and it does devalue their product.
SoftFever has come out and already told us that OrcaSlicer will be hamstrung by this. Not to mention the home assistant and other MQTT implementations that will be broken.
For those who just got into 3d printing with the advent of the Bambu printers this doesn't seem like a big deal. But for those of us who have been around since the Mendel days this is a big deal breaker.

It's already somewhat known that all of the bambu line runs on a massaged version of klipper (open source) and the slicer they produce is based on prusa slicer (open source) which is already an open source derivative.

I'm running modified firmware on my X1 as is, and it's been firewalled from the internet and my files haven't run through the cloud in some time, but there are many farm operators out there that this will be a big ordeal for.

Don’t let it on your network… They are forcing the firmware update… which essentially bricked mine because my data isn’t for sale.

 

[Cruzan80]

As far as I can tell, it only blocks things when attached to a network. Binding/Unbinding, controlling remote prints, etc. The SD card to move files works just fine. It doesn't "know" there is an update unless you connect and bind it to a Bambu account, so you are fine to keep transferring the "old fashioned" way.

How do I know? I have multiple printers at the high school I work at, and all of them continue to work. We cant use LAN mode or cloud printing, due to IT restrictions on the network (some of district's IT restrictions are hella dumb, but that is another conversation...). All of them have continued to work fine. I have to "hotspot" my phone to get the printers onto a network to download updates, so some are running the original firmware they shipped with.

If Bambu goes out of business, the slicer will continue to work with Windows 10 and 11. The printer will still be able to print. You may lose some of the fancy controls (Bambu Handy app, etc), but saying "It will brick" is a vast overstatement.

Bambu gets nothing from me or the students whose prints I make. It doesn't talk to the server at all. And for those who are concerned about the data going to Chinese servers, that has been fairly debunked (NA servers use AWS, nothing connected with China). The only "evidence" I ever saw on that was either fear-mongering, or people posting AI summaries without actual data to back it up.

@Ryan , how exactly did it "brick" yours? Or do you mean that it removed the ability to do things across the network you used to be able to do? If you disconnect it from the network, will SD printing still work? Just trying to get more details.


I am not saying Bambu's corporate policy is amazing. Not saying they are without fault. But calling it "e-waste" and "giant paper-weights" simply because they block unauthorized use of the network seems a bit too broad. They still work just fine. Do you have access to all the functionality? No, but that is different than saying it won't work AT ALL.

 

[Ryan]

Ryan, how exactly did it "brick" yours?

Figure of speech. Only bricked because I‘m not willing to give them my data.

I leave my printer on and it auto-updated. I don’t believe there is anyway to retrograde to an older firmware version from what I’m reading.

 

[4 FN 27]

I don't know how many people here are really into 3D printing, but this video needs to be made a sticky... and if you have or want a Bambu printer, you need to watch it.

Americans don’t give a damn about their data privacy—none at all. They’re sleepwalking through a minefield, handing over every scrap of their lives to Meta, TikTok, Twitter, and God knows who else. It baffles me—truly. I can’t wrap my head around this level of blind surrender. We’ve gone from “don’t tread on me” to “please, sir, take my data” in the blink of a generation.

And this Bambu Labs thing? Small potatoes, sure—but it’s the canary in the coal mine, signaling something bigger and darker on the horizon. DJI makes drones, but let’s not kid ourselves—they’re in the same racket as Bambu. Data mining.

Frankly, you’d have to be certifiable to buy a Bambu printer.

Seeing I was attached to this, I'll comment. My Shop doesn't have Internet or access unless I create a Hot Spot on my phone.

Makes updating Software a PITA but I don't mind...I leave the updates to the IT guys back at the plant. I just have to be here to start up my computer and setup the Hot Spot when they are ready.

I manually carry the Disk or Thumb Drive to what ever machine I am running at the time. No WIFI even. The Printer is in a room where there is no cell access. Concrete walls, Moline Plank Ceiling with 12 inches of Concrete on top and 12 inch in the floor inside a Metal Building.

Our data/cyber protocols have increased 5 fold in the last 3 years based on our ITAR and CMMC Compliance requirements not to mention Insurance requirements.

My Bambu has never been 'linked' to the Internet...nor will it be.

My next printer will be a Stratasys, Desktop Metal or Markforged.

 

[WhoWhatNow]

I'm running modified firmware on my X1 as is, and it's been firewalled from the internet and my files haven't run through the cloud in some time, but there are many farm operators out there that this will be a big ordeal for.

could you give some details on this? It sounds like this is the only path forward if we do not want to run our files through Bambu’s servers.

 

[danski0224]

Seeing I was attached to this, I'll comment. My Shop doesn't have Internet or access unless I create a Hot Spot on my phone.

I edited that part out.

I didn't watch the whole video, but there is a part that goes into the terms and conditions that can prohibit a new print job without internet access for the Bambu printer- even if it is set up in LAN mode (no internet).

Louis Rossman can get a little passionate in some of his videos, but he is very much for "right to repair" and anti subscription model practices.

 

[fillister]

Possibly what Prusa said in the release statement for the CORE 1 is true and not just marketing BS.

And we always put security first. We will never force you to connect your printer to the network – not for the initial configuration, not for firmware updates, not for slicing. Never. And you will still get the full experience. You can even disconnect the Wi-Fi module for the highest security workplaces. It’s completely up to you whether you want to attach a USB-C camera for print monitoring, add your printer to Prusa Connect, or monitor your prints with the Prusa App. Our code is open source, so you can always make an independent audit and check that we aren’t cheating or stealing your files, even when you’re not connected to the internet. You can sleep soundly, knowing that the product you work on won’t show up on Temu all of a sudden.

 

[ArcReactorKC]

Don’t let it on your network… They are forcing the firmware update… which essentially bricked mine because my data isn’t for sale.

That's why my X1 (the only bambu effected printer thus far) is on X1Plus firmware and has been for quite awhile. All of the other Bambu's in the house are in "lan only mode" and firewalled from internet access.

I personally feel like this is a dangerous precedent for makers to just accept this kind of change in the industry.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I wonder how much of this was the government with their printing 3d guns thing?

 

[danski0224]

I would guess that if "them" is the reason, there would be sweeping changes in the 3D printer industry... which would impact only those that follow the rules.

 

[American Locomotive]

As far as I can tell, it only blocks things when attached to a network. Binding/Unbinding, controlling remote prints, etc. The SD card to move files works just fine. It doesn't "know" there is an update unless you connect and bind it to a Bambu account, so you are fine to keep transferring the "old fashioned" way.

How do I know? I have multiple printers at the high school I work at, and all of them continue to work. We cant use LAN mode or cloud printing, due to IT restrictions on the network (some of district's IT restrictions are hella dumb, but that is another conversation...). All of them have continued to work fine. I have to "hotspot" my phone to get the printers onto a network to download updates, so some are running the original firmware they shipped with.

If Bambu goes out of business, the slicer will continue to work with Windows 10 and 11. The printer will still be able to print. You may lose some of the fancy controls (Bambu Handy app, etc), but saying "It will brick" is a vast overstatement.

Bambu gets nothing from me or the students whose prints I make. It doesn't talk to the server at all. And for those who are concerned about the data going to Chinese servers, that has been fairly debunked (NA servers use AWS, nothing connected with China). The only "evidence" I ever saw on that was either fear-mongering, or people posting AI summaries without actual data to back it up.

@Ryan , how exactly did it "brick" yours? Or do you mean that it removed the ability to do things across the network you used to be able to do? If you disconnect it from the network, will SD printing still work? Just trying to get more details.


I am not saying Bambu's corporate policy is amazing. Not saying they are without fault. But calling it "e-waste" and "giant paper-weights" simply because they block unauthorized use of the network seems a bit too broad. They still work just fine. Do you have access to all the functionality? No, but that is different than saying it won't work AT ALL.

I don't think your comparison is fair. You're talking about firewalled DMZ'd printers that aren't connected to the internet and never got, nor never will get the new firmware.

There are tons of users whose printers auto updated, and if they didn't, the printers will say that they will not print until you install the new firmware. They are forcing your hand. Bambu then said that printers on the new firmware will need regular "authentication" to print, enable the motion system, calibrate, etc... Not just to use the cloud service features. So even if you have your files on an SD card, there's no guarentee that a print will work. How long does an authentication last? What happens when the printer needs to phone home to authenticate, but it can't?

Not to mention all of the people that used 3rd party software for automation or production are now screwed - effectively bricking the printer as their workflow is now permanetly broken.

Additionally it doesn't debunk anything that Bambu uses AWS. Their AWS instances are black boxes, and you have no idea what's going on inside their servers with your data. They could literally just be copying all of your print data and sending it overseas to companies to clone your product. It's totally naive to think that just because they use AWS that they don't do nefarious things with your data.

 

[Cruzan80]

Not saying they can't do nefarious things with data on the back-end. Just that the "fear-mongering" over Chinese servers has yet to be shown, and the only written examples dispute this.

I am see where the video (and you) are pointing to a clause saying the printers will need "regular authentication" to the network. Have you actually had that happen yet? If not, then it is hyping up a "possible". Lots of things are in T&C that never actually gets implemented, or not in the way you think. They could mean "regular authentication" before using cloud printing, or the app, or etc. Unless and until a Bambu stops actually printing because of this, in my mind, it is "fear-mongering". Because they say they "might", in some indeterminate fashion "possibly" do this, does NOT equate to "I can't print, without connecting, period". If/when this actually happens, then people can be mad. Before that is yelling at clouds, IMO.

If people were so worried about what the company could do or was doing, why connect it to the network in the first place? Your argument that my experience doesnt count because I didn't have "Auto-update" on doesnt hold up, as I could have the exact same workflow if it was a home printer. @4 FN 27 has the same kind of workflow I do, so it is hardly unique. Same as of someone with a Kindle never let it connect to Amazon, because they didn't want to communicate what side-loaded books they put on it. If I use "Send-to-Kindle" to put something on, I don't get to complain that Amazon knows what is on it.

If people open themselves up to "auto-connecting", they shouldn't be surprised that the the company can implement something they don't like. Kind of to Ryan's point about data privacy. If you don't like it, set it up so it can't phone home. Then update if/when you want, but you don't get to complain others get to use things you don't (cloud printing, etc). One reason why I will never have a Tesla, as I disagree with the "always-connected" mindset.

@Ryan, what stops you from disconnecting from the network, and then running prints, if you are worried about Bambu getting your data? Workflow setup? Or are you concerned if you ever do reconnect it, that anything in the intervening time would be at risk?

 

[Cruzan80]

Also, this sums up my general mentality to these things perfectly...

 

[Ryan]

Not saying they can't do nefarious things with data on the back-end. Just that the "fear-mongering" over Chinese servers has yet to be shown, and the only written examples dispute this.

It’s your data. Give it to who you want. I prefer to keep my personal data private.

 

[Sweetcorn]

I've been on the fence about replacing my existing printer with the x1c but now I'm pretty well set against it after that latest update controversy. I do everything I can to protect my privacy, even though it's an uphill battle. Never had Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of those kind of social sites. I take other steps as well. If someone really wants my data, they'll just have to work harder for it than they would for the average guy.

I was considering the prusa mk4s, but I hadn't ventured too far into my evaluation of it.

I need to upgrade soon so I'll have to look for the flaws with the prusa and see if I can live with them.

 

[colmal]

LOL

 

[vwpieces]

Pretty cool. Less than 24 hours.

 

[Dh3256]

That change from Bambu basically guarantees your printer will become e-waste. You will now need an always-online connection for "authentication" to do basically anything with the printer, and 3rd party slicers and control software like Orca Slicer will no longer work as far as I can tell.

That doesn't seem to be the case, please read the announcement from Bambu rather than relying on a third party's misinterpretation of a partial read of an announcement. The people making these claims appear to be making sensational claims to drive traffic and revenue to their sites. Bambu has made it clear that third party software and tools will continue to be supported.

 

[slim_grim]

I've been on the fence about replacing my existing printer with the x1c...

Same here. Now I'm thinking my trusty Ender 3 will be around longer. Just gonna build an enclosure so I can print ABS, I reckon.

 

[Rc_Guy]

Yeah, you really need to have the thing top of mind or it won't get used. I think I use mine the most for organizational projects... Here's some drawers I did for the print station:

I know sometimes it’s about the fun of doing it and not the cost but what does it cost to print something like that?

 

[loganb]

I know sometimes it’s about the fun of doing it and not the cost but what does it cost to print something like that?

The filament most use for those type of gridfinity organizers is PLA which runs about $15 to $20 per kilogram and most of those type of organizers will have between 50 and 150 or 200(for a big one) grams of material. So for easy math, assume $20 per kg and a 100 gram print...so $2 bucks in material.

Search here or YouTube for Gridfinity and you'll find lots of examples

 

[m6z]

So, if you were buying a new printer today, say $500ish. Hobby use.

What would you buy?

 

[fillister]

I really have no skin in the game, don't currently have a 3d printer.
but it's best to read the entire wiki article from Louis and be fully informed before believing Bambu's statement.

Bambu Lab Authorization Control System - Consumer Action Taskforce

wiki.rossmanngroup.com

Also I looked for the private key that he said that he would have on his site regardless of litigation, but I could not find it.

 

[ArcReactorKC]

Not saying they can't do nefarious things with data on the back-end. Just that the "fear-mongering" over Chinese servers has yet to be shown, and the only written examples dispute this.

This has "I have nothing to hide, so I don't care if they have my information" vibes.

Similar to the tiktok drama, people don't care about their data because they haven't seen it used against them yet.

Keyword: Yet

 

[Cruzan80]

Skimmed most of the link. Again, he is saying "May be interpreted to mean", not that Bambu is going to suddenly shut off ability to print, regardless. If you look at his sources, they are almost entirely commentsade by other users, resulting in an "echo chamber effect". Until it actually happens, this is people reading "legal-ese" and putting their own interpretation on it, resulting in fear-mongering. If/when they actually do stop a printer, then I will believe it.

The only actual reference is to the blog post (https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/), which states

What happens if I never upgrade to this firmware?

You may continue using an older firmware version that does not include the new security updates; however, this means the printers may miss out on important security fixes or bug patches included in newer versions. We highly encourage updating to the latest firmware version for the best experience and enhanced security.

 

[Farmall450]

It's not fear mongering. That change from Bambu basically guarantees your printer will become e-waste. You will now need an always-online connection for "authentication" to do basically anything with the printer, and 3rd party slicers and control software like Orca Slicer will no longer work as far as I can tell.

• If Bambu ever goes out of business - your printer is now a giant paper weight
• If the U.S. ever sanctions/bans more Chinese tech companies (like they already have) - your printer is now scrap.
• If there's an available update and your internet connection goes down - your printer won't work.

This same thing literally happens with every "Internet of Things" (IoT) device. Millions of people have bought "smart" internet connected gadgets only for the company to go under, be bought out or just discontinue the service a few short years later. There are mountains of perfectly functional hardware in landfills right now because of this.

No company puts such strong restrictions on their hardware unless they plan on ripping off users to ensure continued revenue streams. The 3D Printing market is only so big, especially for $1000+ printers. The Bambu labs printers are very good, and there's likely little reason for anyone to upgrade or replace their printer any time soon. Bambu is going to want more money, so they're either going to go to a "subscription" model, forcing users to pay a monthly fee to use their printers they bought, or they're going to stop supporting "end of life" printers for "security reasons" forcing users to buy a new one.

How many people have bought expensive Smart TVs, only for them to stop receiving software updates and all of the apps to stop working just a couple of years later, effectively rendering the "Smart" functionality useless?

You will own nothing and be happy.

My Prusa will still be cranking out prints by then

 

[Cruzan80]

This has "I have nothing to hide, so I don't care if they have my information" vibes.

Similar to the tiktok drama, people don't care about their data because they haven't seen it used against them yet.

Keyword: Yet

No, just saying they went to the trouble to pay for and set up a different set of servers, specifically so that there would be an air-gap between Chinese servers and American servers. Could they be connected on the back end? Yes, but so could any other service from another country. At some point, you have to make a judgement call based on how much you believe (or don't believe) what the company is saying. True from everything that connects back to global servers.

Maybe it is optics, maybe it really does set up a separation. Mine don't talk to the server anyway, so no worries for me. I don't give them my data, unless it magically stores everything printed from an SD and then uploads it during the brief window when updating.

Also, please don't bring Tiktok in (there are other examples that are equally relevant, but much less political right now). Don't want this to go sideways. Not saying you were being political, but have seen innocuous comments send entire threads off the rails (What? NEVER!...)

 

[Ryan]

I know sometimes it’s about the fun of doing it and not the cost but what does it cost to print something like that?

Prolly $10 to $15 in filament… The upfront costs are high, but the individual part costs are pretty cheap depending on the filament you use. I usually use PETg.

So, if you were buying a new printer today, say $500ish. Hobby use.

What would you buy?

I wouldn’t buy any 3d printer less than $800 or so… The cheap printers can be incredibly frustrating to tune and keep tuned.

In my opinion, the best 3D printer you can guy right now is this:

Original Prusa 3D printers directly from Josef Prusa

Eshop by Prusa Research a.s., company founded by Josef Prusa, one of the RepRap core developers. We're selling Original Prusa 3D printers (incl. Prusa MK4, Prusa XL), filaments (especially our in-house made Prusament), resins, and other accessories for 3D printing.

www.prusa3d.com

Super solid printer that is very reliable and sold by a company with a very good reputation.