A Bambu Lab Kickstarter 2 Years Later

I never supported a single kickstarter project ever.... until whispers of the X1 Carbon and AMS started appearing online. For the price, it couldn't be beat. I had spent almost the exact same amount building a Voron 2.4 from a million parts a year prior. I decided, now is the time to jump in and so I had backed my first kickstarter project. It turned out to be a great gamble.

For months (over half a year) we waited for these kickstarter units to ship. I almost couldn't wait, checking the discord every morning and pestering the mods to give us updates. What boat was it on? Is that the one coming into the Hamburg port? Yes, we were that obsessed, tracking container ships online and discussing the possibilities in the Bambu discord. We were that obsessed and hadn't even had our first print appear out of this amazing core x/y design.

It wasn't until October of 2022 that backer #5640 received his printer. Notice my receipt said estimated delivery was July 2022... so color me still skeptical of kickstarter and our obsession with the shipment progress. I would end up being pleasantly surprised.

Of course the first thing I did was print a benchy and calibration cube. This machine was fast. The AMS was a dream come true. I could now print in multi-color or multi-material or just quickly select that material I wanted for that print without having to manually switch filament rolls. The system supports 4 AMS units (for a total of 16) spools. I ended up buying 2 more and the AMS hub, so I could select from 12 different colors and/or materials. I also use them as dry boxes, loaded up with silica gel.

The versatility of the Bambu X1 Carbon with its AMS (Automatic Material Switching) system was truly a game-changer. Not only did it streamline the printing process, but it opened up a world of possibilities for creative projects. Here's how I found various uses and practicality with my Bambu X1 Carbon:

1. Multi-Color Prints: With the ability to seamlessly switch between different filament colors, I could create intricate designs with vibrant colors without the hassle of manual filament changes. Whether it was intricate models, logos, or artistic pieces, the X1 Carbon made it effortless to bring my ideas to life.
2. Multi-Material Printing: Beyond colors, the AMS system allowed me to experiment with different filament materials. From PLA to ABS, PETG to flexible TPU, I could easily switch between materials to suit the specific requirements of my prints. This versatility was invaluable, especially when working on functional prototypes or engineering parts with specific material properties.
3. Efficient Production: The speed and efficiency of the X1 Carbon meant that I could tackle larger projects with ease. Whether it was batch production of smaller items or creating intricate assemblies, the printer's reliability and consistency ensured that each print met my quality standards.
4. Customization and Personalization: With access to a wide range of filament colors and materials, I could customize prints to suit individual preferences or specific requirements. Whether it was personalized gifts, customized accessories, or unique decorations, the X1 Carbon allowed me to tailor each print to perfection.
5. Dry Box Storage: The ability to use the AMS units as dry boxes loaded with silica gel was a practical bonus. It ensured that my filament remained dry and free from moisture, preserving its quality and preventing issues such as warping or clogging during printing. This attention to filament storage contributed to the overall reliability and success of my prints.
6. Community Collaboration: The shared excitement and anticipation within the Bambu Discord community added another dimension to the printing experience. From tracking shipment progress to sharing tips and troubleshooting advice, being part of the Bambu community enhanced my journey with the X1 Carbon, making it more than just a printer but a shared passion among enthusiasts.

In essence, the Bambu X1 Carbon with its AMS system not only delivered on its promises but exceeded expectations, revolutionizing my approach to 3D printing and opening up endless possibilities for creativity and innovation. From intricate designs to functional prototypes, it became an indispensable tool in my workshop, empowering me to bring my ideas to life with precision and efficiency.