Bambu Lab H2D review: A User's Perspective

After putting my new Bambu H2D Combo through its paces for 128 hours, I wanted to share my thoughts on how it performs.

Disclaimer: I purchased this printer myself and have no prior affiliation with Bambu Labs.

Right off the bat, the reliability impressed me. In the first 120 hours, I printed over 30 different items without a single failure. For comparison, my X1C experienced at least a couple of failed prints within a similar timeframe.

H2D vs. X1C: Key Differences

One of the main draws for me was the H2D's larger build volume. At 350x320x325mm, it offers considerably more space than the X1C. This extra room is great for printing larger single pieces or fitting more smaller parts onto one plate.

The H2D also comes with a dual extruder system. This setup allows for two-colour printing without the need for purging ("poop-less" printing), instead only a prime tower is needed, which cuts down significantly on wasted filament during multi-material prints.

How Much Does the Dual Extruder Help?

To see the difference in action, I printed the "TARDIS LED Lamp" model (@ByteSlinger on Makerworld) on both the H2D and the X1C. The H2D completed the print about 30 hours faster and used roughly 300g less filament.

Print Quality Observations

Having used the H2D extensively now, I find the print quality to be on par with, and sometimes even slightly better than, my X1C. Layer lines seem a bit less noticeable, and surfaces appear smoother. This might be partly due to the calibration using the Eddy current sensor.

H2D cube (@3D Brothers on Makerworld)

Thoughtful Design Touches: Lights and Ventilation

An element that stood out was the improvements to the lighting and ventilation. The side-mounted lights are significantly brighter than those on the X1C, making it much easier to monitor prints visually and improving the quality of the camera feed. It feels like a direct response to user feedback. The automated air vents have also been surprisingly useful. They open automatically when printing materials like PLA or PETG that benefit from cooling, meaning I haven't had to manually prop open the door or remove the top glass. Since using the H2D, I haven't encountered any clogs or print failures that could be attributed to overheating from forgetting to ventilate the chamber.

Summary:

What I Liked:

• The dual nozzle really cuts down on print time and filament waste for multi-colour prints.
• It supports multiple AMS units on each nozzle for even more material options.
• The larger build plate is genuinely useful for bigger projects.
• Print quality feels slightly refined compared to the X1C.
• The internal lighting is much brighter, improving visibility and camera performance.
• Automated air vents eliminate the need to manually open the enclosure for PLA/PETG.
• New UI feels more refined.
• Priner is significantly quieter when compared to an X1C

What Could Be Better:

• Individual print speeds can be marginally slower than the X1C, though it wasn't a dramatic difference in my experience.
• Still no included “poop chute” (or a model for one) from the factory.

TLDR:

So far, the H2D has been a solid performer. Its specific features, especially the dual extruder, larger build volume, and thoughtful design upgrades like the lighting and ventilation, offer tangible benefits over the X1C for certain types of printing and improve the overall user experience.