Disclaimer: I purchased this printer myself and have no prior affiliation with Bambu Lab.
Having spent considerable time with my Bambu Lab X1C – approximately 775 hours across hundreds of prints – I feel well-equipped to share my experience. My overall impression is overwhelmingly positive, to the point where I would confidently recommend this printer to users of any skill level.
Across those 775 hours and numerous projects, I've been particularly impressed by the low failure rate, which remained below 3%. While not entirely flawless, this is significantly better than my experiences with other printers I've used previously.
Why Choose the X1C?
One of the key features that initially attracted me was the build volume. Bambu Lab maintains a consistent build plate size of 256x256x256mm across much of their lineup, and the X1C is no exception. This size has proven to be ample for 99% of the models I've wanted to print, often exceeding the capacity of other printers in a similar price bracket.
The X1C can be ordered with the optional Bambu Lab Automatic Material System (AMS) as a combo. This system is a game-changer for multi-material and multi-colour prints, making it significantly faster and less cumbersome compared to single-material setups. It's particularly useful for complex models like figurines, though it's worth noting the process generates a fair amount of filament waste or "poop" due to the necessary purging between material changes.
The Impact of the Lidar Sensor
The integrated lidar sensor serves two primary functions: scanning the build plate for accurate leveling and adjusting the flow rate for different filament types. In my experience, this has resulted in noticeably more uniform top and bottom layers compared to printers lacking this feature. I can also happily report that I have never encountered a print failure directly attributable to an unlevel build plate, suggesting the lidar system performs its job effectively.
Observations on Print Quality
After extensive use, I find the print quality from the X1C to be marginally superior to the P1S. Overall, I'd rate the X1C as an excellent choice if you're aiming for near-perfect results (say, 95% of the way there) with considerably less fuss – perhaps 60% less hassle than some other machines I've used.
Build Plate Options
The Bambu Lab X1C includes its flagship textured PEI plate, which is ideal for everyday use and yields an optimal surface finish for most prints. For those who prefer a more matte appearance, alternatives like the Darkmoon Satin plate are available. Similarly, for a smooth print surface, users can opt for the Bambu smooth PEI or the Darkmoon G10 plate.
Modifications and Upgrades
The printer also offers significant scope for printing modifications. On my own printer, I’ve made printed additions to enhance its performance and safety, these modifications are all printable with a few parts that must be purchased:
- Air Filtration: I have installed the "BentoBox" air filtration system (by @thrutheframe) and the "Bento Smoke Stack" (by @Imaginarydave). This setup provides extra fume filtration when using potentially toxic filaments such as ASA and ABS. Although this system is not a substitute for a well-ventilated workspace, it is effective at removing odors.
- AMS Moisture Control: I have also added the AMS Dry Pod Kit (by @FLAP_Design) to my AMS to help keep the internal environment as dry as possible. This has helped me reduce the air humidity within the AMS from 20% down to approximately 10%.
- Nozzle Cleaning: Finally, I have added the Nozzle Wiper V2 (by @TechNerd) to help with properly cleaning the nozzle, which in turn helps to reduce print failures.
Ease of Use
A standout aspect of the X1C is its remarkable ease of use. Having navigated the complexities of other printers in the past, I can confidently say Bambu Lab has prioritized a user-friendly experience. I often initiate prints remotely via the app or my computer, without the constant need to monitor for potential failures. The printer's "AI" features are designed to detect issues (though I've rarely seen them trigger), and the inherently high success rate means failures are simply infrequent. The inbuilt display also makes configuration and print monitoring extremely easy. This display is only availible on their higher end printers, distinguishing them from the other models such as the P1S.
What I Appreciated:
- The AMS configuration facilitates multi-colour and multi-material printing.
- The generous build plate accommodates most print projects.
- Print quality is highly refined and consistently near-perfect.
- The internal camera is excellent for remote print monitoring.
- The built-in touchscreen provides a convenient interface for monitoring and settings.
- Print speeds are remarkably fast.
- The printer demonstrates high reliability.
Areas for Improvement:
- A designated "poop chute" or a readily available design for one isn't included out of the box.
- Occasional print failures still occur, although rarely.
- The nozzle can be prone to clogging with PLA/PETG if the top enclosure door isn't opened for ventilation.
- The chamber light is quite dim, exacerbated by the tinted glass.
- The printer is notably loud, though not disruptive to the point of being unbearable.
- It generates significant vibration, causing the surface it's on to shake.
Overall Assessment:
To date, the X1C has proven to be a robust and reliable printer, handling everything I've thrown at it with ease. The build plate size is more than adequate for my needs, and the AMS capability opens up exciting multi-material possibilities. Based on my experience, at the retail price of $1,619.00 USD (£1,319.00 GBP) with the AMS combo, I would strongly recommend this printer due to ease of use and robust reliability.
If your budget is a little higher and you're interested in a bigger build plate and a dual extruder, you may be interested in my review of the Bambu H2D which currently retails at $2,299.00 USD (£1,849.00 GBP) with the AMS combo.
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