Published on Sat May 10 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex
Bambu Lab P1 Series: Speed Meets Reliability in Mid-Range 3D Printing
The Bambu Lab P1 series, consisting of the P1P and P1S, brings the powerful high-speed CoreXY printing experience of the Bambu X1 into a more affordable, modular design. Whether you’re a maker, prototyper, or just need a workhorse printer, the P1 lineup offers impressive performance out of the box with room to grow.
📦 What Are the P1P and P1S?
The P1P is the base model: a high-speed, open-frame CoreXY printer with automatic calibration, multi-material compatibility (via AMS), and top-tier print quality. The P1S builds on this with an enclosed chassis, additional cooling, and improved safety features—making it better for printing higher-temp materials like ABS or ASA.
🔧 Key Specifications
| Feature | P1P / P1S |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Print Speed | Up to 500 mm/s |
| Acceleration | Up to 20,000 mm/s² |
| Layer Height | 0.05 – 0.4 mm |
| Filament Support | PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, PA, PC (P1S only recommended for ABS/ASA) |
| Nozzle | Hardened steel 0.4 mm (swappable) |
| Auto Calibration | Yes (flow, vibration, bed mesh) |
| AMS Support | Yes (add-on) |
| Enclosure | P1P: Open frame / P1S: Enclosed with side panels, fan & HEPA filter |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, microSD |
| Software | Bambu Studio, Bambu Handy App |
| Noise Level | Moderate (P1S quieter due to enclosure) |
| Dimensions (P1S) | 389 × 389 × 457 mm |
| Weight | ~12.9 kg (P1S) |
🌟 Key Features
🔄 CoreXY Motion System
Both printers feature a CoreXY architecture that enables fast and precise movement, minimizing ghosting even at high speeds.
⚙️ Automatic Calibration
- Auto bed leveling
- Vibration compensation
- Flow calibration
- Z-offset tuning
All without user intervention—ready to print within minutes.
🎨 Multi-Material Support with AMS
Both models support the AMS (Automatic Material System), enabling multi-color and multi-material printing.
🛠 Modularity & Upgradeability
Especially on the P1P, users can 3D print and attach their own side panels or internal components, while the P1S is better for heat-sensitive materials.
🌡 Enclosure Benefits (P1S only)
- Prints ABS, ASA, and other high-temp materials with less warping
- HEPA + carbon filter for improved air quality
- Controlled internal environment for more stable results
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Enable Vibration Compensation: Critical for smooth finishes at high speeds.
- Dry Your Filament: Especially for PETG, TPU, and PA. Use a dry box or filament dryer.
- Use the Right Profiles: Bambu Studio has optimized profiles; tweaking beyond them is optional but can boost quality.
- Install Filters (P1S): Replace HEPA filters periodically to maintain air quality.
- Print Side Panels (P1P): You can design your own or use community files to enclose the P1P for better thermal stability.
🧽 Maintenance Checklist
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Clean build plate (IPA wipe) | Every 3–5 prints |
| Inspect belts & pulleys | Monthly |
| Update firmware | As released |
| Cold-pull nozzle cleaning | Every 1–2 weeks or if clogging |
| AMS filament path check | Occasionally (for jams) |
| Lubricate rods and bearings | Every few months |
🔬 P1P vs P1S: Which One to Choose?
| Feature | P1P | P1S |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure | ❌ Open | ✅ Enclosed |
| HEPA Filter | ❌ | ✅ |
| Better for ABS/ASA | ❌ | ✅ |
| Price | ✅ Lower | ❌ Higher |
| Modifiability | ✅ High | ❌ Lower |
| Noise Level | ❌ Higher | ✅ Lower |
Choose the P1P if you want to mod and tinker or primarily print PLA/PETG. Choose the P1S if you need high-temp material compatibility and value a more enclosed, refined system.
🏆 Ratings
| Category | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Print Quality | 9 |
| Speed | 10 |
| Ease of Use | 9 |
| Software & Connectivity | 9 |
| Material Compatibility | 8 (P1P), 9 (P1S) |
| Maintenance | 8 |
| Noise Level | 7 (P1P), 9 (P1S) |
| Upgradeability | 9 (P1P), 7 (P1S) |
| Community Support | 8 |
| Price-to-Performance | 7 |
| Overall Average | 8.4 / 10 |
✅ Conclusion
The Bambu Lab P1 series punches well above its price class. Whether you pick the open-frame P1P or the enclosed P1S, you’re getting blazing-fast prints, automatic calibration, and exceptional quality. It’s a solid choice for both beginners and experienced makers—especially those who want CoreXY speed without the complexity of a DIY kit.
Written by Alex
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