The Machine We Will Use in the Course
If you've made it this far, it means that you're ready to take the next step!
Whether we start together or you already have your own machine, the knowledge you’ll gain will be the same.
📌 However, if you want the best possible experience and to follow along seamlessly, I recommend using the same machine that we will be using in the course – the Bambu Lab A1 Mini.
📌 Why did I choose this machine?
Below, I have listed all the reasons why I selected it, based on ease of use, reliability, and overall user experience.
🔧 Error Hunting - Automatic Error Management
Although we haven’t mentioned this until now, this was the most important reason I chose the A1 Mini.
✔ If the filament gets jammed → IT NOTIFIES YOU.
✔ If the print bed is not level → IT NOTIFIES YOU.
✔ If the nozzle crashes into something → IT NOTIFIES YOU.
✔ If the filament runs out → IT NOTIFIES YOU.
✔ If something goes wrong with the print → IT NOTIFIES YOU & GIVES YOU A QR CODE WITH A SOLUTION VIDEO.
📌 For me, as an educational tool, this is perfect.
📌 The student doesn’t have to Google the problem – the machine itself provides guidance!
🔄 Automatic Firmware Updates
✔ Connects to Wi-Fi and updates automatically.
✔ All students will have the same firmware, so if you send me an issue, I can replicate it exactly and help you.
📌 Practically, this means I can remotely troubleshoot and assist you faster!
📹 "Black Box" – Camera & Print History
The A1 Mini records the entire printing process, similar to a black box in airplanes.
✔ If something goes wrong, all you have to do is send me the video, and together, we’ll identify and fix the issue.
✔ No need to guess what went wrong – we can see it frame by frame!
📟 Touchscreen That Prevents Mistakes
✔ You can’t change complex settings that might "mess up" the machine.
✔ This means you can’t accidentally break something!
📌 Ideal for beginners, as it helps avoid unnecessary errors.
🌐 Easy Wi-Fi Setup
✔ Select your Wi-Fi
✔ Enter the password
✔ Done.
📌 No complicated settings – it’s as simple as possible.
🎯 Self-Calibration – Automatic Adjustment
✔ No need for manual paper tests and adjustments.
✔ The machine automatically levels the print bed.
✔ If you move it to a new location, it adjusts itself.
📌 Previously, this process was a hassle – now, it's literally "press one button".
🔇 Quiet Operation
✔ The fans make more noise than the machine itself.
✔ When the print is finished, the fans turn off.
✔ Ideal for an office or even next to your bed!
📌 Compared to older machines, this one is SILENT.
💰 Low Power Consumption
✔ The print bed is small and heats up quickly.
✔ Runs on 24V, meaning it can even be powered from a car battery with the right mod.
✔ Consumes almost nothing!
🔋 UPS Compatibility
✔ Can run on a small UPS, as it doesn't consume much power.
✔ If the power goes out, it can continue printing without interruption.
✔ Larger machines require a LOT of power to run on a UPS.
📌 Here, the A1 Mini truly shines!
🛠 Easy Maintenance & Repair
✔ All components are exposed – you can clean, lubricate, and maintain everything without disassembling the machine.
✔ If something breaks, it's usually fixed with 1-2 screws!
📌 No need to be an engineer – a simple toolset is enough for maintenance and repairs.
📈 Resale Value
✔ You buy it for ~260€
✔ You sell it for ~190€ within a week
✔ It holds its value – there’s always demand!
📌 If you change your mind, you can easily sell it and upgrade to something else.
🔄 Open-Frame Design
✔ No protective enclosure.
✔ Inspires students, as they can observe the printing process up close.
📌 Perfect for educational purposes and engaging demonstrations!
🎨 Color Changing with AMS (Automatic Material System)
✔ Upgradable to multi-color printing with AMS.
✔ Prints in multiple colors without manual filament changes.
✔ Can be purchased as an add-on or bundled with the printer.
💸 Cost
For what it offers, it’s the most cost-effective printer on the market.
💰 Starts at 260€ – cheaper than a mid-range smartphone!
💰 Cheaper than a gaming console!
It’s Like the Classic Round-Headlight Motorcycle (GLX)
📌 Reliable & Proven
It’s not the most expensive, it’s not the most advanced, but it’s the one that will always work.
You’ll have it for years, and every time you need a print, it will be there, ready to go without complaints or issues.
📌 Easy Maintenance – Simple & Practical
Open it, clean it, maintain it without any special knowledge.
It doesn’t have complex systems or unnecessary components that break easily.
📌 Hassle-Free – No Manual Needed
You’ll learn how to use it once, and then you’ll never have to worry about it again.
It’s the "plug it in, press print, and it works" of 3D printers.
📌 A Machine You’ll Always Keep
No matter how many bigger or more expensive printers you get in the future, this one will always be there to get the job done.
Size, Space, and Placement at Home
✔ Fits Anywhere – It’s compact, so you can place it on a shelf or inside a cabinet.
✔ No Special Setup Required – Just place it on a stable surface, and you’re good to go.
✔ Lightweight & Portable – If you need to move it, it’s easy to carry.
📌 Tip: If you plan to use it frequently, set up a small workstation with a UPS and a storage box for your materials.
Open-Frame Printer – Visibility & Inspiration
✔ See Every Step of the Printing Process – Perfect for students and educational environments.
✔ Encourages Curiosity & Excitement – Watching it work is captivating and inspiring.
✔ More Freedom – You can modify and upgrade it easily, without being restricted by a closed system.
📌 If you want to inspire new users, this is the perfect printer for the job.
For All These Reasons, This is the Ideal Printer for Our Course!
If I’ve convinced you, you can follow the links below to get your own.
🛒 If you buy it from my lab, I’ll greatly appreciate it!
🎁 Bonus: When you purchase it, you’ll get 2 months of free access to the lab’s course content at the Personal Hobby level! 🎁
