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Bambu Lab A1 mini
Product ratings
Pros
Cons
11 reviews
Small but nice
If you don't want to print large models, the A1 mini is a fantastic 3D printer. There are hardly any negatives, as long as you realise what it was designed for.
Pro
- Simple assembly
- Excellent results
- Handling rich slicer software
- Easy operation
- Processing
- Ideal for on the desk
- Can be operated from anywhere
Contra
- Webcam only for time-lapse videos and control
Very good FDM printer
The Bambu Lab A1 mini is very fast and very quiet and the print quality is excellent.
With a little trial and error, it also prints TPU perfectly, which was the main reason for my purchase.
I am very satisfied.Pro
- Very fast
- Print quality
- Quiet
- Filament change
- Top price-performance ratio
Contra
- nothing found yet
Plug and Play, But Beware: Open 3D Printers Need More Than ‘Good Ventilation’ to Be Safe
Rating: ★★★★☆
Performance: ★★★★★ – Exceptional print quality for the price, automatic calibrations, and user-friendly setup.
Safety Transparency: ★☆☆☆☆ – Critical omissions about required extractors and health risks.
I’m very impressed with the machine itself. However, I can’t use it now until I save up for all the peripherals. And yes, I did use it-I got a sore throat, and it made the house stinky even with open windows and doors. The idea of a “well ventilated” space is a misnomer that requires investment! I need an extractor tent and fan (which is not recommended for the A1 Mini model-so basically Bambu is creating a printer you can't cover, but they know you need to cover it!). Carbon filters, not HEPA filters, don’t help (though I have those too). This all adds up. The fact this wasn’t made clear upfront is concerning (I only found out after a lot of Googling to understand why I got the sore throat and how to mitigate it). The extractor tent seems most reliable, but again, it’s not recommended for the A1 Mini. Why aren’t first-time users of 3D printers and lasers getting this crucial information? This borders on an ethical issue, especially when it involves the health and safety of customers and their families.
PLA printing is not safe-research proves it emits toxic particles and VOCs. Filament makers like Bambu don’t test or disclose emissions, which vary by material. Their documentation downplays risks (e.g., calling fumes “sweet”) and omits warnings in manuals and pre-purchase guides. Had I known, I’d never have bought it.
I want companies like Digitec to clearly underline the health risks of these printers and laser cutters. Bambu’s “sweet-smelling emissions” claim ignores the toxicity-you should never smell fumes at all! Particles can enter your bloodstream and brain. Would you risk that with your kids? I wouldn’t. *Carbon filters don’t help-they mask smells but don’t remove all plastic-related VOCs. In fact, it's slightly more risky. It makes the air smell nice, even though it's toxic for you.... But you risk further exposure because you'll stick around in it longer.
You need the entire safety package when buying this printer, but sellers aren’t providing it...(the same applies to lasers)
Disclaimer: I’m not a scientist. This reflects my interpretation of peer-reviewed studies and firsthand experience. Consult experts before use.
Things to beware of....
Bambu’s explicit warnings against enclosures for the A1 Mini, creating a catch-22 for users needing ventilation!
Studies confirming PLA’s toxic emissions, including ultrafine particles and carcinogenic VOCs.
Health risks: DNA damage, inflammation, and metabolic disruptions observed in peer-reviewed studies. (with PLA too)
Carbon filter limitations in addressing VOCs
Pro
- Impressive performance – Reliable print quality/functionality.
Contra
- PLA emits UFPs/VOCs – Linked to respiratory irritation, systemic inflammation
- Misleading claims – (Bamboo) "Sweet-smelling" ignores toxicity of nanoparticles/VOCs
- Filters ineffective – Carbon/HEPA mask odors but dont remove specific plastic-related VOCs
- Unbundled extractors – High Powered ventilation ($$$) required but not included/disclosed
- No safety guidance – Risks (e.g., UFPs entering bloodstream/brain) omitted at purchase
- Sold without clear warnings
The ideal 3D printer for beginners
Pro
- Quick commissioning in approx. 1 hour
- prints parts in very good quality with PLA filament
- Easy-to-use slicer from Bambu Studio
- Data transfer to the printer via LAN is very practical
- Automatic calibration of print parameters
- affordable printer
Contra
- Operating instructions in too small print
- rather small display on the printer
tiptop
Top device that has worked great since I bought it.
Pro
- Easy to operate
- Top-quality device
- Even as a noob you have fun
6 out of 11 reviews
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