Bambu Lab A1 mini: Difference between revisions

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== Buying Filaments ==
== Buying Filaments ==


The A1 mini takes 1.75mm filament, so choose some PLA or PETG in your favourite colour. PETG prints slightly stringy but results in a bunch stronger print. PLA will good detail and result in a clean printExtra strength can be obtained by using carbon fibre filaments, but please check the specs to ensure that it works with a 0.4mm nozzle. You can buy genuine Bambu filament off the Bambu store, or just shop about on Amazon.
The A1 mini takes 1.75mm filament, so choose some PLA or PETG in your favourite colour.
 
PETG prints well, is tougher than PLA but can create strings if printing too fast - is better that PLA when coming into contact with water and will resist higher ambient temperatures than PLA.
 
PLA gives good detail and clean prints - is brittle and is not good to use in moist conditions - it will also tend to misform in high ambient temperatures.   
 
'''The nozzle in the A1 mini is not hardened so do not use filaments that contain "fillers" such as Carbon fiber or glow in the dark - they will ruin the printer nozzle. (We will be getting a hardened nozzle in the near future if the use of the A1 mini justifies the expense)
'''
You can buy branded Bambu filament off the Bambu store, or just shop about on Amazon.


== Sending jobs from your own laptop ==
== Sending jobs from your own laptop ==


The printer should appear in Bambu Studio under the device dropdown. If it doesn't, you may need to adjust your firewall settings.
The printer should appear in Bambu Studio (The recommended slicer for the A1 mini) under the device dropdown. If it doesn't, you may need to adjust your firewall settings.
 
When connecting to the printer, it will ask for a PIN code which can be found on the printer under Settings > LAN Only. Please do not press the refresh icon, as everyone else that already has setup their slicer will need to reset their PIN code.  


When connecting to the printer, it will ask for a PIN code which can be found on the printer under Settings, then LAN Only. Please do not press the refresh icon as everyone will need to find the PIN code again after setting it up on their machine.
'''Do not register the printer to any Bambu account - please leave this in LAN Only mode.'''


Do not register the printer to any Bambu account - please leave this in LAN Only mode.
== Slicing the part ==
Once the printer is configured in Bambu Studio, import your object (the slicer accepts a number of file formats) and orient it to minimise overhangs. Supports can be enabled if necessary.
 
Ensure that you are slicing for the correct filament you have loaded or will load into the printer.
 
Click the Preview tab to slice the model. You can move up and down between the layers to ensure certain areas will provide enough strength etc.  


== Printing ==  
== Printing ==  


Once the printer is configured in Bambu Studio, import your STL file and orient it to minimise overhangs. Supports can be enabled if necessary. Once done, click the Preview tab, which will slice the model. You can move up and down between the layers to ensure certain areas will provide enough strength etc. You can then click "Print plate" which will send it to the printer.
Check your filament is loaded.  Load your filament by following the instructions on the A1 mini screen under Filament > load. Choose the filament type Generic PLA or Generic PETG etc.
 
Check that the build plate is correctly positioned.
 
If you are happy with the timings etc of the sliced item go back to Bambu studio and in preview tab choose "Print plate", this will Send the sliced code to the printer and the print job will begin.
 
The printer will go through its startup routine (which includes auto bed levelling).
 
When the print is completed - wait a few minutes for the build plate to cool down and then it should be very easy to remove your printed item.


== Cleaning up ==
== Cleaning up ==
Unload your filament by following the instructions on the A1 mini screen under Filament > unload.
Ensure the build plate is free of supports and your printed item and any filament purge lines (found at the front of the build plate).


Cut and eject your filament by following the instructions on the base of the printer (above the display). Ensure the print bed is free of supports and your part.


[[Category:3D Printing]]
[[Category:3D Printing]]

Revision as of 16:28, 10 August 2024

Bambu Lab A1 mini
Manufacturer Bambu
Model A1 mini
AKA {{{aka}}}
Obtained (7 August 2024)
Location 3D Printer Area
Team 3D Printing
Induction Required No
Booking {{{booking}}}
Status Defunct
Tools:   all pageslistPower ToolsBroken tools     {{}}


This printer was installed in the Space on 7th August, 2024.

Buying Filaments

The A1 mini takes 1.75mm filament, so choose some PLA or PETG in your favourite colour.

PETG prints well, is tougher than PLA but can create strings if printing too fast - is better that PLA when coming into contact with water and will resist higher ambient temperatures than PLA.

PLA gives good detail and clean prints - is brittle and is not good to use in moist conditions - it will also tend to misform in high ambient temperatures.

The nozzle in the A1 mini is not hardened so do not use filaments that contain "fillers" such as Carbon fiber or glow in the dark - they will ruin the printer nozzle. (We will be getting a hardened nozzle in the near future if the use of the A1 mini justifies the expense) You can buy branded Bambu filament off the Bambu store, or just shop about on Amazon.

Sending jobs from your own laptop

The printer should appear in Bambu Studio (The recommended slicer for the A1 mini) under the device dropdown. If it doesn't, you may need to adjust your firewall settings.

When connecting to the printer, it will ask for a PIN code which can be found on the printer under Settings > LAN Only. Please do not press the refresh icon, as everyone else that already has setup their slicer will need to reset their PIN code.

Do not register the printer to any Bambu account - please leave this in LAN Only mode.

Slicing the part

Once the printer is configured in Bambu Studio, import your object (the slicer accepts a number of file formats) and orient it to minimise overhangs. Supports can be enabled if necessary.

Ensure that you are slicing for the correct filament you have loaded or will load into the printer.

Click the Preview tab to slice the model. You can move up and down between the layers to ensure certain areas will provide enough strength etc.

Printing

Check your filament is loaded. Load your filament by following the instructions on the A1 mini screen under Filament > load. Choose the filament type Generic PLA or Generic PETG etc.

Check that the build plate is correctly positioned.

If you are happy with the timings etc of the sliced item go back to Bambu studio and in preview tab choose "Print plate", this will Send the sliced code to the printer and the print job will begin.

The printer will go through its startup routine (which includes auto bed levelling).

When the print is completed - wait a few minutes for the build plate to cool down and then it should be very easy to remove your printed item.

Cleaning up

Unload your filament by following the instructions on the A1 mini screen under Filament > unload.

Ensure the build plate is free of supports and your printed item and any filament purge lines (found at the front of the build plate).