Clearly, this printer is something else entirely... Here we are at another level of 3D printing.
It's truly incredible what this printer can do. It's a huge advantage to be able to print with multiple colors or materials simultaneously without any interruption or human intervention. The printer changes filaments automatically, awesome!!!.
Some people say it's the best printer in the world...
This is the combo version that already includes the filament dispenser (AMS - Automatic Material System). We can use up to 4 filaments, and the printer can automatically switch between them. These filaments can be simply different colors or different materials.
It's packed with technology like a lidar sensor that uses AI to see and understand how the first layer of printing is being done, and alerts us if anything is wrong throughout the printing process.
It also has an internal camera that allows us to monitor and film the entire printing process using our phones.
This print uses the Bambu Studio as a slicer:
Fig.1 - Exemple of the slicer software - Bambu Studio.
Some pictures of the 3D Printer:
Fig.2 - Bambu Lab X1-Carbon - front view.
Fig.3 - Bambu Lab X1-Carbon - side view.
Fig.4 - Filament dispenser - AMS (Automatic Material System).
Fig.5 - Bambu Lab X1-Carbon - back.
Fig.6 - Bambu Lab X1-Carbon - printing I.
Fig.7 - Bambu Lab X1-Carbon - printing II.
Here are the specifications for this printer:
Mechanical & structural design:
Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM);
Motion System: CoreXY architecture, which allows fast and precise movements;
Enclosure / Frame: Steel chassis + aluminum and glass enclosure;
Build Volume: 256 × 256 × 256 mm (X × Y × Z);
Physical Dimensions: 389 × 389 × 457 mm (printer without AMS);
Weight: ~ 14.13 kg (without AMS);
Extruder, Hotend & Filament:
Nozzle: Comes with a 0.4 mm hardened steel nozzle;
Hotend: All-metal hotend, capable of high temperatures;
Max Hotend Temperature: 300 °C;
Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm;
Supported Materials: Standard - PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PET;
Build Plate cames with 2 options, with a dual-sided PEI textured plate;
Max Build Plate Temperature: 110 °C at 220V / 120 °C at 110V.
Performance: Speed, Accuracy & Quality:
Max Print Speed (Toolhead): Up to 500 mm/s;
Max Acceleration: 20 m/s² (i.e., 20,000 mm/s²);
Flow Rate: ~ 32 mm³/s;
Printing Accuracy: ± 7 microns.
Sensors, Automation & Intelligence:
Micro LIDAR Sensor: used for auto bed-leveling and first-layer inspection;
Dual Auto Bed Leveling: Independent sensor sets, plus algorithm for reliable leveling;
AI Features: AI inspected first layer (checks quality of first layer) and spaghetti-failure detection, the printer’s AI can detect when filament is misbehaving (“spaghetti”) and pause / stop the print;
Power-loss Recovery: it can resume a print after a power outage;
Filament Run-Out Detection: Sensor for end-of-filament / low filament;
Camera Monitoring: The Combo includes a camera for monitoring prints.
Software / Slicer: Bambu Studio is the primary slicer; also supports standard G-code export from third-party slicers like Cura, PrusaSlicer, SuperSlicer.
Print Quality & Use Case Observations:
Because of its very high speed (500 mm/s) and high acceleration, the X1-Carbon Combo is very good for fast prototyping and production-level printing;
The all-metal hotend and high temperature capability (300 °C) make it compatible with advanced / engineering filaments, such as carbon-fiber nylon, PC, or other high-performance materials;
The AMS (Automatic Material System) included in the “Combo” allows for multi-color or multi-material printing (up to 4 different filaments);
Smart sensors (LIDAR + AI) greatly improve reliability: early detection of problems (first layer, spaghetti) reduces failed prints;
The enclosed frame helps with temperature stability, which is especially useful when printing with high-temp materials.
Summary:
The Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo is a high-performance, professional-grade 3D printer;
Speed (500 mm/s, 20,000 mm/s² acceleration);
Precision (± 7 microns, auto-leveling, LIDAR);
Versatility (supports advanced materials including carbon-fiber reinforced polymers);
Automation (AMS for multi-filament/color + AI-based error detection).
BQ Hephestos 2
This was my second 3D printer. A step above the previous one in every way. From print quality to multi-material support, such as PLA, ABS, Filafex, etc.
The final quality of the part produced with this printer is noticeably superior.
And with the huge advantage of having a larger printing base and being able to print with various types of materials, which makes it easier to handle the diverse types of my projects.
Some pictures of the 3D Printer:
Fig.8 - BQ Hephestos2 - side.
Fig.9 - BQ Hephestos2 - from view.
Fig.10 - BQ Hephestos 2 - view from above.
Fig.11 - BQ Hephestos 2 Printing.
I even made an entire acrylic enclosure with a door and lid so I could print correctly and without large temperature variations between the printer bed and ambient temperature or cold drafts. It worked perfectly. During the winter, the enclosure was essential. All the fitting parts for the enclosure were also designed and printed on the Hephestos 2.
Unfortunately, I no longer have any visible photographs of the enclosure. The best photo I have is the one below, where it's possible to see a little of the enclosure and that it's covered by a blanket.
Also visible are the white printed pieces on the top that serve as support and join the sides and top of the enclosure lid.
Fig.12 - Enclosure of the BQ Hephestos 2 printing a vase.
Here are the specifications for this printer:
Mechanical & structural design:
Build volume: 210 × 297 × 220 mm (X × Y × Z);
Print bed: Glass cold bed (220 × 305 mm) standard + heated bed upgrade kit (that i install, and essential for printing on ABS);
Extruder mechanics: Own-designed extruder featuring a dual drive gear (double gear traction) and filament guide, enabling compatibility with flexible/soft filaments;
Automatic/manual bed leveling: Inductive sensor is installed for auto-levelling and helps detect correct distance from the bed.
Electronics & firmware:
Controller board: BQ “Zum Mega 3D” board (based on ATmega2560) with standard ports: SD card reader, Micro-USB port;
Firmware: Derived from Marlin, open-source, developed and customized by BQ. Includes features like idle mode and automatic/manual bed-levelling;
Interfaces & file compatibility: LCD with rotary encoder for navigation. Software recommended includes like: Cura, Slic3r, Repetier, Kisslicer. Accepts .gcode files. Compatible with Windows, Mac OSX, Linux; (I use cura).
Printing performance & resolution:
Layer resolution: Very high – 50 µm, High – 100 µm, Medium – 200 µm, Low – 300 µm;
Maximum printing speed: Up to 200 mm/s;
Filament diameter: 1.75 mm;
Nozzle: 0.4 mm standard;
Materials is compatible with: PLA, wood - and metal - filled filaments, flexible filaments (like FilaFlex). With the heated bed upgrade: ABS, PETG, Nylon etc.
Build size & physical dimensions:
Printer dimensions (without spool): ~ 450 × 516 × 571 mm (static) and dynamic up to ~ 605 × 516 × 571 mm. With spool: ~450 × 516 × 661 mm (static) and ~605 × 516 × 661 mm (dynamic);
Weight: Approximately ~ 15-16 kg.
BQ Prusa i3 Hephestos
This was my first 3D Printer. This is what I started working with and became seriously interested in regarding to know everything about 3D printing. With this this printer i started printing my first parts. It was bought as a kit, it came completely disassembled, and I loved starting by assembling it piece by piece.
It took me the rest of the day, from when I received the package, until it was ready to print and full calibrated...
Fig.13 - Prusa i3 - side.
Fig.14 - Prusa i3 - from view.
Fig.15 - Prusa i3 - ready to print.
Fig.16 - Printing a little boat.
Here are the specifications for this printer:
Dimensions & Build Area:
Overall printer dimensions: approx. 460 mm (X) × 370 mm (Y) × 510 mm (Z, without filament roll). With the filament spool mounted the Z height may go to ~583 mm;
Build/print area (usable): approx. 215 mm (X) × 210 mm (Y) × 180 mm (Z).
Box dimensions: approx. 400 mm (X) × 400 mm (Y) × 250 mm (Z).
Print Resolution & Speed:
Resolution (layer height) stated: down to ~ 0.06 mm (60 microns) as very fine;
Printing maximum speed: 80 mm/s;
Recomended Printing speed: 50 mm/s.
General Mechanics & Structure:
Frame and motion: Powder-coated aluminium frame & base. Chrome/plated smooth rods for X, Y, Z axes; linear ball bearings (LM8UU) for carriage motion;
Drive system: GT2 belt on X & Y axes;
Print bed: It uses a weated glass bed sized, 220 × 220 × 3 mm;
Extruder mechanics: The model uses a custom extruder design (same as used for the Witbox) with a 0.4 mm nozzle; includes a part-cooling nozzle fan.
Electronics & Software:
Electronics: This Kit uses standard open-source components like Arduino Mega + RAMPS;
Firmware: Uses a derivative of Marlin firmware;
Interfaces: Has USB Type B and SD-card reader support for file input;
Power supply: PS 220 VAC to 12 VDC - 100 W.
Extruder / Filament Details:
Filament diameter: 1.75 mm;
Nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm;
Interfaces: Has USB Type B and SD-card reader support for file input;
The 3D printers I Have Been Working With
Bambu Lab X1-Carbon
Clearly, this printer is something else entirely... Here we are at another level of 3D printing.
It's truly incredible what this printer can do. It's a huge advantage to be able to print with multiple colors or materials simultaneously without any interruption or human intervention. The printer changes filaments automatically, awesome!!!.
Some people say it's the best printer in the world...
This is the combo version that already includes the filament dispenser (AMS - Automatic Material System). We can use up to 4 filaments, and the printer can automatically switch between them. These filaments can be simply different colors or different materials.
It's packed with technology like a lidar sensor that uses AI to see and understand how the first layer of printing is being done, and alerts us if anything is wrong throughout the printing process.
It also has an internal camera that allows us to monitor and film the entire printing process using our phones.
This print uses the Bambu Studio as a slicer:
Fig.1 - Exemple of the slicer software - Bambu Studio.
Some pictures of the 3D Printer:
Fig.2 - Bambu Lab X1-Carbon - front view.
Fig.3 - Bambu Lab X1-Carbon - side view.
Fig.4 - Filament dispenser - AMS (Automatic Material System).
Fig.5 - Bambu Lab X1-Carbon - back.
Fig.6 - Bambu Lab X1-Carbon - printing I.
Fig.7 - Bambu Lab X1-Carbon - printing II.
Here are the specifications for this printer:
Mechanical & structural design:
Extruder, Hotend & Filament:
Print Bed / Build Plate:
Performance: Speed, Accuracy & Quality:
Sensors, Automation & Intelligence:
Electronics & Control:
Print Quality & Use Case Observations:
Summary:
BQ Hephestos 2
This was my second 3D printer. A step above the previous one in every way. From print quality to multi-material support, such as PLA, ABS, Filafex, etc.
The final quality of the part produced with this printer is noticeably superior.
And with the huge advantage of having a larger printing base and being able to print with various types of materials, which makes it easier to handle the diverse types of my projects.
Some pictures of the 3D Printer:
Fig.8 - BQ Hephestos2 - side.
Fig.9 - BQ Hephestos2 - from view.
Fig.10 - BQ Hephestos 2 - view from above.
Fig.11 - BQ Hephestos 2 Printing.
I even made an entire acrylic enclosure with a door and lid so I could print correctly and without large temperature variations between the printer bed and ambient temperature or cold drafts. It worked perfectly. During the winter, the enclosure was essential. All the fitting parts for the enclosure were also designed and printed on the Hephestos 2.
Unfortunately, I no longer have any visible photographs of the enclosure. The best photo I have is the one below, where it's possible to see a little of the enclosure and that it's covered by a blanket.
Also visible are the white printed pieces on the top that serve as support and join the sides and top of the enclosure lid.
Fig.12 - Enclosure of the BQ Hephestos 2 printing a vase.
Here are the specifications for this printer:
Mechanical & structural design:
Electronics & firmware:
Printing performance & resolution:
Build size & physical dimensions:
BQ Prusa i3 Hephestos
This was my first 3D Printer. This is what I started working with and became seriously interested in regarding to know everything about 3D printing. With this this printer i started printing my first parts. It was bought as a kit, it came completely disassembled, and I loved starting by assembling it piece by piece.
It took me the rest of the day, from when I received the package, until it was ready to print and full calibrated...
Fig.13 - Prusa i3 - side.
Fig.14 - Prusa i3 - from view.
Fig.15 - Prusa i3 - ready to print.
Fig.16 - Printing a little boat.
Here are the specifications for this printer:
Dimensions & Build Area:
Print Resolution & Speed:
General Mechanics & Structure:
Electronics & Software:
Extruder / Filament Details:
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