Bambu Lab P1S
The Bambu Lab P1S is a fully enclosed CoreXY 3D printer with a 256x256x256mm build volume, 500mm/s print speeds at 20000mm/s² acceleration, all-metal hotend rated to 300°C, and AMS support for up to 16-color multi-material printing. Built-in camera, WiFi, and an activated carbon filter make it the most capable sub-$700 enclosed printer available.
Best enclosed all-rounder for multi-material and high-temp printing — skip if you want open-source firmware or a sub-$300 budget.
Where to Buy
Pros
- CoreXY kinematics with 500mm/s speed and 20000mm/s² acceleration — reviewers report Benchy prints in under 18 minutes
- Fully enclosed with activated carbon filter — prints ABS, ASA, and PC without warping or fumes
- AMS system supports up to 16 colors/materials in a single print with automatic filament switching
- All-metal hotend reaches 300°C — handles nylon, polycarbonate, and carbon-fiber composites
- Built-in camera for remote monitoring and timelapse recording via Bambu Handy app
Cons
- MSRP $699 (frequently discounted) — still a significant investment over the $199 A1 Mini
- Closed-source firmware with cloud dependency — no Klipper, no community mods
- Bed-leveling uses software compensation rather than a strain gauge or load cell
- AMS is a separate $249 purchase — multi-material capability is not included at base price
Enclosed CoreXY: Speed Without Compromise
The P1S combines CoreXY kinematics with a fully sealed enclosure, solving the fundamental tension in consumer 3D printing: you can print fast AND print high-temp materials. CoreXY moves only the toolhead, not the bed, enabling 500mm/s print speeds at 20000mm/s² acceleration without the ringing artifacts that plague bed-slingers at high speeds.
The enclosure maintains a stable 40-60°C chamber temperature, which is critical for ABS, ASA, nylon, and polycarbonate. These materials warp violently on open-frame printers because the temperature differential between the heated bed and ambient air creates internal stress. The P1S eliminates this with passive heat retention and an activated carbon filter that scrubs VOC emissions. You can print ABS in a bedroom without ventilation concerns.
The trade-off is build volume. At 256x256x256mm, you're limited compared to the Creality K1 Max's 300mm³ or the Prusa XL's 360x360x360mm. But for 90% of prints, 256mm is sufficient, and the enclosure benefit outweighs the size limitation.
AMS Multi-Material: The Killer Feature
Bambu's Automatic Material System is the P1S's defining advantage. A single AMS unit holds four spools and automatically loads, unloads, and switches between them mid-print. Daisy-chain up to four AMS units for 16 materials in one print. No other consumer printer matches this capability at this price point.
The system works reliably with PLA, PETG, and TPU. ABS and nylon require careful tuning of purge volumes and transition settings. Each material switch generates a purge block — roughly 1-2g of waste per swap. On a 16-color print, waste material can add 30-50g, which is significant but acceptable for the capability.
The AMS also enables dissolvable support interfaces using PVA with PLA or HIPS with ABS. This transforms complex overhanging geometry from a post-processing nightmare into a soak-and-done workflow. For functional assemblies with tight tolerances, dissolvable supports are transformative.
Cloud Ecosystem: Convenience vs Control
Bambu Studio (the slicer) and the Bambu Handy mobile app provide a seamless workflow: slice on desktop, send to printer via WiFi, monitor via the built-in camera, get push notifications when the print finishes. The experience feels closer to a consumer appliance than a hobby tool.
The downside is lock-in. Bambu's firmware is proprietary. You cannot flash Klipper, add custom macros, or modify acceleration curves beyond what Bambu exposes. OrcaSlicer (open-source fork of Bambu Studio) adds some flexibility, but the printer itself remains a black box. For users who want to tune input shaping parameters or write custom G-code macros, the Prusa MK4S with its open-source firmware is a better fit.
The camera streams at 1080p over WiFi and records automatic timelapses. Bambu Cloud stores prints and settings, but LAN-only mode is available for users who prefer to keep their printer off the internet.
Full Specifications
Connectivity
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n |
I/O & Interfaces
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Extruder | Direct drive |
| Hotend | All-metal |
| Auto Leveling | Eddy current |
| Build Plate | Textured PEI spring steel |
| Camera | Built-in 1080p (remote monitoring + timelapse) |
| Display | 2.8" monochrome LCD |
Physical
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Enclosure | Fully enclosed with activated carbon filter |
| Multi-Color | AMS compatible (up to 16 colors) |
| Noise Level | 49 dB |
| Dimensions | 386 x 389 x 458 mm |
Who Should Buy This
The AMS system handles up to 16 colors automatically, and the enclosed chamber keeps ABS and ASA warp-free. 300°C hotend prints tough, paintable materials. No other printer under $1000 matches this multi-material workflow.
The enclosed build chamber maintains stable temps for nylon and polycarbonate. CoreXY delivers dimensional accuracy across all axes. The 256mm³ volume fits most functional parts. This is the prototyping workhorse.
Auto-calibration, cloud slicing via Bambu Studio, and a built-in camera make this the most hands-off printing experience available. Unbox, load filament, hit print. The trade-off is zero firmware customization.
At $699 MSRP (frequently discounted), this is overkill for learning. The Bambu Lab A1 Mini at $199 delivers the same Bambu ecosystem, same app, same reliability — just smaller and without the enclosure.
Better alternative: Bambu Lab A1 Mini
Bambu's firmware is closed-source with no Klipper support. You cannot flash custom firmware, add macros, or modify the motion system. The Prusa MK4S is fully open-source and mod-friendly.
Better alternative: Prusa MK4S
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1S worth it over the A1?
Yes, if you need an enclosure for ABS/ASA/nylon or want 16-color AMS support. The P1S's sealed chamber eliminates warping on high-temp materials. If you only print PLA and PETG, the A1 at $299 delivers identical speed and print quality without the enclosure premium.
Can the P1S print without an internet connection?
Yes. LAN-only mode lets you send prints over your local network without Bambu Cloud. You can also print from an SD card. The camera and remote monitoring require WiFi, but the printer itself operates fully offline.
How loud is the Bambu Lab P1S?
Both the P1S and A1 are rated at 49dB. The P1S enclosure dampens motor noise but the enclosed fans can be slightly more audible at full cooling. It is noticeably quieter than the Creality K1 Max. Both are comfortable for living spaces.
Does the P1S come with the AMS?
No. The base P1S is $699 without AMS. The AMS (4-spool unit) is $249 separately. Bambu sells a P1S Combo bundle with one AMS included at a discount. You can add up to four AMS units for 16 colors total.
P1S vs Prusa MK4S: which should I buy?
The P1S wins on speed (500mm/s vs ~200mm/s), enclosure, and multi-material via AMS. The MK4S wins on open-source firmware, print quality at lower speeds, and community mod support. Choose the P1S for production volume and high-temp materials; choose the MK4S for maximum control and customization.
What filaments can the P1S print?
PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, nylon (PA6/PA12), polycarbonate, PVA, and carbon-fiber composites. The all-metal hotend handles up to 300°C, and the enclosed chamber prevents warping on high-temp materials. A hardened steel nozzle is recommended for abrasive filaments like CF-PLA.
Is the P1S good for a beginner?
It is excellent for beginners who want reliable results without tinkering. Auto-calibration, cloud slicing, and the Bambu app simplify the workflow. However, at $699, the A1 Mini at $199 is a less risky entry point to learn whether 3D printing suits your needs.