Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer: The Case for Going Enclosed
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The Bambu Lab P1S is a fully enclosed CoreXY 3D printer and the most accessible entry point into Bambu Lab's enclosed printer range. Its sealed chamber and activated carbon filtration system open up a wider range of materials than any open frame printer can handle, while retaining the same automatic calibration, app-based monitoring, and Bambu Studio integration that the A-Series printers are built around. For users who want to print ABS, ASA, PA, or composite filaments reliably, the P1S is where that capability becomes available in the Bambu Lab lineup.
Why Enclosure Matters
Engineering-grade filaments like ABS, ASA, PA (nylon), and PC (polycarbonate) are prone to warping, layer delamination, and cracking if the ambient temperature around the print drops during a job. An open frame printer sitting in a typical room cannot prevent this: air currents, temperature fluctuations, and the natural cooling of printed layers as they move away from the heated bed all introduce stress into materials that need consistent warmth to bond and cool correctly.
The P1S's enclosed chamber addresses this by containing the heat generated by the heated bed and the print environment itself. The result is that the chamber temperature rises and stabilises during a print, providing the warm, stable conditions that ABS and similar materials need to print without warping. The activated carbon filter within the enclosure also reduces the odours that ABS and ASA produce during printing, making the P1S more practical for home and office use than an open-air setup would be with the same materials.
Print Speed and Calibration
The P1S reaches print speeds up to 500 mm/s with 20,000 mm/s² acceleration. Vibration compensation and pressure advance calibration run automatically and work in the background during printing to maintain surface quality at higher speeds. Automatic bed levelling probes the print surface before each job, so Z-offset and bed tramming do not require manual intervention between prints. These systems carry over directly from the A-Series platform, which means the P1S operates with the same low-maintenance, consistent output that makes the A1 and A1 Mini easy to run day to day.
The P1S ships with a 0.4 mm stainless steel nozzle and supports 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.8 mm diameters. For composite filaments containing carbon fibre or glass fibre particles, a hardened steel nozzle is recommended as these abrasive materials wear standard stainless nozzles over time.
Multi-Colour Printing
The P1S is compatible with both the standard AMS and the AMS 2 Pro. Up to four AMS units can be connected to the P1S, enabling up to 16-colour printing. The P1S Combo includes one AMS unit from the outset. The AMS 2 Pro adds active filament drying at up to 65°C and RFID-based automatic profile recognition for Bambu Lab filaments, which is particularly useful when printing with moisture-sensitive materials like PA.
Connectivity and Monitoring
The P1S connects over Wi-Fi and is managed through Bambu Studio or the Bambu Handy app. A built-in camera supports remote print monitoring and timelapse capture. The Bambu Handy app sends notifications when prints complete or if an issue is detected, making it straightforward to run unattended prints with oversight from a phone. LAN mode is available for users who prefer direct local connectivity without cloud involvement.
How It Compares to the A1 and P2S
Compared to the open frame A1, the P1S adds enclosure and the full engineering materials capability that comes with it. The build volume is the same at 256 x 256 x 256 mm. Compared to the P2S, the P1S uses a standard stepper-based extruder rather than a servo system, has a lower maximum bed temperature (100°C vs 110°C), and does not include the 5-inch 1080p touchscreen that the P2S ships with. For users who want a capable enclosed printer without the added cost of the P2S's servo extrusion and display upgrades, the P1S is a strong fit.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Printing technology | FDM, CoreXY |
| Max print speed | 500 mm/s |
| Max acceleration | 20,000 mm/s² |
| Max nozzle temperature | 300°C |
| Max bed temperature | 100°C |
| Enclosure | Yes, with activated carbon filter |
| Included nozzle | 0.4 mm stainless steel |
| Supported nozzle sizes | 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 mm |
| Supported filaments | PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, PA, PVA, PET, and composites |
| Multi-colour support | Up to 16 colours with 4x AMS units |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, LAN |
| Camera | Integrated |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the P1S print ABS and ASA reliably?
Yes. The P1S's enclosed chamber maintains temperature stability during printing, which is what ABS and ASA need to prevent warping and layer delamination. The activated carbon filter also reduces the odours these materials produce, making the P1S practical for home and office use with engineering filaments.
What is the difference between the P1S and the P2S?
The P2S uses a PMSM servo extruder with up to 8.5 kg of extrusion force, a 5-inch 1080p touchscreen, a higher maximum bed temperature (110°C vs 100°C), and a faster top speed (600 mm/s vs 500 mm/s). The P1S uses a standard stepper extruder and does not include a touchscreen. Both have the same 256 x 256 x 256 mm build volume and enclosed chamber. The P1S is the more affordable option; the P2S adds servo extrusion, better composite material handling, and a polished interface.
Does the P1S need a hardened nozzle for composite filaments?
Yes. Carbon fibre and glass fibre composite filaments are abrasive and will wear a standard stainless steel nozzle over time. A hardened steel nozzle is recommended when printing composites regularly. The P1S ships with a 0.4 mm stainless steel nozzle; hardened steel nozzles are available separately.
Can I add AMS to a standalone P1S later?
Yes. The P1S is compatible with the standard AMS and AMS 2 Pro, both of which can be added after purchase. Up to four AMS units can be connected for up to 16-colour printing.
Summary
The Bambu Lab P1S is a fully enclosed 3D printer that brings ABS, ASA, PA, and composite filament capability into a machine that operates with the same ease as the open frame A-Series. It is the logical choice for anyone who has outgrown open frame printing or knows they need engineering materials from the start. View the Bambu Lab P1S and the P1S Combo at Everyday Home Living, and browse the full 3D Printers collection.