🖨 3D Printer Radar
Updated: March 21, 2026How we rate →

A1 2026 RefreshExpected Q4 2026. Bambu has followed an annual refresh cycle for the A1 line. A 2026 refresh is expected with improved speed and possibly a larger build volume.

Bambu Lab A1
ProsumerFDMbambuBedSlinger

Bambu Lab A1

📐 256×256×256 mm500 mm/s🎨 4-color

Buy now or wait?

🗓 Released Oct 19, 2023
194 days until A1 2026 Refresh(884 of 1078 days through current cycle)
🔁

Cycle Advice

Wait

A1 2026 Refresh is on the way. We recommend waiting unless you need a printer right now.

📅 Add launch to calendar
💰

Deals Advice

good

Great time to buy — new model coming soon, current prices near their lowest

📅Deals Calendar

Oct 23
Jul 24
Apr 25
Jan 26
Oct 26
Great dealBambu Black Friday 2025 — one of the best annual sale events. Expect 30-40% off on Bambu.com and at retailers.
Good dealPrime Day 2026 — Bambu typically offers 15-25% discounts via Amazon.
Upcoming sale windows — Prime Day & Black Friday deals (hover for details)

📡On the Radar: A1 2026 Refresh

Expected Q4 2026

Bambu has followed an annual refresh cycle for the A1 line. A 2026 refresh is expected with improved speed and possibly a larger build volume.

Confidence: cycle based
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📊Printer Specs

TypeFDM
TierProsumer
MotionBedSlinger
Build Volume256 × 256 × 256 mm
Max Speed500 mm/s
Multicolor✅ 4 slots
Enclosure❌ No
Auto Calibration✅ Yes
Open Source❌ No

Supported Materials

PLAPETGTPUABS

🗂Models at a Glance

Model/ConfigBuild VolumeSpeedMulticolorBest For
A1 (standalone)256×256×256 mm500 mm/sNo (AMS sold separately)Large single-color prints.
A1 Combo256×256×256 mm500 mm/s4 colors (AMS included)Large multicolor prints on a budget.

💡About the Bambu Lab A1

The Bambu Lab A1 is a large-format bed-slinger offering a generous 256×256×256 mm build volume with full AMS multicolor support (4 colors, filament switching). Launched in October 2023, it sits between the compact Mini and the enclosed P-series — ideal for makers who need volume without paying for an enclosure.

  • Full AMS multicolor

    Unlike the A1 Mini's AMS Lite, the A1 Combo includes the full AMS with support for a wider range of filament types.

  • 256×256×256 mm build volume

    The largest build volume available in a Bambu bed-slinger — great for terrain, large cosplay props, and functional parts.

  • Bambu ecosystem integration

    Works with Bambu Studio, Bambu Handy app, and the full Bambu filament ecosystem including multi-material profiles.

🎯Who is this for?

Makers who want large prints and multicolor capability without an enclosure — ideal for PLA, PETG, and flexible materials.

FAQs

A1 or A1 Mini — which should I buy?

If build volume matters, the A1's 256×256×256 mm is significantly larger than the Mini's 180×180×180 mm. The A1 also uses the full AMS (more filament type support) vs the Mini's AMS Lite. If you're printing small objects or on a tight budget, the Mini is the better value.

Does the A1 need an enclosure for engineering materials?

Yes — without an enclosure, the A1 is best suited to PLA, PETG, and TPU. For ABS, ASA, PA, or PC you need the P1S or X1C which include factory enclosures.

Is the A1 good for multicolor printing?

Yes. The AMS (full version included in the Combo) supports 4-color filament switching and handles a wider range of materials than the AMS Lite. Expect some waste from purge towers, which is normal for filament-switching systems.

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