Is the Bambu Lab P1P 3D Printer the Best Budget 3D Printer for Beginners?

The world of 3D printing is advancing rapidly, with new printers coming to market that offer faster print speeds, higher resolution, and more user-friendly features. One model that has generated significant buzz is the Bambu Lab P1P – an affordable, entry-level 3D printer designed for beginners. But how does it stack up against more established budget printers like the Prusa i3 MK3S?

In this detailed comparison article, we’ll examine the key specs and capabilities of the P1P versus the MK3S and other comparable models. Read on for a comprehensive look at print speed, print quality, software, ease of use, community support, and other vital factors to consider when choosing a 3D printer.

Overview of the Bambu Lab P1P 3D Printer

The P1P is the latest release from startup Bambu Lab, which successfully launched its high-end X1 model in 2021 via Kickstarter. The company took the lessons learned from designing the X1 and applied them to create a more accessible printer optimized for novices.

Key specs of the P1P include:

• Build volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
• Print speed: Up to 125 mm/s
• Layer resolution: 50 – 300 microns
• Extruder: Single, geared extruder
• Filament: 1.75mm PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS
• Bed leveling: Automatic ABL probe
• Frame: Aluminum alloy
• Display: 3.5” color touchscreen
• Connectivity: WiFi, USB, Ethernet
• Software: Bambu Studio
• Dimensions: 425 x 420 x 430 mm
• Weight: 15 kg

With a retail price of $799, the P1P competes squarely against the venerable Prusa i3 MK3S and other sub-$1000 printers like the Artillery Genius and Anycubic Vyper. It’s positioned as an accessible first 3D printer with premium features and print quality.

How Does the P1P 3D Printer Compare on Print Speed?

One of the highlight features of the P1P is its high maximum print speed of 125mm/s, made possible by the printer’s sturdy frame, quality stepper motors, and optimized motion control firmware. This is significantly faster than the Prusa i3 MK3S, which is limited to 200mm/s on the X/Y axes and 10-20mm/s on the Z axis.

In practice, most prints will occur at lower speeds than the absolute maximum. But Bambu Labs says the P1P can achieve average print speeds of 70-100mm/s reliably. This gives it an advantage for quickly prototyping and producing multiple prints in sequence.

However, speed isn’t everything. Too much speed can lead to reduced print quality, especially for complex geometric prints. Slower printers like the MK3S may have an edge for certain prints requiring very high precision. The P1P does allow users to customize print speeds per object and layer. Finding the right speed balance between speed and quality for a given print is key.

Print Quality Comparison

Build quality and dimensional accuracy are crucial for any 3D printer. Here again, the P1P is very competitive for its price range.

Its 50-micron resolution on the Z axis can produce detailed prints with smooth surfaces. X/Y axis resolution is formally 12.5 microns, comparable to the MK3S. P1P print tests show excellent reproduction of small features and sharp corners.

The P1P’s enclosed design helps maintain a constant heated chamber temperature throughout a print, reducing warping and shrinkage issues. This allows printing of more exotic materials like ABS and TPU. The spring steel print bed, auto bed leveling, and all-metal hotend also help bolster print consistency.

One difference is that the P1P uses a Bowden extruder, versus the MK3S’s direct drive. In general, Bowden extruders are harder to calibrate, more prone to oozing, and have slightly lower precision. But the P1P’s optimized extruder and hotend mitigate many of these drawbacks.

One area where the MK3S still has an advantage is print recovery and reliability. The MK3S has robust object detection, allowing it to resume a print after a failed layer. The P1P currently lacks this ability. For users that tend to print very large jobs, the MK3S’s recovery features are invaluable.

How Easy are They to Set Up and Use?

Ease of use is another important evaluation criteria, as beginners don’t want to be bogged down with complex calibrations and settings. Here the P1P aims to provide a friendly out-of-box experience.

Setup is straightforward, with the printer mostly pre-assembled. Guided calibration walks users through bed leveling, z-offset adjustment, and extruder priming. Total setup time is estimated at under 30 minutes.

The color touchscreen provides an intuitive interface for selecting and starting prints. Key settings like temperature can also be monitored and adjusted mid-print.

In comparison, the MK3S has a steeper learning curve. There is more hands-on assembly and tinkering required during initial setup and calibration. The LCD interface is usable but basic compared to the P1P’s touchscreen. Those new to 3D printing may find the P1P more approachable.

Once dialed in, both printers are relatively easy to use day-to-day. But the P1P’s guided calibration and onboard interface give it the edge for novices.

Software and Connectivity

When it comes to software, the P1P uses Bambu Studio, an integrated slicer and control program. It has simplified print preparation workflows, with built-in profiles for each material. And wireless connectivity allows monitoring and controlling prints from other devices.

The MK3S uses the open-source PrusaSlicer, which has advanced controls but also a steeper learning curve. It requires connecting the printer to a computer via USB for printing.

For beginners that want accessible software and wireless printing, the integrated Bambu Studio ecosystem is appealing. Power users may eventually want the finer customization offered by PrusaSlicer down the road.

Filament Capabilities

In terms of materials, the P1P comes ready to print key filaments like PLA, PETG, TPU, and ABS. Its hotend can reach 280C, sufficient for most common materials. The heated chamber allows printing more temperamental filaments like ABS without warping.

The MK3S is also designed for PLA, PETG, and ABS printing. But it may require more tuning when printing ABS and other technical materials.

Overall the P1P and MK3S have broadly similar filament capabilities. The P1P’s enclosed design gives it a slight edge for printing ABS. But both can handle all standard beginner materials quite well.

Community Support

The MK3S benefits from Prusa’s years of community knowledge and support resources. As one of the most popular 3D printers, there is ample documentation and troubleshooting advice available online.

As a newer company, Bambu Labs doesn’t yet have the same level of community resources. But their online documentation is quite helpful for getting started and calibrated. Additional guides and videos are still growing as more users get hands-on experience with the printer.

This category still favors the MK3S currently. But continued growth of the Bambu Lab user community will help expand real-world knowledge of the P1P.

Verdict: A Compelling New Option Under $1000

The Bambu Lab P1P makes a strong case as a quality starter printer under $1000. For the price, it delivers excellent print speeds, quality, ease of use, and reliability. The company drew from experiences with its higher-end X1 model to engineer an affordable but very capable machine.

Compared to segment leader Prusa’s i3 MK3S, the P1P prioritizes faster printing and a polished user experience. The MK3S still edges out on community support and hardcore tinkering capability. But for a hassle-free entry into 3D printing, the P1P is hard to beat.

Considering its balance of speed, quality, and value, the Bambu Lab P1P earns our recommendation as one of the top budget printers for beginners in 2022 and beyond. It’s an ideal first printer for exploring the possibilities of desktop fabrication at home.