Is the Bambu Lab P1P Still a Good Choice for Beginner 3D Printing Enthusiasts?

The Bambu Lab P1P took the consumer 3D printing world by storm when it was first released in 2021. Marketed as an affordable, high-quality 3D printer perfect for beginners, the P1P gained a strong following amongst hobbyists and tinkerers. Now into 2023, some are wondering if the P1P still stands up against newer budget printers. This article will dive into the key pros and cons of the P1P to help you decide if it’s still a smart buy.

Overview of the Bambu Lab P1P’s Features

First, let’s recap what the P1P offers right out of the box:

• Build volume of 7.1 x 7.1 x 7.9 in (180 x 180 x 200 mm)
• FDM printing with a 0.4mm nozzle
• Maximum print speed of 80mm/s
• Filament runout detection
• HEPA filter to reduce ultrafine particle emissions
• Touch screen user interface
• Wireless connectivity & webcam monitoring via mobile app
• Automatic bed leveling
• Single extruder with direct drive
• Open filament system (not locked to proprietary cartridges)
• Maximum nozzle temp of 300°C
• Heated print bed up to 60°C

Notable highlights for beginners are the generous build volume, WiFi/app connectivity, enclosed design to limit fumes, and auto bed leveling. Right away you can see how Bambu Lab designed this printer to be approachable for printing novices.

Easy Set Up is Key for Beginners

One of the P1P’s biggest selling points is its simple set up process. Everything necessary comes neatly packaged together, including tools for assembly, a spool of PLA filament, and spare parts like nozzles. The instructions are clear with a focus on visuals over dense text.

For those new to 3D printing, assembling their first printer can be intimidating. However, P1P reviews consistently praise how straightforward it is to put together in under an hour, even for total beginners. The P1P’s well-designed instructions lower the barrier to entry for DIY 3D printing.

Post-assembly, getting started with your first print is made simple through the complementary Bambu Studio slicer software. It detects when the P1P is connected via WiFi and configures all the optimal print settings automatically. You don’t have to tinker with temperature, speeds, or supports—just load a model and hit print. This makes the initial experience frustration-free.

Reliable and Consistent Printing Out the Box

Once set up, the P1P delivers reliable print quality for beginners and experienced users alike. Here are some of its capabilities right out of the box:

• Good dimensional accuracy within +/- 0.2mm.
• Clean, detailed prints when using the stock 0.4mm nozzle.
• Sturdy parts thanks to proper cooling and hot end temperatures.
• Minimal stringing or oozing.
• Excellent first layer adhesion when using the heated bed.
• Capable of bridging up to ~40mm without supports.

For novice makers, it’s empowering to get successful prints without having to constantly tweak and calibrate. The P1P just works. Bambu Lab put a lot of R&D into the hardware and software to optimize the out-of-box experience. You can focus on design and creativity rather than troubleshooting.

The enclosed chamber and HEPA filter also limit potential issues caused by drafts or particle emissions. Prints turn out predictable and consistent. For beginners still learning the overall process, the P1P removes headaches and frustrations.

Large Community Provides Help for Beginners

As a popular budget printer, the P1P benefits from a thriving community of users. Active forums and groups exist on Reddit, Facebook, Discord, and Bambu Lab’s own forums.

For new owners, this community support is invaluable. You can easily find answers to common questions or ask advice on modifications and troubleshooting. Seeing examples from other P1P owners helps inspire your own designs. Seasoned users frequently give back by sharing their prints and software profiles.

The scale of the P1P community extends the value of the printer itself. You have a knowledgeable support network eager to help beginners get the most out of this entry-level 3D printer. Don’t underestimate the power of community when picking your first printer.

Expandability Options for Advanced Users

While great for beginners out the box, the P1P offers room to grow for more advanced users. The open filament system means you aren’t limited to costly proprietary cartridges. You can experiment with materials like wood, carbon fiber, or glow-in-the-dark PLA from any brand once you’re comfortable.

Advanced users can also look into printing upgrades and modifications shared online by the community. Common examples include:

• Adding a Raspberry Pi camera for higher resolution monitoring.
• Upgrading the hotend to an all-metal microswiss or orbiter for more reliability at higher temps.
• Adding a BLTouch for automated bed leveling.
• Installing LED lighting bars for better illumination.
• Printing and installing a dual-gear extruder for more precision with flexible filaments.
• Adding a filament runout sensor.

While not required, these mods allow you to enhance the P1P as your experience level grows. It remains a capable printer even for intermediate users.

Cons to Consider for Advanced Use

However, there are some drawbacks to note if you plan to use the P1P beyond beginner applications:

• No auto nozzle wiping: The P1P lacks a servo-controlled wiping pad to automatically clean the nozzle between prints. This can lead to more stringing when frequently printing different materials. An easy DIY fix but something to consider.
• No all-metal hotend stock: The PTFE-lined hotend limits you to temps below 240°C. To print higher-temp materials like ABS or nylon, you’ll need to upgrade the hotend.
• No onboard camera: The P1P relies on your phone camera for monitoring. A simple USB webcam hack improves things. Lacking an integrated camera is a common tradeoff for this price range.
• Single Z-axis leadscrew: A dual Z-axis leadscrew improves stability for taller prints and avoids potential binding/wobble issues. Upgrading is possible but adds complexity.

While not dealbreakers, these limitations favor more casual use cases. Advanced users may want to budget upgrades into their purchase price.

Is the P1P Still Competitive on Price in 2023?

The P1P launched at $429 USD, an aggressive price point given the build quality and features. In 2023, it still represents good value at its retail price of $499. Competing printers have been released since 2021, so how does it stack up?

The Artillery Genius Pro launched in 2022 at a similar price but lacks the P1P’s reliability and community support. It also has a smaller build volume.

The popular Ender 3 S1 Pro costs slightly less but requires more DIY assembly, tuning, and modifications to match the P1P’s ease of use. Similar caveats apply to the Sidewinder X2.

Overall, the P1P still hits a sweet spot of price, performance, and reliability that newer competitors can’t quite match. It retains strong value, especially for first-time buyers who want a frustration-free entry point.

Is Bambu Lab Discontinuing the P1P?

Some potential buyers have expressed concern about the P1P being discontinued in 2023 after seeing rumors online. However, Bambu Lab has confirmed they are continuing to manufacture and sell the P1P into the foreseeable future.

It remains an important entry-level model even as Bambu Lab expands their printer lineup and ecosystem. For 2023, you can expect steady availability of the P1P along with parts support. There is no indication of it being replaced or discontinued at this time.

Rest assured the P1P will still be sold and supported by its active community well into 2023. For beginners, it remains a smart, safe choice of a first 3D printer thanks to Bambu Lab’s continued commitment to this popular model.

Conclusion – The P1P is Still a Great Value for Beginner 3D Printing

In summary, the Bambu Lab P1P remains an excellent beginner 3D printer in 2023 despite newer competition. Key factors for novices include:

• Straightforward setup with no complex calibration required.
• Intuitive interface via the touchscreen and app.
• Consistent, high-quality printing right out of the box.
• Great community support via forums and online groups.
• Expandability for more advanced use cases.
• Competitive value when comparing build volume and features.

For entry-level printing and tinkering, the P1P is still hard to beat. While not without some limitations for advanced use, it delivers a frustration-free introduction to desktop 3D printing at a fair price. Backed by Bambu Lab’s continued support, the P1P remains a smart, reliable choice for beginners even in 2023.