When I first ventured into the world of 3D printing, I had no idea how captivating it would become. I started, as many do, with an entry-level machine—a Creality CR6. It was a great start, opening up a world of creativity and possibility. Over time, though, my projects grew more complex, and so did my desire to expand my printer’s capabilities. Eventually, I took the plunge and upgraded to a Bambu Lab P1S, complete with the Automatic Material System (AMS), making multicolour printing possible.
For anyone considering getting into 3D printing or making the leap from a beginner to a more advanced setup, here’s a bit about my experience and what I’ve learned along the way.
Starting Out: The Creality CR6
The Creality CR6 was my first printer, and it taught me the fundamentals. It’s an affordable, reliable machine, perfect for learning the ins and outs of 3D printing. I used it to make simple models, custom tools, and, naturally, some fun projects for my kids. Like many beginners, I faced some challenges: bed leveling, calibration, and troubleshooting small quirks that come with a lower-end machine. But with every print, I learned more and became fascinated by the endless possibilities 3D printing offers.
The CR6 allowed me to build a solid foundation in the basics—something invaluable when you’re just starting out. I became comfortable with slicing software, bed leveling, and maintaining the printer itself. Over time, I got to a point where I wanted to push my projects further and experiment with more intricate, detailed prints. That’s when I started looking at upgrades.
The Upgrade: Enter the Bambu Lab P1S
After much research, I decided to invest in the Bambu Lab P1S, a significant step up from my trusty CR6. The difference was night and day! The P1S offered faster speeds, better quality prints, and a much more robust feature set. But the real game-changer was the AMS (Automatic Material System), which allowed me to experiment with multicolour prints for the first time.
The Bambu Lab P1S is incredibly user-friendly, but it’s also a powerhouse that can handle complex, high-quality projects with ease. I found myself diving into larger, more detailed designs, exploring new filament types, and challenging myself to create more sophisticated pieces. The P1S’s reliability and precision opened up new possibilities, and I was thrilled with the quality and consistency of the prints.
Discovering the World of Multicolour Printing
Adding the AMS to my setup was an exciting milestone. If you’ve ever worked with a single-colour printer, you know how impactful a multicolour upgrade can be. Suddenly, I was able to create pieces that had depth, vibrancy, and a more professional look. The AMS allowed me to load multiple filaments at once, and the system automatically switches colours mid-print—a huge time-saver and a seamless way to add complexity to my projects.
With multicolour printing, I could take on projects I’d never imagined before. From vibrant toys and models for my kids to intricate, multi-shade designs, this new capability transformed what I could create. The P1S with the AMS has helped me bring my creative ideas to life in ways that weren’t possible before, allowing for the added detail and dimension that makes prints stand out.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
- Invest in Quality Where You Can: If you’re serious about 3D printing, investing in a higher-quality printer and upgrades like the AMS can make a world of difference. The added capabilities, precision, and ease of use are well worth it.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Whether it’s trying out new filaments, adjusting settings, or diving into multicolour printing, don’t hesitate to push your boundaries. Each experiment teaches you something new, and sometimes the best prints come from unexpected changes.
- Maintenance Matters: Keeping your printer in good shape is crucial. Regular cleaning, calibration, and occasional upgrades keep everything running smoothly and improve print quality.
- Stay Connected: There’s a fantastic 3D printing community out there, and joining forums, following blogs, and watching tutorials can be incredibly helpful. I’ve learned so much from others who share their experiences and insights.
What’s Next?
The journey doesn’t end here. I’m always on the lookout for new challenges and creative ideas to bring to life with 3D printing. As my setup grows and my skills improve, so does my list of project ideas. With the P1S and AMS, I’m excited to keep exploring the potential of multicolour prints and dive deeper into more advanced techniques.
For those just starting or looking to upgrade, I’d say take it one step at a time, enjoy the learning process, and don’t shy away from the big leaps when you’re ready. 3D printing is a rewarding journey, and with the right tools, there’s no limit to what you can create.
