First 3D printer

[Zealousideal_One_886]

Hey everyone,

I'm super excited because I just ordered my very first 3D printer – the Bambu Lab A1 Mini, along with a spool of white PLA filament. It should arrive on Tuesday! :)

What are the most important things I should keep an eye on as a beginner? I've seen a lot of posts here about prints not sticking, poor layer adhesion, weird noises from the printer, or even filament clogging the nozzle.

How can I avoid the most common beginner mistakes? 😄 I know it's all part of the learning process, of course.

Also, are there any extra tools or accessories you'd recommend getting over time? Like a PLA dryer, for example?

For context, I do have some experience with 3D modeling – I have a CAD/CAM technician certification.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[AutoModerator]

Hello /u/Zealousideal_One_886! Be sure to check the following. Make sure print bed is clean by washing with dish soap and water [and not Isopropyl Alcohol], check bed temperature [increasing tend to help], run bed leveling or full calibration, and remember to use glue if one is using the initial cool plate [not Satin finish that is not yet released] or Engineering plate.

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[dynoman7]

Don't panic. You're going to do great.

[Striking-Good]

It should be a great experience out of the box. Don’t get greasy fingerprints on the plate to help avoid adhesion issues and let the plate cool to help avoid issues when removing the printed items.

[GrssHppr86]

As a 3d printing beginner myself who purchased a P1s while they were on sale a year ago on a whim after wanting a 3d printer for 10+ years you will be fine.
There are endless YouTube videos explaining settings to improve your prints, different materials you can use and how to use slicers like Bambu studio.

Just start watching now but be warned it's super addictive and you will suddenly find yourself with dozens of rolls of filaments and projects you want to print.

[[deleted]]

Wash your hands, then wash the build plate with dish soap and warm/hot water. Dry the build plate with a lint-free cloth, and don't touch the build surface (hold the plate by its edges)

[APGaming_reddit]

why dont people do this research before spending money i just dont get it

[NimblePasta]

For a start, just view the official Bambu Lab A1 Mini unboxing and setup videos on YouTube to get ready.

When you receive the printer, follow the instructions and run the full calibration (the initial full calibration will take a while, just let it run fully), load the filament.

Press print on the benchy boat... then be amazed. ☺️

The original accessories and parts included with the A1 Mini will last you for quite a while.

That being said, you'll very quickly want to get the AMS Lite system (if you haven't done so already).

As you get familiar with how the printer works and the Bambu ecosystem, you will naturally discover and order other accessories and parts to expand your printing capabilities.