📋 Overview & Reviews

Last Updated: Based on reviews from the last 12 months (2024–2025)

Key Features

• 4‑color AMS Lite multi-material system
• High-speed printing up to 500 mm/s
• Compact footprint ideal for small spaces
• Auto bed leveling and vibration compensation
• Build volume: 180 × 180 × 180 mm
• Fully integrated Bambu Studio slicer ecosystem

Community Reviews & Feedback

Positive Aspects:

• Extremely easy to use — “plug and print” experience
• AMS Lite is reliable and simple to maintain
• Outstanding print quality for a compact printer
• Fast printing with minimal tuning required
• Great for miniatures, signs, and decorative models

Areas for Improvement:

• Small build volume limits larger projects
• Purge waste still present with multi-color prints
• Not ideal for ABS due to open-frame design
• Occasional AMS Lite filament tangles reported

🎯 Best Practices for A1 Mini + AMS Lite

Initial Setup

1. Assemble AMS Lite and connect via the included cable
2. Run auto bed leveling and vibration calibration
3. Update firmware for both printer and AMS Lite
4. Load filaments and run AMS Lite calibration
5. Print a multi-color test model

Daily Maintenance

• Clean the textured plate before each print
• Check AMS Lite filament paths for dust
• Inspect extruder gears weekly
• Lubricate linear rods monthly
• Monitor purge tower size for multi-color jobs

Material Handling

• PLA recommended for best multi-color results
• PETG works well with slower speeds
• TPU not recommended in AMS Lite
• Store filament in dry boxes to prevent tangles

🖥️ Recommended Slicers

The A1 Mini + AMS Lite works best with:

• Bambu Studio (Official): Full AMS Lite integration
• OrcaSlicer: Community favorite with advanced tuning

⚙️ Optimal Slicer Settings

General Quality Settings

Setting	Recommended Value	Notes
Layer Height	0.2mm (standard), 0.12mm (high detail)	Great for miniatures
Print Speed	200–300 mm/s	Reduce to 120 mm/s for multi-color
Travel Speed	300 mm/s	Reduces stringing
Retraction Distance	0.6–1.0 mm	Direct drive extruder
Retraction Speed	35–45 mm/s	Prevents blobs

Curved Top Surfaces

• Enable ironing for PLA
• Ironing speed: 20–35 mm/s
• Top layers: 6–8

Minimizing Layer Lines

• Enable pressure advance
• Use adaptive layer height
• Use “Random” seam for organic models

Support Settings

Setting	Recommended Value
Support Type	Organic
Overhang Angle	55°
Support Density	10–12%
Top Distance	0.25 mm

🔧 Calibration Guide

Bed Leveling

1. Heat bed to 60°C
2. Run auto-leveling
3. Verify with paper test
4. Adjust Z-offset if needed

Extruder Calibration

1. Mark 120mm of filament
2. Extrude 100mm
3. Measure remaining filament
4. Adjust flow accordingly

Temperature Calibration

• PLA: 200–215°C
• PETG: 235–250°C

Flow Rate Calibration

1. Print single-wall cube
2. Measure wall thickness
3. Adjust flow until accurate

⚠️ Common Issues & Solutions

AMS Lite Filament Tangles

• Keep filament dry
• Use high-quality spools
• Ensure smooth spool rotation

Stringing

• Increase travel speed
• Lower temperature by 5–10°C
• Enable combing

Under-Extrusion

• Check extruder tension
• Dry filament thoroughly
• Increase flow by 2–5%

First Layer Issues

• Clean plate with IPA
• Adjust Z-offset slightly lower
• Re-run auto-leveling

📊 Material-Specific Recommendations

PLA

• 200–210°C nozzle, 60°C bed
• Best for multi-color prints
• Brands: Bambu, eSun, Overture

PETG

• 240–250°C nozzle, 80°C bed
• Reduce speed to avoid stringing

ABS

• Not recommended (open-frame printer)
• Prone to warping

TPU

• Do not use with AMS Lite
• Print directly at 20–30 mm/s