3D PRINT AUTOMOTIVE ACCESSORIES WITH BAMBU LAB A1
Tired of 3D printed dragons and boats? Let’s 3d print some automotive accessories instead!
It's time to shift gears and explore 3d printing automotive accessories.
We choose the Bambu Lab A1 because its one of the best budget friendly 3d printers for beginner automotive enthusiasts. And the great thing is you can pick up the A1 for less than 400 bucks.
UNBOX, ASSEMBLE, & CALIBRATE YOUR PRINTER
The Bambu Lab A1 comes in a white sleek, modern design reminiscent of IKEA's minimalist style.
Setting up the A1 is straightforward, with the body screws and cables color-coded. The digital or included paper manual are super easy to follow.
BAMBU LAB A1 KEY FEATURES
Fully Automated Calibration: The A1 will perform various calibration tests such as bed-leveling, Z-offset, vibration resonance, and flow rate on initial setup.
User-Friendly Interface: The simplified touchscreen UI system guides users through the printing process and filament loading/unloading. You can also send print jobs with the mobile app or Bambu Studio via Wi-Fi.
Silent Operation: In silent mode, the A1 operates under 48 dB, ensuring a quiet printing environment.
Build Volume: The A1 offers a build volume of 256 x 256 x 256 mm³ or close to 10x10x10 inches.
Filament Compatibility: The A1 supports PLA, PETG and TPU along with preset profiles allowing the A1 to 3d print over 300mm/s.
Optional Multi-Color Printing with AMS Lite: Equipped with the optional AMS Lite system, the A1 can 3d print with up to 4 different filament colors.
If you have an older 3d printer, check out this guide on how to fine tune all your settings.
PRINTING AUTOMOTIVE ACCESSORIES
Instead of printing the usual test benchy boat, we printed something a bit different...
We chose to 3d print a V6 engine model found on Thingiverse. The model was scaled down, but still has tons of detail. The print took around 30 minutes with black PLA with the preset filament settings in Bambu Studio.
We also printed a 4-cylinder engine head that doubles as our new 3d printed keychain accessory.
Swapping filament colors is a breeze on the A1, just select unload and the A1 cuts the filament and tells you when to pull the filament. Then just follow the feed instructions.
After we swapped the filament for red PLA we also 3d printed a racing seat phone holder.
FUNCTIONAL CAR PARTS
Automotive accessories around the house are fine to 3d print with PLA, but if you want to print functional interior car parts then you’ll want to 3d print with Bambu Lab PETG filament or better.
The only downside is you want to make sure you dry your filament before use with a filament drier.
With the A1 we also printed a radio delete plate using the Bambu lab 3d effect plate. The plate leaves a nice pattern on the part.
We also 3d printed a new ebrake handle along with a fuzzy pattern which you can set within Bambu Studio.
From plastic nuts to custom fuse holders, the A1 is super flexible when it comes to printing different internal parts not fully exposed to the sun, engine bay or weather.
MULTI-COLOR PRINTING WITH AMS LITE
One other trick up the Bambu Lab A1’s sleeve is its ability to print using up to four different filament colors, thanks to the AMS Lite system.
The possibilities don't end there. With the A1's capabilities, you can 3d print tons of different automotive accessories.
From custom cup holders and organizers to decorative emblems and functional components, the A1 is great for beginners.
CONCLUSION
The Bambu Lab A1 3D printer is a game-changer for automotive enthusiasts looking to personalize their vehicles on a budget.
The Bambu Lab A1 is an excellent choice for beginners on a budget.
If you plan to print in more exotic filaments like carbon fiber, you can swap out the A1 stainless steel hotend with a 0.4mm Hardened Steel hotend and give PETG-CF a try.
AND if you’re looking to print accessories that will be exposed to extreme heat or used outdoor, then grab a Bambu Lab X1C or P1S which support filament that can be exposed to harsher weather conditions like ASA, ABS, or Nylon.
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