The FTC Printer Lab: Hardware Recommendations

Your robot is 50% 3D printed. Your printer is your most important tool. Don’t buy junk.

The Titan: Bambu Lab X1C / P1S

• Type: CoreXY (Fast).
• Pros: It just works. Fast. Great app. Enclosed (for ABS/ASA/PC). Multi-color (AMS) is great for team branding.
• Cons: Proprietary parts. Noisy.
• Verdict: The new standard. Every funded team should have one.

The Workhorse: Prusa MK4

• Type: Bedslinger.
• Pros: Indestructible reliability. Open source. Easy to repair.
• Cons: Slower than Bambu. Open frame (harder for ABS).
• Verdict: Great for schools who want a machine that lasts 10 years.

The Budget King: Creality Ender 3 (Modded) or Bambu A1 Mini

• Ender 3: Cheap ($150), but requires constant tinkering. Good for learning how printers work.
• Bambu A1 Mini: Cheap ($299), small, but shockingly good quality.
• Verdict: Get the A1 Mini for quick small parts. Avoid Enders unless you like suffering.

Conclusion

If you have the budget ($1000+), get a Bambu X1C. If you have $600, get a Bambu P1S. If you have $300, get a Bambu A1. (Notice a pattern?)