Bambu Lab’s H2C 3D printer is a powerhouse constructed for professionals, straightforward sufficient for inexperienced persons to make use of, and comes with a price ticket to match.
It has been a minute since I’ve achieved any 3D printing. A few years in the past, I bought to check out the Ender 3 Neo, which I believed was neat, however finally could not justify maintaining round.
I believed perhaps 3D printing wasn’t for me. Because it seems, I used to be very, very fallacious.
What I did not like was how persnickety 3D printing was with a bedslinger machine was. The Ender 3 Neo did not have auto-leveling, which meant that any time the mattress wanted to be leveled once more, and it usually did, it was as much as me.
Not solely did it require lots of time spent hunched over a machine, however it additionally allowed for lots of human error. And because it seems, I am able to creating lots of errors.
Ultimately, I wished to dip my toe again into the world of 3D printing, however I did not know the place to start out. As I did analysis, just a few manufacturers stored rising to the highest, with Bambu Lab persistently exhibiting up as a dependable, beginner-friendly choice.
After which Wes bought to overview the Bambu Lab P1S. Pricey reader, I used to be so jealous.
When Bambu Lab provided me the prospect to check out the H2C 3D Printer, I instantly mentioned sure. And I can confidently say after spending over 200 hours with it, I am glad I did.
Bambu Lab H2C Evaluate: The setup
The H2C appeared on my steps on a sunny, chilly morning in early March. I wasn’t anticipating it to ship out so quickly, although it solely needed to journey throughout the state to get to me, so I suppose I should not have been too stunned.
It took just a little little bit of wrestling to get it into my home, however I used to be capable of do it on my own. The field weighs slightly below 75 kilos, so I would strongly counsel having two folks assist if attainable.
I had initially figured that I had an ideal spot for all of it picked out — the identical place that used to accommodate my Ender 3.
I obtained a fairly brutal actuality verify once I realized that this mannequin required a minimum of 20 inches from entrance to again. The Ikea desk solely supplied 19 inches.
And positive, I may have turned it sideways, and it in all probability would have match. However the extra I thought of it, the extra I noticed that I am not completely positive I would belief a machine that weighs the identical as a fourth grader to flat-pack furnishings.
Happily, a fast journey to Amazon to suit a 24-inch by 24-inch metal desk took all of some minutes, and the order was set to reach just a few days later. That labored nicely, contemplating I had zero filament in my home anyway and possibly would not for a minimum of two or three days.
As soon as the desk bought to my home, it took me about fifteen minutes to place it collectively, raise my printer onto the desk with the assistance of one other particular person, and start the precise setup course of.
I used to be anticipating this to be a nightmare, however it was really fairly straightforward. Almost 90% of the method is simply finding and eradicating locking screws and packing foam.
Bambu Lab H2C overview: many of the setup course of is guaranteeing you have eliminated locking screws, of which there are a lot of
The opposite 10% is establishing the AMS, in case you have one, establishing your account, and letting the machine calibrate itself.
Oh, I ought to in all probability point out that earlier than we get a lot additional. This machine just about does all the pieces by itself.
It isn’t 100% palms off, however I would assume it is about as shut as you will get. You do not have to calibrate it, you do not have to degree it — it does all of it.
Bambu Lab H2C Evaluate: Inspecting the design
As I advised above, this isn’t precisely a light-weight 3D printer. Bambu does make a number of fashions which might be smaller than this one, together with their cute, open-air A-series.
No, the H2C weighs 71 kilos and stands 19.4 by 20.2 by 24.7 inches. Bambu Lab means that it wants just a little over 27 inches entrance to again and facet to facet, and just a little over 43 inches from base to above for clearance.
I really feel assured with it on the 24 by 24 inch desk, particularly because it’s bought stable air clearance round it. To not point out, a good variety of different 3D printing of us already use this desk for that actual goal.
Bambu Lab H2C overview: you get two sizzling ends within the toolhead
The H2C options two sizzling ends within the toolhead, permitting you to print multi-color and multi-material prints a lot sooner. The printer handles all of the fickle filament switching, too.
Along with the 2 nozzles within the toolhead, you get a further 5 nozzles within the Vortek Hotend Change System. That is, basically, a rack of hotends your machine can shortly swap between as wanted.
The construct plate is 305mm x 320mm x 325mm, supplied you are printing from the suitable nozzle. If printing from the left solely, you may be constrained to 305mm x 320mm x 320mm.
Bambu Lab H2C overview: Vortek Hotend Change System, which shops as much as 5 sizzling ends for fast swapping
Nonetheless, with the ability to print a 12-inch by 12-inch by 12-inch object is a fairly large deal.
Bambu Lab additionally provides an AMS, which is not strictly required, however extremely really useful. Able to holding 4 spools per AMS unit, this method permits for fast loading and unloading of filaments.
The AMS additionally retains your filament dry and displays the humidity ranges. When you have filament that’s too moist, you possibly can really use the AMS to dry it out, too.
There are some restrictions on what you possibly can put by the AMS, although. For instance, I did not know you are not supposed to place PLA glow by it; I’ve to run that off an exterior spool holder.
Bambu Lab H2C overview: The AMS, sitting atop the 3D printer
Being enclosed additionally provides you just a few advantages over open-air designs. The primary is that it means the machine is definitely going to be quieter than you’d in all probability count on.
The first noisiness from the machine comes from the consumption fan and vents. This is not terribly loud, and I do not thoughts fan noise, so I used to be high-quality maintaining it within the room the place I spend most of my time.
Enclosures additionally imply you possibly can print a wider vary of filaments for a number of causes. An enclosed bedplate means you possibly can print higher-temperature, extra finicky plastics.
It additionally means you possibly can print plastics that is probably not 100% secure to take action with out an enclosure.
This brings us to our subsequent part: the huge world of additive manufacturing filaments.
Bambu Lab H2C 3D printer: Plastics, plastics, in every single place
For all you little 3D printing freaks, of which I’m now fortunately an element, let’s focus on what the Bambu Lab H2C is able to printing. And, for those who’re new right here, let’s focus on why you may wish to use them.
The massive 4
I am not going to elucidate each plastic you should use, however I’ll clarify the massive 4. If you happen to’re new to printing, these are going to comprise most of your prints.
PLA: Polylactic acid, or PLA, is your least expensive, best, and most considerable plastic. Good for inexperienced persons and for many ornamental use instances, PLA, and its subtypes like PLA Silk, PLA clear, PLA matte, PLA Plus… the record goes on and on.
Bambu Lab H2C overview: An instance of a MagSafe charging stand printed with in PLA wooden and PLA glow
PLA is nearly a bioplastic, created primarily from cornstarch or sugarcane. It isn’t technically biodegradable like most producers declare, however its low melting level signifies that you even have a good quantity of choices on the subject of upcycling your prints.
The tradeoffs of PLA are noteworthy. Its low temperature resistance means it isn’t best for outside prints or anyplace that may get sizzling, like an enclosed automotive on a summer time day.
After all, that low temperature resistance generally is a boon, too. For instance, you possibly can thermoform it fairly simply with a hairdryer, as I’ve achieved right here.
Bambu Lab H2C overview: PLA will be thermoformed to create cute containers with minimal filament
PLA may even deform when uncovered to fixed mechanical stress, like compression or enlargement. I’d go for one thing just a little extra sturdy for those who’re printing something that you just wish to maintain as much as heavy use over time.
Additionally it is pretty hygroscopic, so you are going to wish to hold it in dry storage, be that an AMS or dry field setup. As a result of I reside in an especially humid setting, I hold my PLA saved in a gasket-sealed tote with loads of silica gel pellets.
PET/PETG:
Initially, I used to be nervous to strive something aside from PLA, however I am glad that I grabbed myself a spool of PETG. It is one other plastic that it’s best to completely carry on deck.
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified, or PETG, prints simply when you dial within the settings. Within the curiosity of full disclosure, mine printed completely utilizing the H2C’s default PETG settings.
The upside of PETG is that it is considerably stronger than PLA, and its slight flexibility offers it notably higher affect resistance. I picked up a spool particularly for its warmth resistance, which is notably higher than PLA.
Bambu Lab H2C overview: Utilizing PET-G for silica gel holder
PETG has some tradeoffs. PETG is completely not biodegradable within the slightest. If you are going to print PETG, I counsel utilizing it completely for stuff you’re planning on maintaining round for some time.
I used PETG to print silica gel holders for the within of my spools, which had been AMS-safe at PLA temperatures. I would not use it to print any check items for bigger tasks.
Like PLA, PETG can also be hygroscopic. You may have to hold it in a dry field with the humidity beneath 20%, however decrease is at all times higher.
TPU: Thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU, is a rubber-like, versatile polymer. At decrease infills, it behaves extra like a rubber, whereas at larger infills, it will possibly perform extra like a stiff foam.
There are lots of causes you may wish to print TPU. The primary is that it makes incredible inserts for two-part telephone instances.
You too can print your personal washers, gaskets, and shock-absorbing elements proper from the consolation of your personal residence. Some folks have 3D-printed footwear, too.
There are lots of trade-offs with TPU. The primary is that it may be fairly troublesome to print at first. It must be printed slowly, at a most pace of 30mm per second, ten instances slower than PLA’s 300mm per second.
TPU can also be probably the most hygroscopic filaments the common client can get their palms on, regardless of being hydrophobic on its floor. Drying is non-optional, and correct storage is important.
Nevertheless, when you hone in your settings, it is surprisingly helpful. It is also one of many few instances when additive manufacturing has important benefits over extra typical manufacturing strategies.
ABS: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or ABS, is an affordable and sturdy filament that’s fairly straightforward to get your palms on.
Its sturdiness makes it a well-liked alternative for useful elements like clamps, cogs, hooks, brackets, and extra. Its excessive warmth resistance means it is one of many higher plastics to make use of for outside prints, too.
ABS will be vapor smoothed with acetone. That is fascinating for any variety of causes, however it’s largely an aesthetic alternative for the common residence printer.
There are large tradeoffs for printing ABS. ABS requires an enclosure or a well-ventilated house. The gases it produces are fairly gnarly and poisonous; styrene emissions aren’t any joke, and are categorized as potential human carcinogens.
I would counsel not printing ABS in your bed room or any space extremely trafficked by youngsters or pets. If you happen to’ve bought a house workshop, like in your storage, you have to be secure.
Honestly, it is best to print ABS in an enclosure whatever the fumes. This filament is liable to warping if subjected to sudden temperature modifications, which is inevitable for those who’re printing out within the open.
… And the remainder
Additionally supported are:
- PVU
- BVOH
- ASA
- PC
- PPS
- …and their carbon/glass fiber bolstered counterparts
After all, you possibly can print extra plastics than what’s listed right here. That is simply Bambu’s official record. So long as you do it safely and you recognize your printing parameters, Bambu Lab’s H2C prints identical to some other printer, with the additional advantage of being enclosed by default.
Bambu Lab H2C 3D printer: Getting your print on
After you have arrange your machine and you have chosen your filament, you may wish to get issues to print. Happily, the web has no brief provide of 3D prints you possibly can obtain.
I’ve talked about Cults3D up to now. Thangs and Thingverse are additionally locations to take a look at.
Bambu Lab H2C overview: Certain, you could find every kind of sensible prints on Maker World, however you may as well discover a kraken can holder, too.
My private favourite, although, is Maker World. Owned by Bambu Lab itself, Maker World has hundreds of free 3D fashions submitted by the group.
I’ve printed so many issues from Maker World within the final month since I bought my palms on the H2C. I’ve printed MagSafe telephone mounts, group bins, headphone stands and hooks, construct plate scrapers, and filament locks for my spools.
Bambu Lab H2C 3D printer: Software program facet
Whereas the {hardware} is undoubtedly spectacular, I would prefer to take a second to applaud Bambu Lab for making intuitive software program. Each the software program you should use out of your telephone or pc, and the software program included on the machine.
The tiny little contact display screen on the machine is so helpful. You’ll be able to change your sizzling finish and mattress temperatures, you possibly can carry out calibrations, and you’ll entry saved prints.
Bambu Lab H2C overview: Unloading and loading exterior filaments is finished from the contact display screen on the printer itself
If you want to change exterior filaments, you possibly can simply accomplish that from the machine. If you want to do upkeep or resolve an issue, the machine will pop up a useful QR code you possibly can scan along with your telephone, and it will stroll you thru the method.
On the subject of Bambu Helpful, the cell app for Bambu Lab machines, it is also incredible. Whilst you will not get the complete management of Bambu Studio, it nonetheless permits you to obtain and “throw” prints to your machine.
Bambu Lab H2C overview: Utilizing Bambu Helpful to remotely inspect a print
It additionally permits you to inspect your prints by way of the H2C’s birds-eye digital camera. I like with the ability to verify in on my prints if I am away from residence.
If something goes fallacious, you possibly can cease the print from the machine, app, or desktop utility. It truly is that straightforward.
Bambu Studio
I am breaking this out into its personal subsection, largely so I can speak about it a bit extra in-depth. Bambu Studio is a superb slicer and machine supervisor.
I like the truth that Bambu Studio is extraordinarily visually coherent. Even for those who’re new to 3D printing, Bambu Studio may be very straightforward to grasp.
If you want to make any in-depth modifications, like altering print pace or including brims, you are able to do that from the put together tab. If you wish to understand how a lot filament you are going to want, slicing an object tells you the load, the meters, and the estimated price primarily based on the kind of filament you are utilizing.
Bambu Lab H2C overview: Organising a glider for print in Bambu Studio
If you want to change materials varieties or colours, the Venture Filaments subsection syncs robotically along with your AMS. If you happen to’re utilizing Bambu Lab filaments, the machine already is aware of the fabric, the colour, and the way a lot you may have, due to an RFID chip within the spool.
Once more, none of this ever felt like a headache to me. If you happen to’re acquainted with artistic software program of virtually any sort, Bambu Studio is extraordinarily acquainted.
Most of it’s studying the language round 3D printing and with the ability to find that throughout the software program. And you will study all of the enjoyable little vocabulary phrases as you progress by your 3D printing journey.
Bambu Lab H2C 3D printer: Much less waste, however not zero waste
One of many neat issues concerning the H2C is that it produces considerably much less waste than a few of its counterparts. A giant a part of it is because it makes use of a number of sizzling ends for various colours.
By shortly swapping out the magnetic sizzling ends, you need not fear about doing tons of purges. You need not filter out all that inexperienced filament to make use of the purple; you may have a sizzling finish for every.
Moreover, Bambu Studio permits you to purge to things and infill. Because of this as a substitute of constructing a tall waste tower as a result of you want to change between colours ceaselessly, you possibly can merely use that “waste” filament to make new objects or as a part of the infill on the present mission.
Bambu Lab H2C overview: Utilizing purge objects is an effective way to cut back waste whereas printing
I personally like doing each. My present favourite purge object is that this little giftable alligator chip clip.
Once more, 3D printing isn’t going to be zero waste, sadly. However there are methods to responsibly scale back the quantity of waste you create, and even a ton of tasks folks have made for reusing the waste, too.
Bambu Lab H2C 3D printer: When failures occur
Throughout my time with the Bambu Lab H2C, I printed out dozens of objects and had a handful of failures.
The great factor concerning the handful of failures I did have was that all of them occurred very early on within the printing course of. It usually occurred throughout the first layer or two, and the machine caught it practically each time.
The only exception was an Ergo Grid construct I printed, which failed about twenty layers in. That was, nonetheless, consumer error.
In reality, practically each failure I had was consumer error. One thing is reassuring about that, as a result of it signifies that the machine is not screwing up, I’m.
My very first failure was as a result of I cleaned the mattress with rubbing alcohol. Because it seems, these textured PEI plates ought to be scrubbed down with sizzling water and dish cleaning soap, rinsed, after which dried.
I’d have recognized this had I learn any official documentation, and never simply slapped “print” about 40 minutes after unboxing the machine. As Taylor Swift has mentioned: It is me, hello, I am the issue, it is me.
I counsel drying it by cranking the construct plate temperature up and leaving the door open for a bit. This works fantastically, and I clear my plate each 4 prints or any time I excessively deal with it, simply to be secure.
My different failures got here from inexperience. When printing Ergo Grids or Gridfinity gadgets, it is a sensible concept to brim your work.
By including a brim across the outermost free edges, you forestall your printer from by chance flicking your first few layers round. Tiny “island” fashion elements just about require a brim, particularly for those who’re printing lots of them very shut collectively.
One other failure I had may have been prevented by studying the feedback of a construct. I had wished to print a set of AirPods Max holders right-side as much as forestall having to snap helps out of the ear cup holders.
Bambu Lab H2C overview: It might have taken three tries, however I did lastly handle to print my AirPods Max holder
Because of the method that it was modeled, or perhaps the printer itself, this resulted in two second-layer failures. The second I printed it the best way the designer meant, it labored high-quality. Go determine.
Both method, I by no means felt like I used to be combating with the printer, which is refreshing. I am a really hands-on learner, so failures are extra of a possibility to study than anything.
It isn’t a foul mentality to have if you are going to get into 3D printing, truthfully. Even with a machine that’s as beginner-friendly because the H2C, you may nonetheless have to troubleshoot and reiterate.
Bambu Lab H2C 3D printer: if it is broke, repair it
I had initially had an issue with my H2C when it arrived. I wasn’t completely positive what was fallacious, however some easy Googling put me in the suitable course.
Because it turned out, my rear exhaust fan had a chunk that was barely misaligned as a result of delivery. It did not have an effect on the machine’s usability, however it did make the machine throw an error and make a horrible racket upon startup.
The repair was easy. All I needed to do was take away the air filter, gently raise the offending piece again into place, after which put the air filter again.
Your entire course of took perhaps a minute from begin to end. And the craziest factor to me was that Bambu Lab already had a assist article prepared for this.
One of many issues about 3D printers is that, sooner or later in your time with them, you may want to repair one thing. That’s the nature of the beast, sadly.
Bambu Lab is aware of this, which is why it has a very spectacular assortment of walkthroughs on find out how to resolve points. It additionally has them for upkeep, which your machine will remind you to do when it comes time.
Whereas I will not say that this alleviated all my fears, it is made proudly owning a 3D printer considerably much less intimidating. Which says rather a lot, as a result of I will be sort of timid about something overly mechanical.
Bambu Lab H2C 3D printer: it additionally options non-compulsory lasers!
I would prefer to make a fast notice right here that the H2C additionally options an non-compulsory 10W/40W laser slicing module. I didn’t obtain this for testing, so I can not inform you how good it really works.
I can inform you, nonetheless, that for those who purchase an everyday H2C and determine you need lasers later, you possibly can improve it to a laser package after the very fact.
Bambu Lab H2C 3D printer: Do you really want this a lot energy?
Whereas the H2C is marketed in the direction of skilled customers who’ve particular wants, it is not completely for knowledgeable customers. I am fairly darn new to 3D printing, and if I may determine it out, I am fairly positive anybody else may, too.
The machine is superb at holding your hand. It tells you what to do when issues go fallacious. It tells you when to do upkeep in your machine. It displays itself for spagetification and sizzling finish buildup errors.
Bambu Studio is by far probably the most beginner-friendly slicer I’ve ever seen. If you happen to’re simply printing different folks’s recordsdata, more often than not you simply hit “print plate.”
Bambu Lab H2C overview: Printing has by no means been simpler, however it has been cheaper.
I’d argue that that is an especially entry-level printer when it comes to talent wanted to function it. By way of worth, not a lot.
And that is the place this was at all times headed. The Bambu Lab H2C just isn’t an “on a whim” machine.
If you happen to’re an individual who is really ranging from sq. one, I would head over to your native makerspace and reduce your enamel on their tools. For instance, my metropolis has a well-equipped makerspace within the public library.
If you happen to discover out that you just like it however plan on primarily printing in PLA, I would argue that this machine remains to be overkill. You may decide up the pint-sized A1 mini for $219, which might be good for residences, dorm rooms, or anybody who desires to print smaller gadgets with out sacrificing house.
If you need a bit extra energy and a few further choices, Bambu Lab’s P2S is a superb choice. It is totally enclosed, helps a variety of filaments, and nonetheless is available in beneath a grand.
Nevertheless, for those who’re somebody who already 3D prints and is on the lookout for the Cadillac of 3D printer upgrades, I believe the H2C is a superb funding. I may see this machine being a boon to only about any hobbyist or maker.
Additionally, for those who’ve bought the 2 grand to throw round, what the hell, deal with your self.
Bambu Lab H2C 3D Printer ranking: 5 out of 5 (conditionally)
Bambu Lab H2C 3D Printer professionals:
- Totally enclosed printbed
- Extremely self-serviceable machine
- Totally auto-leveling mattress
- Deep integration with Maker World
- Stable, beginner-friendly software program
- Can work with a number of automated supplies techniques modules
Bambu Lab H2C 3D Printer cons:
- Costly preliminary funding
A phrase about rankings: Numerical rankings will be tough. It is fairly uncommon that I ever give something a 4 out of 5, not to mention a 5 out of 5. I believe, for what this machine purports to do, and in comparison with many different 3D printers available on the market, it actually earns its reward.
I do, nonetheless, suppose it is costly. When you have the cash, it is a straightforward purchase. If you do not have it, I’d counsel choosing a inexpensive machine, moderately than blowing your finances for this one.
The place to purchase the Bambu Lab H2C 3D Printer
If you wish to buy the Bambu Lab H2C, you may want to go over to Bambu Lab’s web site. It begins at $2,399. If you wish to improve to the complete laser combo, you may have to drop $2,949.
You too can get the Bambu Lab H2C from B&H Picture. The Printer combo with AMS 2 Professional is $2,399, however add the 10W laser for $2,949.