Ultimaker vs Bambu; managing mixed 3D printer fleet?

Colleen Larionoff

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Jan 22, 2025, 2:46:14 PMJan 22

to K-12 Fab Labs and Makerspaces

Hi! I currently manage several Ultimaker 3D printers. At least one needs to be replaced, and I have heard that Bambu lab printers are faster and less expensive. Has anyone had experience with both? Also, has anyone managed a mixed fleet (they use different slicing software). Does that become a big hassle?

Thanks.

Colleen

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Colleen Platt Larionoff

Innovation Coordinator

FIRST Lego League Coach

Dwight-Englewood School

https://www.d-e.org

Katie Topper

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Jan 22, 2025, 3:24:50 PMJan 22

to 'Colleen Larionoff' via K-12 Fab Labs and Makerspaces

Hi Colleen,

I do have experience with both. I used the Ultimaket back in 2021 and currently have the Bambu X1 Carbon and absolutely love it!

The Ultimaker was a big step up from the Makerbot I had before but hands down prefer the Bambu - both hardware and software.

I am just getting into the Bambu slicer and there are so many options available that I have even yet to explore. The support and infill options interface is a bit more complex than what I was used to (a Prusa MK3s+) so it might take a bit more explaining to a younger student.

In 6 months, I’ve only had one jam and it was just a small piece of filament broken off in the feeder tube.

For next year I will be ordering another Bambu - probably not with the Carbon option because two would be overkill.

.
Also, the Bambu works over our network so students login just using my ID. It has an app as well so you can monitor while off campus.

Have fun printing!

Katie

Sent with Chuck for iOS

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Tatian Greenleaf

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Jan 22, 2025, 4:11:20 PMJan 22

to Katie Topper, 'Colleen Larionoff' via K-12 Fab Labs and Makerspaces

Katie,

Are you able to print to the Bambu X1 Carbon from multiple devices using a single account? The Bambu A1 mini we have doesn't allow that. So we have to have a dedicated device for students to print from. I thought we had left that behind with our 10+ year old Ultimaker 2 but I guess not. I bought a Prusa MK4S which works well but I can't really justify the 5x price increase from the A1 mini since they seem to be quite similar printers other than networking support.

Tatian

Tatian Greenleaf

Design, Tinkering and Technology Integrator

Director of Summer Tinkering Camp

Pronouns: he/him