STACK #265 November 2026

TECH FEATURE

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A spare part, a one-of-a-kind gift, or a multicolour masterpiece – what would you create? From beginner-friendly 3D printers to seriously clever machines, these six models prove that there’s more than one way to bring an idea to life. Words Scott Hocking 3D PRINTERS FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT

A standard Bambu Lab printer is ready for single-colour printing. A Combo bundles extra filament-handling hardware for automatic colour changes: the A1 Combo includes AMS lite, while the X2D Combo includes AMS 2 Pro. It’s handy for colourful gifts and figurines, but changes can add print time and waste. Filament may be sold separately. Standard or Combo – which one do you need?

Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D Printer (Open Frame) Small footprint, big possibilities Short on space but big on ideas? The A1 Mini makes a friendly first step into 3D printing. Its open-frame design lets you watch the magic happen, while automatic calibration takes much of the fiddly setup off your hands. Start with a cable clip or miniature, then see where curiosity takes you. Think small – in a good way The 180 × 180 × 180mm build volume – the largest object it can print in one piece – is the trade-off for its compact size. That’s plenty for desk accessories and smaller models. Planning a life-size costume helmet? You’ll need to print it in sections or look at a larger machine. One colour now, more later This is the standard, single-spool version. You can add a compatible AMS lite later for automatic four-colour projects, so there’s room to grow. PLA is a great first filament; PETG and flexible TPU are also supported, although standard TPU should be fed directly rather than through the AMS lite. ABS and ASA aren’t recommended for this open-frame printer. Best for: Beginners, students, and hobbyists who want a compact first printer for smaller projects.

Bambu Lab A1 Combo 3D Printer (Open Frame) [Excludes Filament] A front-row seat to the action Want to know what’s happening while your creation takes shape? The A1’s open frame gives you a clear view and easy access to the print bed. It’s a great way to learn, with automatic bed levelling and filament-flow calibration taking care of some common first-print headaches. The roomy 256 × 256 × 256mm build area can handle more ambitious projects. Give your creations a splash of colour

Here’s where the Combo earns its name. The included AMS lite holds up to four compatible spools and switches filament automatically, so a nameplate, figurine, or desk organiser can come out in several colours without you standing by to change them. RFID chips on compatible Bambu spools can help the printer recognise the filament and load suitable settings. Skip the design degree Browse Bambu’s MakerWorld library for ready-made projects and get printing without creating a model from scratch. PLA is the easiest place to start, with PETG another useful option for practical prints. For high temperature materials such as ASA, an enclosed printer is the better fit. Best for: First-time users who want approachable open-frame printing with multicolour fun from day one.

44 NOVEMBER 2026

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