BambuLab P1S Combo 3D Printer Review: High-Speed, Multi-Material Printing for Makers

The BambuLab P1S Combo is an all-in-one CoreXY 3D printer aimed at hobbyists, professional makers, and small businesses. It combines a fast, 256×256×256 mm enclosed printer with Bambu’s AMS (Automatic Material System) feeder. This means you get super-fast prints and the ability to automatically swap filaments for multi-color or multi-material builds. Below we’ll dive into its tech specs, setup and daily use, real-world performance, how it stacks up to its peers, and who should consider it for their 3D printing needs.

The P1S’s sturdy steel frame and glass panels create a fully enclosed print chamber for stable, high-temperature builds. The printer’s body is a welded steel frame with plastic and tempered-glass panels. This fully enclosed design (with a filtered ventilation fan system) helps maintain a warm, consistent internal temperature – ideal for printing ABS, ASA, PETG, and other engineering plastics without warping. The print volume is a generous 256×256×256 mm (10×10×10 inches) , giving you space for medium-size parts. The machine is still relatively compact (about 39×39×46 cm footprint) and light (around 13 kg), so it fits on a sturdy desk or workbench.

Key Specifications & Features

• Build Volume: 256 × 256 × 256 mm (cube)
• Motion System: CoreXY belt-drive (fast, rigid) with linear rods; max speed 500 mm/s and acceleration 20,000 mm/s². (That’s a 20 m/s² acceleration – among the fastest hobby printers.)
• Nozzle/Hotend: Direct-drive extruder (steel gears) with an all-metal hotend. Comes with a 0.4 mm nozzle (optional 0.2, 0.6, 0.8 mm nozzles available). Max hotend temp is 300 °C, so you can print high-temperature filaments like polycarbonate or nylon.
• Filaments Supported: PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, PVA, PET, plus nylon (PA) and polycarbonate (PC). (Glass- or carbon-filled filaments are technically supported but require an extruder upgrade and are not recommended with the stock hotend.) The P1S includes a filament run-out sensor, and there are even accessories like filament odometry (with the AMS).
• Build Plate: Heated textured PEI spring steel sheet (dual-sided). Max bed temp 100 °C (slightly lower than the X1 Carbon’s 110 °C, but still sufficient for ABS/PETG) . Bed leveling is fully automatic (BLTouch-style sensor), so first-layer calibration is reliable.
• Enclosure & Air Filtering: Comes with snap-on side panels and top cover for enclosure. Cooling is actively controlled: there are dedicated chamber fans (to stabilize temperature), part-cooling fans (closed-loop control), and a control-board fan. An activated carbon filter is installed to scrub fumes (handy when printing ABS/ASA indoors).
• Connectivity & Interface: Onboard 2.7-inch monochrome LCD (D-pad navigation). Also supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB, and microSD for file transfer. There’s a mobile app and cloud-printing via Bambu Studio software, but the local screen is quite basic.
• AMS Multi-Material System (Combo Kit): The “Combo” part adds Bambu’s AMS feeder. Each AMS unit can hold 4 spools of filament simultaneously (one feeds at a time). You can attach up to 4 AMS units on top, meaning up to 16 different filaments (colors/materials) ready to go. The printer handles the tool-changing inside (pulling the old filament out and inserting the new one) with Bambu’s quick-swap print head.

These specs put the P1S well into the “prosumer” class. It’s much faster than budget printers: Tech Advisor notes Bambu’s CoreXY drives are “much faster than traditional bed slingers,” delivering great prints without long wait times. In fact, a default 3DBenchy print takes <20 minutes on the P1S (about 1/4 the time of a typical entry-level machine), and most jobs finish in under an hour due to the high 300 mm/s travel speed.

The P1S’s direct-drive extruder has steel feed gears and an all-metal hotend for reliable high-temp printing. The extruder design is robust: steel gears grip the filament firmly (good for flexibles), and the hotend is all-metal for long-life at 300 °C. Bambu even uses “active vibration compensation” on the XY axes to reduce ringing at high speed (according to Bambu’s docs). The spring-steel PEI plate is dual-sided (textured on one side, smooth on the other), and it’s quick-release for removing prints.

Setup & First Prints. Unpacking the P1S Combo is straightforward. As one reviewer notes, Bambu printers come nearly ready to go – you just bolt on the touchscreen and spool holder, remove packing screws, and plug it in. With the AMS version you also have to remove it from inside the chamber and mount it on top, which adds a few extra minutes (Bambu provides clear guides and videos). Initial calibration is automatic: on first boot it runs a thorough self-check (~15 minutes), then you’re prompted to connect Wi-Fi and link your account via the Bambu app. From there, you can send prints via Wi-Fi or SD card. As promised, the first print was surprisingly easy – the auto-leveling took care of the bed levelling, so the first-layer calibration was spot on every time.

Print Quality & Performance

In real-world use the P1S lives up to its hype. Across reviews, print quality is described as “astounding”. The parts come out extremely clean, with smooth surfaces and sharp detail – BambuLab machines have a reputation for top-notch output, and the P1S is no exception. It effortlessly prints fine features and even challenging geometries. Accuracy and layer registration are excellent, thanks to the rigid frame and precision motion system.

Performance-wise, it’s a speed demon. At default print settings, objects print in a fraction of the time of an Ender or Prusa. For example, Tech Advisor reports a Benchy in under 20 minutes (with 300 mm/s infill/outline speed). Larger models – even multi-centimeter cubes – often finish in 1–2 hours that would have taken 4–5 hours on older printers. And unlike some fast printers, quality doesn’t suffer: even at high speeds the layers fuse well with minimal ringing or ghosting. Thanks to input-shaping and vibration compensation, the P1S keeps up speed without sacrificing finish.

Reliability is also impressive. The P1S “virtually never fails” unless the user makes a mistake. In Tech Advisor’s testing, the only failed prints were when the wrong bed plate was selected in software or a prime tower was left on the bed. The printer’s sensors catch most issues (filament runout or blockage causes a pause) and the heavy toolhead cable chain prevents tangles. However, keep in mind a few caveats:

• Filament Compatibility: The P1S combo works best with Bambu Lab branded spools, which are sized for the AMS. Using unmodified “third-party” spools can be tricky. One user reports that AMS is “flaky” with cardboard spools or uneven wound rolls. We recommend buying the adapter rings or special spools if you want to use cheap generic filament in AMS.
• TPU (Flexible Filament): The P1S handles TPU acceptably, but it’s finicky. Tech Advisor found TPU prints came out OK in small parts, but larger TPU prints had surface artifacts. The issue is mostly that TPU can’t reside in the AMS (it could jam), so you have to feed it manually from an external spool. Bambu Studio’s workflow for mixing AMS and a loose TPU reel is a bit clunky. In short, if you plan to do a lot of flexible prints, be prepared for some manual work or tuning.
• AMS Purge Waste: Because the AMS swaps colors/materials automatically, each change requires purging the old color out of the nozzle. This creates waste – Tech Advisor warns that “color changes can use up a fair amount of filament” in purge blocks. You can minimize it by carefully arranging color transitions, but expect some extra material cost for multi-color prints.
• Screen & UI: The 2.7″ monochrome LCD is pretty basic. It lacks a touchscreen and can only show simple text/menus. You navigate with a small D-pad. Many competitors (even sub-$300 printers) now have full-color touchscreens, so this feels old-school. Bambu seems to assume you’ll manage prints via the app/PC anyway, but be aware the onboard interface is minimal.

Despite these small drawbacks, the overall user experience is extremely positive. The machine “just works” out of the box for normal filaments. One reviewer sums it up: “The BambuLab P1S Combo stands head and shoulders above the competition. Print quality is absolutely astounding”. In fact, it “bested every other printer reviewed” in terms of raw output. For most common materials (PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, nylon, PC) you can load up, select a profile in Bambu Studio, and get consistently great results.

Multi-Color Printing (AMS)

The P1S Combo’s secret weapon is multi-material printing. Bambu’s AMS is effectively a robotized filament changer. In practice, you install up to 4 different filament spools in the AMS, plug the AMS into the printer, and then you can assign each extruder on a multi-color model to different spools. The printer will pause and switch them automatically – no filament swaps by hand. This is great for:

• Color Models: Print full-color figurines, decals, or design prototypes without painting. The P1S can seamlessly mix up to 16 colors (4 AMS units × 4 spools) if you really go crazy.
• Composite Parts: You can interleave materials (for example, printing structural PETG parts with sacrificial PVA supports, or mixing TPU flexible joints with rigid PLA bodies) in one job, increasing design flexibility.
• Batch Printing: Some users run one spool on AMS and another spool as backup. If the first finishes, the printer automatically switches to the second — useful for night prints or long runs.

Setting up multi-color prints is mostly smooth. Bambu’s software (Bambu Studio) handles the toolpath and purge towers. When you start a print, the AMS feeds the first filament through the tube to the extruder. After each layer or color change, the extruder purges the old filament and grabs the new one. This takes a few minutes per swap, and as noted, costs extra filament. But the convenience is huge: no manual swapping means you can print all night with complex models. You can do same with BambuLab A1 Mini Combo

One reviewer notes the obvious benefit: “having an automatic system that changes colours without waiting for you to intervene is a huge benefit”. Another user said AMS was the main reason they chose the P1S. However, you do pay for this luxury. The AMS adds ~$250–300 and takes up space. And if you mostly want single-color prints, you may not need it.

Comparisons: BambuLab P1S Combo vs Other Printers

Where does the P1S Combo sit in the market? It’s priced around $1,000–$1,200 with one AMS (prices vary by retailer). That puts it below flagship machines like the Bambu X1 Carbon (~$1,500) and above budget hobby printers ($200–$500). Here’s how it stacks up against peers:

• Bambu P1P (Open Version): The P1P is basically a P1S without enclosure and without AMS by default. The P1S gained the enclosure, extra fans, and filter. You can actually buy a P1P→P1S upgrade kit. The P1P is cheaper (~$600) but less capable (no ABS chamber, no AMS included). If you want speed but don’t need multi-color or ABS, the P1P is a more budget option.
• Bambu X1 Carbon: Think of the P1S as “X1 Carbon lite.” The X1C is Bambu’s deluxe model with fiber-printing hardware, a color touchscreen, a high-res camera, and faster bed heating. The P1S matches the X1C in print speed and quality but at a $500 lower price. Tom’s Hardware notes “the P1S is $500 cheaper” than the X1 Carbon, which “has more sensors, a better screen and a higher quality camera”. So you trade a smaller screen and no auto-fiber-support for a cheaper machine. For many users, the savings are worth it.
• Prusa MK4 / Ultimaker / etc.: Traditional top printers like the Prusa MK4 (~$1,000) use a different design (bed-slinger) and lack built-in multi-material or very high speeds. The P1S’s CoreXY design gives it a speed advantage over these bed-slinging machines. However, the Prusa is open-source and has a huge user community. Ultimaker/S3 are more industrial but much pricier. The P1S hits a niche: a relatively affordable, high-speed, automated 3D printer.
• Budget Printers (Creality, Elegoo, etc.): These are typically < $500 and expect more tinkering. They usually have open frames, slower speeds (50-150 mm/s), and limited automation. The P1S doubles or triples their speed and print quality, adds enclosure and auto-calibration – at a corresponding cost. For many serious hobbyists or pros, the performance jump can justify the price difference.

In short, the P1S Combo is a consumer-grade professional printer: it brings pro-level features (like 300°C printing, AMS, high acceleration) into a single package. It’s more advanced than budget kits, but also more affordable than industrial printers. Many reviewers say it “redefines” what to expect at this price bracket.

Who is the P1S Combo for? Use Cases

The P1S Combo is overkill for casual experimenters, but it shines for users who need reliability, speed, and flexibility:

• Hobbyists & Makers: If you love designing parts, models, miniatures, or props and want them fast and colorful, the P1S delivers. You can crank out last-minute prototypes in PLA, then quickly switch to ABS for final parts. AMS lets you make multi-colored figurines or prints with dissolvable supports without juggling spools. The auto-leveling and guided setup make it beginner-friendly too, despite being powerful.
• Product Prototyping: Small design studios and engineers can use the BambuLab P1S Combo for rapid prototyping. Its precision is great for mechanical assemblies, and you can print in strong materials (ASA/PC) for functional testing. The speed means design iterations happen faster. For example, a drone engineer could print the frame in nylon and the canopy in clear PC in one run, or a robotics hobbyist could print orange and gray parts of a prototype together for better visualization.
• Educational/Creative Labs: Schools and makerspaces could benefit from its ease of use and color printing. Students can learn with multi-color prints (charts, maps, models) without hours of painting. The enclosed and relatively safe design (filtered air, auto-pause) is an advantage in classrooms.
• Small Manufacturing/Production: For small businesses doing custom fabrication, the BambuLab P1S Combo can act as a short-run production machine. Examples: a jewelry maker might 3D print wax or resin molds in multiple colors for casting; a model hobby store could print limited-run scale models or terrain kits; a prototyping firm could produce consumer product prototypes in ABS. The AMS means you can run complex jobs unattended (just refill spools when they run out).

It’s worth noting: the P1S is “plug-and-play” by professional standards, but it still requires some 3D printer know-how. You should understand slicer settings and filament properties. Even so, many users report being up and running within an hour, and Bambu’s software has plenty of presets to simplify things. As one reviewer put it, it’s “an excellent first printer for people with a bigger-than-Ender budget” – meaning if you’re ready to invest more for performance, it eases you into pro features without overwhelming complexity.

Pros & Cons

Pros: High speed and quality (blazing 500 mm/s, sharp prints); supports a wide range of materials up to 300 °C; fully enclosed for ABS/PC; easy setup (auto-level, guided app); AMS enables true multi-material prints. Build plate adhesion is great thanks to the PEI sheet, and the filament sensors add safety. The $1,000-ish price is high but competitive for these features.

Cons: Basic LCD interface (no color touch) feels outdated. Multi-color printing wastes filament (purge towers). The AMS can be temperamental with off-brand spools, and it’s not compatible with abrasive (carbon) filament – if you do many nylon or fiber prints, you’ll need hardened upgrades (and even then, AMS rollers can’t handle that). TPU/soft filaments need extra care. Warranty depends on where you buy (some retailers have shorter coverage).

Overall, if you prioritize performance and automation, the BambuLab P1S Combo’s pros vastly outweigh its cons. It has garnered awards and high praise from reviewers, and many users say it “just works” once dialed in. For a small business or power user needing a workhorse printer, it’s a compelling choice.

Bottom Line

The BambuLab P1S Combo is a feature-packed, user-friendly 3D printer that brings near-industrial capabilities to prosumers. It delivers exceptional print speed and quality thanks to CoreXY mechanics and fine-tuned controls. The fully enclosed chamber, high-temperature hotend, and automatic bed levelling make it versatile for many materials, from PLA to ABS and beyond. Adding the AMS feeder turns it into a multi-color/multi-material powerhouse – ideal for creative makers or businesses that need that extra flexibility.

For hobbyists or small companies willing to invest in top-tier desktop 3D printing, the BambuLab P1S Combo rewards you with speed, convenience, and stunning prints. It may lack a flashy color touchscreen, but it more than makes up for that in reliability and output. As one reviewer put it, Bambu “has quickly established a reputation for top-notch print quality”, and the P1S is a prime example. Whether you’re prototyping product parts, printing detailed models, or automating color builds, the BambuLab P1S Combo is a solid performer in today’s consumer-grade professional printer market.

Pros: Lightning-fast prints, excellent quality, automatic features (bed leveling, filament change), enclosed ABS/ASA printing.
Cons: Basic monochrome UI, AMS filament waste, doesn’t natively handle carbon/glass fiber (unless upgraded), premium price.

In short, the BambuLab P1S Combo is a “no-brainer for creative makers who want colorful prints without having to paint” – and for small businesses that need a reliable, high-end FDM printer in one neat package.