The brand new Bambu Lab H2D is, for my part, essentially the most influential 3D printer launch of 2025. As such, it has acquired quite a lot of consideration and everybody has their very own ideas. I’m right here so as to add my very own into the combo with this assessment of the Bambu Lab H2D 3D printer.
What’s new?
The H2D is Bambu Lab’s new flagship 3D printer, changing the X1C because the chief of the fleet. However it’s greater than only a linear development, as a result of the H2D has a complete bunch of novel options that weren’t current on earlier Bambu Lab fashions. It additionally has a considerable price ticket to match. What do you get for that cash? Listed here are a few of the highlights:
- The H2D is quite a bit greater — each the print quantity and the general bodily measurement.
- The H2D has twin nozzles.
- The H2D has elective laser modules.
- The H2D has an elective chopping blade module.
- The H2D has a complete host of latest sensors and cameras.
- The H2D has extra superior thermal administration, together with an lively chamber heater and air venting options.
- The H2D has an elective imaginative and prescient encoder plate to dramatically enhance accuracy.
That’s quite a bit! And alongside the H2D, Bambu Lab additionally launched the AMS 2 Professional and the AMS HT.
In comparison with the unique AMS, the AMS 2 Professional has the next upgrades:
- Energetic filament drying.
- Sooner filament feeding.
- Higher entry to PTFE tubes for upkeep.
- Ceramic filament inlets to assist some abrasive filaments.
The AMS HT is a completely new product. It’s, primarily, a smaller AMS 2 Professional that incorporates only one spool of filament — although you need to use a number of AMS HT models concurrently for multi-material printing. As well as, it:
- Has even higher filament drying capabilities (in comparison with the AMS 2 Professional).
- Helps much more supplies — virtually the entire filament supplies that Bambu Lab presents.
Now we have quite a bit to cowl, so let’s dive in by exploring every of the options and capabilities talked about above.
The H2D is quite a bit greater
I’ve been utilizing the Bambu Lab P1S for a few years now. I knew the H2D was going to be greater, however I used to be nonetheless stunned by how a lot greater it was when it arrived on my doorstep.
The X1 and P1 sequence each have a construct quantity of 256×256×256mm. The H2D has a most construct quantity of 350×320×325mm.
I say “most,” as a result of there’s a hole on the left facet the place the best nozzle can’t attain and vice-versa. When printing with a single nozzle, the printing quantity is 325×320×325mm. When printing one thing that requires each nozzles to succeed in your complete space, it’s 300×320×325mm.
Even utilizing that final determine, which doesn’t have any caveats, that offers you an 85% enhance in complete construct quantity.
And the H2D is bodily greater than what it will be when you scaled up an X1C proportionally, as a result of there may be a lot further {hardware} crammed into the enclosure. The chamber heater, followers, laser air help pump, and the entire different additions take up house.
All of that to say that the H2D may be very huge. The general measurement is 492×514×626mm and it weighs 31kg (about 68.3 kilos).
Whether or not or not that measurement issues is solely as much as you, however I undoubtedly respect the elevated construct quantity.
The H2D has twin nozzles
That is arguably essentially the most enticing characteristic of the Bambu Lab H2D. With an AMS, Bambu Lab’s different printers are already able to combining a number of colours and supplies in a single print job. However the H2D’s twin nozzles make that rather more environment friendly.
Nevertheless, there appears to be some confusion concerning the twin nozzle performance amongst potential consumers. So, let me clear that up:
Nozzles can’t share filament sources!
So, when you get the AMS 2 Professional, it’ll solely be capable to feed a single nozzle. There isn’t any {hardware} to redirect filament from one nozzle to a different. If you wish to print a number of colours from the left nozzle and a number of colours from the best nozzle, you have to two AMS models.
I didn’t understand that till I arrange my H2D, so I feel you will need to word.
You’ll be able to, nonetheless, join a number of AMS models to every nozzle. The H2D helps as much as 4 AMS 2 Professional and eight AMS HT models directly, for a complete of 24 filament spools. You may, in principle, additionally add a twenty fifth spool on the exterior holder — that will feed one nozzle and all 12 of the AMS models would go to the opposite.
The H2D does work with unique AMS models and you may mix-and-match them. I’m at present utilizing an unique AMS, an AMS 2 Professional, and an AMS HT all on the identical time.
The twin nozzles enhance effectivity (and decrease print occasions) by decreasing AMS filament modifications. If you’re, for instance, solely printing two colours (one for every nozzle), then the H2D’s AMS models by no means have to carry out time-intensive filament modifications.
Filament modifications are nonetheless required when you’re printing greater than two colours/supplies, however Bambu Studio optimizes filament placement to lower general print time in comparison with an X1C or P1S with a single nozzle.
The H2D has elective laser modules
The H2D’s laser capabilities have been a scorching subject in the neighborhood. Some see a laser as a helpful choice, whereas others completely hate the concept.
Why do individuals hate the concept of equipping the H2D with a laser? As a result of they consider the smoke and soot generated by the laser chopping/engraving will gum up the printer’s parts (such because the rails) and trigger issues.
Is {that a} legitimate concern? I’m not solely positive. In my expertise (which is fairly substantial), laser machines aren’t that soiled. And Bambu Lab says that this isn’t a problem. But it surely isn’t fully baseless and solely time will inform if it’ll trigger issues for house owners. Up to now, I haven’t seen any noticeable buildup and there are documented cleansing procedures if crucial.
To make the most of the laser in any respect, you have to to buy a laser-ready model of the H2D. That model has protecting home windows, an air help pump, an air vent, and the BirdsEye digital camera. You’ll be able to’t merely connect a laser module to a “regular” H2D — although Bambu Lab does plan to promote an improve package sooner or later.
If you happen to get the laser-ready H2D, then you’ll be able to select between a 10W and a 40W laser module. Each are blue diode lasers.
The 40W is clearly extra highly effective. It is usually a bit bulkier, which reduces the utmost top of objects you’ll be able to engrave/reduce.
The 10W might have a barely finer laser dot, which might enhance high-quality element. However I didn’t see sufficient of a distinction in my testing to really feel assured making claims about that.
The 40W is darker, however it’s laborious to inform whether it is finer.
Each modules carry out nicely. They’ll reduce wooden, darkish acrylic, rubber, and some different much less widespread supplies. They’ll engrave these and some others, like stone and metallic*.
*metallic engraving with blue diode lasers normally truly means engraving by way of a coating, like paint. However you’ll be able to instantly mark stainless-steel — one thing that works significantly better with the 40W laser module.
The H2D Laser Combo with the 40W laser module is at present about $750 greater than the model with the 10W laser module. That’s a fairly large distinction, so that you’ll need to think twice about which you want.
I do suppose a devoted laser machine could be a greater choice, however the H2D Laser Combo is an efficient answer when you’re restricted on house or in any other case can’t justify a separate laser machine.
The H2D additionally has an excellent digital camera for positioning your laser cuts, which is extremely helpful. And it’ll have a 3D mesh characteristic, which will likely be nice for engraving on surfaces that aren’t flat. However that characteristic isn’t out there but, so I couldn’t take a look at it.
There may be additionally an out there air air purifier unit. I do advocate utilizing an air air purifier for filtration with a laser, however you don’t essentially want to make use of Bambu Lab’s mannequin. It’s good and well-made, however additionally it is fairly costly. If you wish to avoid wasting cash, it may be value shopping for a extra reasonably priced air purifier from one other producer.
The H2D has a chopping blade module
That is, for my part, the H2D’s most missed characteristic. No one appears to be speaking about it in any respect! However I feel it is rather helpful.
The chopping module mainly makes the H2D work like a Cricut to chop vinyl sheets and far more. However because of the BirdsEye digital camera for positioning, it has much more potential than I feel individuals understand.
I truly made a whole video about this subject:
Now, I do have to level out that I used to be very improper in that video concerning the Cricut’s capabilities, which is embarrassing. Cricut machines do have a “Print then Reduce” characteristic and, when used with the iPad app, do have some camera-based placement instruments.
Even so, the H2D’s chopping blade may be actually helpful and it’s value contemplating when making a buying choice.
And like with a Cricut, you’ll be able to connect a marker or pen to attract issues.
The H2D has a complete host of latest sensors and cameras
When the Bambu Lab X1C hit the market, it was well-known for its plethora of sensors. Effectively, the H2D has much more — much more.
Bambu Lab claims that the H2D has a complete of 36 sensors, together with the cameras. That sounds proper, as a result of there are a complete bunch of various issues that the printer checks. For instance, it is aware of if the door or prime lid are open.
And just like the X1C, it has an AI for monitoring prints to test for widespread failures. The X1C had lidar, however plainly the H2D doesn’t. It does its monitoring by way of the cameras.
In my expertise, that AI monitoring labored fairly nicely. I didn’t encounter any false positives and solely had one state of affairs wherein it did not detect an precise spaghetti failure. It’s also possible to regulate the sensitivity of that monitoring, if you wish to make it extra much less aggressive.
In my view, the suite of sensors is generally an excellent factor. The intelligence of Bambu Lab printers is a part of why they’re really easy to make use of and so in style, with the H2D being a pure development alongside that route.
However, in fact, including sensors at all times will increase the potential for aberrant conduct. Is one thing truly improper, or is a sensor malfunctioning? And since the H2D is not going to let the person proceed in some conditions, a sensor malfunction might turn out to be a significant issue.
That’s the reason many customers evaluate Bambu Lab to Apple. Some individuals like this type of system, as a result of it’s straightforward to make use of and works very nicely underneath regular circumstances. However it’s a potential subject for individuals who need full and complete management over their printer.
The H2D has extra superior thermal administration
This one is fairly simple and actually doesn’t have any disadvantages, except for the added bulk and price.
The H2D has an lively chamber heater, so it could possibly enhance the temperature contained in the enclosure to go well with supplies that want it. It may well additionally open a vent and push air out with a fan to chill the air within the enclosure, for supplies like PLA.
For all of that to work, the H2D has sensors to observe chamber temperature (and humidity).
That is all nice, as a result of it helps the H2D higher deal with quite a lot of supplies. It reduces issues like warping or sagging, whereas enhancing print high quality.
The H2D has an elective imaginative and prescient encoder plate
The imaginative and prescient encoder is an attention-grabbing accent that I, sadly, haven’t but acquired and so haven’t examined.
It’s a construct plate with a particular sample printed on its floor, which the H2D can take a look at with its digital camera to trace the precise place of the toolhead.
That issues as a result of it permits for very correct closed-loop suggestions. As an alternative of trusting that the motors transfer as anticipated, the H2D can visually test its precise place and proper itself in real-time.
Bambu Lab claims that may yield movement accuracy of 50µm, which is fairly unbelievable.
In principle, the result’s improved print high quality. Components needs to be extra dimensionally correct and have smoother surfaces.
I’ll replace this part after I obtain the imaginative and prescient encoder plate and get an opportunity to check it.
The AMS 2 Professional
Is it value upgrading from an AMS to an AMS 2 Professional? Must you buy an AMS or AMS 2 Professional?
Merely put, the AMS 2 Professional is healthier than the AMS in each method. The one draw back of the AMS 2 Professional is the worth.
The AMS 2 Professional is quicker, simpler to keep up, handles extra supplies, and has lively drying capabilities.
However it’s nonetheless laborious to reply the questions originally of this part.
If you happen to already personal an AMS, I don’t personally suppose it’s value upgrading except you actually need the drying characteristic.
If you happen to’re buying one thing new anyway, it’s in all probability value paying further for the AMS 2 Professional.
I’m utilizing each an unique AMS and an AMS 2 Professional (and AMS HT) with my H2D. Filament that advantages quite a bit from drying goes within the ASM 2 Professional, whereas fundamental PLA goes within the unique AMS.
The AMS HT
If you happen to reduce the AMS 2 Professional down to carry a single spool of filament, you’d virtually have an AMS HT.
The massive distinction is that the AMS HT has a greater (hotter) dryer and handles a wider vary of supplies. Put 4 AMS HT models collectively and also you’ve replicated the performance of the AMS 2 Professional, besides higher.
I’ve seen some individuals within the 3D printing neighborhood doing precisely that. Personally, I don’t have a lot use for such a setup, as a result of I don’t print unique supplies usually. However I do like having the AMS HT there after I want it.
The good factor is that you would be able to combine and match AMS, AMS 2 Professional, and AMS HT models to get the precise association to fit your wants.
Simply do not forget that every unit can solely feed a single nozzle — proper or left, however not each.
There are a handful of things and options that didn’t match neatly into the sections above, so I’ll cowl them right here.
The sunshine bar, as an illustration, is de facto cool! In entrance of the construct plate, there’s a lengthy bar that lights up. And it isn’t simply ornamental. It offers a sign of the printer’s standing. And it even reveals the progress of the present job, rising the illuminated part proportionally to the elapsed share of the job.
The inexperienced home windows of the laser model of the H2D do type of hamper that, as a result of they tint every part inexperienced. However it’s nonetheless cool.
The touchscreen management panel is improbable. It seems to be good and it’s actually responsive. You additionally get an awesome graphical interface for managing the AMS models, which I appreciated quite a bit.
I do want the laser vent was on the facet as a substitute of the again, as a result of that makes it more durable to place the H2D on a shelf. The H2D is already huge and attaching the vent hose makes it take up much more depth.
The connection system for switching between modules is nice. The chopping module and laser modules slide proper on (in entrance of the nozzles), with a quick-release clamp. Then you definately merely plug within the single cable. Easy!
The inner digital camera and timelapse video high quality is healthier than the P1S. It isn’t on the extent of knowledgeable mirrorless digital camera or something, however it’s an enchancment.
Closing ideas
I’ve spent the final couple of months utilizing the Bambu Lab H2D every day and I actually prefer it. I’ve printed numerous gadgets, together with a big sculpture with 4 completely different filaments that took virtually 50 hours:
That lengthy print resulted in a contented buyer, who did not suppose such a job was doable:
I’ve additionally reduce a bunch of issues with the chopping module, drawn issues with the pen plotter, and engraved issues with the 10W and 40W laser modules. And I can confidently say that the H2D is a improbable machine — correctly, contemplating the worth tag.
Even when you solely think about the 3D printing capabilities, then the twin nozzles, thermal administration, and sensor suite make it very, excellent. Throw within the chopping module and laser modules as good bonus choices, and also you’ve obtained a severe piece of package.
If you happen to’ve owned a Bambu Lab printer earlier than, like their vibe, and need one thing huge, the H2D is a no brainer.
If you happen to don’t have any expertise with Bambu Lab, you need to know it’s its personal ecosystem — considerably analogous to Apple with iOS and macOS. Every thing from Bambu Lab works very nicely while you keep in that ecosystem, however you could have much less freedom to change the printer and use software program/{hardware} from third events.
Solely you’ll be able to resolve how you are feeling about that. Personally, as somebody who has been utilizing 3D printers for 15 years, I like that Bambu Lab printers simply work. I can use them for my hobbies, somewhat than as my hobbies. If you happen to really feel equally and need the very best on the patron/prosumer market, the Bambu Lab H2D is for you.`
