Following the first part's introduction and evaluation of the Bambu Lab X1E's appearance and features (View here: 【3D Printing】Is the Bambu Lab X1E Worth the Price? ), this article will introduce the second part, focusing on finished product testing. Let's see if the X1E's performance justifies its price!
Bambu Lab X1E Performance Test Report
To test the repeatability of the Bambu Lab X1E, the 3D Printing Industry team 3D printed square, hexagonal, and tubular models 12 times each, comparing their dimensions to the original designs. Any part with an average deviation of less than 0.1mm and a standard deviation of less than 0.05mm was considered a successful result.
3D printed repeatability test geometries, photo courtesy of 3D Printing Industry.
The X1E performed exceptionally well in the repeatability tests, with an average deviation of only 0.0573 mm and a standard deviation of 0.021 mm for tubular, square, and hexagonal models.These results demonstrate the X1E's astonishing consistency in precision and accuracy. Therefore, the X1E is ideal for professional users who need to produce high-quality, repeatable parts, such as jigs and assembly components.
Next, in the internal 3DPI test, the X1E achieved an excellent score of 95.85/100, the highest score among all FDM 3D printers they have tested.
This score was achieved using the optimal mode with a 0.16mm layer height. Although some issues appeared in the overhang test beyond 70°, most FDM systems experience layer sagging at 50°.Therefore, the X1E's performance is far above average.
3D Printing Industry's capability test involves printing 150 tubular models and randomly selecting 16 for measurement. For users who wish to print similar geometries in large quantities, capability testing is crucial as it helps control statistical process variation and determines if the machine can consistently meet required tolerances.
The X1E demonstrated an excellent Cp (Process Capability Index) of 7.99, indicating highly stable process output capable of consistent values within specification limits. Its Cpk (Minimum Process Capability Index) reached 3.887, meaning it can accurately achieve results within the specification range with a very low probability of defects.Overall, the X1E is highly suitable for large-scale production operations, delivering high quality and consistency.
The 3D Printing Industry team also evaluated the X1E's ability to print small, precise parts. The test piece was a 28mm long nut and bolt with strict tolerance requirements. This part was successfully printed with clear details and defect-free threads, functioning properly. Therefore, the X1E is suitable for producing jigs in the automotive and aerospace sectors.
3D printed nut and bolt test, image courtesy of 3D Printing Industry.
Testing the Applications of Bambu Lab X1E
3D Printing Industry used PA6-CF material to print a lattice pulley on an RC skateboard. This was a high-quality print with no visible defects and required no post-processing!
3D printed lattice pulley gear, image courtesy of 3D Printing Industry.
Using ASA material with a glass transition temperature of 110℃, they successfully printed an intake manifold for a rally car. This intake manifold had no deformation or external defects, making it very suitable for automotive applications.
Next, a drone frame was 3D printed using PAHT-CF material. This required using Bambu Lab's support material. While removing the support material was not easy, with the right tools and patience, it was ultimately successful.
For enthusiasts in the FDM market, one of the most appealing features is the multi-color 3D printing tool in Bambu Studio. The Automatic Material System (AMS) allows users to store 4 spools in its compartments. This system can read RFID chips and automatically load filament into the tool head.
3D Printing Industry's 3D print of the company logo and Hue Forge artwork demonstrates the applicability of this tool in the art and craft market, enabling the production of multi-color parts in a single 3D print job.
They also created a high-quality anatomical heart model, suitable for educational and demonstration purposes. The biomedical industry can utilize the X1E to evaluate life-sized 3D printed anatomical models from CT or MRI imaging, which allows medical practitioners to study optimal surgical procedures.
According to some sources, Bambu Lab's log files, when transmitted to the cloud, contained intellectual property such as 3mf files and g-code. This appears to have been an issue due to a lack of security protocols in previous firmware, making it susceptible to external interception and decryption.
As Bambu Studio and Bambu devices heavily rely on their cloud services, a data breach or unauthorized access could lead to significant disruptions or the leakage of proprietary designs. Data collected by Bambu Lab devices includes video streams and detailed print information, which is recorded by the onboard camera and micro lidar. If the system is compromised, this data could be accessed, posing a significant concern for defense sectors dealing with extremely sensitive data.
Even worse, in 2023, all cloud-connected Bambu Lab 3D printers automatically started printing, damaging many devices. This was reportedly due to a malfunction in Bambu's cloud service after a system reset, causing 3D printers to re-print the last print job. In response to reports that decrypted log files containing intellectual property were collected by Bambu Cloud, Bambu specifically launched the X1E to ensure network and user security.
The new Ethernet port on this 3D printer allows the X1E to operate without connecting to the cloud. The X1E also offers WPA2 Enterprise certified connectivity to ensure network security and offline printing capabilities, making it ideal for users printing under confidentiality agreements.
Bambu Lab X1E: A Desktop 3D Printer that Offers Great Value
The X1E is sold exclusively through dealers, and its price already includes the Automatic Material System (AMS). The X1E's selling price is almost double that of its predecessor, the X1C. The Creality K2 is a direct competitor to the X1E, priced lower and offering similar features, except for enhanced connectivity and a heavy-duty air filter. The Ultimaker S5 is also a competitor in terms of hardware, but its price is significantly higher.
Overall, we believe the X1E is a 3D printer that offers great value for money. It provides attractive features, enables high-quality 3D printing, and is compatible with a wide range of materials, suitable for various applications.
Bambu Lab X1E: A New Standard for the Desktop 3D Printing Market
The X1E performed exceptionally well in all size tests conducted by 3D Printing Industry, achieving excellent results. Designed for the professional market, this 3D printer represents a significant advancement in desktop 3D printing technology, combining high-speed printing capabilities with impressive build quality. The improved hotend and actively heated print chamber greatly expand material versatility, making the X1E ideal for professional applications across various industries.
Although Bambu Lab has strengthened the security measures for its cloud services by introducing additional security protocols, potential customers should still consider data security issues. Users should also perform monthly maintenance checks on the X1E to avoid downtime and inconvenience. This can be done by lubricating lead screws, removing dirt, and carefully handling the nozzle during disassembly to avoid damaging wires.
Despite its many advantages, the X1E is not without its drawbacks.
Nozzle clogs sometimes occur, but these issues are easily resolved due to the magnetic toolhead cover and the two screws securing the nozzle. Disassembling components is also very simple, requiring almost no effort. Bed adhesion problems have also appeared, but can be solved by using the glue stick in the accessory box. These minor issues are completely overshadowed by the 3D printer's numerous advantages, including excellent print quality, speed, and a comprehensive support ecosystem. The Bambu Wiki provides extensive support, in the form of a forum where the community and experts can comment and reply to posted issues. All consumables or spare parts can be found in the Bambu Lab store or on our 3DMart website!
In summary, the Bambu Lab X1E is a powerful and reliable 3D printer capable of delivering outstanding performance and user experience, making it a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts and professionals who require precise and stable 3D printing.
Bambu Lab X1E Technical Specifications
| 3D Printing Technology | FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) |
| Build Volume | 256×256×256 mm |
| 3D Printer Dimensions | 389 x 389 x 457 mm cube |
| User Interface | 5-inch Touchscreen |
| Max 3D Print Speed | 500 mm/s |
| 3D Print Acceleration | 20 m/s² |
| Max Flow Rate | 32 mm³/s |
| Max Nozzle Temperature | 320℃ |
| Heated Build Plate Temperature | 110℃@220V, 120℃@110V |
| Heated Chamber | Max 60℃ |
| Pre-filter grade | G3 |
| HEPA filter grade | H12 |
| Activated carbon filter type | Coconut shell particles |
| Filament compatibility |
PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, BVOH: Optimal ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PET: Excellent Carbon/Glass Fiber Reinforced PLA, PETG, PA, PET, PC, ABS, ASA: Excellent PPA-CF/ GF, PPS, PPS-CF/GF |
| Nozzle and Extruder Gear Material | Hardened Steel |
| Nozzle Diameter | 0.4mm (included) 0.2mm, 0.6mm, 0.8mm |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75mm |
| Number of Extruders | 1 |
| Filament Cutter | Yes |
| Hotend | All-metal hotend |
| Net Weight | 16 kg |
| Slicer Compatibility | Bambu Studio |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Ethernet RJ45, WPA2 |
| File Output | .gcode |
👉 Related Products: Bambu Lab X1E 3D Printer
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