Posted: 5/16/2026 7:21:41 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Et2ss][Edited]
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I'm wanting to get into printing. Have been watching lots of vids about multi color machines. Seems as though the best one going for noobs is Bamboo Labs. I want to eventually print grip frames for my p365, and potentially throw away quiet thingies. But now with the whole software and spying drama, would I be better off going with a different brand? Can I download STL files and plug and play to this printer? I dont want to mess around a lot to get started with decent results. Any input would be helpful |
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You're not going to print high quality 2A things with minimal learning and significant investment period. Outside of PLA+, you're going to need to learn and grow skills to prep properly, slice properly, understand results and know how to tweak, etc. Yes, BBL is the easiest to get started on, but printing PA6-CF isn't exactly turn key and there is learning involved. You'll also need a proper drying setup, and a way to store filament in a manner that keeps it dry. Not trying to persuade you to get something different, but go into this with eyes wide open is all. This isn't a brainless exercise and some level of dedication and effort is needed to get the best results. That said, the X2D is an excellent, capable machine for the tasks you outline. It's my starting reco now, unless the user isn't interested in engineering filaments or needs a larger volume. 
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Thanks for the input. I was going to start out making things for around the house, tool organization, etc. There are plenty of stl files I have seen on the thingaverse, and makerworks. Figured I'd start there and learn the ins, outs, and slowly gain experience with slicers etc |
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Originally Posted By Et2ss: Thanks for the input. I was going to start out making things for around the house, tool organization, etc. There are plenty of stl files I have seen on the thingaverse, and makerworks. Figured I'd start there and learn the ins, outs, and slowly gain experience with slicers etc Good plan. Generally most learn PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, then Nylon. Some add other guys in there like PCTG, PC, TPU, etc etc. There are of course alloys of most of these things, as well as reinforced variety such as CF or GF. Having a heated chamber makes the harder ones more forgiving, and the things you'll struggle with likely aren't the same things someone with a P2S would struggle with. Having a properly heated chamber, while helping with warping, introduces the need for very effective heat management through slicer settings and well, that can be challenging too, depending on what you're printing. Don't forget to buy interface material. Use PLA for PETG, PETG for PLA, HIPS for ABS, etc. |