Following the introduction and review of the Bambu Lab X1E's appearance and features in Part 1 (view here: 【3D Printing】Is the Bambu Lab X1E Worth the Price?), this article will cover the second part: the finished product test. 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 team at 3D Printing Industry 3D printed square, hexagonal, and tubular models 12 times each and compared their dimensions to the original designs. Any part with an average deviation of less than 0.1 mm and a standard deviation of less than 0.05 mm was considered a successful result.
3D Printed Repeatability Test Geometries, photos courtesy of 3D Printing Industry.
The X1E performed exceptionally well in the repeatability test, 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 require the production of high-quality, repeatable parts, such as jigs and assembly components.
In the subsequent 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 in optimal mode using a 0.16 mm layer height. Although some issues appeared in the overhang test after exceeding 70°, most FDM systems exhibit layer droop at 50°.Therefore, the X1E's performance is well above average.
3D Printing Industry's capability test involved printing 150 tubular models and randomly selecting 16 for measurement. The capability test is crucial for users who wish to mass-print similar geometries, as it helps in statistically controlling process variation and determining if the machine can consistently meet required tolerances.
The X1E exhibited an excellent Cp (process capability index) of 7.99, indicating that its process output is highly stable and capable of maintaining 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 and precise parts. The test piece was a 28 mm long nut and bolt, requiring strict tolerances. This part was successfully printed, with clear details and defect-free threads, making it fully functional. 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 connector for a rally car. This intake manifold had no warping or external defects, making it very suitable for use in the automotive industry.
Next, a drone frame was 3D printed using PAHT-CF material. This required the use of Bambu Lab's support material. Although 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 attractive 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 the filament into the toolhead.
3D Printing Industry's 3D printed company logo and Hue Forge artwork demonstrate the tool's applicability in the art and craft market, enabling the production of multi-color parts in a single 3D printing job.
They also created a high-quality anatomical heart model, suitable for educational and demonstration purposes. The biomedical industry can leverage the X1E to evaluate life-size 3D printed anatomical models from CT or MRI imaging, which allows medical practitioners to study optimal surgical procedures for patients.
According to some sources, Bambu Lab's log files contained intellectual property, such as 3mf files and g-code, when transmitted to the cloud. This appears to be a problem caused by the lack of security protocols in previous firmware, making it vulnerable to external interception and decryption.
As Bambu Studio and Bambu devices heavily rely on their cloud services, data breaches or unauthorized access could lead to significant disruptions or leakage of proprietary designs. The data collected by Bambu Lab devices includes video streams and detailed printing information, which are 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 cloud service malfunction at Bambu 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 who print under non-disclosure agreements.
Bambu Lab X1E: A Desktop 3D Printer That's Worth the Money
The X1E is sold only through dealers, and its price includes the Automatic Material System (AMS). The X1E sells for almost twice the price 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 heavy-duty air filters. The Ultimaker S5 is also a competitor in terms of hardware but comes with a high price tag.
Overall, we believe the X1E is a 3D printer that offers good value for money. It provides attractive features, capable of high-quality 3D printing, and is compatible with various materials, suitable for a wide range of applications.
Bambu Lab X1E: A New Standard for the Desktop 3D Printer Market
The X1E performed exceptionally well in all size tests by 3D Printing Industry, achieving excellent results. This 3D printer is designed for the professional market and represents a significant advancement in desktop 3D printing technology, combining high-speed printing capabilities with impressive build quality. The improved hot end and actively heated print chamber greatly increase material versatility, making the X1E highly suitable 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 the lead screws, removing dirt, and carefully handling the nozzle during disassembly to avoid damaging the wires.
Despite its many advantages, the X1E is not without its drawbacks.
Nozzle clogging can sometimes occur, but these issues are easily resolved thanks to the magnetic toolhead cover and the two screws that secure the nozzle. Disassembling components is also very simple, requiring almost no effort. Bed adhesion problems have also appeared but can be solved with the glue stick from 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. 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 that delivers excellent 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 (cubic) |
| User Interface | 5-inch Touchscreen |
| Maximum 3D Printing Speed | 500 mm/s |
| 3D Printing Acceleration | 20 m/s² |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 32 mm³/s |
| Maximum Nozzle Temperature | 320℃ |
| Heated Build Plate Temperature |
ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PET: Premium
Carbon/Glass Fiber Reinforced PLA, PETG,
PA, PET, PC, ABS, ASA: Premium
PPA-CF/GF, PPS, PPS-CF/GF
👉 Related Products: Bambu Lab X1E 3D Printer
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