- Bambu has recently unveiled their new H2D 3D printer, which boasts a more spacious build volume compared to earlier models.
- The H2D elevates the game by providing the capability to switch between functioning as a 3D printer and a laser engraver/cutter, vinyl cutter, and pen plotter.
- Although this appears appealing, laser engraving/cutting produces substantial amounts of soot and odors that can be detrimental to 3D printing operations. This necessitates significant upkeep and effort to maintain a multi-functioning machine effectively.
Bambu Labs’ new H2D 3D printer was introduced amid considerable excitement. Nonetheless, there’s one significant problem with it that baffles me. The company expects you to pay $1,300 for the privilege of turning your 3D printer into a laser engraver. Here’s why this might not be such a good idea.
Bambu Introduces Its Versatile Yet Jack-of-All-Trades 3D Printer
These days, Bambu Labs stands as a pillar within the 3D printing community. Offering printers that are both budget-friendly and highly functional, many individuals appreciate what Bambu brings to the table.
In the higher-end segment, the brand’s initial product, the X1 Carbon, along with the subsequent P1S, has turned into a favorite choice for printing facilities globally. Consequently, enthusiasts have been looking forward to the next version of the X1 Carbon.
That's where the brand-new H2D As the newest addition to the Bambu lineup, the H2D delivers many features enthusiasts have desired: dual-extrusion capability, an expanded build area, closed-loop servomotors, dynamic chamber warming, and numerous additional enhancements.
Nevertheless, Bambu didn’t stop at merely producing an excellent 3D printer with the H2D; they aimed higher. Sure, it’s definitely a top-notch 3D printer, yet the brand chose to go further by developing a multifunctional device. This single unit can handle tasks like 3D printing along with laser engraving, as well as cutting through vinyl and paper, and even performing pen plotting. Indeed, this machine manages to incorporate all these functions into one versatile piece of equipment.
Laser Engraving Generates Lots of Soot, Smells, and Debris
If you've never done laser engraving or cutting before, there's a lot of residue that comes along with it. I've been running laser engravers and cutters for over two years now, and the amount of dust, dirt, debris, and just grime that builds up from engraving certain materials is pretty nasty.
There's also a crazy amount of smell (and fumes) that come with laser engraving. Lasers are essentially evaporating the material that's being engraved, which can sometimes result in some pretty toxic fumes being generated.
Combine the vapors with the soot produced, and you end up with an apparatus that not only smells bad but also requires frequent cleaning. My laser engraver retains the odor of whatever material I've been engraving for weeks or even months. There are some machines I use solely during the crafts fair season, yet despite this intermittent usage, I can still detect the lingering scent inside long after several months have passed.
This is where I believe 3D printing will head towards: regular maintenance of equipment along with possibly unpleasant-smelling prints.
Bambu is already getting ready for this, as they have a maintenance page for H2D It demonstrates how much progress can be made with just 40 hours of laser engraving on the equipment. While this may seem extensive, I have completed numerous engravings or cuttings that each took more than an hour alone. Perform several such tasks daily or weekly, and before you know it, significant advancement will be achieved.
The issue is that after as little as five to ten hours of laser engraving or cutting, you’ll end up with plenty of soot and residue to remove. Like me, you might only service your 3D printers when absolutely necessary rather than proactively. This means you’d likely find yourself needing to maintain them far more frequently due to this buildup.
If you plan to begin laser engraving, invest in a dedicated machine.
Although the integrated design might appeal to those looking for a more affordable system, the H2D would better serve its purpose by focusing solely on 3D printing. Adding the complete 40W package comes with an additional price tag of $1,300.
To put that into comparison, for $1,600, so $300 more, the WeCreat Vision 40W is a great buy. It's only a little more, but it gives you a larger working area than the H2D, is supported by Lightburn (industry-leading laser engraving software), and is a machine specifically designed for laser engraving.
Owning a specialized laser engraver allows you to simultaneously engage in 3D printing and laser engraving without interruption. You won’t face delays when transitioning between these functions since there’s no need for setup changes, eliminating concerns related to cleaning up afterward. Additionally, this equipment remains readily available whenever needed for your projects.
Starting with a single machine for everything may appear appealing initially, but trust me, you’ll soon prefer having distinct machines for each task. I attempted to transform my CNCrouter into a laser engraver so that one device could handle multiple jobs. However, after approximately two weeks, I concluded that I required dedicated equipment for each function.
Dealing with the conversion of the CNC machine into a laser system and keeping it occupied during lengthy tasks was quite bothersome. This issue will persist with the H2D as well. Including the frequent transformation of the 3D printer into a laser setup along with regular cleaning duties only adds to this exasperation.
If your aim is to engage in 3D printing along with laser engraving, consider purchasing each machine individually. This way, you can choose from a wider range of power options—such as opting for a 20W model rather than limiting yourself to 10W or 40W, which are the choices provided by Bambu. Additionally, having the ability to operate two devices concurrently will be incredibly beneficial when pursuing these dual interests simultaneously.