One of the best 3D printers is on sale this Black Friday – and it would make a great gift
I’ve been 3D printing on a range of 3D printers for almost a decade, and it’s hard to find one I like more than the A1 Mini Combo.
Since its launch in 2023, the A1 Mini Combo has been a firm favorite in my household. When we want something small to be printed quickly, we choose the Mini, because it offers excellent print quality every time. Now with the holiday season in full swing and Black Friday is fast approaching, there’s no better time to buy one for yourself or, better yet, for someone else.
If you’re already delved into the world of 3D printing, you might find the Mini too small for you, but if you know someone who’s been thinking about getting into the hobby, now’s the time to get one if to buy a gift. The A1 Mini on its own is just nothing $200but the real bargain is the Combo. For $349you get an excellent 3D printer and an accessory that allows you to print in four different colors.
I’ve been using the Mini since it first came out in 2023, and it’s such an easy device to use. It’s the one I fire up when I want something quick and easy. The bed is small, only 180 by 180 millimeters, so you can’t print huge things like helmets or masks, but you can make smaller pieces like sculptures or, with the holidays approaching, awesome ornaments. It also prints quickly, with a maximum print speed of 500mm/s, meaning you can print small jobs quickly. It also comes with a four-color system called AMS lite, which feeds four different materials into the printer, allowing you to create color models like the one in the image below.
A1 Mini Combo Specifications
| Build volume | 180x180x180 |
|---|---|
| Hot ending | Interchangeable |
| Extruder type | Direct Drive AMS (color system) |
| Mouthpiece diameter | 0.4mm |
| Maximum nozzle temperature | 300C |
| Maximum temperature of the build plate | 80C |
| Official maximum speed | 500 mm/sec |
| Supported material | PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA |
| Automatic bed leveling | Yes |
| Filament low sensor | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, app enabled |
| Time-lapse camera | Yes |
| Cutting machine | Bambu cutter |
Read more: A1 Mini Combo Review
My coworker recently asked me which 3D printer she should buy for her 13-year-old son, and this is the one I suggested. It fits on a normal desk, even with the AMS color system. It’s pretty quiet and, as long as you have a bucket to catch the waste, clean to have around the house. If you use it indoors, I recommend using safe materials such as PLA or PETG, especially in a bedroom. Ideally, you would want it to be in a spare room or garage, if possible.
This cute little pumpkin is practically perfect and printed in one piece.
There are many options for your first 3D printer, and I’ve seen many people on Threads and Reddit recommend the A1 Mini Combo. They agree with me that the A1 Mini is a great starting point, although you may need something bigger as you progress in the business.
When does this deal expire?
While we can’t guarantee this deal will last, Bambu Lab did say this event will run from October 21 to December 3, 2024. Our CNET deals experts are continuously monitoring these savings so we can keep you informed if any something goes on sale or sells out before the event ends.
Is this deal available on Black Friday?
The Bambu Lab Black Friday event takes place during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The A1 Mini Combo is one of the company’s most popular 3D printers and our experts expect it to be available throughout Cyber Week.
Why this Black Friday deal matters
With the holidays quickly approaching and 3D printers being a big deal, any savings you can make are important. Although we’ve seen the A1 Mini at this price before, it still matches the lowest price we’ve seen and is a bargain. There are very few, if any, 3D printers that can match the A1 Mini in this price range.
The A1 Mini Combo is also excellently priced for gift giving this year. At $350, it’s perfect as a main gift for a loved one. I would suggest the next level of 3D printer, the A1 full size combo, but that’s it $449a full $100 more expensive and perhaps a bit pricey as a gift. If you want to buy a 3D printer for yourself and you have the extra money, the full-size A1 combo might be a good choice.
What other costs come from owning a 3D printer?
After the first layout, you need to buy a few Accessories for 3D printing and some materials to get the most out of your 3D printer. If the printer doesn’t come with a roll of filament and you open one on Christmas morning, you may be disappointed. I would suggest getting some nice filament Overture. The PLA is excellent and comes in many fun colors. Start with PLA as it is the easiest and cheapest material.
The accessories are all optional, as your 3D printer comes with all the tools you need, as well as fun projects to print some of these tools. Eventually you’ll need to replace your mouthpiece, but Bambu makes that incredibly easy and cost-effective. You won’t need a new one for a long time, so don’t worry.
