Bambu Lab A1 Combo Setup Guide

Before you begin

• Check that the model and version on your printer match this guide. Packaging and accessories may vary by batch.
• Prepare a stable table and leave room for movement and tubing. Open your printer manual and watch the video to locate the shipping restraints. The heated bed is the part that moves or heats up; the build plate sits on top of it and supports the print.
• Use the tools and screws specified for each step. Keep the printer disconnected from power while assembling parts and connecting cables.
• Keep the box, protective packaging and shipping screws, and store the shipping screws separately from the assembly screws.

Assembly video

Watch the video and follow the written steps below it. You can enable subtitles in the YouTube settings if they are available.

Unboxing and assembly — Bambu Lab A1 Combo

Watch on YouTube ↗

Unboxing and assembly steps

Follow the steps in order and check the images below each step. Click an image to view it or open its reference. Compare screw positions and connections with the images in the printer manual as you assemble the printer.

1. Open the carton and organize the printer base, frame, AMS lite and accessories. Lift the frame by the Z-axis bracket and the base by its plastic housing. Do not lift by the moving heated bed or X-axis rail.

   

   

2. Tilt the base onto the side opposite the screen and cut the shipping tie underneath the heated bed. Support the bed with your hand so it does not move.

   

   

3. Pass the base through the frame at approximately 45 degrees. Align the slots and gently lower the base until it rests on the table. Take care not to trap the heated-bed cable.

   

   

4. Remove the ties and protective pieces around the toolhead and X-axis. If your version has Z-axis shipping stoppers, remove their screws with an H2.0 hex key and take out the stoppers.

   

   

5. Gently move the heated bed forward and remove the Y-axis rail cover. Secure the base with ST3-23 screws: install ten in the indicated holes, move the bed to the other end and install the remaining two. There are twelve screws in total.

   

   

   

6. Refit the Y-axis rail cover with its clips aligned to the openings. If you tilt the printer backward to reach the cable box, support it securely.

   

   

7. Align the cable box's two clips with the holes in the base. Slide it into place until the Type-C connector is fully inserted without forcing it, then tighten the cable-box screws.

   

   

8. Connect the three cable groups according to their colors. Route the yellow-labeled cable in its channel, then close the cable-box cover.

   

   

9. Return the printer upright and unfold the screen. Remove the shipping films present on your version and fit the build plate flat on the heated bed.

   

   

10. Fit the nozzle wiper into its slot at the end of the X-axis from back to front and secure it with one M3-12 screw.

    

    

11. Secure AMS lite to its stand with four BT3-8 screws. Fit the yellow and green spool holders to the matching-colored shafts. Do not force a holder onto a shaft of a different color.

    

    

12. Place AMS lite to the right of the printer. Connect its four PTFE tubes to the toolhead as shown and fit the cable organizer to keep the cables away from the heated bed.

    

    

13. With the printer disconnected from power, plug the AMS lite four-pin cable into the correct port. Leave room in front of and behind the printer for bed and cable movement.

    

    

14. Check the connections and confirm that the required shipping restraints have been removed. Then connect power and complete the touchscreen setup and calibration.

    

    

First startup and calibration

1. Before connecting power, finish assembling the A1 and remove the ties and shipping restraints specified in the steps above. Check the base mounting, build plate, cable box and AMS lite connections before switching on the printer.
2. Choose the language and settings on the touchscreen. For remote printing, connect the printer to the network and pair it with the app.
3. Run the checks and calibrations requested by the setup screen and wait for them to finish. Keep tools and models off the build plate, and do not touch moving parts.
4. If an error appears, photograph the message and error code, then check the assembly and printer manual before running calibration again. Once setup finishes successfully, you can load filament.

Fit and load filament

1. Start with an easy material such as PLA and select its slicer profile, which contains preset settings for that material. Check that the spool and filament suit your printer and feeding system. Verify compatibility before using flexible or abrasive filament.
2. Fit the spool so it can turn freely. Hold the filament end to prevent it from springing loose and tangling, then gently feed it into the path. Do not force it if you feel resistance.
3. Insert the filament end into the AMS lite inlet for your chosen slot until it feeds automatically. Check that the spool is secure and turns in the correct direction.
4. Set the filament type and color for each channel or toolhead, and match their order in the slicer to the printer. Similar colors do not necessarily mean the same material type.
5. Before changing a spool, choose Unload on the touchscreen to remove the filament. Do not force filament out of a cold toolhead.

Download printer software

The desktop software for this printer is Bambu Studio. This is the slicer: use it to open your model, select the printer and filament settings, and prepare the file for printing.

Download Bambu Studio for desktop

1. Open the link on your computer, choose the version for your operating system and install the software.
2. Open the software and select your printer model, nozzle size and build plate type.
3. Choose the filament profile, which provides preset material settings, and match the color channels to the printer for multicolor printing.
4. If your printer model is missing, update the software and printer profiles from the same official source before continuing; do not choose a similarly named model.

Your first print: start with a small model

1. Start with a test model stored on the printer if one is available. Before printing, check that the filament type required by the file matches the material you have loaded.
2. To print your own file, download Bambu Studio from the software section above. Open the slicer and select your printer model, nozzle size and build plate type; do not use another printer's profile.
3. Open the model in the slicer and place it within the build plate boundaries. Select the filament profile and keep the recommended settings for your first attempt; do not start at maximum speed.
4. For multicolor printing, assign each color to the correct channel or toolhead. If the file uses a prime tower, a printed structure used to clear the nozzle between colors, check that it fits within the build plate alongside the model and supports.
5. In the slicer, click Slice to prepare the file, then open Preview. Review the first layer, supports, print time and filament use, then send the file using a method your printer supports: over the network or via storage media.
6. Watch the first layer: the lines should be joined and adhere to the plate without dragging or lifting at the edges. If adhesion fails, stop the print, clean the plate and check calibration and settings before trying again.

After printing

• Wait for the nozzle, heated bed and model to cool before touching them. If the build plate is flexible and suitable for this method, remove it and flex it gently to release the model, then refit it flat.
• Remove the starting line and filament debris. Check for small pieces under the build plate or on the heated bed before refitting the plate.
• Avoid touching the print surface with your fingers. Clean it using a method suitable for the plate type, and check compatibility before using any cleaner.
• Store filament in a dry place and secure its end when removing a spool to prevent tangles. Check the tubes, nozzle wiper and spools regularly.
• Follow the maintenance schedule in your printer manual. Do not apply grease or oil unless the manual specifically instructs you to.

If something goes wrong

If the issue remains, send us the model name, error code and a photo of the connections or a short video showing the problem through the contact page.

Manuals and printer resources

• Bambu Lab A1 Combo printer manual
• First print with AMS lite
• Assembly video
• Download printer software

Prepared by Tajseem using the manufacturers' manuals. Videos remain in their original language. If your printer version differs or instructions have changed, follow the latest manual for your specific version.