Bambu Lab A1 mini 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 mini 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. Take out the accessories one at a time and check the foam recesses before discarding the packaging. Lift the printer while supporting the rear Z-axis cover; do not grip the metal rails.

   

   

2. Remove the four screws securing the Z-axis limiter and take out the limiter. Cut the toolhead cable tie, keeping the cutters away from the belt and cables.

   

   

3. Move the toolhead slightly left and remove the foam. Remove any foam around the heated bed, rails and underneath the bed before connecting power.

   

   

4. Tighten the three screws underneath the heated bed. These mounting screws are loosened for shipping and must not be removed. Gently move the bed until you can reach them.

   

   

5. Slide 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. Check that it is parallel to the heated-bed edge and cannot collide with it.

   

   

6. For an external spool, attach the spool-holder base with two M3-8 screws, then slide the holder into place from top to bottom. You can skip this step if you will only use AMS lite.

   

   

7. Remove the camera's protective film. If the screen has two protective films, you can remove the outer one and keep the final layer to protect against scratches.

   

   

8. Secure AMS lite to its stand with four BT3-8 screws, with its cable facing backward. Fit the spool holders to the matching-colored shafts.

   

   

   

9. Place AMS lite to the right of the printer. Use the two 580 mm tubes for outlets 1 and 2, and the two 700 mm tubes for outlets 3 and 4. Follow the diagram when connecting them to the toolhead and avoid crossing the tubes.

   

   

10. Install the cable organizer close to the toolhead. Put the black cable through the small opening and the four tubes through the larger openings.

    

    

11. Leave approximately 50 mm between the printer and AMS lite. Keep the AMS lite cable separate from the printer's braided cable to prevent tangling.

    

    

12. Connect the four-pin cable with its connector aligned to the protection clip, then fit the PEI plate. Check that nothing obstructs heated-bed movement.

    

    

13. Lubricate the Y-axis rail with the supplied oil, using the amount shown in the lubrication video linked below.

    

    

14. Connect power and switch on the printer at the rear. Select the language and network, pair Bambu Handy and complete the touchscreen calibration.

    

    

First startup and calibration

1. Before connecting power, remove the packaging foam around the heated bed, rails and underneath the bed. Tighten the three heated-bed mounting screws; do not remove them. Remove only the shipping-restraint screws specified in the A1 mini steps above, and check the build plate and connections.
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 mini Combo printer manual
• First print with AMS lite
• First print with an external spool
• Rail lubrication video
• 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.