Prusa I3 MK3 vs Bambu Lab A1
Is the Prusa I3 MK3 better than the Bambu Lab A1 for you?
Property
Prusa I3 MK3
Bambu Lab A1
Image
Getting StartedEssential features for beginners
Setup TimeTime to get to first print
480 minutes
Pre-assembled
Auto Bed LevelingRemoves 80% of print issues and manual leveling
Yes
Yes
MatterManifest CompatibleReady for print files from Catalog and AutoSlicer
Yes
No
What You Can PrintBuild volume and material capabilities
Build VolumeLarger build volume = bigger prints
250 × 210 × 200 mm
256 × 256 × 256 mm
Max Nozzle TemperatureHigher temperature = more material options
300°C
300°C
Max Bed TemperatureHigher bed temperature = better adhesion
120°C
120°C
Max Print SpeedFastest the printer is able to move
200 mm/s
500 mm/s
Average Print SpeedGeneral printing speed = prints take less time
100 mm/s
200 mm/s
PLA PlasticBasic plastic, most color options, best for beginners
Yes
Yes
PETGStronger than PLA, good for functional parts
Yes
Yes
TPUFlexible rubber-like material
Yes
Yes
ABSStrong and heat resistant, needs enclosure
No
No
ASAUV resistant, good for outdoor parts
No
No
NylonVery strong, needs high temperatures
No
No
Ease of UseUser-friendly features and ease of operation
Direct DriveFiner filament control, improves overall printing quality
Yes
Yes
Filament SensorPrevents print from continuing when filament runs out
Yes
Yes
WiFi PrintingStart prints from your computer
No
Yes
EnclosedSealed environment for better temperature control, fumes and noise reduction
No
No
Advanced FeaturesAdvanced capabilities and customization
Multi-MaterialPrint with multiple colors/materials
MMU3 (Multi Material Unit)
AMS (Automatic Material System)
CameraMonitor prints remotely
No
Real-time monitoring and time-lapse recording
DesignCoreXY = faster, Bed Slinger = simpler, Delta = tall prints
Bedslinger
Bedslinger
Technical SpecsPerformance and build characteristics
Max Printing AccelerationHigher acceleration = faster printing
1000 mm/s²
10000 mm/s²
Print Bed SurfaceSurface type affects print adhesion
PEI
PEI
EcosystemOpen ecosystems work with 3rd party software and parts for easier maintenance
Open Source
Closed Source
Cost & ValuePrice and overall value
SeriesHigher series usually means newer/better features
MK
A1
Release DateWhen the printer was first released
September 2017
March 2024
PriceThe retail price of the printer
$749
$499