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Foley Library Digital Scholarship Lab: 3D Printing

The Bambu A1 is a user-friendly 3D printer with an open design that makes it easy to monitor prints and access the build area. It’s quieter and more compact, perfect for beginners or small spaces. The A1 offers straightforward setup and maintenance, making it ideal for everyday printing and simple projects.

Build Dimensions

The maximum dimensions for printing on the A1 are:

  • Width (x): 256mm or 10.08"
  • Depth (y): 256mm or 10.08"
  • Height (z): 256mm or 10.08"
 

Filament Types

The A1 is limited to printing in PLA, PETG, and TPU filaments. It can print up to two colors of the same type of filament in a single print, but this can significantly increase the length of printing time and the amount of filament used. 

The Bambu X1 Carbon is an advanced 3D printer with a closed build chamber, auto-calibration, and support for stronger materials. It prints faster and more accurately, and handles multi-material printing better, making it ideal for high-quality, low-hassle projects.

Build Dimensions

The maximum dimensions for printing on the X1s are:

  • Width (x):    228-230mm or 8.98-9.37"
  • Depth (y):    228-256mm or 8.98-9.37"
  • Height (z):    250mm or 9.84"

 

Filament Types

The X1s are able to print in a wider variety of filament types, including: PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, Nylon, Polycarbonate, and more.

Using the AMS, the X1 series can switch between up to five different filament colors during a single print but this can significantly increase the length of printing time and the amount of filament used. 

Filament Available 

The DSL at Foley Library has the following filaments available for printing: 


PLA

PLA is the most common type of 3D printing filament. It's best for beginners, design or art prints, and prototyping. 

In Stock

PLA Basic: smooth, slight gloss finish

  • Colors: Bambu Green, Black, Blue, Brown, Cobalt Blue, Gold, Jade White, Mistletoe Green, Red

PLA Silk: high-gloss finish

  • Colors: Candy Red, Blue, Silver, Aurora Purple (blue/purple multicolor)

PLA Sparkle: glitter effect

  • Colors: Classic Gold, Royal Purple

PLA Translucent: semi-clear or frosted appearance 

  • Colors: Ice Blue, Red


Alternative Filaments

In addition to the standard PLA filaments, there are also specialized filaments with specific use-cases or features. 

In Stock

PLA-CF: a carbon-fiber infused filament that is best for prints where rigidity and dimensional accuracy or precision are required; brittle under stress or impact and not resistant to heat above 60°C

  • Colors: Black

PETG-CF: a carbon-fiber infused filament that is stronger and more flexible than PLA-CF and has a higher heat resistance (80°C); best for prints that will be exposed to heat, chemicals, or are at risk of impact

  • Colors:  Brick Red

PAHT-CF: a nylon and carbon-fiber infused filament that is extremely strong, stiff, and durable with a heat resistance of up to 150°C; recommended for functional or high-performance end-use mechanical or structural components

  • Colors: Black


Personal Filaments

The DSL will permit the use of personal filaments (filament purchased and supplied by the user). However, there will still be a machine usage fee based on the duration of the print (in hours).  

Any personal filament use must be approved by DSL employees. We will ask you to provide a sample for us to test in the printer before we can approve it. 

The DSL reserves the right to disallow the use of filament that is not compatible with our printers.