Bambu Lab A1 vs. P1S: Which 3D Printer is Best for Cookie Cutters?
If you’re looking for a 3D printer to make cookie cutters and embossers, choosing the right machine can make a big difference in print quality, ease of use, and long-term costs. Bambu Lab offers several options, but the A1 Mini, A1, and P1S stand out as the most common choices.
So, which one should you buy?
Price & Build Volume
| Printer | Price (Without AMS) | Build Volume (mm) | Cost per cm³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Mini | $329 | 180 × 180 × 180 | $0.056/cm³ |
| A1 | $499 | 256 × 256 × 256 | $0.029/cm³ |
| P1S | $899 | 256 × 256 × 256 | $0.054/cm³ |
The A1 Mini is the cheapest option, but its smaller build volume means you may need to print large cutters in multiple parts. The A1 offers the best value overall, giving you a larger build area at a lower cost than the P1S. The P1S costs nearly double the A1 with no added build space, making it a poor investment for cookie cutter printing.
Watch out for Bambu Lab’s “permanent sales” on the P1S—it’s not actually discounted.
Print Quality, Nozzle Changes & Maintenance
The A1 Mini and A1 outperform the P1S in key areas:
✅ Crisper embossers and less stringing
✅ Better first-layer consistency
✅ Less maintenance—A1 series uses linear rails, while the P1S requires belt tensioning
But one of the biggest quality-of-life differences between these printers is nozzle swapping.
Nozzle Swapping: A1 Series Makes It Easy
If you print both cookie cutters (0.4mm nozzle) and fine embossers (0.2mm nozzle), you’ll need to swap nozzles frequently.
| Printer | Nozzle Swapping Process | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| A1 Mini / A1 | Quick-release clips, no screws required | Under 1 min |
| P1S | Remove screws, disassemble hotend | 5+ mins |
On the A1 Mini & A1, swapping nozzles is fast and tool-free—just pop open a couple of clips, swap the nozzle, and you’re done.
On the P1S, nozzle changes require removing screws and taking apart the entire hotend assembly. If you don’t have a spare hotend, you’ll need to fully disassemble your existing one just to change nozzles.
If you regularly switch between nozzles for detailed embossers, the A1 series is a much better choice.
Running Costs & Noise Levels
| Printer | Printing Power (W) | Yearly Cost (AUD) | Noise Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Mini | 80W | ~$37 | Quietest |
| A1 | 95W | ~$44 | Slightly louder |
| P1S | 185W | ~$86 | Loudest |
- The A1 Mini and A1 are much cheaper to run than the P1S, which costs over double in electricity.
- The P1S is also significantly louder, making it less ideal for small workspaces.
Which Printer Should You Buy?
- Best Overall: A1 – Best value, larger build space, and low maintenance.
- Best Budget Option: A1 Mini – Compact and affordable.
- Worst Choice for Cookie Cutters: P1S – Overpriced, loud, and unnecessary features.
Final Thoughts: If you’re printing cookie cutters or embossers, the A1 series is the best choice. The P1S doesn’t offer any advantages for this type of printing and costs significantly more to buy and run.
Thinking of buying an A1 Mini or A1? Here’s where you can grab one: