How the Bambu Lab P1P Revolutionized My 3D Printing Experience with PETG PLA and Beyond
- Anthony VanVolkinburg
- May 16
- 4 min read
When I first entered the world of 3D printing, I was met with a whirlwind of choices, technical terms, and excitement that could either guide me or leave me confused. After several months of trial and error, I can confidently assert that the Bambu Lab P1P has completely transformed my printing journey. With its user-friendly design and powerful features, this printer has become the foundation of my projects. I primarily work with PETG and PLA, but thanks to some innovative home modifications, I've now expanded into ABS and ASA.
First Impressions of the Bambu Lab P1P
Right out of the box, the Bambu Lab P1P looked clean and well-built. Setup was super easy—way easier than I expected (especially for someone who usually fights with flat-pack anything).
It’s solid but light enough to move around without hassle, and it doesn’t take up a ton of space on the bench, which I like.
When I fired it up, the interface was surprisingly smooth. It’s not overcomplicated—just straight to the point, with helpful prompts and live feedback that actually makes sense. Everything’s labeled clearly too, which is huge if you’re like me and don’t have time to dig through menus.
Honestly, it’s been better than I expected so far.
Embracing the Basics: PETG and PLA
I started out printing with PETG and PLA—pretty standard stuff if you’re just getting into 3D printing.
With the Bambu Lab P1P, PETG was no problem. The bed adhesion was solid, temps stayed consistent, and prints came out way cleaner than I expected. One of the first things I made was a vase I grabbed from Thingiverse, and the color and finish with PETG looked awesome.
PLA’s even easier. It gave me room to dial in settings without dealing with warping or failed prints. That early success gave me the confidence to start trying trickier materials and more complex designs.
Customizing for Success: Building Enclosures
As I got more comfortable with the P1P, I started pushing things a bit. One of the first big upgrades I tackled was building my own enclosure.
I designed and cut it using acrylic sheets on the laser, and pieced it together to keep dust out and hold temps more steady during prints. Even made my own hinges on the printer—which felt like a cool full-circle moment.
Once that was set up, it opened the door to print stuff like ABS and ASA without worrying about warping. That upgrade definitely took things to the next level.
Tackling ABS and ASA: A New Challenge
With my new enclosure ready, I took the plunge into ABS and ASA printing.
I initially approached these materials with a blend of excitement and caution. Many people warned about warping and adherence issues with these filaments. However, equipped with my Bambu Lab P1P, I felt ready to tackle the challenges.
To my delight, the printer performed exceptionally well. The heated bed worked seamlessly with the enclosure, maintaining consistent temperatures that contributed to successful prints.
One memorable project was a custom mechanical part I needed for a personal project. The strength and durability of ABS were just what I required, and watching the final print come together was incredibly rewarding.
User Experience and Community Feedback
One highlight of the Bambu Lab P1P is the vibrant community that surrounds it.
From online forums to social media groups, 3D printing enthusiasts eagerly share their experiences and advice on optimizing settings or using different materials.
Learning from others has been a joy—discovering what settings work best for specific filaments and sharing my own tips has been fulfilling. The positive energy from fellow users has fueled my passion for this craft, reinforcing my belief that I chose one of the best 3D printers for my needs.

Overcoming Challenges and Lessons Learned
In any creative endeavor, challenges are inevitable.
For me, the struggle was understanding the specifics of different materials. Early on, I encountered several failed prints with ABS, teaching me the importance of bed adhesion and adjusting print speeds.
Each setback became a valuable lesson, leading me to discover not only how to utilize the printer effectively but also how to be resourceful.
The Bambu Lab P1P is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a partner in my 3D printing journey.
Wrapping Up My Experience
Since bringing the Bambu Lab P1P home, my 3D printing experience has reached new heights.
From my initial experiments with PLA and PETG to confidently tackling ABS and ASA, I have grown not only as a maker but also as a member of a wider, passionate community.
If you’re considering stepping into the world of 3D printers, I highly recommend the Bambu Lab P1P. It’s more than just a great 3D printer—it’s a gateway to exploration, innovation, and creativity.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced pro, the possibilities are boundless. Get ready to elevate your 3D printing adventures!

Comments