Keep your X1 Carbon, P1S, or A1 running like new with just a few minutes of care.
If you own a Bambu Lab printer — an X1 Carbon, P1S, or A1 — you already know how smooth and reliable these machines can be. But even the most advanced printers need a little love to keep them running at peak performance.
Regular maintenance doesn’t take long, but it can mean the difference between flawless prints and frustrating failures. If you’re new to 3D printing or just want a quick refresher, this is for you.
1. Keep Your Build Plate Clean
Every few prints, give your build plate a quick clean. Use a little dish soap, warm water, and a lint-free rag to wipe away fingerprints and residue.
Dirty plates can lead to poor bed adhesion and warped prints — two of the most common beginner headaches.
If you use the textured PEI plate, avoid scraping with metal tools. Instead, stick to a plastic scraper to protect the surface.
2. Clean and Lubricate Your Rails
Your printer’s linear rails are its muscles — they keep movements smooth, precise, and consistent. Over time, dust, filament bits, and dry lubricant can build up, leading to rough motion or layer shifting.
While your printer may alert you when maintenance is needed, it’s smart to stay proactive. If you’re printing regularly, wipe down the rails and reapply lubricant about once a month.
Pro tip: I like using gear floss to clean out the screws and get into tight spaces.
3. Empty and Inspect Your AMS
If you’re running an AMS (Automatic Material System), open it up occasionally to check for filament dust or shavings near the feeder wheels. Build-up here can cause feeding errors or jams.
Also, check the desiccant packets — if they turn soft or change color, dry them out or replace them. Remember, moisture is the enemy of smooth filament flow.
4. Check Your Nozzle and Hot End
Filament buildup around the nozzle tip can affect print quality, especially with materials like PETG or carbon fiber.
A simple nozzle wipe with a brass brush will help prevent clogging and oozing. Regularly checking your hot end ensures cleaner extrusion and fewer surprises mid-print.
5. Keep Firmware and Bambu Studio Up to Date
Bambu Lab regularly releases updates to improve performance, fix bugs, and even add new features. Keeping your firmware and Bambu Studio slicer current ensures your printer runs efficiently and safely.
Before updating, make sure your printer’s connection is stable to avoid interruptions.
A Quick Spa Day for Your Printer
A few minutes of maintenance every so often can add years to your printer’s life — and save you from wasted filament and failed prints. Think of it as giving your Bambu Lab printer a well-deserved spa day.
After all, it spends countless hours bringing your ideas to life.
🧽 Products & Tools Mentioned:
• Gear Floss → https://amzn.to/3WRZvLf
• Plastic Scraper Kit → https://amzn.to/4nott4z
• Brass Brush Set (for nozzles) → https://amzn.to/4otZ0CU