Bambu Studio Quick Start
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Bambu studio is a free slicing software which Fab Lab uses to prepare models for FDM 3D Printing on the Bambu X1 Carbon printer.
Slicing refers to generating the data 3d printers need to produce your model. This is done in a slicing software where you can set and modify settings and preview the outcome.
It is a critical step in the process so pay special attention to the following steps. This will ensure you achieve the best outcome for your project and mitigate any potential printing failures.
Click below to download the latest version of Bambu Studio
Click below to download the Fab Lab template for Bambu Studio.
In Bambu Studio, select 'Open Project', and select the Fab Lab Bambu Studio Template file from your downloads folder.
In control panel ensure your settings for 1 match the image below.
In setting 2, select your filament choice from the options with the prefix 'Fab Lab...'
In setting 3 ensure your settings match the image below.
The cube in the template file is a placeholder, please delete it before proceeding.
Import the .stl or .obj file you wish to print by dragging and dropping it onto the slicer screen, or selecting file > import > import 3mf/stl/step....
The slicer will alert you if your geometry exceeds the boundary of the print bed.
If your objects have been exported as a group, they will be bound together. Select the object and right click -> split -> to objects
You should now be able to select your geometries individually.
You may need to add multiple build plates to your project. This can be useful if your print is large and cannot fit on one print plate.
To do this select the 'Add Plate' button. Additional plates will be added and made active. Note: Inactive plates will always appear faded.
Select your objects and arrange them on the plates as required.
Carefully arranging your print plates can improve efficiency and success of your print. Bambu slicer includes an inbuilt function to simplify this process called 'Auto-Orientation'.
Below are some methods to explore if the auto-orientation function does not suit your project.
Select all your objects on a plate and press the auto orient button from the top menu.
With your objects still selected press the auto-arrange button to optimize the rotation and spacing on the print plate.
Since you are using the Fab Lab Template, all the key settings have been set for you. This includes supports. For the majority of prints, there should be no need to alter these settings.
If you have a complex print, lots of overhangs, or additional strength requirements and wish to make some manual adjustments for your outcome or intentions, please review General Slicing Settings.
You can learn more about preparing your prints here: https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/bambu-studio/parameter
Please note: Fab Lab technician will perform basic checks of your file before sending to print, however, if you choose to adjust settings there is the possibility of print failure which may delay processing time.
In order to process your job, we require two file types:
A single .stl with all your 3D geometry.
.3mf.gcode files (1 for each plate).
Once you are done arranging your geometries, follow these steps;
For Single build plate projects, follow these instructions:
File -> Export -> Export All Objects as one .stl
Save this file using the correct naming convention for .stl files.
Select the 'Slice Plate' button on the top right-hand corner.
This will take a moment to compute the G-code and sliced preview.
Once complete, select the 'Export Plate sliced file' button. Save this file using the correct naming convention for .gcode.3mf files.
Save your project in case Fab Lab requests changes to your sliced file. File -> Save Project As
Once your file has been sliced, Bambu Studio will provide you with details of the print. Included in these details is the weight of filament required (in grams).
You can use this weight to calculate costs when submitting a job in the Fab Lab queue.
All calculations are estimates. Technicians will verifying and may adjust costs during the printing process.
Its a good idea to preview the exported .stl to ensure that the export matches the layout in the slicer.
Objects that are too thin will not be processed properly and you will be able to tell from the preview; watch for anything that looks like the image below.
Watch for parts that are not supported - these may not print properly or at all, adjust the Support Angle to compensate and ensure all critical angles are supported.
