Bambu Lab X1C 3D Printer Operation Manual

Bambu Lab X1C 3D Printer Operations Manual

Machine Name: Bambu Lab X1 Carbon (X1C) 3D Printer

Location: The Fab Lab

Version: v1.0

Last Updated: 3/12/26

Responsible Student Worker: Aidan Spira

Linked Safety Manual: Link Here

1. What This Machine Is For

Use this machine to:

3D print plastic parts using plastic filament
Produce prototypes and functional parts
Fabricate mechanical components, models, small scale production
Practicing lean prototyping methods

2. What This Machine Is Not For

Do not use this machine for:

Printing metal or ceramic materials
Printing unapproved filament/materials
Modifying the printer
Printing inappropriate objects
Printing objects which may damage the machine
Producing food-grade & medical-grade components
Cooking using the various heated components

3. What You Need Before You Start

Before operating this machine, ensure:

You have reviewed this manual & the safety manual
You have a 3D model file (STL, OBJ, 3MF, etc…)
Your desired material is approved for the printer
There are no active prints
The printer build plate is empty Refer to 5.4 section to remove material if previous print is complete
The printer build plate is clean (no oils from skin, etc…)
Glue should only be used on the smooth build plate, with staff approval

4. Machine Overview

DNT = Do Not Touch

4.1 First Diagram

Touchscreen – User interface, used to control the printer, displays print status & AMS interface
Chamber Light - Illuminates build chamber, so that prints remain visible
Y-Axis Linear Rod - Provides smooth linear motion in Y-axis – DNT
Camera – Internal Camera for monitoring prints remotely – DNT
Z-Axis Linear Rod – Provides smooth linear motion in Z-axis – DNT
Z-Axis Threaded Rod – Drives smooth linear motion in Z-axis – DNT
Bed Leveling Knob – Mechanical adjustment for calibration – DNT
Micro SD Slot – Used to load print files directly to printer – DNT
Toolhead – Contains the hotend, extruder, sensors, etc… that place filament during printing – DNT
X-Axis Carbon Rods - Provides smooth linear motion in X-axis – DNT
Auxiliary Fan – cooling to improve the print quality for various materials – DNT
Heatbed – Heated platform, helps prints adhere to the buildplate during printing – DNT
Build Plate – Removable printing surface where the printed parts are formed upon

The Fab Lab has Dual-Sided Textured PEI Plates, used for typical printing (PETG, PLA)
The Fab Lab also has an Engineering/Cool side plate, only use for certain materials (TPU, PC, etc…)

4.2 Second Diagram

Toolhead – Contains the hotend, extruder, sensors, etc… that place filament during printing – DNT
Touchscreen – User interface, used to control the printer, displays print status
Glass Cover Plate – Transparent top enclosure panel that allows visibility to inside the printer while helping maintain internal temperatures and block objects from entering
Chamber Camera – Internal Camera for monitoring prints remotely – DNT
Build Plate – Removable printing surface where the printed parts are formed upon
Auxiliary Part Cooling Fan – cooling to improve the print quality for various materials – DNT
Air Filter (Activated Carbon) – Helps reduce odor and particles from entering the external area’s air – DNT
Bambu Micro Lidar – Sensor system used for automatic calibration and first layer inspections – DNT
Pause Button – Allows the user to pause the print during operation
Screen Sleep/Wake Button – Wakes or puts the touchscreen into sleep mode
PTFE Tube – Guides filament from the spool or AMS into the toolhead – DNT
Belt Tensioner – Used to adjust belt tension to maintain accurate movement of the printer axes – DNT
Bambu Bus Port (4-Pin) – Expansion port used for connecting compatible accessories – DNT
Excess Chute – Channel that directs purged filament “poops” from the print area – DNT
Power Socket – Connection point for the printer’s main power cable – DNT

4.3 AMS Diagram

Desiccant – Moisture absorbing packets, reduce humidity protecting filament – DNT old ones, feel free to add additional packets from new rolls if not in the way of the machine
Filament Inlet – Where filament from each slot enters the system, push slightly and insert filament and it will be automatically spooled in
Air Inlet – Air inlet port – DNT
Locking Tab(s) – Hold the cover down, ensuring moisture and outside things do not enter, please ensure they are locked during operation of the device. Open to change filaments
Active Support Shaft – Supports filament rolls and loading operations – DNT
Air Vent – Air outlet port – DNT
PTFE Tube Release Button – Allows for releasing of the main filament tube to the printer – DNT
Filament Outlet – The main filament tube to the printer, is the ‘loaded’ filament – DNT
Bambu Bus Port (6-Pin) – Allows data betwixt AMS & Printer to be shared – DNT
Power Connector – Allows Printer to power the AMS, no extra wall outlets used – DNT

5. Basic Operating Workflow

5.1 Start-Up

Ensure the device is not in use, or about to be in use by someone else
Ensure the printer is on, if not turn it to own using the rear power switch
Wait for the touchscreen to initialize
Confirm the printer is connected to the network
Verify the desired filament is loaded
To load filament, see the Learning Assignment here

5.2 Preparing a Print in Bambu Studio

Open Bambu Studio on the Fab Lab computer
Import your 3D Model desired to print
Select the correct printer (Bambu X1 Carbon)
Select the desired printer you will print on
Select the desired filament loaded into the printer
Adjust basic settings

Layer height for vertical quality
Infill percentage for strength
Supports for overhangs or small angles (< 45 deg)

Click Slice – Review the sliced part

5.3 Running a Job

Send the file by hitting “Print plate”
Ensure the print transfers to the device
Confirm the printer starts extruding filament after all the pre-print checks complete
Watch the first few layers to ensure they start correctly
Normal operation should show:
Smooth filament lines
No clumps
No abnormal noises
Check with a fab lab staff member prior to leaving and letting the print run

5.4 End-of-Job / Shutdown

Ensure the print has fully finished
Allow the build plate to cool completely (prevents warping)
Remove part carefully, flex the build plate gently if needed
Remove any leftover filament strands, place in trash
Clean the build plate if needed
Leave the area clean for the next user
If you missed your print end and it is missing, check the finished print area

6. User Responsibilities After Use

After using this machine, you are responsible for:

Removing all printed parts
Disposing of scrap filament
Cleaning the build plate if required
Reporting any issued to Fab Lab staff

7. Stop Conditions

Stop immediately and notify The Fab Lab staff if:

The printer produces smoke
Parts detach from the build plate fully
The printer jams or grinds filament
Unsure how to proceed

Do not attempt to troubleshoot major issues yourself.

8. Common Issues & What To Do

Issue: Print not sticking to the build plate
Action: Cancel the print – clean the build plate, Raise build plate temperature, add brim
Issue: Filament not extruding
Action: Pause print – Notify staff
Issue: Filament not extruding
Action: Stop the print and review slicing settings
Issue: Filament breaks/snaps between print head and AMS
Action: Pause print – Notify staff
Issue: Filament does not extrude correctly, nozzle clogged
Action: Pause print – Notify staff to analyze & potentially do a cold pull. How to cold pull here

9. Approved Materials

PLA - Approved
PETG - Approved
TPU - Approved with staff assistance
ABS/ASA - Staff confirmation required
Nylon, CF, filled - Not Approved

10. External Resources

For more detailed information, refer to:

11. Questions or Help

If you have questions or need assistance at any point, ask a Fab Lab staff member. Staff are always present during operating hours.

End of Operations Manual