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Bambu Lab has announced its latest flagship 3D printer, the H3C, a large-format machine that utilizes nine separate nozzles to print different colors, material types, and filament sizes. Starting at $2,500, the printer comes equipped with the nine-filament system and an Automated Material System (AMS) that is an integral part of the machine’s operation, as reported by CNET following a multiweek testing period.
Setup and Hardware Specifications
The H3C is a massive machine that stands 63 inches tall when placed on an optional, separately sold metal rolling cart, which is necessary to reach a usable height for loading filament. Despite its cumbersome size, CNET noted that the setup process is simple and straightforward to plug in. The flagship printer features top-of-the-line hardware, including a heatbed reaching 120 degrees Celsius, an optional bird’s-eye camera to monitor prints, and a maximum toolhead speed of 1,400 mm/s. However, CNET reported that running prints at a standard 125% speed setting often caused print errors and failures on tall prints due to accidental touches, vibrations, and supports or purge towers falling over.
The Swaptek System and Material Versatility
Bambu Lab equips the H3C with its proprietary Swaptek nine-nozzle system, which uses conductive heating to supply data and power to each tool, allowing nozzles to start heating in about 6 seconds. While sharing similarities with Prusa’s INDX system, the Swaptek system incorporates waste-producing purge towers and features a built-in material heater with two active heating chambers. The printer’s multi-nozzle and multi-diameter capabilities allow users to print with different material thicknesses, such as feeding softer, highly flexible TPU through 2.85mm-diameter materials while using 2.85mm PLA with a 0.8mm nozzle for infills and a 0.2mm nozzle with 1.7mm PLA for outer details.
Print Quality and Endgame Performance
As reported by CNET, successful models printed on the H3C look great, with the nine nozzles making light work of complex color projects, minimal ringing, and excellent temperature control that excelled on bridging and overhangs, though it struggled slightly on a 0.2mm tolerance test. When errors occurred, the printer successfully paused and alerted the user. CNET described the H3C as high-end “endgame content” designed for advanced users looking to push beyond standard 3D printing capabilities.
The H3C is available now as part of Bambu Lab’s latest high-end hardware lineup, competing alongside other multi-toolhead printing systems currently entering the market.
