Bambu Lab’s H3C is a nine-tool 3D printer designed to switch quickly between filaments and nozzle configurations. In its review, Tom’s Hardware praised its multicolor printing and handling of flexible TPU, but also pointed to its size, price and problems encountered with the pre-release machine.
The H3C’s Swaptek system gives each tool its own filament path, heater and hardened-steel nozzle. Keeping the tools loaded and preheated allows the printer to switch between them in about six seconds, according to the review. The system reduces filament waste compared with the reviewer’s earlier multicolor setup, although it still uses a purge tower.
The printer supports both standard 1.75 mm filament and 2.85 mm filament, including soft TPU. It ships with eight tools for 1.75 mm filament and one for 2.85 mm, each equipped with a 0.4 mm nozzle. Users can swap nozzle sizes, with the option to dedicate tools to different diameters such as 0.2, 0.6 or 0.8 mm. All the supplied nozzles are hardened steel.
Its AMS 3H module sits on top of the printer and holds nine spools. Two slots can dry filament at temperatures up to 85°C while printing, and seven slots provide a bypass for TPU. The H3C also has active chamber heating up to 65°C, a 350°C hot end and a build plate that reaches 120°C. Its build volume measures 330 x 320 x 325 mm.
Tom’s Hardware reported that the H3C produced a multicolor steampunk dragon in just under 24 hours, compared with 37 hours and 28 minutes on the reviewer’s previous printer. Filament waste fell from 267g to 68g for that comparison, and the review described the print quality as excellent. The reviewer also highlighted the FlexFeed extruder’s ability to handle soft TPU, including the 75A material supplied for testing.
The machine’s footprint is similar to other H-series printers, but its top-mounted spool module makes it unusually tall. The listed machine dimensions are 493 x 571 x 1,016 mm, and the review says about 1,306 mm of clearance is needed for comfortable operation. Reaching the rear spools may require a step stool, depending on where the printer is placed; Bambu Lab’s optional rolling cart is presented as one way to make them easier to access.
Tom’s Hardware also reported issues with its review unit, which was running beta firmware: a clicking noise from the left stepper motor and a tool that could catch on other Bowden tubes and come loose during long multicolor prints. The review notes that the firmware was updated several times during testing.
The H3C starts at $2,499, including all nine tools. A bundle with the Bambu Station rolling cart starts at $2,799. The review says additional tools and nozzle sizes are planned, while cutting, drawing, embossing and foil-transfer accessories were not available during testing. The printer does not include a laser tool.
Sources: Tom's Hardware.