Bambu Lab’s H3C is a nine-tool 3D printer designed to combine multi-material printing with different nozzle sizes and support for 2.85 mm flexible filament. In a review based on a month of testing, TechRadar found that the system opens up new possibilities, but requires time to learn and takes up a substantial amount of space.
The H3C replaces the H2C’s Vortek hotend-changing approach with Bambu Lab’s Swaptek tool changer. Its nine PrintTools include eight tools for 1.75 mm filament and one dedicated to 2.85 mm filament. The printer can use finer nozzles for detail and wider ones for faster printing in areas where surface finish is less important. Bambu Lab says tool changes take under six seconds, with the next nozzle preheated in advance.
A key test project was a set of speakers made with PLA outer walls and TPU infill for damping. Switching nozzle sizes between the outer and inner sections demonstrated the system’s potential, although the reviewer noted that both the printer and its software have a steep learning curve. Softer TPU also requires extra setup, including use of a bypass feed and attention to keeping the material dry.
The printer comes with the AMS 3H filament system, which holds up to nine filaments and integrates into the top of the machine. Two slots support active drying, while the system also offers bypass feeds for specialist materials. Additional AMS units can be connected for printing with up to 24 colours.
The H3C has a 330 × 320 × 325 mm build volume, a heated bed rated to 120°C and a maximum nozzle temperature of 350°C. Its stated dimensions are 493 × 571 × 587 mm, and it weighs 36.28 kg with the AMS 3H, making it difficult to move alone. The printer connects over Wi-Fi 6, but does not have an Ethernet port. Setup was straightforward in the review, though software updates and calibration took up to an hour.
Bambu Lab listed the H3C AMS Combo at $2,499 / £2,199, with other bundles adding PLA, TPU and optional accessories. The printer was scheduled to go on sale through the company’s website on 3 November 2026. At launch, the available configuration includes the AMS 3H and all nine PrintTools.
Sources: TechRadar.