3D Printing News Digest - January 31, 2026
Weekly 3D printing roundup: Bambu Studio 2.5.0 overhauls multi-material printing, Creality K1C drops to $399, Prusa launches Škoda-collaboration filaments, and Bambu Lab opens first concept store in Philippines.
This week in 3D printing: Bambu Studio 2.5.0 significantly improves PLA/PETG mixing with new prime tower logic and AMS remote drying. Creality K1C hits $399 price point. Prusa adds Electric Green and Emerald Green Prusament in Škoda collaboration. Plus: Bambu Lab opens first concept store to bring 3D printing mainstream.
ReportBambu Lab
Bambu Studio 2.5.0 Overhauls Multi-Material Printing
Bambu Lab released Bambu Studio 2.5.0 with major improvements for multi-material printing. Key updates include overhauled prime tower logic for PLA/PETG mixing, interface-layer temperature boosting, and new remote drying controls for AMS 2 Pro and AMS HT systems.
If you've struggled with PLA and PETG not sticking properly in multi-color prints, the 2.5.0 prime tower changes address this directly. The remote AMS drying feature is a quality-of-life upgrade for anyone printing humidity-sensitive filaments like nylon or TPU.
Source notes
Version 2.5.0 addresses the #1 multi-material pain point: poor layer adhesion when switching between PLA (190-220°C) and PETG (230-250°C). New interface temperature boosting temporarily raises bed/nozzle temps during material transitions.
What it changes: Widens Bambu's lead in multi-material printing. Prusa MMU still struggles with reliability; Creality AMS is catching up but lacks this level of software refinement.
- Compatibility with third-party filaments vs Bambu-branded
- AMS 2 Pro/HT required for remote drying, or works with original AMS?
- Impact on print time with new prime tower logic
Wait if:You only print single-color PLA, You use a non-Bambu printer
Buy if:Multi-material printing is core to your workflow, You've had PLA/PETG interface failures
Standout features
ReportTom's Hardware
Creality K1C Price Drops to $399
The Creality K1C 3D printer is now available at $399, a significant price reduction from its original launch price. The K1C features a CoreXY motion system, direct drive extruder, and enclosed build chamber.
At $399, the K1C becomes the budget speed-printing champion. If you've been waiting for high-speed printing to become affordable, this is the inflection point. Compare carefully against the Bambu A1 mini at $199 - the K1C offers enclosure and larger build volume.
Source notes
The K1C maintains 600mm/s speeds and 20,000mm/s² acceleration despite the price cut. The enclosed chamber is critical for ABS/ASA printing - not available on the cheaper Creality Ender series.
What it changes: Directly undercuts Bambu P1S ($699) while matching core specs. Trade-off is Creality's less polished software ecosystem, but LiDAR-less operation also means more universal compatibility.
- Is this a permanent price or clearance for K1D successor?
- Parts/nozzle compatibility with Ender series
- Multi-color upgrade path availability
Wait if:You need guaranteed multi-material support, Creality software frustrates you
Buy if:Budget is primary concern, You want enclosed printing under $500, You're comfortable with community-driven support
Verified specifications
| Spec | Creality K1C | Bambu Lab P1S | Bambu Lab A1 mini |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $699 | $199 |
| Build Volume | 220×220×250mm | 256×256×256mm | 180×180×180mm |
| Max Speed | 600mm/s | 500mm/s | 500mm/s |
| Enclosure | Yes | Yes | No |
| Multi-Color | Add-on | AMS Ready | AMS Lite Ready |
Standout features
ReportAll3DP
Prusa Launches Škoda-Collaboration Prusament Colors
Prusa announced new Prusament filament colors - Electric Green and Emerald Green - developed in collaboration with Škoda Auto. These join the existing Noctua brown and beige brand collaboration colors in the premium Prusament lineup.
Brand collaborations add credibility and expand color options for makers who want exact color matching. If you're printing automotive-themed projects or need precise greens, Prusament's quality control ensures consistency across spools.
ReportGadget Match
Bambu Lab Opens First Concept Store in Philippines
Bambu Lab is opening its first concept store in One Ayala, Makati City, Philippines. The store aims to make 3D printing accessible to everyday consumers, featuring hands-on demos of the A1 mini and access to MakerWorld's design library.
Physical retail presence signals Bambu's push beyond hobbyists into mainstream consumers. If you're in the Philippines, this is a chance to try before you buy. For everyone else, this indicates Bambu's long-term commitment to the consumer market.
ReportTom's Hardware
3D Printed 'eFlesh' Magnetic Sensors Enable Robot Tactility
Scientists used a Bambu Lab X1E to produce 'eFlesh', a low-cost, 3D-printable magnetic tactile sensor for robots. The open-source design enables creation of highly-tactile robot sensor grips, demonstrating 3D printing's expanding role in cutting-edge research.
This showcases how consumer 3D printers are enabling research that previously required expensive industrial equipment. The open-source nature means you can replicate this yourself - interesting for robotics hobbyists and educators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's new in Bambu Studio 2.5.0?▼
Bambu Studio 2.5.0 overhauls prime tower logic for better PLA/PETG adhesion, adds remote drying controls for AMS 2 Pro/HT, introduces 2D Lattice infill for lightweight structures, and adds support for Tungsten Carbide nozzles and high-flow TPU.
Is the Creality K1C a good budget 3D printer in 2026?▼
At $399, the Creality K1C offers excellent value with 600mm/s speed capability, CoreXY motion, and an enclosed build chamber. It's ideal for users who want high-speed printing with ABS/ASA capability on a budget, though software is less polished than Bambu alternatives.
What are Prusament brand collaboration colors?▼
Prusa partners with brands like Noctua and Škoda to create officially licensed filament colors. The new Electric Green and Emerald Green Škoda colors join existing Noctua brown and beige, offering exact color matching and Prusament's premium quality control.
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