3D Printing Digest - February 11, 2026
Published
Bambu Lab has officially ceased production of the P1P 3D printer as of February 10, 2026, committing to a five-year end-of-life support plan including firmware updates through November 2027 and spare parts through February 2031. The enclosed P1S and newer P2S now anchor Bambu's mid-range lineup. Meanwhile, Josef Prusa has personally taken the CEO role at Printed Solid, the Delaware-based manufacturer that produces Prusa's US hardware, signaling a deeper commitment to American manufacturing. Bambu Lab also expanded its TPU filament color range with the new Quicksilver metallic option.
Bambu Lab Officially Discontinues the P1P -- Five-Year Support Plan Announced
Bambu Lab has ceased production of the P1P 3D printer as of February 10, 2026. The open-frame CoreXY printer, which helped democratize high-speed 3D printing at a sub-$600 price point, will receive firmware updates until November 2027, security patches until November 2029, and spare parts availability through February 2031. Many P1P parts are interchangeable with the P1S, which continues production.
The P1P's discontinuation marks the end of Bambu Lab's 'open frame' era. When it launched, the P1P was a revelation -- CoreXY speed and quality at a price that undercut Prusa by half. But the market has moved: the enclosed P1S dropped to $399 (matching the P1P's original price point), and the P2S now occupies the mid-range tier. For existing P1P owners, the five-year support commitment is genuine reassurance. The part interchangeability with the P1S is the key detail -- it means the P1P's supply chain remains active as long as the P1S sells. This is how EOL should be done.
💡What this means for you
The P1P was Bambu Lab's budget CoreXY printer with an open-frame design, 256x256x256 mm build volume, and speeds up to 500mm/s. Production ceased February 10, 2026. Support timeline: firmware updates through November 2027, security patches through November 2029, spare parts through February 2031. Most parts interchangeable with the continuing P1S model.
Market Position: The P1P's exit leaves the P1S ($399) as Bambu's entry-level enclosed printer and the P2S as the step-up. The A1 mini ($199) and A1 ($299) serve the beginner segment with bedslinger designs. Competitors filling the budget CoreXY gap include Creality K1C ($399) and the SPARKX i7 ($399).
- Will the P1P's removal prompt a P1S price hold at $399 permanently?
- Timeline for potential P3S or next-gen mid-range replacement
- Impact on third-party accessory ecosystem built around the P1P
⏸️ Wait if: You were considering a P1P -- the P1S at $399 is objectively better with enclosure and part compatibility
✅ Buy if: You see a clearance P1P deal under $300 and want a tinkerer-friendly open-frame machine
Josef Prusa Takes Helm at Printed Solid, Pushes US Manufacturing
Prusa Research founder Josef Prusa has personally assumed the CEO role at Printed Solid following the departure of its previous chief executive. Printed Solid, based in Delaware, manufactures Prusa's European-designed hardware for the American market. Under Prusa's direct leadership, the company is working toward sourcing American-made components and expanding US production capacity for both printers and filaments.
This is more significant than a leadership shuffle. Josef Prusa personally running a US subsidiary signals that American manufacturing isn't a PR talking point -- it's a strategic priority. The trade policy landscape makes this smart: tariff uncertainty on Chinese-made electronics creates an opening for 'Made in USA' positioning. Prusa's challenge is cost -- US manufacturing is inherently more expensive than Shenzhen. But if they can maintain the quality reputation while stamping 'Made in Delaware' on the box, they'll capture institutional and government buyers who increasingly require domestic sourcing. This also positions Prusa to compete for education contracts where Buy American provisions apply.
💡What this means for you
Printed Solid manufactures Prusa-designed hardware including the CORE One series in Delaware, USA. The company is actively working to source American-made components to reduce dependence on European and Asian supply chains. Filament production is also being localized.
Market Position: Prusa becomes one of few premium 3D printer brands with genuine US manufacturing. Competes against Bambu Lab (China), Creality (China), and Ultimaker (Netherlands/Singapore) -- none of which manufacture in the US. This is a differentiator for government, education, and enterprise buyers subject to procurement rules.
- Timeline for full domestic component sourcing
- Price impact of US manufacturing on CORE One and MK4S
- Printed Solid's production capacity vs. demand
- Whether Prusa will offer 'Made in USA' premium tier pricing
⏸️ Wait if: You're price-sensitive -- US manufacturing may push costs up
✅ Buy if: You're in education/government and need domestic sourcing compliance
Bambu Lab Expands TPU Filament Colors with Quicksilver Metallic
Bambu Lab has added new color options to its TPU filament lineup, including the eye-catching Quicksilver metallic variant. The expansion follows the recent Bambu Studio 2.5.0 update that added TPU 90A support for the H2D's left extruder, signaling Bambu's growing investment in flexible material printing across its ecosystem.
Filament color expansion seems minor, but it's a classic ecosystem play. Every new Bambu-branded filament color tightens the argument for staying within their AMS-optimized material ecosystem rather than using third-party options. The metallic Quicksilver TPU is particularly interesting -- metallic flexible filaments are notoriously difficult to produce consistently, and if Bambu has nailed the pigment distribution at flexible temperatures, it opens up aesthetic applications (phone cases, wearables, cosplay armor) that rigid metallics already serve.
💡What this means for you
New TPU 95A filament in Quicksilver metallic finish. Compatible with AMS system for automated multi-material workflows. TPU 90A support added in Bambu Studio 2.5.0 for H2D left extruder, expanding the flexible material ecosystem.
Market Position: Bambu Lab's vertically integrated filament strategy mirrors the inkjet printer model. Proprietary RFID-tagged spools ensure optimal settings while creating recurring revenue. Third-party TPU alternatives exist but lack AMS profile optimization.
- Full color range expansion roadmap
- Pricing compared to third-party TPU options
- AMS compatibility reliability with flexible filaments
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1P still being sold?▼
No. Bambu Lab officially stopped producing the P1P on February 10, 2026. Remaining stock may be available through retailers at clearance pricing, but no new units are being manufactured. The enclosed P1S at $399 is the recommended replacement.
How long will Bambu Lab support the P1P?▼
Bambu Lab committed to five-year EOL support: firmware updates through November 2027, security patches through November 2029, and spare parts availability through February 2031. Many parts are interchangeable with the P1S.
Where does Prusa manufacture 3D printers in the US?▼
Prusa manufactures through Printed Solid, based in Delaware. Under Josef Prusa's direct leadership, the company is expanding US production and working toward sourcing American-made components for both printers and filaments.