3D Printing Digest - March 20, 2026
Published
Bambu Lab partnered with meland to open the first kids' 3D printing creativity center in Shenzhen for children aged 5-12, featuring A1 printers and a CyberBrick city. Leaked images of the Bambu X2C show a dual-nozzle P2S-like design with autoloader and chamber heater. Bambu discontinued the P1P. Prusa showcased the CORE One INDX advanced toolchanger at SMRRF 2026. Creality is rumored to be developing a toolchanger for release this year, while Elegoo confirmed Saturn 5 and Mars 6 series development for 2026.
Bambu Lab Opens First Kids 3D Printing Center in Shenzhen
Bambu Lab partnered with Chinese family entertainment brand meland to open the first kids' 3D printing creativity center in Shenzhen, China, on March 17, 2026. Designed for children aged 5 to 12, the center teaches basic 3D printing concepts through play using Bambu Lab A1 printers. A miniature 'CyberBrick city' made entirely of 3D-printed models serves as an interactive play area. The move represents Bambu Lab's first foray into experiential retail and educational outreach.
This is a fascinating strategic move. Rather than competing purely on specs and price (a race Bambu Lab is already winning), they're investing in cultivating the next generation of 3D printing users. The Philippines concept store opened in January; now a kids' center in Shenzhen. Bambu Lab is building brand loyalty before their future customers are even teenagers. From a business perspective, it's also a showcase for the A1's reliability — if it can withstand thousands of kids using it daily, that's the strongest durability endorsement possible.
💡What this means for you
Center uses Bambu Lab A1 printers for child-friendly 3D printing education. Features pre-designed models that children can customize and print. CyberBrick city installation made entirely from 3D-printed components showcases capabilities.
Market Position: First experiential retail + education play by Bambu Lab. Follows the Philippines concept store. Builds brand awareness with young audiences and their parents who are potential future buyers.
- Plans for similar centers in other cities or countries
- Whether this model will be replicated in the US or Europe
- Revenue model — direct fees, partnership, or brand marketing expense
⏸️ Wait if: This doesn't affect current product decisions
✅ Buy if: You're looking for a family-friendly 3D printer — the A1 mini remains the best entry point at $199
Bambu Lab X2C Leaked: Dual-Nozzle Design with Autoloader
Following our previous coverage of the X2C confirmation in February, leaked images and community analysis reveal more details about the upcoming Bambu Lab X2C. The model appears similar to a P2S but features two nozzles, an autoloader for filament, a chamber heater for engineering materials, and side windows. Community speculation also points to a potential 4-nozzle X-series variant. Separately, analysis of Bambu Lab's two-year product refresh cycle suggests the X1C, A1, and A1 mini could all be due for updates in 2026.
The dual-nozzle approach is significant. Rather than building a massive AMS-style multi-filament feeding system, two independent nozzles could enable true simultaneous printing — one nozzle for the model, one for supports using dissolvable material. This would dramatically reduce post-processing time for complex prints. The autoloader is also notable: it suggests Bambu Lab is moving toward 'load and forget' operation, similar to how modern printers handle paper. Combined with a chamber heater, the X2C could be the first consumer printer truly optimized for engineering-grade materials like PAHT-CF and PC.
💡What this means for you
Dual-nozzle design (independent, not IDEX). Filament autoloader system. Active chamber heater for engineering materials. Side windows for print observation. P2S-like form factor with enhanced capabilities.
Market Position: Next-generation flagship consumer 3D printer. Would slot above the P1S/P2S line. Competes with Prusa XL (multi-tool) and Creality K2 Pro (multi-material). Chamber heater puts it in 'prosumer engineering' territory.
- Official announcement date and pricing
- Whether dual nozzles support independent or shared models
- AMS compatibility with the new autoloader system
- Maximum chamber temperature for engineering materials
⏸️ Wait if: You're considering a P1S or P2S — the X2C could make current models look dated within months
✅ Buy if: You need a 3D printer today and can't wait for unconfirmed releases
Bambu Lab Discontinues P1P as Product Line Streamlines
Bambu Lab has officially discontinued the P1P model as of February 2026, streamlining its product line to focus on the P1S and P2S for productivity users. The P1P, which launched as the most affordable enclosed CoreXY printer in Bambu Lab's lineup, has been phased out as the P1S has taken over its market position. Bambu Lab also launched a MakerWorld Creator Copyright Protection Program to help creators protect their designs from unauthorized copying.
The P1P discontinuation makes strategic sense. The P1S offers almost identical internals with a proper enclosure and multi-color capability for only slightly more — the P1P's 'open frame but enclosed-ish' positioning was always awkward. By consolidating to P1S and P2S, Bambu Lab simplifies their SKU management and reduces manufacturing complexity. The Copyright Protection Program on MakerWorld is equally significant: it signals Bambu Lab taking IP protection seriously on their platform, which could attract more professional designers who've been hesitant about model theft.
💡What this means for you
P1P removed from active product line. P1S (enclosed, multi-color ready) and P2S (upgraded internals, larger build volume) continue as productivity-tier offerings. MakerWorld Copyright Protection Program provides design takedown assistance.
Market Position: Product line simplification. Reduces confusion between P1P and P1S. Positions P1S as the new entry-level enclosed CoreXY at approximately $449-$499.
- Continued firmware support timeline for existing P1P owners
- Whether P1P parts and accessories remain available
- Impact on AMS compatibility and future accessory roadmap
⏸️ Wait if: You were considering a closeout P1P deal — check for remaining stock at discount
✅ Buy if: You need a Bambu Lab printer now — go directly to the P1S for the best value in their lineup
Prusa CORE One INDX: Advanced Toolchanger Debuts at SMRRF 2026
Prusa Research showcased the CORE One INDX system at the SMRRF 2026 event, featuring an advanced tool-changing mechanism designed for multi-material and multi-process 3D printing workflows. The INDX builds on the CORE One platform with automated tool swapping, enabling users to switch between different nozzle sizes, materials, or even print technologies during a single job. This follows Prusa's earlier announcement of the XL silicone/epoxy tool head system and the Core 1L larger-volume model.
Prusa is doubling down on toolchanging as their differentiator against Bambu Lab's AMS approach. While Bambu uses a single nozzle with a multi-filament feeding system, Prusa's INDX approach physically swaps entire tool heads — which means you can change nozzle sizes (0.4mm for detail, 0.8mm for speed), switch between materials that are chemically incompatible (PLA support + PETG model), or even swap to different technologies entirely. The downside is mechanical complexity and cost. But for professional users who need true multi-process capability, this is more flexible than any AMS system.
💡What this means for you
Tool-changing system built on CORE One platform. Supports automated swapping of entire tool heads — different nozzle sizes, material types, and potentially different technologies. Builds on Prusa XL multi-tool architecture in a more compact form factor.
Market Position: Premium multi-tool 3D printing system. Competes with Bambu Lab AMS approach but offers greater flexibility (full tool changes vs filament-only changes). Targets professional users and advanced hobbyists.
- Number of tool positions supported
- Pricing compared to Prusa XL with equivalent tool heads
- Compatibility with existing CORE One accessories
- Availability timeline for retail purchase
⏸️ Wait if: You primarily need multi-color printing — Bambu Lab AMS is more cost-effective for that use case
✅ Buy if: You need multi-process capability (different nozzle sizes, incompatible materials) in a single print job
Elegoo Saturn 5 and Mars 6 Confirmed for 2026 Release
Elegoo has confirmed that development is underway for the next generations of its flagship resin 3D printers: the Saturn 5 and Mars 6 series, with release expected in 2026. This follows Elegoo's strong 2025 showing with the Jupiter 2 large-format resin printer, the Mars 5 Ultra (Red Dot Design Award winner), and the launch of the Nexprint model sharing platform and Elegoo Matrix remote monitoring app. Elegoo also plans to attend PAX East 2026 and Rapid + TCT 2026 to showcase its expanding ecosystem.
Elegoo's resin printer dominance continues. The Saturn series has been the benchmark for mid-size resin printing, and the Mars series owns the compact/entry-level segment. With the Saturn 5, expect further resolution improvements (potentially beyond 12K) and faster lift speeds using linear rail Z-axis systems. The Mars 6 will likely inherit features from the Mars 5 Ultra (AI cameras, smart sensors) while pushing to an even smaller price point. Elegoo's ecosystem play — Nexprint sharing platform plus Matrix app — shows they're building the same kind of sticky ecosystem that Bambu Lab has with MakerWorld.
💡What this means for you
Saturn 5 and Mars 6 in development for 2026 release. Building on Saturn 4 Ultra (12K resolution) and Mars 5 Ultra (9K, AI camera) foundations. Elegoo ecosystem includes Nexprint model platform and Matrix remote app.
Market Position: Category leader in consumer resin 3D printing. Saturn series dominates mid-size segment; Mars series owns entry-level. New versions maintain competitive pressure on Anycubic Photon and CHITUBOX-based competitors.
- Target resolution and build volume for Saturn 5
- Pricing strategy relative to current Saturn 4 Ultra ($299-$599)
- Release timing — Q2 or Q3 2026
- New features beyond incremental resolution improvements
⏸️ Wait if: You can wait until Q2/Q3 2026 for a potential significant upgrade over current models
✅ Buy if: You need a resin printer now — Saturn 4 Ultra and Mars 5 Ultra are excellent at current prices and likely to see discounts as new models approach
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bambu Lab releasing the X2C in 2026?▼
Leaked images and community analysis strongly suggest the Bambu Lab X2C is in development, featuring a dual-nozzle design, filament autoloader, chamber heater, and side windows. While Bambu Lab hasn't officially announced it, their historical two-year product refresh cycle and multiple leaks suggest a 2026 reveal is likely.
Why was the Bambu Lab P1P discontinued?▼
Bambu Lab discontinued the P1P to streamline its product line. The P1S, which offers a proper enclosure and multi-color capability for only slightly more cost, has effectively replaced the P1P's market position. Existing P1P owners will continue to receive firmware support.
What is the Prusa CORE One INDX?▼
The CORE One INDX is Prusa's advanced tool-changing system that physically swaps entire tool heads during a print. Unlike filament-switching systems (like Bambu Lab's AMS), it can change nozzle sizes, use chemically incompatible materials, or even switch technologies within a single job.