Bench notes · 3D printing
Slic3D PETG on the Bambu P1S and A1: cheap filament, strong parts
Not every print needs to be pretty. Brackets, enclosures, jigs, cable clips and wargaming terrain just need to be strong and cheap. For that, Jaycar's house-brand Slic3D PETG has become my go-to.
The verdict
- Print quality: strong layer adhesion and minimal warping.
- Handling: it can be a little stringy straight out of the bag. A temperature tower, a flow-rate tune and a dry roll give the sharpest results.
- Value: about A$18 a roll at Jaycar, and less in multi-packs. For utility prints, terrain and rough drafts where surface perfection doesn't matter, it's a steal.
Both the Bambu Lab P1S and A1 handle it well. Their direct-drive extruders and reliable bed levelling give you strong, functional parts right out of the box.
Bambu Studio settings for strong parts
Start from the Generic PETG profile and make these changes:
Nozzle245–250 °CJaycar rates it to 250 °C max. Run at the top of the range for the best layer adhesion.
Bed70 °CTextured PEI plate
Max volumetric speed8–10 mm³/sDown from the default 12–15. Budget PETG doesn't flow as fast as Bambu's own, and slowing it prevents under-extrusion and weak infill.
Part cooling fan10–30 %Turn off "Keep fan always on". Less cooling means much stronger parts, at the cost of a little more stringing.
Hardware tips
- AMS and AMS Lite: if your roll is a refill or on a cardboard spool, don't put it straight into the P1S's AMS. Print a reusable master spool first. If the cardboard core is loose inside it, wedge it with a strip of electrical tape so it can't slip during retraction.
- Bed adhesion: use the Textured PEI plate on both printers. PETG sticks to PEI very well, so let the plate cool right down to room temperature before you remove the print, or you risk tearing the PEI coating off.
- Moisture: budget filament often arrives with some moisture from the factory's water-cooling bath. Fuzzy surfaces, tiny bubbles or a crackling sound while printing are the giveaways. I dry mine in an external filament dryer at 65 °C for 6–8 hours.
Bottom line
Dry it, slow it down, keep the fan low, and Slic3D PETG prints tough functional parts on a P1S or A1 for about A$18 a roll. Save the premium filament for prints people will look at.
Links: Slic3D at Jaycar · Designing printed holes for 1/4" hex bits