Bambu Lab A1 mini vs Qidi Tech i-Fast
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
A1 mini and i-Fast are not direct competitors: very different prices (~7.2×). A1 mini costs less (~€299) and is the entry-level choice; i-Fast offers more capability at a higher price (~€2150). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
A1 mini
Bambu Lab
F2 · Intermediate
|
i-Fast
Qidi Tech
F3 · Advanced
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2021 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F3 — Advanced |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 299 € | ~1800–2500 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 34.7 × 31.5 × 36.5 cm | 71 × 51 × 67 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 5.7 kg | 33 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 180 × 180 mm | 330 × 250 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 180 mm | 320 mm |
| Power (W) | 150 W | — |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 50 μm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 180 mm | 250 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 180 mm | 320 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 80 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | false | True |
| Filament sensor | true | True |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | — |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | false | True |
| Native Klipper | false | False |
| Input shaper | true | False |
| Multicolor printing | true | True |
| Multicolor requires accessory | true | False |
| Max colors | 4 | 2 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Compatible with Bambu Studio (OrcaSlicer-derived) and OrcaSlicer. Supports LAN mode for cloud-free printing. Does not run native Klipper. | The machine comes with the proprietary Qidi Print software, a slicer based on proven open-source architectures, specifically optimized for the profiles of the technical materials supported by the printer. Users can still generate G-code using other widely adopted third-party slicers on the market, such as Ultimaker Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Simplify3D, after manual configuration of machine and extruder parameters. Although it lacks native cloud features or advanced remote connectivity for corporate fleet management, it supports direct file transfer via local Wi-Fi or USB drives, ensuring a secure offline workflow for intellectual property protection. |
The differences that matter
- Price: A1 mini 299 € vs i-Fast 2150 € — A1 mini wins (+619%)
- Work area: A1 mini 180×180 mm vs i-Fast 330×250 mm — i-Fast wins (+155%)
- Max print speed: A1 mini 500 mm/s vs i-Fast 150 mm/s — A1 mini wins (+233%)
- Build height Z: A1 mini 180 mm vs i-Fast 320 mm — i-Fast wins (+78%)
- Enclosed chamber: i-Fast yes, A1 mini no
Which one to choose
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.