Bambu Lab’s R1 Laser Cutter Expands What Makers Can Do Beyond 3D Printing

Bambu Lab’s R1 is a 55W CO2 laser cutter and engraver with a 600 x 300 mm work area, listed at $2,499 in the US. It can cut or engrave materials such as clear acrylic, plywood, leather, fabric, and paper, while glass, ceramic, and coated metal are engraving-only. The article says it automates optical alignment and can complement an existing 3D printer, though some thickness ratings require optional lenses.

Bambu Lab introduced the R1 on September 22. Its American shop shows the base configuration at $2,499, excluding tax. The unit is a 55-watt CO₂ cutter and engraver with a 600 by 300 mm bed. It works with clear acrylic, plywood, leather, fabric, and paper; glass, ceramic, and coated metal are engraving-only, while bare metal is unsupported.

The included short-focus lens is rated for up to 15 mm black walnut plywood and 20 mm acrylic. Reaching 18 mm plywood requires a medium- or long-focus lens sold separately. An alignment sensor can correct the beam path in roughly a minute, but requires a closed enclosure and supervision. TriSense combines cameras, laser sensing, and encoders to aid placement and focus.