Bambu Lab Released R1 CO2 Laser Cutter
The 55W system aims to bring automated calibration and enclosure safety to the desktop maker market.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Robotics
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Bambu Lab has released the R1, a 55W CO2 laser cutter with a 600 mm by 300 mm work area. The system is designed as a fully enclosed Class 1 laser unit retailing for $2,499.
Why it matters
The R1 expands Bambu Lab’s portfolio beyond 3D printing into laser fabrication, offering a standalone machine designed for accessibility in maker workflows. It prioritizes safety and alignment automation for users transitioning to laser cutting.
The R1 features a 55W CO2 laser source capable of cutting 18mm wood and 20mm acrylic. It achieves 0.2mm positioning accuracy via a top-down camera system and includes an automated mirror calibration sensor.
The players
Bambu Lab
A developer of additive manufacturing hardware known for its high-speed consumer 3D printers and integrated software ecosystem.
The details
The machine uses a series of mirrors to direct the laser beam from the source to the toolhead, requiring a liquid coolant system involving a mixture of distilled water and antifreeze. While it includes automated calibration, users must manually change focus lenses when shifting between cutting materials of different thicknesses. Weighing over 70 pounds, the device maintains Class 1 safety standards through its fully enclosed housing.
Timeline
The Bambu Lab R1 review was published on September 22, 2026.
The Tech Race
The R1 marks Bambu Lab's entry into the competitive desktop fabrication space currently occupied by various established laser cutter manufacturers. This move extends the company's ecosystem beyond 3D printing into a related field defined by high-precision, automated material processing tools.
The R1 is available now for $2,499, targeting users who require a high-power enclosed laser for cutting dense materials like wood and acrylic. Owners should note that the system requires maintenance of the liquid cooling loop using a specific mixture of distilled water and antifreeze.
The takeaway
The R1 brings automated alignment to the hobbyist laser market, removing a common point of friction in traditional CO2 systems. Watch for future product updates regarding a potential quick-release lens system to improve workflow efficiency when cutting materials of varying thickness.
Further reading
For more on the latest hardware tools for creators, explore our coverage in Robotics.
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Is now a good time for you to invest in a professional-grade laser cutter?
