Bambu Lab's third generation: H3C, P3C, X2D Pro, AMS 3 and the S1 3D scanner
AI generated image of Bambu Lab S1 3D scanner based on the Patent, with some creative spice added.
New FCC filings and patents from Bambu Lab gives us enough to speculate what new products are coming between Q4 of 2026 and Q1 2027. Here are all the rumors and what we think they are.
Bambu Lab have just released their new R1 Laser Cutter and engraver, their first real step outside of 3D printing. And with the new rumored products, they are again pushing the envelope with the Bambu Lab S1 - A 3D scanner!
This isn’t the only products we expect to see in the next few months. A new H3C, P3C, X2D Pro and new AMS units are listed in the FCC filings as well. Let’s explore what these product most likely are.
I colored the Bambu Lab patent drawing that seems to show a swappable toolhead for the H3C series printers
Bambu Lab H3C features and technology
Let’s start with the 3D printers and the new H3C. We expect this to be a new generation of the “H-format” printer, but probably iterating or replacing on the vortek automatic hotend system. Based on the patents from Bambu Lab, we expect something similar to Bondtech INDX tool changing, maybe more like what Sovol are using in their M1D. Illustrations show up to 10 hotends.
The effect is a less complicated (but harder to calibrate) system than current Vortek, and that enables more toolheads and probably larger effective build volume compared to what H2C has today. I would assume this enables less waste and speeds up 3D printing in multicolor (and multi-material) with faster swaps and less purging.
This patent shows the one side of the printer hosting up to 10 toolheads on a rail. Potentially lifted up. On the right side I highlighted the toolheads from the first patent image.
P3C - Budget tool changer from Bambu Lab
The new P3C is interesting! This for me indicates a P-sized printer (256×256×256mm) build volume. A more budget friendly machine with the same 3rd generation features we’ll see in the H3C, and the C indicates tool-changing like H2C has today with the Vortek system. This being the 3rd gen, it’s ither a newer Vortek, or toolchanging like the H3C. The P3C probably ends up with 4 or even 5 (4 from AMS and 1 external fed) toolheads.
The P3C could become really interesting as Bambu Lab have had tough competition from brands like Snapmaker U1 or Flashforge Creator 5 that both have 4 independent toolheads closer in price to the P-series than H2C. In my own video with a typical 4-color multicolor print, the Creator 5 Pro spent almost 900 grams less waste in one print, and around 1/3 of the print time.
So a P3C and the H3C for that matter, are welcome additions for anyone doing a lot of multi color printing and need to cut down on printing time and waste costs.
Bambu Lab 3H and 3P AMS systems shown. Notice width of modules.
Third Generation AMS - Automatic Material Station
The new AMS 3P and 3H are the two new AMS fit for 3rg gen 3D printers. The AMS 3H looks to be a two-bay AMS for engineering materials (H for heated?) and with it’s 100-120V 200W rating, probably enables stand-alone drying.
3P is a bigger AMS with what seems to be 4-bays, running at 24V 1A (~24W), so it probably connects normally to printers like AMS 2, but needs external power to dry during printing.
Both are most likely better suited to route filament for the 3rd gen multi-toolhead systems, making swapping faster and not require everything to go through one channel. I suspect there are both options of routing and hubs, so that you can run multiple AMS-systems into a P3C for example.
It would also make sense if the 3H is optimized for H2D and X2D with dual-spools for dual extruders.
The FCC 2A6J8-DS001 filing revealing Bambu Lab S1 3D scanner. With some exciting features!
Bambu Labs first 3D scanner
Looking at the new FCC filings (2A6J8-DS001) we see the S1 3D scanner mentioned. It includes an illustration of where the label would go, and that illustration tells us a few things, like there’s a proper grip, medium-sized scanning FoV based on the angles of the design, button and screen on left side.
There is air-vents, indicating there is a fan needed, so white or blue structured light with color-scanning (texture-flash) most likely.
Today, most scanners have multiple technologies incorporated like multi-line blue lasers (cross, paralellel and single) as well as Near-Infrared light (NIR) or structured light. Sometimes in different Field of Views (for example NiR for scanning people, and laser for mechanical parts 10-100cm in size).
The label also mentions 60w, and i’m conflicted if this means the scanner is stand-alone or not.
On one side, 60w is great charging power via USB-C, but then the label would probably include something about battery or mAh. I don’t see those indicators, so potentially this is a USB-C powered plug-in scanner to your PC.
Some have speculated that since SCANTECH and Bambu lab partnership in January 2026, the new S1 would build on their technology. For example the 3DeVOK formfactor. These scanners are not stand-alone, but the display and button(s) would fit right at the patent illustrations upper left corner.
AI generated creative intepretation of the Bambu Lab S1 3D scanner Patent
Making 3D scanning work for hobbyists is difficult
For this to make sense, Bambu Lab would have had to overhauled both user interface, software and simplicity to make it reachable for their users. The 3D-Scantech is tech only and no bling…
Even then, 3D scanning is very difficult for the average user. Scanning creates mesh, and for anything technical, it’s basically a reference that you later design new parts from. Taking this to the hobbyist level of Bambu Lab products isn’t realistic.
Therefor, I expect the Bambu Lab S1 3D scanner to target the more professional-side of their users, and offer performance close to the $900-2000 range products like Revopoint MetroX or Creality Raptor Pro.
One feature I’d really like to see in the Bambu Scanning application is to take the color data from a scan (let’s say you scan a cool Chinese vase) and apply a conversion of that color data into number of filaments. So if you want 3 colors, it will match the scan to 3 colors in slicer, making it easier to multi-color print from scans.
The Bambu Lab X2D Pro probably isn’t very Pro
Although it’s not called X2E, I assume this is mostly a enterprise solution of the X2D, with special networking for enterprise solutions. Potentially some increased temperatures for nozzles and build plate to motivate the “Pro” part.
X2D Pro is probably also paired with the AMS 3H for dual-material handling.
Indicated release period
The FCC filing timing and non-public details (STC-terms) seem to indicate a maximum 6 month confidentiality, meaning we should see these products launched end of March 2027 at latest. Technically the STC date is when documents become public, not a launch deadline per say. Bambu Lab can launch earlier and the documents stay hidden until the 6 month date.
Normally, we see launches in spring or late September from Bambu Lab, so my bet is on early 2027 for most of the products since we just got the R1 Laser Cutter and engraver. The potential odd S1 scanner being released earlier. This also gives Bambu Lab a great opportunity to clear out some stock during Black Friday and the winter holidays.
I actually built just launched a website for you to track deals on 3D printers, and get notified when the product you want is on sale, and not get spammed by other newsletters. It’s called 3dp.sale and below you can track the Bambu Lab printers you’re interested in. All free, no account and no annoying BS. Just a notification when there’s a sale or unique discount code for you.
Prices of 3rd generation Bambu Lab 3D Printers and S1 3D scanner
I think we’re going to see quite similar prices to existing models, with a small bump to “cover costs” for the The fresh $27.6M Stratasys verdict.
My picks are:
Bambu Lab H3C Combo t $2299
Bambu Lab P3C Combo at $899 - still competing with Snapmaker U1 and Creator 5 Pro
Bambu Lab X2D Pro coming in at $1099
Bambu Lab S1 3D scanner debuting at $999 competing with Revopoint MetroX
