Bambu Lab announced the R1 on September 22, 2026, expanding its product range with a standalone 55 W CO₂ laser cutter and engraver. For makers following the company through its 3D printers, this marks a new equipment category.
What the announcement includes
Bambu Lab lists a 600 × 300 mm working area, automatic laser alignment, and control through Bambu Suite on Windows and macOS. It describes cutting and engraving applications involving materials such as wood and acrylic.
The announcement set preorder opening for September 22 and shipping to begin in October. Check Bambu Lab's official R1 announcement for current product links, configuration details, and accessory requirements. These are manufacturer specifications and plans, rather than results from our own testing.
Why tabletop makers may be interested
Our interest is in projects that combine flat components with sculpted details. Imagine a display with an engraved nameplate, a layered backdrop, and a printed character at the center. A terrain designer might similarly divide a building into broad wall panels and detailed doors or ornaments.
The useful planning question is which process suits each part. Sketch the whole project first and label the components by their job: structure, texture, decoration, or identification. That makes it easier to judge whether an additional tool would serve the projects you actually want to build.
Published October 3, 2026. Featured image: Bambu Lab's official R1 announcement image.