3D Printer Recommendation Update, fixes #404

docs/source/manufacturing/3d_printing/printer_choice/budget_printers/budget_printers.rst

@@ -1,94 +1,132 @@
-Budget Printers (Under $300 USD)
+Budget Printers (Under $400 USD)
 ================================
 
-.. note:: Just because you buy a budget printer doesn't mean you can't upgrade it later to be even better! 
-           (Take a look at Common Upgrades)
+.. note:: In general, you get what you pay for with 3D printers, and budget printers will have more limitations and potential issues than higher-end printers.
+  However, there are some good options in the budget range that can be a great starting point for teams on a tight budget or those new to 3D printing.
 
-|
+Bambu Lab A1 Mini ($219)
+------------------------
 
-Creality Ender-3/Pro/V2 ($100-$250)
------------------------------------
+The A1 mini is Bambu Lab's entry-level printer, and is increasingly popular in the competition robotics community. It is a good option for teams that want a reliable, easy-to-use printer with a small footprint,
+and it can be a great first printer for PLA/PETG robot parts.
 
-If you're looking for the most cost effective printer that will still do a great job, this is a great option. 
-The Ender-3 series is an open source classic in the FTC and 3D printing community. It has a huge support network 
-and despite it's low cost, has proven itself to be a very capable printer. 
+The smaller build volume should be fine for most robot parts, but it may be limiting for larger parts or for printing multiple parts at once.
+The A1 mini is also not recommended for printing with ABS/ASA/PC/PA or carbon/glass fiber reinforced filaments, so if your team wants to print with those materials, you may want to consider a slightly more high-end printer.
 
-Ender 3 Features
+A1 mini Features
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
-All Ender 3s have:
-
-* A huge support network
-* Tons of printable and purchasable upgrades
-* Open Source Hardware
-* 220mm x 220mm x 250mm Print Volume
-
-The Ender 3 Pro has:
-
-* A more stable Y axis
-* A more powerful power supply
-* A flexible bed
-
-The Ender 3 v2 has: 
-
-* A glass bed
-* Built in belt tensioners
-* The power supply and Y axis from the Pro
-
-.. note:: The V2 and Pro can often be found on sale for the same price as the base model, making them very good options.
-
-Ender 3 Drawbacks
+* Build volume: 180 x 180 x 180 mm
+* High speed (up to 500 mm/s) and acceleration (up to 10,000 mm/s²)
+* All-metal hot end; max hot end temperature: 300 °C
+* Textured PEI build plate included; max build plate temperature: 80 °C
+* Low-FPS basic monitoring camera with timelapse support
+* Sensors: filament run out sensor, filament odometry, filament tangle sensor
+* Easy-to-use colour touchscreen interface
+* Power loss recovery
+* Best suited filaments: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA
+
+A1 mini Drawbacks
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
-* Technology is dated due to initial release in 2018 (Lack of Auto Bed Leveling)
-* PTFE Lined Hotend 
-* Bowden Style Extruder 
-* V-Roller Motion system and singular lead screw setup causes frame flexing.
-* Can take a bit of tweaking/upgrading to work consistently.
+* Smaller build volume limits larger robot parts
+* ABS/ASA/PC/PA and carbon/glass fiber reinforced filaments are not recommended
+* Lower max bed temperature (80 °C) can limit adhesion for some higher-temp materials
 
-.. figure:: images/ender3.png
+.. image:: images/bambulaba1mini.png
   :align: center
   :width: 55%
-  :alt: Picture of a Creality Ender 3
+  :alt: Picture of a Bambu Lab A1 mini
+
+|
 
-  Creality Ender 3 Base Model
+Elegoo Centauri Carbon ($289-$300)
+----------------------------------
+
+This is a newer printer that has been getting a lot of attention for offering high-end features at a budget price. It has a CoreXY motion system, high acceleration capability, and a high-temperature hotend, which allows it to print a wide range of materials.
+It also has a large build volume for its price point, making it a good option for teams that want to print larger parts or multiple parts at once.
+There is also an enclosure, which makes it more suitable for printing with materials that require a controlled environment.
+However, there is no colour changing system (as of March 2026) compared to competing printers on the market.
+
+Centauri Carbon Features
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+* Build volume: 256 x 256 x 256 mm
+* High speed (up to 500 mm/s; 250 mm/s recommended) and high acceleration (up to 20,000 mm/s²; 10,000 mm/s² default)
+* Print accuracy up to ±0.1 mm with recommended layer height of 0.2 mm (range: 0.1-0.4 mm)
+* Broad material support: carbon/glass fiber reinforced filaments, PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PET, PC, PA
+* Dual-gear direct drive extruder with 0.4 mm brass-hardened steel nozzle
+* Max hot end temperature: 320 °C
+* Max heated bed temperature: 110 °C
+* 121-point auto bed leveling and full-auto calibration
+* Camera with timelapse support, filament runout sensor, and power loss recovery
+* 4.3-inch color capacitive touchscreen with USB and Wi-Fi connectivity
+
+Centauri Carbon Drawbacks
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+* Newer platform with a smaller long-term FTC-specific knowledge base than older, more established models
+* Single-nozzle design with no built-in multi-color printing system
+* No colour changing functionality
+* Large machine footprint and higher weight may be less convenient for smaller workspaces
+* Advanced materials still require good print settings, drying/storage, and ventilation practices to print reliably
+* Slicer and software ecosystem is less mature than the largest community ecosystems
+
+.. image:: images/centauricarbon.png
+  :align: center
+  :width: 55%
+  :alt: Picture of an Elegoo Centauri Carbon
 
 |
 
-Sovol SV06 ($259)
------------------
 
-If you're willing to spend just a little bit more money for more quality of life features out of the box, 
-the Sovol SV06 is a good option. It maintains an Ender-like frame but adds in modern features that 
-the Ender lacks which can save tinkering and maintenance time down the road.
+Bambu Lab P1S ($399)
+------------------------
 
-SV06 Features
-^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+If the frills on higher-end Bambu machines such as LIDAR, touchscreen, and a hardened extruder didn't sound all that useful to you, the P1S
+could be a good option, especially considering the price has dropped significantly over the past few months. You still get an enclosure and auxiliary cooling, while the P1P doesn't, which allows you to
+print filaments like ABS/ASA without difficulty, but this printer needs a fair few upgrades to print filled filaments
+and more advanced engineering filaments safely.
+
+P1S Features
+^^^^^^^^^^^^
+* Good value, especially since the P1S has been superseded by the P2S, which has made the P1S price lower
+* Extremely fast CoreXY motion system
 * Auto Bed Leveling
-* Flexible Bed
+* Removable Beds of All Surfaces
 * All-Metal Direct Drive Extruder
-* Built in Belt Tensioners
-* Dual Z-Axis
-* 220mm x 220mm x 250mm Print Volume
-
-SV06 Drawbacks
-^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
-* Known Quality Control Issues from factory (X-Axis not flat)
-* Not many slicer profiles available (Slowly being solved)
-
-.. image:: images/sovolsv06.png
+* WiFi Printing capabilities and remote print monitoring
+* 256mm x 256mm x 256mm Print Volume
+* Heated chamber allows for more advanced engineering materials
+* Low-FPS basic monitoring camera with timelapse support
+* Automatic print failure detection
+* Easy to set up and use
+
+P1S Drawbacks
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+* Replacement parts are proprietary from Bambu Lab (albeit well-priced). For some components, third-party replacements are available, but for others, you are reliant on Bambu Lab for replacements.
+* Carbon Fiber rods can wear out over time
+* No easy-change hotends (you need tools to change the hotend)
+* Monochrome screen with no touchscreen capabilities
+* No local AI capabilities, leading to more potential print failures compared to newer Bambu Lab printers
+* Reliant on Bambu Lab for future firmware/software updates
+
+.. image:: images/bambulabp1s.png
   :align: center
   :width: 55%
-  :alt: Picture of a Sovol SV06
+  :alt: Picture of a Bambu Lab P1S
+
+|      
+
+.. note:: Just because you buy a budget printer doesn't mean you can't upgrade it later to be even better! 
+           (Take a look at Common Upgrades)
 
 |
 
-Other Budget Printers/Ender Clones ($150-$300)
+Other Budget Printers/Ender Clones ($120-$200)
 ----------------------------------------------
 
-If you're ok with forgoing the huge knowledge base behind the Ender-3 series in exchange for a few more features 
-out of the box, some Ender-3 clones can be a good option. Notable ones include the Elegoo Neptune, Anycubic Vyper, 
-and Voxelab Aquila. It's notable that while these are more or less "Ender 3 Clones", all three companies and printer
+If you're ok with forgoing the huge knowledge base behind the Ender-3 series in exchange for a lower price and a few more features 
+out of the box, some Ender-3 clones can be a good option. Notable ones include the Elegoo Neptune and Sovol SV06 ACE series. It's notable that while these are more or less "Ender 3 Clones", all of the companies and printer
 models listed here are still established companies with community trust and acceptable customer service.
-These printers can be a great buy and are often cheaper but make sure to do research before purchasing.
+These printers can be a great buy and are often cheaper but **make sure to do research** before purchasing.
+Don't spend over $200 on an Ender 3 clone, as you can get a lot more features, an enclosure, and better quality software for just a bit more money with printers like the A1 Mini or Centauri Carbon.
 
 Common Features
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
@@ -97,11 +135,13 @@ Ender 3 Clones typically have at least a couple of the following...
 * Auto Bed Leveling
 * Upgraded Print Surface
 * Built in Belt Tensioners
-* Colored Touchscreen
+* Coloured Touchscreen
 
 Common Drawbacks
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
 * Less troubleshooting help/knowledge base compared to the Ender 3
+* Potentially outdated technology compared to more modern printers
+* Quality control issues can be more common on some models/brands
 * Any drawbacks of the individual printer. Make sure you keep an eye out for things you want in a printer when researching.
 
 .. figure:: images/anycubicviper.png
@@ -111,10 +151,4 @@ Common Drawbacks
 
   Anycubic's Viper
 
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