Bambu Lab X2D Unboxing & Setup: AMS, First Calibration, and First Prints

The Bambu Lab X2D arrived largely assembled, and my first setup was straightforward once every shipping restraint was removed. In this hands-on unboxing, I set up the X2D with the AMS package, connected the auxiliary extruder and filament paths, completed the guided calibration, and sent the first prints from Bambu Studio. My measured hands-on setup was about 15 minutes before calibration; the guided calibration itself took roughly another half hour.

Quick first-look verdict

For this initial setup, the X2D’s strongest point was how little mechanical assembly it required. The packaging, printed quick-start guide, QR-code instructions, and on-screen prompts made the process easy to follow. The important tradeoff is that this is a first-look, not a long-term reliability verdict: the video documents early setup and initial prints, while the separate one-week review covers the next stage of ownership.

Before powering on: remove every shipping restraint

The most important setup task is not software—it is a careful shipping-material check. The printer arrived with foam, tape, protective film, screws, zip ties, red lead-screw holders, and a build-plate restraint. I removed the marked transport screws and internal foam, but deliberately left lower foam in place until the printer could move the plate safely during startup.

• Read the printed quick-start guide or scan the QR code on the top packaging insert; both walk through the same basic sequence.
• Open the front and remove the marked transport screws, foam blocks, and the removable shipping mount before trying to move the machine.
• Remove the red lead-screw holders, the build-plate restraint, rear zip ties, and protective film from the hot-end area.

• Do a final visual pass before turning the printer on. Powering up with shipping parts still installed can damage a new machine.

What was included in the setup shown

The video shows the X2D, a printed quick-start guide, tool and accessory kit, screen, power cable, adapter cable, spool holder, flexible tubing, a replacement hot end, and the AMS package. The exact bundle depends on whether you buy the printer by itself or the version that includes AMS; this article documents the AMS-equipped unit used in the video rather than treating every item as universal.

Install the display, auxiliary extruder, and filament paths

After unpacking, I installed the screen by connecting its cable and sliding it into place. The auxiliary extruder mounts at the top rear: remove its shipping tape, expose the connector, plug it in, then slide the cover back into place. The tubing needs to be fully seated—not just pushed in until it first stops. In the video, it felt like roughly another half inch of travel before it seated correctly.

At the rear, the gray tube connects to the printer and is secured with the blue clip. The white tube routes to the auxiliary unit, while the remaining tubes route to the AMS. I also removed the silica-gel packets that were held at the back before placing the AMS on top and connecting its tubing and cable.

First startup and calibration

Once the physical setup was complete, the X2D’s on-screen instructions guided the initial startup. The hands-on assembly portion was short, but calibration took about 30 minutes in this first session. That timing is worth planning for: do not treat the 15-minute unpack-and-connect time as the full time from unopened box to first print.

The early results were encouraging: the initial test prints shown in the video completed successfully on their first attempt, with no first-layer or adhesion issues observed during this setup session. That is an initial observation from this machine, not a guarantee for every printer, filament, or environment.

Bambu Studio setup and first print

For Bambu Studio, I selected my region, chose the X2D profile, and kept the default filament settings to get started. After signing in and synchronizing the printer, Bambu Studio exposed the device and its loaded-filament information. For the first print, I chose a small box from the marketplace, selected the easy-close version, used the X2D profile, synchronized filament information, left the quality settings at their defaults, and chose filament-saving slicing.

Before sending a job, verify that the filament assignments shown in Bambu Studio match the actual AMS and external spool configuration. The first job in the video was a single-color black print, and the estimated time displayed was about 1 hour and 8 minutes. The send-to-printer flow also offered options for timelapse and calibration; I left those settings alone for the initial test.

A practical X2D first-print checklist

• Confirm that every marked screw, foam block, tie, clip, and film used for shipping has been removed.
• Install the screen and ensure the auxiliary-extruder connector and tubing are fully seated.
• Connect the AMS tubing and cable, remove the rear silica-gel packets, and load filament only after the physical paths are correct.
• Allow time for the guided calibration after the short physical setup.
• In Bambu Studio, select the X2D profile, synchronize filament information, and compare the on-screen assignments to the material actually loaded.
• Use a small, simple first print and default settings so you can establish a baseline before changing profiles or adding complex multicolor work.

Who this first setup is for

This setup path suits a new X2D owner who wants to get from delivery to a controlled first print without rushing past the transport checks. The AMS-equipped package makes the most sense for someone who specifically wants to explore multicolor printing and the dual-tool workflow, which were the reasons I chose that configuration. If you only need a basic first single-color print, keep the process simple first; the deeper multicolor and Bambu Studio features deserve their own deliberate setup rather than being stacked onto the first job.

What this first look does—and does not—answer

This video confirms that the physical setup, calibration, Bambu Studio connection, and early test prints went smoothly for this unit. It does not establish long-term maintenance, durability, or reliability. For follow-up impressions after actual use, read the one-week review; for an X2D-specific navigation page, use the hub below.

FAQ

How long did the X2D setup take in the video?

The physical setup took about 15 minutes in this hands-on session. The guided calibration added roughly 30 minutes, so plan for both rather than judging setup only by the unpacking time.

Should I change Bambu Studio settings before my first print?

For the first small single-color job shown, I kept the default quality settings and used filament-saving slicing. The more important first check was confirming that synchronized filament assignments matched what was physically loaded.

Can I use the X2D with or without AMS?

The video notes that the printer was available as the printer alone or with AMS. This hands-on setup covers the AMS-equipped configuration, including the related tubing and connections.

Continue with the Bambu Lab X2D setup and review hub

For the next stage of ownership, read the Bambu Lab X2D one-week review

If you are working with color assignments after setup, see the Bambu Studio color-mixing guide

Estimate the material cost of your first projects with the filament cost calculator