Bambu Lab Black PLA Filament: Original Spool or Refill?
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Bambu Lab is the company behind popular fast 3D printers such as the X1, P1 and A1 series, and it also sells its own filament, the plastic thread a 3D printer melts to build objects layer by layer. Its PLA (polylactic acid) is the everyday material most new owners start with, because PLA prints easily at modest temperatures, does not smell much and gives a clean finish. Black is one of the most-used colors, since it hides layer lines well and suits practical parts, cases and gifts.
The three black PLA options here differ in who makes them and how they are packed: the first is genuine Bambu Lab PLA on a reusable spool, while the other two are third-party refills from TEWIRROW and COMTREE, sold without a spool and labeled for Bambu Lab printers with the same “Black 10101” color code. That difference matters more than it first seems, so this guide explains spools, refills and RFID tags in plain terms.
Bambu Lab Black PLA Filaments Compared
| Filament | Made By | Spool Included | RFID Tag Listed | Weight and Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab PLA 3D Printer Filament, Black | Bambu Lab | Yes, reusable | Yes | 1 kg, 1.75mm +/- 0.03mm |
| PLA Basic Refill Filament 1.75mm High-Speed (Black 10101) | TEWIRROW (third party) | No | Yes | 1 kg, 1.75mm +/- 0.03mm |
| Bamboo PLA Basic Refill Filament 1.75mm (Black 10101) | COMTREE (third party) | No | Yes | 1 kg, 1.75mm +/- 0.03mm |
Bambu Lab PLA 3D Printer Filament for a Worry-Free Start
Bambulab
Bambu Lab PLA 3D Printer Filament 1.75mm RFID 1kg with Spool, Black
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Bambu Lab PLA 3D Printer Filament
Best for: New Bambu Lab owners wanting plug-and-print
Pros
- Genuine Bambu Lab filament
- Comes on a reusable spool
- RFID auto print settings
- 75mm +/- 0.03mm tolerance
Cons
- Spool adds to storage space
- Drying guidance not listed
The Bambu Lab PLA 3D Printer Filament in black is the genuine article, made by Bambu Lab’s parent company, Shenzhen Tuozhu Technology, and sold as 1 kg of 1.75mm PLA on a reusable spool. A spool is the plastic reel the filament is wound on; buying “with spool” means you can hang it straight on your printer or drop it into the AMS without any assembly. The manufacturer part number ends in “spl,” which marks the spooled version, and the color model number is 10101.
Bambu Lab states a diameter accuracy of 1.75mm +/- 0.03mm. That tolerance matters because a printer pushes filament through a tiny nozzle; if the thread swells or thins too much, you get gaps or clogs. The listing promises no clogs, no bubbles and no tangles, and describes the PLA as tough and strong enough for high print speeds with a good surface finish. It is labeled AMS-compatible. The AMS (Automatic Material System) is Bambu Lab’s multi-spool box that feeds filament into the printer automatically and can swap colors mid-print.
The standout feature is the RFID tag. RFID (radio-frequency identification) is a tiny chip that a reader can scan without touching it. On Bambu Lab spools, Bambu Studio (the company’s slicing software, which turns 3D models into printer instructions) identifies the loaded filament and sets suitable print settings automatically. For a first-time owner, that removes a lot of guesswork about temperatures and speeds.
This is the pick for new Bambu Lab owners, for gift-givers who want a guaranteed match with the recipient’s printer, and for anyone who wants the official filament that the printer is set up around. Once you have a few empty Bambu Lab spools, the refills below become an option. For other colors in the same family, see our guide to Bambu Lab filaments.
PLA Basic Refill Filament 1.75mm High-Speed for Spool Reusers
Tewirrow
PLA Basic Refill Filament 1.75mm High-Speed, Easy to Print, Eco Friendly with RFID for Bambu Lab X1, X1C, P1S, P1P,A1, A1 MINI AMS 1KG (2.2lbs) Exclude Spool +/- 0.03mm (Black 10101)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
PLA Basic Refill Filament 1.75mm High-Speed
Best for: Owners with a spare spool to refill
Pros
- No spool, less waste
- RFID listed for AMS
- Lists X1, P1 and A1 printers
- Drying tips included
Cons
- Third-party brand, not Bambu Lab
- Needs your own spool
The PLA Basic Refill Filament 1.75mm High-Speed is made by TEWIRROW, a third-party brand, not by Bambu Lab. Its title says it is designed for the Bambu Lab X1, X1C, P1S, P1P, A1 and A1 mini printers and the AMS, and it uses Bambu Lab’s color code “Black 10101” so you can tell which shade it is meant to match. The description even spells the name “Bamboo PLA Basic,” which is a sign it is a lookalike product rather than an official one.
It is 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of 1.75mm PLA with the same +/- 0.03mm tolerance stated, sold as a refill, which means the filament comes without a spool. You wind or clip it onto an empty reusable spool you already own, or print your own spool as the listing suggests. The listing says printing parameters are stored on an RFID chip that “our AMS” reads, but because this is a third-party product, it does not explain how the tag is supplied with a spool-less coil or whether Bambu Studio reads it the same way as an official tag. Treat automatic settings as unconfirmed and be ready to choose a PLA profile manually.
The listing describes smooth prints, fast print speeds and easy printing for beginners, and gives practical care advice: dry the filament at 50°C for 8 hours if it has absorbed moisture, and store it somewhere dry. PLA picks up humidity from the air over time, which can cause stringy or rough prints, so that tip applies to any PLA.
Choose this refill if you already have empty spools and are comfortable with a third-party filament. If you want guaranteed RFID recognition, stay with the original Bambu Lab spool.
Bamboo PLA Basic Refill Filament 1.75mm for Regular Restocking
Comtree
COMTREE Bamboo PLA Basic Refill Filament 1.75mm 1 KG (2.2lbs) with RFID for Bambu Lab A1/X1/P1 Series 3D Printers,Easy to Print, 3D Printing Filament,No Spool, +/- 0.03mm (Black 10101)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Bamboo PLA Basic Refill Filament 1.75mm
Best for: Frequent printers restocking black PLA
Pros
- No spool, refill format
- Detailed drying instructions
- RFID listed for AMS
- Impact resistance claimed
Cons
- Third-party brand, not Bambu Lab
- Needs your own spool
The Bamboo PLA Basic Refill Filament 1.75mm is sold by COMTREE, another third-party brand, and is labeled for Bambu Lab A1, X1 and P1 series printers in “Black 10101.” Like the TEWIRROW refill, it uses the “Bamboo” spelling, comes as 1 kg without a spool and lists 1.75mm +/- 0.03mm accuracy.
The listing claims stronger layer adhesion, better impact resistance and longer durability than standard PLA from its fine-tuned formulation, plus consistent color and an easy, calibration-free start. It mentions a palette of up to 30 colors. It also says all printing parameters are embedded in RFID that the AMS can read. As with the other refill, this is a claim from a third-party seller, and the listing does not explain how the tag comes packed with a spool-less coil.
Its drying instructions are the most detailed of the three: 50°C for 8 hours in a blast drying oven, 55°C for 8 hours in an AMS 2 Pro or AMS HT, or 60°C to 70°C for 12 hours on an X1 heatbed, followed by dry storage. The listing’s tips are cut off after that, so check the full product page for anything else about fitting the refill.
This suits someone who prints often and goes through black PLA quickly, and who is fine managing their own spools. If you prefer a single trusted source, the genuine Bambu Lab spool is simpler.
How to Choose the Right Bambu Lab Black PLA
Spool or refill. If you do not have empty reusable spools, buy the Bambu Lab PLA with spool first. Refills are only practical once you have a spool to load them onto.
Official or third party. Only the first filament is made by Bambu Lab. The TEWIRROW and COMTREE refills are made for Bambu Lab printers but not by Bambu Lab, and the listings borrow the color code and “PLA Basic” wording.
RFID matters most with the AMS. If you rely on the AMS and Bambu Studio to set things up automatically, the official RFID spool is the dependable choice. The refills claim RFID but do not explain how it works without a spool.
Keep it dry. Whatever you choose, store PLA in a dry place and dry it before use if it has been sitting out. The two refills give specific temperatures and times.
Buying as a gift. Ask which printer the recipient has. All three list 1.75mm filament, the size Bambu Lab printers use, but the official spool is the safest surprise. Metallic colors make fun gifts too; our gold filament guide covers that option.
FAQ
Which Bambu Lab black PLA should I buy first?
Start with the Bambu Lab PLA with spool, because it comes ready to load and its RFID tag lets Bambu Studio set up prints automatically.
What is a PLA refill?
A refill is filament sold without the plastic spool. You load it onto an empty reusable spool you already own.
Are the Bamboo PLA Basic refills made by Bambu Lab?
No. They are made by TEWIRROW and COMTREE and designed for Bambu Lab printers.
Is this black PLA 1.75mm?
Yes, all three list 1.75mm with +/- 0.03mm tolerance.
Is Bambu Lab PLA compatible with the AMS?
Yes, the official filament is labeled AMS-compatible. The refills also claim AMS compatibility.
How should I dry PLA before printing?
The refill listings suggest 50°C for 8 hours in a drying oven, and COMTREE adds options for the AMS 2 Pro, AMS HT and X1 heatbed.
