6mo ago

Bambu Lab Responds to Backlash Over New Firmware Update

Shenzhen-based 3D printer manufacturer Bambu Lab has launched a new firmware for its X1 Series of 3D printers. The optional security update introduces authorization and authentication controls for key 3D printing operations, altering how third-party software interacts with the 3D printer.

Some in the 3D printing community have not received the news well, leading to Bambu Lab refuting claims that the firmware, currently undergoing beta testing, restricts third-party tools or forces users into a closed ecosystem. Those who choose not to install the update can continue using external software without any changes. The company has also introduced a new tool called Bambu Connect, designed to integrate third-party software with updated printers. Bambu Lab is collaborating with software developers, including Orca Slicer, to ensure a seamless connection with external tools.

37 comments

Just sounds like they're saying the "slippery slope" is false, but everything else stated was true.
3d party accessories are being disabled, and you can only use network connectivity if you connect to the cloud. They'll have a solution for using Orca Slicer, but it still needs to phone home to work.
Glad I stayed away from Bambu and went with a printer that doesn't need anything outside my network to use all the features I paid for.
- What did you end up buying? I'm leaning towards Prusa again, was looking at Creality but I'm not wanting to tinker around much with that stuff anymore.
  
  Take a week and build a Voron. The kits are super easy to piece together and you end up with an insanely great, reliable printer for a fraction what it should cost. Yes, the build time and initial calibration might take a bit, but mine's been without issue, printing 24h long prints perfectly for over a year now. You don't need to settle for a mediocre built printer if you have the patience to piece together one. Not to mention, since you built the kit, you know how to troubleshoot any issues that pop up much faster than something you pulled out of a box and plugged into the wall.
  
  I went from a Creality printer to a Prusa Mk4s on the last black friday sale. What sold me was that as they make new machines, you can just buy a kit to upgrade to the next version, instead of needing to buy a whole new printer. They're also based in the EU, so even if they wanted to, they couldn't do anything too bad in regards to privacy.
  Doesn't matter tho, cause I won't turn on the cloud printing stuff, since I don't see any benefit. Everything can be done exactly the same way without requiring external services.
  
  Hard to make a good recommendation right now. Prusa really didn't impress with the core one because they are still using their old bed size (z height isn't important at all for me) and the MMU just isn't as good as the AMS. Creality still has OQC issues that enough people encounter even on their high end printers.
  
  Solvo is looking pretty solid too. Proudly open source, inexpensive, feature rich.
  
  I have any Anycubic and I've been pretty happy with it.
How to destroy community goodwill 101.
"Bambu Lab has directly challenged what it calls “unfortunate misinformation circulating online.”"
When an organization starts defending themselves by pointing fingers at "misinformation" you know the public's accusations were onto something.
- They will pause the real plan a few months until everyone forgets then start firing off those forced updates. By then people will be so exhausted from being outraged they'll just let it through without even a mention.
Lan mode only, firewall blocking all internet access to it and I'm good to go. Bambu studio connects to it fine and still works with homeassistant as well.
Just gettin into 3d printing. Gonna build this instead of buying a Bambu
- I'm glad that design has been seeing development. My next build I'm probably going to be voron based but instead of aluminum extrusion bolted together it will be welded steel. I need to way more weld mileage to get my money's worth from the welder and the aluminum beams are weirdly expensive
  
  Funny you mention aluminum. First thing i was gonna print was molds for a gingery lathe
Does anyone know when the P-series will be affected?
Considering LAN-mode and Tailscale for remote access, but it is interesting to see if people find it viable or if other alternatives pop up from people smarter than myself.

37 comments