Discover our new, lower prices!

Get Your Quote Today

Bambu’s Controversial 3D Printer Update: What to Expect and What Not to Expect

Bambu Lab recently stirred controversy by locking down its 3D printers, requiring users to employ a proprietary authentication tool for remote control. This change led several creators to pledge against purchasing Bambu printers and to even withdraw their 3D models from the company’s online repository after officials announced an update that would restrict the use of third-party tools.

The new proprietary authentication system means that while users can still print directly from an SD card or utilize Bambu’s cloud service, traditional remote printing using third-party slicers is no longer viable unless users install the "Bambu Connect" app that acts as an intermediary between their slicer and Bambu hardware.

Bambu insists that this update is optional but promotes it as essential for safeguarding printers from remote hacks. However, many users are concerned about a potential trend toward stricter controls over printer functionalities, fearing the company might eventually prevent the use of third-party filament or introduce subscription services tied to print jobs.

In response to these concerns, Bambu issued a blog post attempting to clarify its position, stating that the new authentication does not require internet access and affirming an optional "Developer Mode" that would allow local access to printers without proprietary authentication. Unfortunately, this Developer Mode may potentially limit access to cloud features.

Further complicating matters, the company’s efforts to censor critical feedback and claims of misleading collaborations with third-party slicer developers have eroded trust among users. These worries were exacerbated when hackers reportedly extracted sensitive information from the Bambu Connect app, and a clause in their terms allows Bambu to block new print jobs while firmware updates are being downloaded.

To address ongoing user concerns, Bambu provided answers to several key questions:

  1. Subscription Requirements: Bambu committed to never requiring a subscription for its current product line to control printers over a home network.
  2. Third-Party Filament Use: There are currently no plans to restrict third-party filament.
  3. User Privacy: Bambu stated that its local and cloud modes would ensure user privacy, although some features necessitate temporary cloud storage.
  4. Developer Mode: The company affirmed that the Developer Mode would be maintained unless a significant security issue arose, although they couldn’t commit to future printers.
  5. Authentication Methods: Bambu acknowledged they considered other forms of authentication but concluded that controlling the communication with their cloud system was vital to the integrity of their services.

Despite the backlash, Bambu emphasized its intent to create a secure product ecosystem and maintain ongoing dialogue with users, including commitments to allow firmware rollbacks and keep communication channels open with third-party developers.

The situation highlights the delicate balance between security measures and user autonomy in the rapidly evolving field of 3D printing.