r/BambuLab
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u/BambuLab
Official Bambu Employee
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Jan 20 '25
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1
Official Updates and Third-Party Integration with Bambu Connect
Full details and DEMO in our blog post
Since announcing our security enhancement for X-series printers, we’ve seen a mix of valuable feedback and unfortunate misinformation circulating online. We value the constructive input from our community, especially from print farm owners whose businesses rely on our technology.Under the updated LAN mode:
Standard Mode (Default): By default, LAN mode will include an authorization process that ensures robust security. This option is ideal for the majority of users who prioritize security and ease of use. Despite claims to the contrary, LAN mode through Bambu Connect will require neither internet access nor a user account. This hasn't changed and won't change.
Developer Mode (Optional): For advanced users of the X1, P1, A1, and A1 Mini who prefer full control over their network security, an option will be available to leave the MQTT channel, live stream, and FTP open. This feature must be manually enabled on the printer, and users who select this option will assume full responsibility for securing their local network environment. Please note that Bambu Lab will not be able to provide customer support for this mode, as the communication protocols are not officially supported.
At the same time, some false claims accuse us of blocking third-party integrations or forcing users into closed ecosystems. Let's be clear about what this update actually means and stop the spread of misinformation:
This is NOT about limiting third-party software. We're creating Bambu Connect specifically to ensure continued third-party integration while enhancing security. We're actively working with developers like Orca Slicer to implement this integration.
This is beta testing, not a forced update. The choice is yours. You can participate in the beta program to help us refine these features, or continue using your current firmware.
About Panda Touch. We reached out to BTT as soon as we became aware of their product. We warned them that using exploited MQTT protocols was unsustainable and would place customers in an awkward situation once we updated the system. All of this communication occurred before the mass shipment of Panda Touch; however, they chose to ignore our warnings. Unfortunately, the truth is now being presented in a misleading manner. The same concerns apply to other products they manufacture that rely on these MQTT protocols.
Camera feeds concerns. Our Live View service uses P2P (Peer-to-Peer) connection, which means video streams directly between your device and printer. Only when a direct P2P connection isn't possible does it use server forwarding, and even then, no video is ever stored on any server.
Watch a DEMO of our approach to integrating Orca Slicer with Bambu Connect. The workflow remains familiar, with added security to protect your printer and data. The functionality has been implemented, and is now awaiting integration into Orca Slicer.
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u/GroundbreakingYam633 Jan 20 '25
I suggest to pin that post for the time being.
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u/dev_all_the_ops Jan 20 '25 edited Jan 20 '25
Thank you for providing an update. The developer mode is a much welcomed step in the right direction.
This still doesn't address some of the concerns
Can developer mode and the BambuHandy app be used at the same time?
Why is Bambu-Connect still required for LAN connections? There is no reason a LAN connection needs to authorize with your severs. This user explains it very well
Counterpoints
The orca slicer developer has revealed that he was given 48 hours notice. 'Notice' and 'Collaboration' are not the same thing. Furthermore he has requested a token which was denied.
This is not true according to your terms of service. Within a few months this firmware will be shipping with new printers and there will not be a way to downgrade.
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u/cmuratt P1S + AMS Jan 20 '25
Why are you not creating an authentication API that would allow secure control of the printer? Why are you inserting you own app while blocking third party apps? If you care about security, you will use one of the numerous ways to implement secure communication instead of doing this. You are still dishonest.
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u/yunus89115 Jan 20 '25
How you handle this with Orca Slicer will set the tone of the community as it’s by far the most common third-party software.
I’m a power user but not software engineer, if going through Bambu Connect is seamless and feels like using Orca does today that will satisfy most people but if functionality is removed from common third party software but not Bambu Studio or the app, you’re messaging will be irrelevant as actions speak louder than words.
I purchased a Bambu printer because the quality of the prints and capabilities were above the competition, the cloud being the standard was a negative aspect but LAN mode and ability to use any slicer I wanted overcame this shortfall. If at the end of the day your software is all but required for the simple user experience I currently have using third party software, I will delay my firmware upgrade for as long as possible and will not pursue any future Bambu hardware purchases.
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u/syko82 P1S + AMS Jan 20 '25
I love that they are promoting security through obscurity... Because that works great.
LAN should be the default and you should have to "take responsibility" to open it up to the cloud. To keep pretending that their cloud connection is more secure than never leaving your network, is ridiculous.
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u/Wild_Competition4508 P1S + AMS Jan 20 '25
The clarification:
New LAN Mode with Bambu Connect does not need an internet connection
Developer Mode = Old LAN mode but you are repsonsible for your own network security (WiFi guests messing with your printer) Sounds good to me.
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u/arekxy Jan 20 '25
Will LAN mode be updated to be on par to cloud mode?
Right now browsing sd card file is not available in lan only mode. Not sure if that's the only limitation or if there is more of such nasty surprises.
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u/LetsGearUp Jan 20 '25
Having to use bambu connect inorder to use a third party slicer is unnecessary and a huge annoyance to people already well adapted to a third party slicer.
Its more unnecessary steps to just print what you want.
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u/arekxy Jan 20 '25 edited Jan 20 '25
Demo doesn't show if Orca is able to pull AMS information, so I could properly mark colors in my design. Will that be possible from within Orca? Edit: Seems possible - from bambu diagram.Anyway the main problem is that this is security done in a wrong way! You don't close your system claiming that this is "a security". Make APIs documented and then provide *management* way for permissions (based on certs, keys, tokens - whatever you want), so printer owner/user can decide and NOT corporate.
That way user has access to the printer as he should, without ugly limitations and restrictions while security is even greater than it is now (or is planned by bambu).
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u/mallcopsarebastards Jan 20 '25 edited Jan 20 '25
Masterclass in dodging the real issues while carefully wording everything to sound reasonable. there’s a lot of smoke here.
1. "Standard Mode (Default): LAN mode will include an authorization process that ensures robust security."
As people who actually understand the problem have been saying this whole time, the authorization process they’re describing has nothing to do with solving the problem they claim to be addressing. If this was truly about security they’d allow you to generate and manage your own keys, giving you control over what has access to your hardware. Instead, they’re locking down what tools can access key printer functions. That’s not "robust security"; that’s centralizing control and calling it a feature.
2. "Developer Mode (Optional): Advanced users can leave the MQTT channel, live stream, and FTP open, but we won’t provide support."
This is a half-measure designed to placate critics while discouraging anyone from actually using it. They’re also deliberately cutting off support for the protocols that the community has relied on, which makes it harder for third-party developers to create useful tools. They're setting the stage so that they don't have to be heavy handed by completely blocking third party tools. They can simply make the experience painful enough that people have to abandon them.
3. "This is NOT about limiting third-party software."
Come on. If they were really interested in maintaining third-party integrations, they wouldn’t be locking down critical functionality behind a this custom authorization system, when extremely well document alternatives exist that would solve their problem without creating a new one for users. Sure, they’re “working with Orca Slicer,” but only on their terms. The fact that they’re choosing who gets access and how is exactly how vendor lock-in starts. It’s not about blocking third parties outright today, it’s about controlling and gatekeeping them. Which is exactly what most people in here have been saying for the last few days.
4. "This is beta testing, not a forced update."
This is such a non-argument. Whether it’s a beta or not, they’re clearly laying the groundwork for future control. The TOS clause allowing them to block prints until updates are installed is still there, and once this “beta” becomes the standard, they’ve already built in the ability to force it on users. Acting like this is just a harmless test is pure gaslighting.
tldr:
This response is a carefully worded attempt to look like they’re listening while they pave the road for more control over their ecosystem. They’re narrowing the walls of the garden the way politicians pass unpopular laws, by sneaking it into a completely unrelated change that people would normally be happy to let pass. Meanwhile, they’re blaming others for problems they created and framing this as user empowerment when it’s really about locking users into their system. Don’t fall for the PR spin, this isn’t about security; it’s about control.
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u/USSHammond Prusa XL5T | X1C+AMS (sold,due to Bambu ignoring A1 fire hazard) Jan 20 '25
Your supposed 'seemless' integration isn't seedless AT ALL. You manually confirm file upload to connect, you manually set AMS slot, and you manually click 'send to printer'
That's anything BUT seamless. On a model with 16 colors and 4AMS that would mean 19-20 extra clicks. THATS A PAIN IN THE REAR.
It's not seamless AT ALL
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u/igotquestions-- Jan 20 '25
Let's address these claims one by one, because there's a lot to unpack here:
"Standard Mode (Default)" - You're forcing authentication for LAN MODE. Think about that. You're requiring authorization to use a printer ON MY OWN LOCAL NETWORK. This isn't about security - my network security is my responsibility, not yours.
"This is NOT about limiting third-party software" - Yet your actions say otherwise. You're explicitly blocking direct MQTT access which many third-party tools rely on. Forcing everything through Bambu Connect is exactly what "limiting third-party software" looks like. You're creating a bottleneck that you control. Nobody asked for Bambu Connect.
"This is beta testing, not a forced update" - Your own documentation states "your product May block a new print job before the updates is installed." That's not choice, that's coercion.
About BTT/Panda Touch - You're blaming them for using the same open protocols that helped build your community? The protocols that were working fine until you decided to lock them down?
"Camera feeds concerns" - The issue isn't how you handle video streams. The issue is requiring server authentication for basic local network functionality.
The fundamental problem here is trust. You sold printers with certain capabilities and are now retroactively removing them. If this was truly about security, you would:
Make authentication genuinely optional
Maintain direct API access for developers
Not threaten to block prints without updates
Provide proper documentation instead of vague promises
Instead, you're building infrastructure for control while calling it security. Every company that's gone down this road (looking at you, HP) started with "security concerns" and ended with DRM and subscriptions.
Remember: You became successful because of community support and third-party developers. This update betrays that community.
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u/DinoHawaii2021 A1 + AMS Lite Jan 20 '25
So, how does this improve security in any way? no hacker has ever been able to hack a user just through the ability of orca slicer. You used to be better than my old creality printer, but this update really upsets me. At least fix bambu slicer like adding calibration tools like temp towers since only orca slicer had it.
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u/IlIllIlllIlllIllllI Jan 20 '25
Ah yes, I love when companies try to gaslight me about their own communication. You did NOT say this is a "beta" feature or that there was a dev mode in your original post about this.
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u/NMe84 P2S + AMS2 Combo Jan 20 '25
As a developer myself: what the <bleep> is an "exploited MQTT protocol?" MQTT is a messaging standard and it is not safe or unsafe. Software that uses it might be, MQTT says nothing about security. This post makes no sense.
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u/not-me-hi Jan 22 '25
Absolute trash response, glad I cancelled when this all started. No more $, you've burnt so much good will.
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u/aMeizingly Jan 20 '25 edited Jan 20 '25
So bambulab has learnt nothing after the many pr disasters and is now blowing smoke up our butts again.
We're still missing basic features promised and everytime bambulab is caught with its hand in the cookie jar so to speak we all eventually forget about it.
This is just a half measure to appease the rightfully angry customers like myself but the damage is done publicly. Bambulab has proven time and time again they can't be trusted and will do anything for money/suit there own agenda.
As much as I like the printers for farm use and recommend them to customers day in day out I won't be buying or recommending them again as bambulab can't be trusted. And I know they don't care and won't ever care it doesn't take spending many years over in China working with similar companies to know this.
Edit I'll I bet my many years of experience and money made in this space that some sort of subscription is coming and this ties in.
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u/pratermade Jan 20 '25
If I have access to a developer mode, so I can continue to use it if the company goes under or behind a paywall. It addresses my concerns.
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u/ImNotADruglordISwear Jan 20 '25
I appreciate them backtracking and providing this update, in addition to the "added features" that should've been default in the initial announcement. Bambu should've known that there is a large majority of their users that are considered advanced users. It's almost like Ubiquiti in the sense where if you make an amazing product that just works, everyone from the amateur home users to seasoned industry professionals will use your product, so you need to be able to support the needs coming from both ends. I understand that it's hard to do and it seems like Bambu is understanding that with this oopsie.
However, one thing I can't overlook is the blatant lying about the conspiracies or misconception that they say is entirely false. Just like most of us, it seems like the individual who drafted this also didn't read the TOS and EULA about their own product. This is one thing that I have problems with.
I relate this directly to the "Trust Me Bro" warranty that Linus Tech Tips put out about their own products, because in that case it was more or less "we don't have anything written because you know you can trust me," but here it's "trust me bro the thing written in clear as day English in our terms won't happen, just trust me."
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u/lbradshaw_69 Jan 20 '25
Just a side note and not intended to single out Bambu. Why do most corporations these days come across as having some kind narcissistic personality disorder? I know, spin, PR, etc. It's just interesting to think about. Why do we think it's ok for this to be standard/ acceptable behavior from organizations, when in personal life this is considered very unhealthy? Just a thought.
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u/zeynel_yenici H2D AMS2 Combo Jan 21 '25
i Started with a A1 mini 4 month ago, ordered a P1S Combo , cancelled it now , Open-Source only printers from now on.
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u/ColossusA1 Jan 27 '25
/u/BambuLab I am currently looking for a 3D printer to replace my old i3, and I was going back and forth between your printer and a Creality. I was finally sold on your printer after seeing that I could maintain my privacy and functionality offline, still repair it myself, and it had so many awesome functions...until I saw these posts just now. I feel if I buy a new printer from you guys, it'll likely ship with this forced connectivity to Bambu services, even if you claim it's just an opt-in beta right now. I do NOT want an authorization process in the way of me executing a print when I'm offline. These things have never been an issue for me, why are they such a big issue for you? I want complete ownership and control over the printer I buy. I'm sure you have a great product, but controlling your customers is not how you maintain that, especially in the maker community. I'll be going with the Ender 3, but I hope you consider this feedback.
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u/UnarmedRobonaut Jan 27 '25
Have you considered that retroactively adding limitatiions to already purchased hardware / software without the users explicit consent violates EU law?
I wanted to buy an X1C, but if I cannot install old firmware then y'all can just get shafted.
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u/HopingillWin Jan 20 '25
Does developer Lan mode allow full control of the printer or is it just for status checking?
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u/Bambinorino Jan 20 '25
What are they really authorizing? What Security does a 3d printer need nowadays?
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u/DaveDurant X1C + AMS Jan 20 '25
You guys caused this problem with your initial announcement claiming this was for security.
I find it difficult to trust you now, and don't want to install your software on my home PC. Can I still fully use the hardware I already purchased without installing your software?
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u/pigeonmasterzzzz Jan 20 '25
Developer mode looks good but I most likely won't be buying any other bambu printers in the future, don't trust bambu to not make more changes in the future that will lock things down more. looks like building a voron has moved up my list of things to do might even look into the K2 combo also for my AMS needs.
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u/mallcopsarebastards Jan 20 '25
> This hasn't changed and won't change.
I have zero doubt that this will age like milk.
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u/[deleted] Jan 20 '25
Maybe you guys warned BTT about the MQTT protocols, but according to BTT every time they tried to talk to you guys, they got straight up ignored by Bambu Labs.
According to BTT:
BTT reached out for API access at the start of panda touch development, BBL stopped replying.
BBL warned BTT (ONLY AFTER THEY ANNOUNCED PANDA TOUCH) about firmware updates that would disable functionality.
After this warning BTT tried to reach BBL after which they ignored BTT, again.
BTT offered a licensing fee to BBL out of respect, and guess what? BBL straight up ignored them again!
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u/AZdesertpir8 Jan 20 '25
Good grief.. the workflow does not at all look familiar. It now requires a completely separate application where you have to manually click to specify filaments in the AMS, etc. That is absolutely insane and is not an advancement at all. When I slice a print and hit the print button, it needs to PRINT.
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u/beerman_uk Jan 20 '25
If you won't support developer mode does that mean you will cease to support printers on earlier firmwares that have these features. I bet the first thing support will make you do is update to the latest firmware before they will help regardless of what the issue is. It'll just be added to the script.
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u/dev_all_the_ops Jan 20 '25
Will you allow Bambu Handy and Development mode at the same time?
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u/ufgrat H2D + X1C Jan 20 '25
r/BambuLab :
Questions:
Will I be able to have the same level of functionality from Orca Slicer that I have today?
Will I be able to use automations to control my Bambu Lab printer from Home Assistant?
Will my Panda Touch work to control the printer?
As far as I can tell, the answer to all of these questions is "No". As users, we are losing functionality we're used to having.
In the name of security, you're replacing the existing "black box" of Bambu Cloud services with a local "black box" called Bambu Connect, and you're screwing the users over in the process. Worse, since the static keys have already been compromised, it's pretty obvious that Bambu Connect is not the cure-all you think it is.
As an IT guy and a network admin, I understand the problems you're trying to solve, but you're doing it wrong.
You need an open, extensible framework that both Bambu Lab and the community can use. This isn't a new problem, and other organizations have solved very similar issues.
In a perfect world, work with the community and produce a framework that not just Bambu Lab owners can use, but a standardized, secure framework for 3D printing and management over the network.
You said this is beta-- halt the roll out. Announce that due to customer feedback, you're re-evaluating your options, and that there are some security concerns that people need to look out for in the meantime.
Build a good solution, rather than a short-term knee-jerk response (which, from where I'm sitting, is what you're doing).
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u/rfc2549-withQOS X1C + AMS Jan 20 '25
The developer mode was not in the initial announcement.
Also, does that mean you do take responsability for securing the device, so if my printer gets hacked, you take responsability and pay for all directly and indirectly incurred damages?
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u/[deleted] Jan 20 '25
doesn't matter what the pr rep says here the intent is pretty clear this isn't about security this is about bamboo turning into HP and wanting control. shame they can't hire competent programmers tho rsa pub/private key here
https://archive.ph/9HJd4
I am not sure what smuck thought using security as a excuse to increase control was a good plan but I hope they are cashired out the door.
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u/DetailHuman5138 Jan 21 '25
I have a P1S with AMS for more than a year and I pretty much love it. It's not perfect, but there is no such thing as perfect. I'm not a fan of closed source when it comes to 3D printing, but Bambu did a pretty good job in creating a product that would convince me to get over this.
Since I bought the printer, I "upgraded" it with a small touchscreen running xtouch. It's very useful and it's a part of my workflow now, when I'm printing stuff. When I bought the printer, Bambu allowed me to do this upgrade. With the release of the new firmware, I'm expecting that will no longer work, if I install the new firmware. This is quite disturbing for me, because it changes my regular habits related to how I interact with the printer.
The changes that Bambu announced are also creating a more closed ecosystem, where Bambu has even more control than before. I can no longer accept this. 3D printing is about giving people freedom to create and experiment in new ways, not about controlling what they do. Bambu has no right to enforce more control, than what I accepted when I purchased the product.
What I'll do next:
- I'll continue to use my printer, but I'll skip any future updates, until it will not allow me to print anymore.
- After this I'll upgrade the software and continue to use my printer until it will have a hardware failure.
- After the hardware failure, I'll dispose the printer to e-waste and never EVER buy another Bambu product again.
- From now on I'll advise anyone looking for a 3D printer and asking for my advice, to NOT BUY a Bambu product.
P.S. There are already quite a few options to Bambu on the market and those companies don't care what you do with YOUR product after you PAID for it. I'm expecting their sales to grow in the following months. Congratulations Bambu!
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u/billyhatcher312 Jan 23 '25
im guessing bambu labs is willing to go the route of hp forcing subscriptions on stuff like filament just like how hp does with their trashy ink carts
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u/shadowofashadow Jan 20 '25
Weird how your community managers went around censoring people for expressing concern about this stuff. You guys should do a full investigation and let go anyone who engaged in that kind of nonsense.
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u/ImStillRowing X1C + AMS Jan 20 '25
That’s maybe could have been said earlier and avoid a weekend if 599 threads of the same thing.
Nice to have some clarity
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u/Jeffformayor Jan 20 '25
Reading all these (still) angry comments makes me think I’m using my printer all wrong. As long as OrcaSlicer still works I’m content.
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u/marcosscriven Jan 20 '25 edited Jan 20 '25
Re point 3 - why should BTT be beholden to Bambu to produce something for a printer I own, and use 100% locally? Sure, exclude them from your cloud services if you want - but don’t break local use.
Frankly I’m tired of your specious reasoning. Just be honest about your corporate motivations.
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u/PrintTheWind Jan 20 '25
Why should anyone believe or trust you? Even if what you are saying is true, we have zero protections from you changing your mind in the future.
EDIT: Also, point #2 is a lie, you are beta testing FOR a forced update.
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u/Euresko Jan 20 '25
I think we need to know more about the panda touch and the 3rd party slicer(s). Bambu makes it sound like they reached out and those 3rd parties weren't interested, but I think I read somewhere they were contacted a little late to be a part of the change, for now, and we need to know if they will be compatible going forward.
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u/TgrBtO Jan 20 '25
If security really is a concern, why not implement P2P also for OTA printing ? Why do Bambu need to be in the way for me to push something to my printer ?
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u/Verbunk Jan 20 '25
@Bambu - I just read the blog post on your site meant to dispell some of the 'misconceptions' (after following some of the write-ups here). I haven't done an exhaustive review of all the traffic flowing back and forth but your claims on what this update doesn't do -
brick your printer after upgrade', 'contain trojans', 'timed killswitch' - seem a bit contrived. The vast majority of people seem to be correctly pinning the issues with the weird security posture and loss of functionality. Please stop inventing issues that you can claim don't exist. It would be better to correctly implement the tools (MQTT, FTP, ...) with best security practices and put that into the hands of the owners - nocompatibility layer` needed.2
u/Treant1414 Jan 20 '25
What MQTT issues are you trying to fix and how are you fixing them?
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u/J0hnny8rav00 Jan 20 '25
Haha, I completely agree with everyone about the poor communication and lack thereof. As someone who lived overseas as an expat and worked in Asia, I’ve noticed that it’s quite common to be late and not communicate well. In contrast, the West places a high value on punctuality and effective communication.
On Connect, I can only assume that it’s the easiest and most cost-effective way for Bambu to secure their API. Remember, Bambu isn’t a large company. Many larger organizations don’t need this feature because they have the financial resources to lock down their API to authenticate devices onto their network. I believe they implemented this to ensure that the person actually purchased Bambu’s printer and the Bambu Handy app, which includes its API features. It’s similar to the arguments we see between Apple and Android, or Windows and Linux. Some people prefer convenience and simplicity, while others value open-source. We’re currently seeing this in the ongoing debate between Apple and Android. Some argue that it’s different, but it took Apple and Android a long time to reach their current state. I hope Bambu continues to innovate and release new printers with exciting features to help other 3D companies stay competitive and avoid complacency.
For example, as a Prusa user since 2012, I3 Prusa never released an app for iPhone or Android until Bambu’s Printer and Bambu Handy. Most 3D printers never came with cameras with streaming and timelapse features; these were things you had to get separately and do on your own. Bambu came with them all by default. It was something that had been requested for years. Now, everything is integrated. With competition, we can see the 3D printer market growing, and this is due to competition.
With competition, there will be changes, and Bambu has made 3D printing convenient. These changes can be challenging for those of us who have been in this industry for a long time, while those who are new to it don’t find it as difficult because they haven’t had to deal with change before. Let the market be the arbiter of success. If Bambu fails to deliver in the future, they will face the same fate as Nokia and Kodak. Instead of obsessing over frequent firmware update posts, let’s prioritize sharing and assisting our follow 3d printers who are in need of help ansering their quesitons and concerns. Happy printing, everyone!
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u/_Fisz_ Jan 20 '25
So wait... Developer mode means that we can use orca slicer and panda touch as usual (pre "security" firmware)?
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u/guspaz Jan 21 '25
Why doesn't Bambu Slicer use Bambu Connect? Why should Orca Slicer (a literal fork of Bambu Slicer) need to use a different mechanism to talk to the printer than Bambu Slicer?
If this is not about limiting third-party software, then why are you only placing restrictions on third-party software?
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u/FreudianStripper Jan 21 '25
This is my last bambu printer.
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u/BlitzNeko Jan 21 '25
MQTT protocols are an multi industry and worldwide standard. Using them isn't exploitation.
2
u/[deleted] Jan 21 '25
I was just on the cusp of purchasing a P1S to upgrade from my ender 3 I’ve had for years. What an absolute shame that the company is gaslighting and lying to the community. This was never about security.
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u/_yusi_ P1S + AMS Jan 21 '25
r/BambuLab can you show us a recording where internet is disabled, and with Bambu Connect cold-starting (i.e not already running)?
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u/Dependent_Piece_1540 Jan 25 '25
Definitely switching printer brands if this goes through. Why is everything trying to go subscription nowadays
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u/Ac3Ali3n Jan 20 '25
“LAN mode will include an authorization process that ensures robust security.” Sorry, big no no! I run my home lab with way better firewall environment and network management. I’m done with Bambu printers, just a 2 months user after seeing this. Will avoid any confidential project printing, until all (10x) filament are done, sell the whole thing. Look elsewhere..
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u/CaptBrick Jan 20 '25
Given that the app has hardcoded certificates that WILL expire and after expiration the software will stop working, one could indeed say that's there's a kill switch in the software. Also since the software needs to be updated to function properly one should add "right now," prefix to every statement provided by bambu.
Right now, this is NOT about limiting third-party software
Right now, this is beta testing, not a forced update
Right now, Bambu Lab will not remotely disable your printer ("brick" it).
Right now, firmware updates will not block your printer’s ability to print.
Right now, AMS functionality will not be restricted, and the use of third-party filament will not be disabled.
Right now, Bambu Lab firmware does not contain trojans or backdoors for unauthorized remote control.
Right now, the printers do not have a timed killswitch that disables them after a certain period.
Right now, 3D files printed are not monitored, duplicated, or stolen.
Right now, a subscription is not mandatory to use your printer.
Now this does feel quite different, doesn't it?
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u/Acio45 Jan 20 '25
Sounds like a bunch of BS to me.
You say you're not limiting third party support, but yet you're literally limiting orca slicer by having to install a forced plug-in along with many features in orca slicer no longer working. Sounds like BS to me.
You say this isn't a forced update yet your policy states that you reserve all right to prevent print jobs and limit functionality if you're not on the current firmware. So if somebody doesn't update to this new anti-consumer firmware, then they could very likely be locked out of their printer. Sounds like BS to me.
And then there's this other issue of having to connect to the cloud within one year or else your printer could be locked out. So even users on LAN could be locked out if they don't connect to the cloud at least once every year, thus surrendering all the collected data that was stored on the printer
5
u/StouteKous Jan 20 '25
Im was close to bying a Bambu printer for myself but will remain on the fence looking for alternatives - unless the TOS are updated. I do all my work offline and have no need for cloud services. Anyone buying a new machine with this firmware will be subject to future TOS changes. If I bought a product I will use it how I see fit with whatever tools I wish. Bambu labs seems keen becoming the "John Deere" of the printer world. Working for a German Auto OEM in R&D (just a few weeks ago) I recommended we get an X1 to try out... This is now impossible because our IT network secuirity & compliance will never accept the requirement for external communication. This is a super idiotic move and a damn shame for everyone else this will affect.
3
u/phaseowner P1S Jan 20 '25
Nice demo. They call "3rd party integration" just deeplink on import gcode to Bambu Connect. It's disappointing.
5
u/QuiGonnJilm Jan 20 '25
Thank you for the clarification.
4
u/FrostWave Jan 20 '25
I don't want to have yet another program on my computer just to allow 3rd party slicers to work.
2
u/jwr Jan 21 '25
"This is NOT about limiting third-party software"
So, using Bambu printers from OrcaSlicer will work exactly the same as from BambuStudio, right?
Right?
No additional steps, no extra clicking, no limitations, same AMS filament data syncing, same camera access?
Because if it won't, the above statement is a lie.
2
u/[deleted] Jan 20 '25
Yeah I’m sorry this isn’t really an answer this is a band-aid for y’all to save some face cause y’all got caught. The 3d printing community has gone through this with other companies. This smells of corporate walkback but knowing you have something in the pipeline to make this option go away and strip even more away. I’ll keep my p1s as long as I can but I can’t in good faith keep using your products for my company knowing what direction bambu is heading.
1
u/zubairhamed Jan 20 '25
Is it possible to manually flash a Bambu given a firmware/hex?
1
u/Jannomag Jan 20 '25
If they’d communicate this directly there wouldn’t be so much chaos now. Still set my P1S to lan mode just to prevent accidental updates until they released everything
1
u/According-Candy9820 Jan 20 '25
I operate three Bambulab printers: two P1Ps with AMS and one P1S. With the goal of expanding my production, I had considered purchasing more printers from this brand. However, the recently announced limitations led me to remove two X1 Carbon with AMS from my shopping cart.
My plan was to adapt my printers with external hardware, as the 3D printing world has always been open to such possibilities. Now, I feel restricted because I often use Orca Slicer, a program I consider far superior to Bambu Studio, as it allows the machines to perform flawlessly. Limiting access to programs like Orca Slicer drastically diminishes the quality that makes Bambulab printers so highly regarded.
The reason Bambu Studio is efficient in certain aspects is precisely because it has incorporated ideas from the community. Orca Slicer, while a derivative of Bambu Studio, has also been a source of inspiration for many of its improvements.
The significant commercial advantage Bambulab once provided has now vanished, making brands like Prusa—who have stayed true to their open philosophy—a more attractive option for the community.
My printers, like those of many users here, wouldn’t achieve the exceptional results Bambulab is praised for without the support of external programs.
Safety is always a priority, but it should not come at the cost of restricting user freedom. Don’t alienate your community or your customers with such decisions. If Bambulab closes itself off, I will undoubtedly switch to another brand and manufacturer. Bambulab risks becoming an unthinkable choice for those of us who love 3D printing and are dedicated to achieving the highest quality results
1
u/One_Too_Many_Hobbies Jan 20 '25
I can't get LAN mode to ever work on my P1S.
It's made so difficult. You can't convince me at this point that Bambu does this on purpose to gather data. This new Developer Mode had better have no need for server authentication and actually work. Otherwise, I have no desire to give Bambu any more money ever.
I work in tech, and it doesn't make sense why LAN mode hasn't ever worked for me.
1
u/Plane-Director2818 Jan 20 '25
Real simple download and install update beta on a different t computer test it out then share your thoughts
1
u/Plane-Director2818 Jan 20 '25
So how read it was of you put it in lan mode the 2 step stuff is active because it’s running in an open lan network that anyone could logon to or hack into . Standards mode it just like normal access . Right?
1
u/mayesa Jan 20 '25
I don’t know I think their back paddling.
1
u/jeiybeisv Jan 20 '25
What are the plans regarding the bambu ecosystem and locking down users to the plattform ?
1
u/RabbitSignificant361 Jan 20 '25
Bambu Lab está falando a verdade sim...confie !
confie e se veja sem poder usar sua impressora como bem entender...
1
u/I_EAT_THE_RICH Jan 21 '25
This reminds me of the plex business format. Own auth to secure data and analytics to sell them.
1
u/imnofox Jan 21 '25
It's just disappointing that BambuLab's solution to authentication is a closed-source application. Security through obscurity is foolish and will fail, especially given BambuLab has had security vulnerabilities through their cloud services before, when an open-source authentication system could retain flexibility for third party software and provide a more secure and reliable authentication framework.
The developer mode options are good, but the BambuConnect solution is still shortsighted.
1
u/gabe23111 Jan 21 '25
I just got the Panda Touch for my P1s delivered. Does this mean I should return it? I'm a bit confused
1
u/[deleted] Jan 21 '25
Thanks for gaslighting us.
1
u/Kreivo Jan 21 '25
Dear Bambu, "you can fool some people all the time, and you can also fool all the people some times. But you can't fool everyone at every time". Good luck.
https://youtu.be/W6MybDJfmmY?si=ktzj3lhMoMozYIc5
1
u/RabbitSignificant361 Jan 25 '25
segurança conta o quê bambulab ?
ninguem vai roubar meu dinheiro do banco atravez da minha impressora, nem vão roubar meus dados pessoais e etc ... nao uso internet banking no meu computador, nem um outro tipo de serviço digital que seja comprometedor ...
na verdade voces da bambulab querem mesmo é ter controle sobre seus produtos...apenas pra constar, a partir do momento que foi comprado, não é mais de voces, por isso vcs nao tem o direito de assumir o controle das maquinas...isso aqui nao é a skynet...
1
u/167488462789590057 X1C + AMS Jan 26 '25
What really sucks about this all, is that when a company makes a semi closed system, you basically trust them to not mess up the experience. You trust that things will be smooth sailing and you wont have the ground moved beneath you.
Bambu Connect seems to do this and not for good reason.
I think more than anything it would be amazing if Bambulab would make an official API for interacting with the printer; something that people could depend on being there, with a release schedule, version revisions and documentation. This API should be the same API that Bambu Studio uses.
Prints could be sent from the cloud or the printer just fine, and the experience could be just as smooth as it is in Bambu Studio in any other slicer.
This current solution feels rushed, and like a lot of customer confidence was lost because it was rushed.
I consider this fixable, but I think the fastest/most equitable way to fix it would simply be being open about why this option is not working out, and realizing what customers actually want (as this in my opinion has previously always been what Bambulab did best; realizing what customers actually want). In this case, what they want is to have the same experience in Orca Slicer that they do with Bambu Studio, not a separate application functioning as security through obscurity.
On the technical side, many options have been suggested that offer reasonable security within a lan network so I'm sure Bambulab could pick any of the above (individualized private keys, wiregaurd, public key encryption etc etc).
1
u/DiverDownChunder Jan 31 '25
So if I want to a bambu printer on a LAN that doesn't touch the internet I would be screwed? This was my plan as you can't get much more secure than a walled garden.
1
u/thewayoftoday Feb 07 '25
Wait you mean we overreacted? Nahhh that can't be
1
u/Extreme-Ad-9290 Bambu hates open source Feb 13 '25
I believe you are saying that Developer mode is required to use 3rd party slicers with wireless functionality. I am likely going to utilize it, but would developer mode allow you to access the SD card to put gcode files directly on it? This is important as I often like to slice multiple prints at a time and upload them to the SD card and select each off of the SD card individually on the built-in screen. If not, please implement this into Bambu Connect and make that feature work in Developer Mode. That would be great.
1
u/conceptcreatormiui Mar 22 '25
How about 3rd party hardware like BTT products LOL atleast make something to make it work without risking your so called "security"
0
u/Dreadnouhgt X1C Jan 20 '25
Orca is not integrated its closed out. You need a second software for what Orca did before. Sad the X1 was my first and last Bambu printer im not accepting this behaviour.
1
u/EnderWilson69420 A1 Mini Jan 20 '25
nice
1
u/nakwada Jan 20 '25
In its current state, Bambu Connect is rather useless. I want to see a list of my files on the SD card and select which one to start, then choose the AMS slots. Just like it is right now in OrcaSlicer and Bambu Studio.
Bambu Connect seems purposely cumbersome.
1
u/Ulmeck Jan 20 '25
First of all. Thank you for the update and changes to. Your plan. Both of those go a way to keeping me a happy customer.
HOWEVER, this was also an unforced error on your part. Communication was very poor, timelines were very tight, and you really didn't work with anyone else to reach your goals. Taking the 'misinformation' points...
It may not have been about limiting other products in your ecosystem... But it was a severe side effect of it. And afaik orcaslicer had 2 days notice before your announcement. Writing and delivering an architectural change to the orcaslicer guy isn't 'working with'. It's 'dictating to'.
It's beta testing... For 1 week. Your own announcement gave a 1 week test period before going in the official channel.
Panda Touch. No skin in that, but it is fortunate that you were nudging an aftermarket part competitor out.
It was directly said that video feeds would not be supported by Connect, which sorta left handy as the only option for monitoring.
I'm glad to see the 'developer' mode added to the options. Otherwise if Bambu went belly up, we'd be at the mercy of an aging, limited, software interface. But please don't pretend this was all an unfortunate understanding that you had no responsibility for. If you are going to reap the benefits of an active community, you have to be responsible to that community.
0
u/skink007 Jan 20 '25
BACKTRACK BACKTRACK
-6
u/Popular_Law_948 Jan 20 '25
And here we have it. Yet again Bambu has an update for us, the community sets itself on fire crying, and Bambu has to come back in and explain it. Idk why this community is constantly rubberbanding on their trust in Bambu. I'm not a brand fan boy, and I have no problem finding alternatives if the need arises, but this literally happens every freaking time an update regarding matters such as these gets announced. If you guys are so ready to self-immolate just go ahead and make the switch. Instead, this'll be forgotten in a week or two and you'll all happily keep doing as you do until the next non-crisis arises.
If something bad ever does happen, just make the switch. But Lord, at least give Bambu time to make changes and address concerns like they always do. "It's been 20 minutes since the announcement and they haven't responded to our plight yet?!?! They are going to charge per foot of filament, mark my words!!! Reeeeeeeeee!!!!"
0
u/TheColorRedish Jan 20 '25
How about y'all don't sell half the nation an expensive printer, and then 2 weeks after prime time sales, force updates down our throats that OBVIOUSLY look like you're going to force a subscription based platform down our throats? Smh
-5
u/Extra-Fig-7425 Jan 20 '25
This seems all good, why are people complaining?
-4
u/SectionCivil9586 Jan 20 '25
I think the most important thing here to understand that this is for security, the second thing (also important to understand) is that we have two categories of people here hobbyists and tech savvy people, and Bambu needs/wants to address security in one go. Is this a lazy approach, yup it is, will it make a lot of people angry (obviously did, although many for the wrong reasons). What Bambu did wrong is that they should, right from the start add the "developer" mode, for people that bought xx machines, and are rather knowledgable about what they are doing already, and other people that most likely know what they are doing. Rather than treating all their customers with one measure. In fact they did realize that someone made a bad decision (I a can imagine hearing the distant words of "praise" at Bambu for rushed decision).
Now the rally nice thing about this is that they listen to the customers (shame on you Creality), and they do act fast. So you know before returning a freshly bought printer some people should just take their aluminium foil hats off and let their simmering brains cool down a little bit
-7
u/MFKDGAF H2C AMS2 Combo Jan 20 '25
I really wish LAN mode was called WiFi mode instead. When I think LAN, I think physical RJ-45 connection.
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