Is Bambu Lab’s New Firmware Update Limiting Third-Party Integrations?

January 22, 2025

The recent firmware security update announced by Bambu Lab for its 3D printers introduces an “authorization control” system aimed at enhancing security. This firmware update is seen as a significant move by Bambu Lab in response to increasing concerns over remote hacks and printer exposure issues that have plagued users in the past. A key part of the new update is the announcement that Bambu Lab printers will no longer be able to interface with popular third-party software or hardware upgrades such as Orca Slicer or BigTreeTech’s Panda Touch screen. Instead, users must now download “Bambu Connect,” a one-way intermediary that allows control and monitoring of the printers, although Bambu Studio users will remain unaffected by this requirement. This move has sparked a debate within the 3D printing community about whether this update enhances security or simply limits third-party integrations.

Critical operations that will now require authorization through this new system include binding and unbinding the printer, initiating remote video access, performing firmware upgrades, and starting print jobs via LAN or cloud mode. Additionally, it controls key printer functions through the system. Consequently, users of Orca Slicer will lose the ability to remotely manage functions such as filament detection, print monitoring, speed control, and hotend temperature adjustments through the platform. The update has therefore disrupted the functionality that many users relied on and enjoyed concerning third-party software, making the situation even more contestable.

Enhanced Security Measures

Bambu Lab emphasizes that these new measures are necessary to protect the devices from malicious internet actors who could potentially compromise the printers. They point to their experiences with targeted DDoS attacks and up to 30 million unauthorized requests per day as significant justifications for these stringent security enhancements. The intention, as stated by Bambu Lab, is to mitigate the risks of abnormal traffic or attacks that could compromise the safety and functionality of the printers. However, this approach has left users questioning if the perceived security benefits outweigh the loss of third-party support and potential for innovation.

In addition to remote access restrictions, the new firmware will block third-party systems from accessing the 3D printers, even over private LANs. This, according to Bambu Lab, underscores the importance of maintaining safety due to the complex mechanical and heating components of 3D printers, which pose significant risks if accessed by unauthorized individuals. The company maintains that these preventative measures are crucial in managing authorization and control to prevent potentially dangerous scenarios. However, while safety and security are indispensable, many users feel that their flexibility and control over their own devices are being unnecessarily curtailed.

Community Response and Impact

The reaction within the 3D printing community has been mixed, with some advocating that Bambu Lab’s update is an attempt to force users into a more controlled ecosystem. This controlled environment, often referred to as a “walled garden,” aims to limit the flexibility and innovation that comes from open and community-driven software and hardware modifications. Critics argue that by restricting third-party integrations, Bambu Lab is prioritizing control over user experience, which sets a worrying precedent for future updates and industry practices. This sentiment is juxtaposed with others who see value in a more streamlined and secure user experience facilitated by Bambu Lab’s proprietary systems.

While the beta version of the new firmware is currently available for X Series 3D printers, updates for the P Series and A Series are slated to follow. Notably, Bambu Lab has communicated that firmware updates are optional and has shared plans to cease updates for the X1-Carbon model by 2027. Moreover, the company has hinted at the launch of a new flagship printer expected in the first quarter of 2025. Despite these advancements signaling ongoing innovation and product development, the update has unquestionably disrupted the status quo and kindled a debate that stretches beyond just security implications.

The Future of Third-Party Integrations

Bambu Lab has rolled out a new firmware update for its 3D printers, introducing an “authorization control” system designed to enhance security. This update is a response to growing concerns about remote hacks and exposure issues that have troubled users. A notable change is that Bambu Lab printers will no longer work with popular third-party software or hardware like Orca Slicer or BigTreeTech’s Panda Touchscreen. Instead, users must now use “Bambu Connect,” a one-way tool for controlling and monitoring the printers. However, Bambu Studio users won’t be affected by this requirement. This update has ignited debate within the 3D printing community over whether it truly enhances security or simply restricts third-party integrations.

Key operations that will now require authorization through this new system include binding and unbinding the printer, remote video access, firmware upgrades, and starting print jobs via LAN or cloud mode. It also governs essential printer functions. As a result, Orca Slicer users will lose the ability to remotely manage tasks like filament detection, print monitoring, speed control, and hotend temperature adjustments. This has disrupted many users’ reliance on third-party software, making the update particularly controversial.

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