What happened with Bambu?..

[3D Printing Tips and Tricks]

I get my regular 3d print.com email and there’s a byline about how Bambu’s cloud went wacko. I go to the article and it’s not available?..

Anybody know what happened?!

[Bert Schmitz]

https://blog.bambulab.com/update-for-cloud-downtime/

[3D Printing Tips and Tricks]

The article finally showed up:

https://3dprint.com/302659/bambu-lab-3d-printers-become-possessed-raising-questions-about-the-cloud/

The feelings one gets about Bambu after reading that article are explicitly NEGATIVE!

No way will I spend one penny on a Bambu machine or any machine for that matter that forces me to couple my operations to theirs. It does not matter how many gimmicks they use. NO WAY!

[Joseph Larson]

You being negative about Bambu is nothing new. I feel like you gotta acknowledge your bias being confirmed, here.

I didn't have this issue myself, but it did prompt me to put my Bambu on LAN-Only mode. 

[3D Printing Tips and Tricks]

One can argue right back that your bias in favor of this company is also in play with your post. I can’t recall… did they give you a printer?..

You’re correct that I have already stated that being forced to be coupled via the cloud to Bambu was a big negative as it was for quite a few other manufacturers who are now all gone. In the article they stated that even in lan only mode you’re still attached to them.

I can see  that a 3d printer that does it all for you is ideal for you. I’ve yet to see you build even the simplest of these machines.

[3D Printing Tips and Tricks]

This is quoted from the Bambu blog…

“The company has announced its intention to continue working on a LAN mode, which could enable some printer functions to operate without cloud connectivity. “

Some… not all!

[Bert Schmitz]

"All" would include the DDNS so you can monitor and control your printer outside your LAN with BambuStudio and BambuHandy.   This is not a surprise to anyone that understands networking.

Here is a screenshot of BambuStudio with my printer in LAN only mode -- I have full control of all the functions and features.  

I paid for my printer and I love it.  I want to learn more about what I can design and produce with a 3D printer which is why I come here.

The Bambu Wiki is top notch and has video tutorials to fix just about every piece of it.  I just replaced the camera they sent me under warranty -- whole process took only 8 days from reporting the problem to receiving the replacement parts.  Other parts are widely available and priced reasonably.  The automated bed leveling, flow rate calibration, and pressure advance calibration result in perfect first layers and great looking prints with PA, ASA, and PLA.  Full contact dense support is built into BambuStudio.  10"x10"x10" build volume is big enough for me.

The only other printer I would consider buying is the Prusa XL with 5 tools, but the web site says they won't process my order until 1H2024 and they want $3500 -- that's more than twice what I paid for the Bambu X1 Carbon Combination.

[Joseph Larson]

I can also confirm, in LAN mode you can now access the camera and time lapse. Some folks said this didn't used to work, but I don't know about that. I only used it on the web service before this, and when I switched to LAN mode it all worked perfectly. The only thing that doesn't work on LAN-only is the app, but there's no way to make that work without the web service unless you have people punch an exception in their firewall, which could be an even worse solution than sending your data to China every time you start. 

Like I said in my video about this subject (below), I think the general community response is a little more blasé about the situation than I feel. I've always been worried that a web service like this could mean bad things, and this exposed that Bambu has the ability to control our printers en masse. However, I think the fact that they patched LAN-only mode so quickly (quick enough that I never really saw it not working) demonstrates that they're trying to do the right thing. I don't think they offered their web service because they wanted control of our printers, but because that was the way to provide the functionality that they wanted to provide. But that blew up and they owned it and made a fix. All signs point, to me, to them trying to do right.

I'm definitely biased in favor of Bambu, and I know it. But it's not because they sent me a printer. I've been sent a ton of printers and, trust me, that doesn't buy my love. You have got to impress me, and the Carbon X1 has. I feel like the CX1 was the printer I was searching for in all my reviews before it.

But I'm also critical. I've criticized them multiple times in the past. I'm on record as saying the CX1 is pricey. They need to be more open (source). Their AMS is just plain wasteful. And I've got a video queued up where my AMS failed after a year and as soon as I get it running so there's some resolution on that thread I'm gonna put that together. And, of course, making me worry I'm going to wake up to a print I didn't ask for isn't great. So they're not perfect, and I'm not afraid to call out their imperfections. 

In case you want to see my video about this latest debacle you can check it out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHGWoe1Z5ZE

[Ross Arroyo]

Chiming in.  I’m more of a simple 3D printing fan who has found the easiest to use, best performance, great quality 17 color printer that I love. I’ve had the carbon x1 for 3 months and it’s only not run probably 4 days.   Yeah, I hate the wasted “poop” filament, but it’s a price I’m willing to pay.  I’m in the Bambu fan club. 

Ross

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 20, 2023, at 5:51 PM, Joseph Larson <joeal...@gmail.com> wrote:

I can also confirm, in LAN mode you can now access the camera and time lapse. Some folks said this didn't used to work, but I don't know about that. I only used it on the web service before this, and when I switched to LAN mode it all worked perfectly. The only thing that doesn't work on LAN-only is the app, but there's no way to make that work without the web service unless you have people punch an exception in their firewall, which could be an even worse solution than sending your data to China every time you start. 

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[vr...@optonline.net]

Yo Ross - I'm curious about your comment of "17 color printer". I've played with the Bambu - and the AMS system only allows 4 colors at a time. 

So - do shed some light...

The below image is my rocket design, printed on the Bambu w/4 different colored PLA plastics.

-Kurt
 

 

------ Original Message ------
From: rnap...@gmail.com
To: joeal...@gmail.com Cc: 3d-printing-...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2023 6:45 PM
Subject: Re: What happened with Bambu?..
Chiming in.  I’m more of a simple 3D printing fan who has found the easiest to use, best performance, great quality 17 color printer that I love. I’ve had the carbon x1 for 3 months and it’s only not run probably 4 days.   Yeah, I hate the wasted “poop” filament, but it’s a price I’m willing to pay.  I’m in the Bambu fan club. 

 

Ross

 

Sent from my iPhone

 

On Aug 20, 2023, at 5:51 PM, Joseph Larson <joeal...@gmail.com> wrote:

 

I can also confirm, in LAN mode you can now access the camera and time lapse. Some folks said this didn't used to work, but I don't know about that. I only used it on the web service before this, and when I switched to LAN mode it all worked perfectly. The only thing that doesn't work on LAN-only is the app, but there's no way to make that work without the web service unless you have people punch an exception in their firewall, which could be an even worse solution than sending your data to China every time you start. 

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[Vishal Pai]

You can tether 4 AMS units with a hub and load one filament directly using a splitter. That's the total of 17 I am guessing. 

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[Ross Arroyo]

Hey Kurt,    

Here is my X1 with 4AMS units hooked up.   As Vishnal guessed, a recent firmware update allows you to now also map a direct line feed that bypasses the AMS units (for things like TPU) which makes 16 + 1 = 17.   I have done a rare print hitting 16 colors at once.  Typically 1 AMS unit (4 colors) will cover 80% of the things I print.   2 units (8 colors) would cover 95% of what I print.  But I”m lazy so I like the option of just picking a few slots and hitting print without having to load up filament.    

I also live in the south with insane humidity, so everything stays sealed up at all times for max dryness for prints.   

I also printed a slide for all the plastic poop that pops out the back, but got rid of it.  I just let it pile up behind the machine and occasional scoop it out to the garbage as needed.  

I have a 5 head Prusa XL on reserve, but it HAS to be Amazingly better than the X1 or I’m going to opt out.    

5 heads would be enough for most prints

I’m hoping there is minimal waste cus minimal purging involved

Carbon X1 is a speed deamon in my opinion.   Curious how XL will do.  

Sorry,  want offtrack on my answer.  But to sum up.  I love this printer.   With the latest firmware update, I’m sending to the SD card over LAN on almost all prints now.   I’ll send a batch of several plates to the printer so I don’t need the computer send plates once each one finishes.  I just pull up the next one on the screen after cleaning the plate and hit go.   

Hope this helps

Ross

On Aug 20, 2023, at 7:49 PM, vr...@optonline.net wrote:

Yo Ross - I'm curious about your comment of "17 color printer". I've played with the Bambu - and the AMS system only allows 4 colors at a time. 

So - do shed some light...

The below image is my rocket design, printed on the Bambu w/4 different colored PLA plastics.

-Kurt
 

<Bambu_Rocket_Print.jpg>
 

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[vr...@optonline.net]

But, that's assuming you have Multiple AMS sub-systems, and know how to tether them together...

 

I look forward to see what Ross has to say!

 

-K

 

------ Original Message ------
From: whatisyo...@gmail.com
To: vr...@optonline.net Cc: 3d-printing-...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2023 9:35 PM
Subject: Re: Re: What happened with Bambu?..
 

You can tether 4 AMS units with a hub and load one filament directly using a splitter. That's the total of 17 I am guessing. 

 

On Sun, Aug 20, 2023, 5:49 PM <vr...@optonline.net> wrote:
 

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[vr...@optonline.net]

OMG Ross - your setup looks INSANE - I Absolutely LOVE IT! Great Pic too! 

 

So - DO Please show us a print with 16-Colors, I'd love to see that as well!!!

 

-Kurt

 

------ Original Message ------
From: rnap...@gmail.com
To: vr...@optonline.net Cc: 3d-printing-...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2023 9:58 PM
Subject: Re: What happened with Bambu?..
 

Hey Kurt,    

 

Here is my X1 with 4AMS units hooked up.   As Vishnal guessed, a recent firmware update allows you to now also map a direct line feed that bypasses the AMS units (for things like TPU) which makes 16 + 1 = 17.   I have done a rare print hitting 16 colors at once.  Typically 1 AMS unit (4 colors) will cover 80% of the things I print.   2 units (8 colors) would cover 95% of what I print.  But I”m lazy so I like the option of just picking a few slots and hitting print without having to load up filament.    

 

I also live in the south with insane humidity, so everything stays sealed up at all times for max dryness for prints.   

 

I also printed a slide for all the plastic poop that pops out the back, but got rid of it.  I just let it pile up behind the machine and occasional scoop it out to the garbage as needed.  

 

I have a 5 head Prusa XL on reserve, but it HAS to be Amazingly better than the X1 or I’m going to opt out.    

 

5 heads would be enough for most prints

I’m hoping there is minimal waste cus minimal purging involved

Carbon X1 is a speed deamon in my opinion.   Curious how XL will do.  

 

Sorry,  want offtrack on my answer.  But to sum up.  I love this printer.   With the latest firmware update, I’m sending to the SD card over LAN on almost all prints now.   I’ll send a batch of several plates to the printer so I don’t need the computer send plates once each one finishes.  I just pull up the next one on the screen after cleaning the plate and hit go.   

 

Hope this helps

 

Ross

 

 

 

On Aug 20, 2023, at 7:49 PM, vr...@optonline.net wrote:

 

Yo Ross - I'm curious about your comment of "17 color printer". I've played with the Bambu - and the AMS system only allows 4 colors at a time. 

So - do shed some light...

The below image is my rocket design, printed on the Bambu w/4 different colored PLA plastics.

-Kurt
 

<Bambu_Rocket_Print.jpg>
 

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/3d-printing-tips--tricks/20306c78.9464.18a1591a37f.Webtop.105%40optimum.net.
 

 

[Ross Arroyo]

Ahh. Sorry.   

Too easy,  by the way, another thing I love about Bambu is their spare parts are LOW cost in my opinion.  I’ve purchased spares for everything just in case.   

Buy this AMS hub https://store.bambulab.com/products/ams-hub

It takes about 4 minutes to unscrew the old one, and screw in the AMS, Bambu recognizes the AMS and automatically expands to whatever you have plugged in.  It could not be easier.   

Ross

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[Ross Arroyo]

Here are some prints.   

16 color quick pallet test

The rest are some fun prints in multi color

I found this Tetris game on Printables:   https://www.printables.com/model/335938.      

I designed the box in Fustion 360 yesterday and will upload it this week.   Worked on the 1st try (unusual).

Side note:  I learned a trick in F360 to offset letters buy cutting them only .001 deep.   The slicer ignores the difference and prints on the same layer, however the painting system in the Orca or Bambu slicers pick up the different and allow you to paint the letters.  This produces GREAT lettering face down or face up on the print (Face down even better on a textured plate).    

This print I wanted to test just how detailed I can get my prints.   I’ve done some figures in Resin where the details are microscopic.    Then I need to paint, which gets a bit messy.    I used a .2 nozzle and set the layer height to .1 or lower.   Yes it takes a lot of time, but the output was really cool for miniatures…. And I don’t have to paint.   That said…. You will use 30% filament for the print and poop out 70%.  Each color multiplies the time it takes.   I had to get over this added time and cost (and this is the only reason I’m still holding on to my XL 5 head tool changer reservation).   All said,  after using my Carbon X1 for the last 3 months, I can’t imagine going back to single color printing (except when color does not matter of course…. Functional parts etc..).   

These fidget spinners were a lot of fun and work awesome.  Multi color, but in parts

Hope this helps.

Ross

On Aug 20, 2023, at 10:09 PM, vr...@optonline.net wrote:

OMG Ross - your setup looks INSANE - I Absolutely LOVE IT! Great Pic too! 

 

So - DO Please show us a print with 16-Colors, I'd love to see that as well!!!

 

-Kurt

 

------ Original Message ------
From: rnap...@gmail.com
To: vr...@optonline.net Cc: 3d-printing-...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2023 9:58 PM
Subject: Re: What happened with Bambu?..
 

Hey Kurt,    

 

Here is my X1 with 4AMS units hooked up.   As Vishnal guessed, a recent firmware update allows you to now also map a direct line feed that bypasses the AMS units (for things like TPU) which makes 16 + 1 = 17.   I have done a rare print hitting 16 colors at once.  Typically 1 AMS unit (4 colors) will cover 80% of the things I print.   2 units (8 colors) would cover 95% of what I print.  But I”m lazy so I like the option of just picking a few slots and hitting print without having to load up filament.    

 

I also live in the south with insane humidity, so everything stays sealed up at all times for max dryness for prints.   

 

I also printed a slide for all the plastic poop that pops out the back, but got rid of it.  I just let it pile up behind the machine and occasional scoop it out to the garbage as needed.  

 

I have a 5 head Prusa XL on reserve, but it HAS to be Amazingly better than the X1 or I’m going to opt out.    

 

5 heads would be enough for most prints

I’m hoping there is minimal waste cus minimal purging involved

Carbon X1 is a speed deamon in my opinion.   Curious how XL will do.  

 

Sorry,  want offtrack on my answer.  But to sum up.  I love this printer.   With the latest firmware update, I’m sending to the SD card over LAN on almost all prints now.   I’ll send a batch of several plates to the printer so I don’t need the computer send plates once each one finishes.  I just pull up the next one on the screen after cleaning the plate and hit go.   

 

Hope this helps

 

Ross

 

 

<70412679169__B54AD9E2-1635-4533-B4EB-3BAE3CA02A8C.jpeg>
 

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[Dan Flemming]

Wow!

Thanks for sharing & the pics.

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