Changes at Bambu

[Tdj3dp]

I assume at least some of you folks own/use Bambu Lab printers, so this is potentially relevant.  Apparently Bambu Lab is making *security changes to their firmware that will shut out 3rd party software, including slicing software, other than their own when it comes to connectivity.  This is noteworthy because of a significant percentage of bambu lab owners rely on OrcaSlicer as their primary slicing software.  OrcaSlicer works wonderfully with many printer brands, which means that folks have a centralized slicing tool where they can house all of their profiles, connect and send jobs to anything from elegoo, creality, prusa, bambu lab etc...  But apparently this new X1C firmware update (and future firmware updates that apply to the P and A series printers as well) will block this functionality unless/until OrcaSlicer is able to conform to their requirements.  Once the firmware is upgraded, the only workaround for OrcaSlicer users would be to export a 3mf file after slicing, then import it into Bambu Studio, and then send it.  Everything has to go through Bambu Studio/Bambu Connect on its way to the printer.  This represents a tightening of the closed source approach that Bambu is taking.  Link to the blog below:

https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/

This has set off a bit of a firestorm over on the Bambu forum where a thread on the topic has almost 300 posts already  (in a day an a half or so) from people who are upset about what this might mean for the way they print.

https://forum.bambulab.com/t/this-new-auth-system-will-make-me-sell-my-printers/135400

I wonder if the backlash could lead to a re-direct from Bambu.  They had to know how upset folks would be, but clearly their motivation was strong enough to push this through anyway.  It will be interesting to see which direction this ends up going.

-J

[Juan Posada]

I am pissed that they are doing this, but I guess that we always knew Bambu wanted to be a walled garden. 

I also wonder what is the overall % of users that do not use bambu studio. 

Time to finally unpack the prusa XL I have sitting in the garage. lol. 

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Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2025 3:41:22 PM
To: 3D Printing Tips and Tricks <3d-printing-...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Changes at Bambu

 

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[Chris Jones]

Yeah, it seems likely they are starting on the enshittification cycle of their business but this is pretty early to be doing that in my opinion.  My next printer will probably be a Prusa because of it, but let's see if they back off from this.

[3D Printing Tips and Tricks]

So you slice with Orcaslicer and send it to the printer with Bambu studio. Thats a similar work flow to what I have had with the Raise3d now for years. I slice with Simplify3d and send it to my N2 with Ideamaker. It’s really not that big of a deal to me. However, I certainly sympathize. 

There is one big probable difference. I would not be surprised if Bambu gets some usage from objects sliced and sent via their SW. For example, building up a knowledge base for machine learning. 

Has anyone inserted the Bambu EULA into ChatGPT to summarize it?

[Chris Jones]

Gemini summarizes it as:

But the bigger thing is in the privacy policy which DOES seem to allow it to utilize the 3D print files for various purposes...

1. Grant of License

Bambu Lab grants you a non-exclusive license to use their software on one Bambu Lab device. You cannot sell, transfer, or use the software for commercial purposes.

2. Your Obligations

• You cannot modify, reverse engineer, or create derivative works of the software or Bambu Lab's intellectual property without their permission.
• You can make a backup copy of the software for archival purposes but cannot distribute it.
• You cannot sell, rent, lease, lend, sublicense or distribute the software to any third party.
• You agree to use the product and related update content in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

3. Reservation of Rights

Bambu Lab reserves all rights and titles to the software and its components.

4. Privacy Policy

Bambu Lab collects data from your device to improve their products and services. This data is anonymized before being collected and processed. They also outline how your data is protected and where it may be transferred.

5. Consent to Use of Data

You agree that Bambu Lab can collect data from your device for analysis, which is anonymized before processing. You acknowledge that your data may be transferred to other countries outside of where you reside. Bambu Lab will retain your data only for as long as necessary and will take appropriate security measures to protect it.

6. Updates

Bambu Lab provides software updates to improve the performance, safety, and reliability of their products. These updates are mandatory to install for continued use of the product.

7. Services of the Product

The product allows you to access Bambu Lab and third-party apps and services. Some features and services may not be available in all regions or languages.

8. Third-party Software Statement

While Bambu Lab products support general G-code files, they do not guarantee the availability of G-code generated by third-party software and will not be responsible for any product damage caused by using such G-code.

9. Changes to this Policy

Bambu Lab reserves the right to update the Terms of Use at any time.

10. Termination

Bambu Lab may terminate your access to the product if you breach the terms of use.

11. Disclaimer of Warranties

The product is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Bambu Lab is not liable for any damages caused by the use of the product.

12. Limitation of Liability

Bambu Lab's liability is limited to the amount you paid for the product.

13. Dispute Settlement

Any disputes arising from the Terms of Use will be settled through arbitration in accordance with the laws of the People's Republic of China.

14. Entire Terms

These Terms of Use constitute the entire agreement between you and Bambu Lab regarding your use of the product.

But more valid maybe is the following in their privacy policy:  

Categories and Purposes: We are committed to continuous improvement of our products and services to customers. As such, we may carry out internal audit, data analysis and research; to conduct business planning, reporting, forecasting and analyse business operation efficiency and measure market shares; to conduct research and surveys and improve our products and services. In this respect, we may process the Account Information, Contact Information, Device Information, App Information, Usage Information, 3D Model Files, Print Information and Printer Camera Information related to the specific activity.

[Kurt The 3D Printer GUY!]

After reading this thread last night - I figured I would SURELY see a Reddit post on it in the Bambu group. And sure enough - this morning I saw it!

Here's the link in case anyone wants to see it directly:   I did my part and complained. So should you! : r/BambuLab

Will admit - for sure a Popular printer and a normally VERY Active sub-Reddit, I was VERY Surprised to see the Very low up Votes on this posting.

For those of you who don't go to Reddit - I will post here the posting the person wrote - for your entertainment value:

I did my part and complained. So should you!

Discussion

I’m writing to express my objection to the recently announced decision to block third-party software from accessing Bambu Lab printers. As a proud owner of the X1C Model with 4 AMS, I chose Bambu Lab for its quality and its openness to innovation. Restricting software access would diminish the flexibility and functionality of my printer, negatively impacting my experience as a user.

I am also a small time creator on MakerWorld, with 280 total downloads and 9 boosts, having earned 531 points across my models, which brings some value to the Bambu Lab ecosystem. Should this change go ahead, I will likely move all my models to other hosting services. All my future models will be uploaded elsewhere and not mirrored to MakerWorld.

I have frequently purchased your filaments for the quality and convenience they offer, and purchased numerous spare parts and replacements. However, in light of this change I will be seeking out alternative suppliers for my consumable needs. I am responsible for making purchasing decisions for my friends, family and even advice in the workplace, and in light of this change I will no longer be able to recommend Bambu Labs' products for our use, forcing us to seek out alternatives with your competitors.

I'm very tempted to sell the whole lot of what i have and moving to an PrusaXL 5 toolhead edition. I will be reporting this move to the european consumer protection agency as this change effectively revokes 90% of functionality of a device if this update is forced upon us according to section 7.4 of the ToS which is illegal across the whole European Union.

You CANNOT retroactrively limit device functionality like that. I value my privacy and security a whole lot, but the way Bambu Studio is going about it is the wrong way.

Sincerely,

[redacted]

If people want to tag along, my ticket nr is US250118589004

-K

[LukeH]

Surely there is some enterprising BambuLabs enthusiast who has figured out how to get an X1C on to mainline Klipper to avoid this sort of thing?

[Matt Saeger]

I don't really care my p1s is the machine that just works I have others that I can mess with. What would using orca slicer do for me I just open the file in bambu studio, pick a built in profile and everything prints perfectly. Even with filament from someone else I haven't done any tweaking. I had a issue with prints sticking but figured out how to clean the plate and it's been good. I have only used it with bambu studio and don't really want to modify anything for fear of changing the fact that it just works. If it wasn't for the slow shipping I would just buy all the filament from them if I get 4 they are 15 bucks a piece but I ordered twice from them and it took forever. I wish they would sell filament at Microcenter. 

I think a lot of this is being driven by people trying to get views or sales. 

[Ed Street]

Well, yes, that part has already been figured out in X1 Plus (I shared some screens from that months ago here), and yes, we can create new RFID tags that work in the Bambu AMS system as well.  I figured this day would come, and the writing was on the wall.  We have seen more and more 3rd party encroachment into the Bambu ecosystem: Not only is it build plates, but you also have nozzles, screens, and commercial controllers to control Bambu printers. 

As for the 'security' issues that were listed, that is a very weak excuse to use.  Just be thankful they are not following what HP does with ink subscriptions. 

As for the changes and X1 Plus, whatever.  It will be primarily unaffected. We will still be able to use orca slicer and other slicers as well if we choose to in addition to Bambu Studio  

[Niels Wullems]

As for the 'security' issues that were listed, that is a very weak excuse to use.  Just be thankful they are not following what HP does with ink subscriptions. 

Yet. In the near future, they will.

People underestimate what these changes mean. In the long term it will mean more lock out. just like Apple.
No use of 3rd party products, paid subscription, feature lock-outs.
I personally am 100% sure this will come.

Op maandag 20 januari 2025 om 00:24:22 UTC+1 schreef Ed Street:

[Kurt The 3D Printer GUY!]

It's VERY Funny - in regards to your comment of "... it will mean more lock out. just like Apple."

Ironic - cause I have a buddy of mine here on the forum, whom I used to work with. And, he told me he saw this thread - and it was Before your comment Niels - about Bambu being like Apple. I wasn't sure he was even still reading this darn forum! So - I referred to him as a Lurker - since he reads and NEVER Writes a reply on here!!! He thought that was funny!

-K