Notifications
Clear all

Bambu Lab new fireware  

Page 1 / 2
  RSS
Robin_13
(@robin_13)
Reputable Member
Bambu Lab new fireware

I don't have a Bambu printer.  Over the year, there has been much discussion about Bambu and the cloud.  Today I hear that the new firmware that is coming out and will be mandatory in a few weeks will limit some things done with the printer.  Some of it restricting third party slicers or access to the printer.  Already one hack for this is supposed to be out.

Here is an article on Tom's Hardware about this change.

Bambu Lab Security Update will remove OrcaSlicer’s Access

Bambu Lab listed the following “critical operations” that will require authorization and therefore will not be accessible through 3rd party products:

Binding and unbinding the printer.

Initiating remote video access.

Performing firmware upgrades.

Initiating a print job (via LAN or cloud mode).

Controlling motion system, temperature, fans, AMS settings, calibrations, etc.

It was discussed many times about Prusa and the opensource ideal as part of the discussion about Bambu printers.  I wonder how some people are going to feel about Bambu Lab printers now.

 

Posted : 20/01/2025 1:02 am
AnneVanLeyden
(@annevanleyden)
Active Member
RE:

In my local makerspace we recently bought a Bambu printer. That we're not happy with this move is quite an understatement. This update is severely hampering our options to effectively use it.

As Louis Rossmann would say: you don't own what you bought and paid for.

This post was modified 2 weeks ago by AnneVanLeyden
Posted : 20/01/2025 9:02 am
Robin_13
(@robin_13)
Reputable Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Bambu Lab new fireware

I know someone that just ordered one and may not be able to use it.  They wanted to compare it to their other brands of printers as part of a project.  They are impressed with the MK4s for quality.  Will talk to them on Tuesday and see what they think.

 

Posted : 20/01/2025 9:44 am
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
RE: Bambu Lab new fireware

I think this will hurt Bambu.  As an owner, this ticks me off.  

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 20/01/2025 4:11 pm
Tim
 Tim
(@tim-22)
Member
RE: Bambu Lab new fireware

I had a X1C on order with a delivery estimate of mid-Feb. I cancelled it as soon as I heard about the firmware update, and looking forward to ordering a Core One.

So, thanks Bambu Lab? 🤣 

Posted : 20/01/2025 5:56 pm
Robin_13
(@robin_13)
Reputable Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Bambu Lab new fireware

My main reason for posting this as soon as I found out was previous discussions about needing to use Bambu servers for printing.  I know that many had voiced concerns over the year about this.  There were also discussions about how open the printers would be for spare parts or modding to make better.  From what I read on the Bambu site, this is going to be hard if not impossible.

It is worth a search on how this could go down can lead to some interesting discussions about how Bambu Lab may be trying to go down the path of Apple and forcing users to use their filament and parts all in the name of security.  Searching the Prusa forums for some of the previous discussions may prove interesting in the wake of this change.  There may some "I told you so" reflections.  I hope this doesn't screw up many who purchased the product.

Posted : 20/01/2025 6:22 pm
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
RE: Bambu Lab new fireware

Someone will meet the need and develop firmware to replace it once the true need is there.    

Posted by: @robin_13

My main reason for posting this as soon as I found out was previous discussions about needing to use Bambu servers for printing.  I know that many had voiced concerns over the year about this.  There were also discussions about how open the printers would be for spare parts or modding to make better.  From what I read on the Bambu site, this is going to be hard if not impossible.

It is worth a search on how this could go down can lead to some interesting discussions about how Bambu Lab may be trying to go down the path of Apple and forcing users to use their filament and parts all in the name of security.  Searching the Prusa forums for some of the previous discussions may prove interesting in the wake of this change.  There may some "I told you so" reflections.  I hope this doesn't screw up many who purchased the product.

 

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 20/01/2025 6:46 pm
Taubin
(@taubin)
Active Member
RE: Bambu Lab new fireware

This is honestly the thing that has pushed me to get a Prusa. I've used an Ender 3 for years now, and I've definitely reached the point where I just want my prints to work. I was looking at a Bambu Lab P1 but with the recent revelations, I decided to pre-order a Core One from my local supplier instead. It's nearly twice the price but over the long term (I'm hoping to use it for years to come) it will work itself out.

Posted : 21/01/2025 1:47 am
Netpackrat
(@netpackrat)
Reputable Member
RE: Bambu Lab new fireware

 

Posted by: @robin_13

I don't have a Bambu printer.  Over the year, there has been much discussion about Bambu and the cloud.  Today I hear that the new firmware that is coming out and will be mandatory in a few weeks will limit some things done with the printer.  Some of it restricting third party slicers or access to the printer. 

 

😐 <------<<<  My shocked face.

https://www.printables.com/@Netpackrat/models
Posted : 21/01/2025 5:51 am
Rainer
(@rainer-6)
Eminent Member
RE: Bambu Lab new fireware

Baumbu FW discussion? This is a Prusa Forum!

Posted : 21/01/2025 5:58 am
Robin_13
(@robin_13)
Reputable Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Bambu Lab new fireware

This is a general discussion board.

You are correct and there are people on this forum that praise the Bambu printers over Prusa printers.

There are people looking at purchasing printers and asking about Bambu over Prusa.

So, this is relevant to their choices.  Bambu Lab printers are not new to the this site and the various discussions about printers.  This discussion is important for many 3D printer fans.

 

 

Posted : 21/01/2025 6:19 am
iftibashir
(@iftibashir)
Prominent Member
RE: Bambu Lab new fireware

Bear in mind Bambu have released a new statement - although it does seem they are trying to establish a walled garden approach to their ecosystem. Third party software like OrcaSlicer can still be used [eventually] and if you are concerned about using their cloud services, then LAN only mode is still available too. I placed my printer into LAN only mode as soon as I first switched it on and run in this mode only - it means I can still connect to, send print jobs, see status, see through the camera, etc all locally on my network, but can NOT access the printer via the smartphone app, or control the printer remotely at all. Considering I never run the printer without being local to it, and I have no use for the smartphone app, that's all perfectly fine with me!! I refuse to use any such cloud services for anything, especially when it's just not required. So LAN only mode is certainly the way to go.......for me anyways!

It seems their initial update was misunderstood somewhat - either that or Bambu decided to backtrack a little after hearing customer feedback. 

Click here for VIDEO BUILD GUIDES + 3D Printing Tips!

--> MK4 - MK4S - MINI+ - MMU3 - Accelerometer Guide - BambuLab A1 Combo <--

Posted : 21/01/2025 9:00 am
Robin_13
(@robin_13)
Reputable Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Bambu Lab new fireware

Not seeing any real change to the "Authorization Features" in the announcement.  Still says what I quoted before.  This is where many people are concerned about.  What is the next step in their "security" fixes?  Or will it be quality control and demand only their filaments?  When I first heard about this, there were comments comparing what Bambu Lab was doing to Apple and how they locked down their products for "security" reasons.

In the FAQ, is states that the Authorization Features will be enabled in LAN mode.

Why does it need to be enabled in LAN mode as well?

One of the key points of this security upgrade lies in the improvement of the network security capabilities on the printer side. The printer's LAN mode is a working mode we defined in which the printer does not connect to the cloud service, and usually only the client software in the same local area network can access the printer. However, please note that even when the printer is in LAN mode, the network environment in which the printer is located may still be connected to the public network, and other malicious software may still be able to remotely access the printer. In addition, other networked devices or software in the local area network may not be secure, such as Trojan horse software or other backdoor software, which may run on computers or handheld devices, or may also run in embedded devices.

Posted : 22/01/2025 1:31 am
Georg
(@georg-2)
Estimable Member
RE: Bambu Lab new fireware

Bambu Lab was doing to Apple and how they locked down their products for "security" reasons.

With a slight difference: Apple does not force you to update. Bambu does after this firmware update.

And for security: I wouldn't compare the security of apple products to bambu lab products. Bambu Lab showed how "secure" they are when they released the first version of their bambu connect. 😉 

I am not against closed systems, but when you do so, then you have to do it right and provide all necessary interfaces for third party developers. (Keyword is here API). This interfaces need to be very secure and i do not see this safety standeards in bambu labs software.

Posted : 22/01/2025 11:25 am
AnneVanLeyden
(@annevanleyden)
Active Member
RE:

I am not against closed systems, but when you do so, then you have to do it right 

And another important condition: you have to do it from the beginning, and be open about it at the moment of purchase. Not sell stuff and then claw back functionality that people thought they paid for.

What will be their next move? Charge you a monthly fee for your subscription to their cloud?

This post was modified 2 weeks ago by AnneVanLeyden
Posted : 22/01/2025 5:06 pm
Georg liked
Georg
(@georg-2)
Estimable Member
RE: Bambu Lab new fireware

Charge you a monthly fee for your subscription to their cloud?

Pretty sure. 😉

Posted : 22/01/2025 5:13 pm
Crab
 Crab
(@crab)
Reputable Member
RE:

yeah.. I was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt at first.. but the more I read.. seems like a grab to lock you into their offerings. I huge mistake as it has now permanently damaged their integrity to be a helpful part of the 3D printing community.  damn.. They may change their minds on some of the implementation, but a significant chunk of 3dprint users will never trust them now. A great case-study of how you have everything going for you and manage to shoot yourself in the foot. Prusa might really need to ramp up their Core One!

This post was modified 2 weeks ago 4 times by Crab
Posted : 23/01/2025 6:45 pm
Georg and Taubin liked
Robin_13
(@robin_13)
Reputable Member
Topic starter answered:
RE:

I came across this article that was posted 2025-01-21.  Some clarification and more concerns.  It is a series of questions sent to Bambu Lab by Verge.

Here’s what Bambu will — and won’t — promise after its controversial 3D printer update

Future Bambu printers may be locked down.  Some third party hardware and software may not work.

I also read that some of Bambu Lab printers will lose support.  The article justified it for companies to produce printers and pointed to Prusa for coming out with limited new models.  At least old Prusa printers can be used, upgraded if users want.

Posted : 23/01/2025 6:57 pm
David
(@david-35)
Active Member
RE: Bambu Lab new fireware

 

Posted by: @iftibashir

Bear in mind Bambu have released a new statement - although it does seem they are trying to establish a walled garden approach to their ecosystem. Third party software like OrcaSlicer can still be used [eventually] and if you are concerned about using their cloud services, then LAN only mode is still available too. I placed my printer into LAN only mode as soon as I first switched it on and run in this mode only - it means I can still connect to, send print jobs, see status, see through the camera, etc all locally on my network, but can NOT access the printer via the smartphone app, or control the printer remotely at all. Considering I never run the printer without being local to it, and I have no use for the smartphone app, that's all perfectly fine with me!! I refuse to use any such cloud services for anything, especially when it's just not required. So LAN only mode is certainly the way to go.......for me anyways!

It seems their initial update was misunderstood somewhat - either that or Bambu decided to backtrack a little after hearing customer feedback. 

I understand most of what LAN mode means, however I'm a bit confused about the camera.  Using Orca Slicer I can see through the camera on the Device tab, but can I see through the camera on my phone, attached to the network, while I'm on another floor of the house?  I understand I can't use the HandyApp, but can I do something else that will allow me to see through the camera to periodically check on a print?

Posted : 27/01/2025 7:47 pm
Crab
 Crab
(@crab)
Reputable Member
RE: Bambu Lab new fireware

It all somewhat speculation right now.. but as I understand it.. the camera requires the cloud service and so you won't be able to use the built-in camera in Lan mode. You could get a HomeKit/Google camera and connect to it using a home app. I do that with my MK3S+ and it likely works better for me because I use HomeKit quite a bit and the camera feed is right there.. (but I have an open frame printer and the camera is easily mounted outside) Realistically, if I use Prusa, I'd use Prusa slicer and if I were to get a Bambu, likely I'd use their slicer. Bambu's filament is good and it's cheap here so the practical endgame is that it won't mean that much to many home users who just have 1 printer and want to print something. I don't worry too much about connecting to their cloud.. virtually everything today is cloud based. 

OrcaSlicer would still have to go thru the BambuConnect system and whether they would make the video feed available to them, I think, remains to be seen. Impossible to know all the details until they release their new firmware and people start to test.. and even then.. if there is too much fuss, they might open some stuff up more. 

Posted by: @david-35

 I understand most of what LAN mode means, however I'm a bit confused about the camera.  Using Orca Slicer I can see through the camera on the Device tab, but can I see through the camera on my phone, attached to the network, while I'm on another floor of the house?  I understand I can't use the HandyApp, but can I do something else that will allow me to see through the camera to periodically check on a print?

 

Posted : 27/01/2025 7:59 pm
Page 1 / 2
Share: