Bambu Lab, the company behind my favorite 3D printers, has had quite a week. Now, I’ve got answers to some of my burning questions, which you might also find interesting. But first, let’s start with some background.
Since last Thursday, some creators have pledged not to buy Bambu printers anymore and have removed some 3D models from its online repository. This decision came after the company announced a new proprietary authentication mechanism that could prevent users from using third-party tools to remote control their printers.
While users can still use an SD card or Bambu’s cloud service to print, the ability to print remotely from a third-party slicer would no longer be possible without downloading a new desktop app called “Bambu Connect” for Windows and Mac.
“Unauthorized third-party software will be prohibited from executing critical operations” — Bambu
Although Bambu mentioned that the update was optional, some saw it as necessary to secure printers against remote hacks. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for further restrictions on third-party accessories and services.
Users have expressed concerns about the implications of this update, including the potential for restrictions on third-party filament and the introduction of subscription services for print farm software.
Bambu has addressed these concerns in a blog post, stating that the new tool does not require internet access or a user account. They have also introduced a “Developer Mode” for users who prefer local access to their printer without new proprietary authentication.
However, concerns remain about Bambu’s transparency and security measures around the new Bambu Connect app, as well as the potential implications of these changes on user control and access to their printers.
The central question revolves around whether these changes signal a move towards more restrictions or a more closed ecosystem by Bambu.
Below are the questions I posed to Bambu and the responses I received through spokesperson Nadia Yaakoubi:
1) Will Bambu publicly commit to never requiring a subscription in order to control its printers and print from them over a home network?
For our current product line, yes. We will never require a subscription to control or print from our printers over a home network. However, there might be specific business scenarios in the future that require exceptions, i.e a 3DP vending machine, but these would apply to entirely different applications and customer needs. If such a product line is introduced, we will clearly communicate this before its launch.
1c) Will Bambu publicly commit to never putting any existing printer functionality behind a subscription?
2) Will Bambu publicly commit to never restricting the use of third-party filament in any way, shape, or form?
For our current product line, yes. We have no plans to restrict the use of third-party filament in any way.
3) Will Bambu publicly commit to never monitor files and prints transmitted between users and their printers over a home network?
Let’s be clear about how this works:
- LAN mode: Nothing is transmitted through our servers.
- Cloud mode: Users control their privacy through “incognito printing.” When enabled, no print history is recorded, and files are not stored in the cloud.
- Cloud features: For features like re-printing, files are temporarily stored in the cloud to allow users to access their print history. We do not look into the print file/model without explicit consent from our customers.
Bambu has also introduced a new Developer mode to address concerns about user control and access to their printers without new proprietary authentication.
4) Will Bambu publicly commit to permanently keep the Developer mode with local MQTT, livestream, and FTP and never remove it in any future update or shipping batch of the X1, P1, A1, and A1 Mini?
Yes, Bambu has committed to keeping the Developer mode with local MQTT, livestream, and FTP in the X1, P1, A1, and A1 Mini without removing it in any future updates or shipping batches, unless there is a severe security issue that necessitates adjustments.
5) Will Bambu publicly commit to offering and keeping the local Developer mode available in any future printers it releases?
Bambu cannot commit to features for non-existent future printers, but they will communicate all relevant details before customers make their purchase decisions regarding the availability of Developer mode.
6) Will Bambu publicly commit to its current and future printers permanently being remotely controllable over LAN without the need for a user account or Internet access?
