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Bambu Lab Authorization Control System: Difference between revisions

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Deleted a bunch of stuff at the end which was not relevant enough for inclusion, and added some citation neededs. Overall this article needs to be consolidated: there's a fair bit of repetition, and the tone is held together less well towards the end.
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* In the article cited about printer exposure, it was done largely due to misconfiguration on the part of users<ref>[https://www.csoonline.com/article/566223/over-3700-exposed-3d-printers-open-to-remote-attackers.html?ref=blog.bambulab.com https://www.csoonline.com/article/566223/over-3700-exposed-3d-printers-open-to-remote-attackers.html]</ref>. Printer exposure can be mitigated by offering more convenient ways to securely expose printers to the internet, so users are not tempted to allow unauthenticated access over the network.
* In the article cited about printer exposure, it was done largely due to misconfiguration on the part of users<ref>[https://www.csoonline.com/article/566223/over-3700-exposed-3d-printers-open-to-remote-attackers.html?ref=blog.bambulab.com https://www.csoonline.com/article/566223/over-3700-exposed-3d-printers-open-to-remote-attackers.html]</ref>. Printer exposure can be mitigated by offering more convenient ways to securely expose printers to the internet, so users are not tempted to allow unauthenticated access over the network.
* The "abnormal traffic" can be mitigated by steps Bambu has already put in place, as detailed in their own article on the matter<ref>[https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/security-incidents-cloud-traffic?ref=blog.bambulab.com https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/security-incidents-cloud-traffic]</ref>.
* The "abnormal traffic" can be mitigated by steps Bambu has already put in place, as detailed in their own article on the matter<ref>[https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/security-incidents-cloud-traffic?ref=blog.bambulab.com https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/security-incidents-cloud-traffic]</ref>.
The system that Bambu has chosen to implement is overly restrictive and unnecessary, and does more harm than good, as detailed in the rest of this article.


== Issues with LAN Mode Requiring Authorization ==
== Issues with LAN Mode Requiring Authorization ==
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=== Permanent Nature of the Update ===
=== Permanent Nature of the Update ===
Once a printer is updated to the new firmware, users cannot revert to previous versions that allow fuller third-party integration. This creates a one-way transition that permanently removes capabilities users had when purchasing their printer. While Bambu Lab presents this as optional for existing users, all new printers will ship with the restricted firmware pre-installed, eliminating user choice entirely<ref>https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/</ref>.\
Once a printer is updated to the new firmware, users cannot revert to previous versions that allow fuller third-party integration
 
{{Citation needed}}
 
. This creates a one-way transition that permanently removes capabilities users had when purchasing their printer. While Bambu Lab presents this as optional for existing users, all new printers will ship with the restricted firmware pre-installed, eliminating user choice entirely<ref>https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/</ref>.


The manufacturer states this change is required for security, but community members note that many of the security vulnerabilities being addressed stem from Bambu's own cloud-centric design choices rather than inherent risks of local network control<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/12</ref>. The update forces users into Bambu's ecosystem of applications & cloud services, regardless of their preferences or needs for local network automation.
The manufacturer states this change is required for security, but community members note that many of the security vulnerabilities being addressed stem from Bambu's own cloud-centric design choices rather than inherent risks of local network control<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/12</ref>. The update forces users into Bambu's ecosystem of applications & cloud services, regardless of their preferences or needs for local network automation.


This is a significant post-purchase reduction in functionality for existing owners who bought their printers with the understanding they could use third-party software & home automation tools. The inability to revert these changes, combined with the mandatory nature of the update for new printers, demonstrates how manufacturers can use software updates to unilaterally modify the capabilities of hardware products after purchase<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/full-non-cloud-based-network-option-needed/3643/9</ref>.
This has been characterised as a significant post-purchase reduction in functionality for existing owners who bought their printers with the understanding they could use third-party software & home automation tools
 
{{Citation needed}}
 
. The inability to revert these changes, combined with the mandatory nature of the update for new printers, demonstrates how manufacturers can use software updates to unilaterally modify the capabilities of hardware products after purchase<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/full-non-cloud-based-network-option-needed/3643/9</ref>.


For users that would want to use a third-party slicer, Bambu would require those users to download and install Bambu Connect in order to send gcode wirelessly over LAN or over the cloud. While Bambu claims that they were in contact with SoftFever, the developer of OrcaSlicer, as of writing, SoftFever still does not have any keys for Bambu Connect.<ref name=":1">https://x.com/fever_soft/status/1880630570809795034?t=qJyh4SGFZFllcYrqexGW-Q&s=19</ref>   
For users that would want to use a third-party slicer, Bambu would require those users to download and install Bambu Connect in order to send gcode wirelessly over LAN or over the cloud. While Bambu claims that they were in contact with SoftFever, the developer of OrcaSlicer, as of writing, SoftFever still does not have any keys for Bambu Connect.<ref name=":1">https://x.com/fever_soft/status/1880630570809795034?t=qJyh4SGFZFllcYrqexGW-Q&s=19</ref>   
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=== Pre-Announcement Contact ===
=== Pre-Announcement Contact ===
Reports from the OrcaSlicer demonstrate that Bambu Lab provided limited advance notice of the changes that would render their software incompatible with Bambu printers running the new firmware. The communication emphasized:
Reports from OrcaSlicer demonstrate that Bambu Lab provided limited advance notice of the changes that would render their software incompatible with Bambu printers running the new firmware. The communication emphasized:
* The introduction of Bambu Connect as the only supported method for interacting with third-party slicers.
* The introduction of Bambu Connect as the only supported method for interacting with third-party slicers.
* The discontinuation of the network plugin API that OrcaSlicer and other tools relied on for printer control.<ref>https://github.com/SoftFever/OrcaSlicer/issues/8063</ref>
* The discontinuation of the network plugin API that OrcaSlicer and other tools relied on for printer control.<ref>https://github.com/SoftFever/OrcaSlicer/issues/8063</ref>
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== Community-Driven Workarounds and Technical Alternatives ==
== Community-Driven Workarounds and Technical Alternatives ==


Despite the restrictive nature of Bambu Lab's new authorization system, the 3D printing community has already begun exploring potential workarounds to restore functionality and user autonomy. These efforts focus on bypassing or mitigating the limitations imposed by the firmware update.
The 3D printing community has begun exploring potential workarounds to restore functionality and user autonomy. These efforts focus on bypassing or mitigating the limitations imposed by the firmware update.


=== Custom Firmware Development ===
=== Custom Firmware Development ===
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* Allowing an opt-out option for existing users who prefer local network control without cloud dependency.
* Allowing an opt-out option for existing users who prefer local network control without cloud dependency.
* Providing an official API for third-party slicers under specific licensing agreements that allow secure authorized usage.<ref>https://github.com/SoftFever/OrcaSlicer/issues/8063</ref>
* Providing an official API for third-party slicers under specific licensing agreements that allow secure authorized usage.<ref>https://github.com/SoftFever/OrcaSlicer/issues/8063</ref>
== Bambu Corporate Strategy vs Maker Community Values ==
== Bambu Corporate Strategy vs Maker Community Values<!-- the framing of this whole section comes across as quite opinionated, and it repeats a lot of factual information from earlier. reccommend cutting most of it, and reducing to a paragraph or two detailing the community response -->==


=== Conflict with Open Source and Maker Values ===
=== Conflict with Open Source and Maker Values ===
Bambu Lab's printers became popular within the maker community partly due to their integration with open-source tools & community-developed software. The authorization system represents a fundamental shift away from these values, moving from an open ecosystem where users could freely modify & automate their printers to a closed, manufacturer-controlled environment. This change impacts:
Bambu Lab's printers had previously been praised for their integration with open-source tools & community-developed software
 
{{Citation needed}}
 
. The authorization system departs from , moving from an open ecosystem where users could freely modify & automate their printers to a closed, manufacturer-controlled environment. This change impacts:


* Users of open-source slicing software like OrcaSlicer
* Users of open-source slicing software like OrcaSlicer
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== Comparisons to Similar Practices by Other Companies ==
== Comparisons to Similar Practices by Other Companies ==


Bambu Lab's new authorization & authentication requirement is in lock step with industry trends where manufacturers seek to exercise greater control over their hardware ecosystems, limiting autonomy & 3rd party integration under the guise of security. Below are comparisons to similar instances in other industries:
Bambu Lab's new authorization & authentication requirements have been compared to a number of practices by traditional printer manufacturers, such as HP or Epson, who have also faced backlash around their handling of digital rights management (DRM)


=== Printer DRM and Locked Ecosystems ===
{{Citation needed}}
The most direct parallel to Bambu Lab's actions can be found in traditional 2D printer manufacturers like HP and Epson. These companies have faced backlash for implementing digital rights management (DRM) in printer firmware updates. Key similarities include:
 
. These comparisons address:
* '''Forced Updates''': Firmware updates have rendered third-party ink cartridges incompatible, forcing users to purchase proprietary consumables.
* '''Forced Updates''': Firmware updates have rendered third-party ink cartridges incompatible, forcing users to purchase proprietary consumables.
* '''Restricted Features''': Scanner/printer combos that will not scan if the ink is empty."
* '''Restricted Features''': Scanner/printer combos that will not scan if the ink is empty."
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Like 2D printers, Bambu Lab's update restricts functionality previously available to users and pushes them toward proprietary software and cloud-based control.
Like 2D printers, Bambu Lab's update restricts functionality previously available to users and pushes them toward proprietary software and cloud-based control.


=== Tesla and Automotive Lock-Ins ===
In the automotive industry, Tesla has taken part in similar restrictions through software updates. Examples include:
* '''Remote Feature Removal''': Features like Supercharger access & autopilot have been disabled remotely for second-hand car buyers unless they pay additional fees.
* '''Software Locking''': Tesla restricts modifications and third-party repairs through software locks, requiring users to go through authorized repair centers.<ref>https://www.wired.com/story/tesla-remote-disable-used-car-features/</ref>
Bambu Lab's approach mirrors Tesla’s reliance on firmware updates to enforce its ecosystem, limiting third-party integrations & increasing customer's reliance on proprietary services.
=== Relevance to Mission & Purpose of Clinton the CAT ===
Bambu Lab's new firmware is part of a growing trend where manufacturers employ software updates to extend control over hardware post-purchase. This often results in:
* '''Monetization of Features''': Features that were once included at purchase are locked behind subscription models or additional fees.
* '''Loss of Ownership''': Consumers lose the ability to fully control and modify devices they own.
* '''Dependence on Proprietary Ecosystems''': Users are locked into a single company's ecosystem, limiting innovation and choice.
While these practices are often justified by claims of security and user experience improvement, they frequently diminish consumer rights and foster mistrust. The similarities between Bambu Lab and other manufacturers demonstrate a concerning shift in how companies manage post-purchase control, highlighting the importance of community advocacy for transparency and ownership rights.
= Understanding the Impact for Non-3D Printing Experts =
For those unfamiliar with 3D printing, it might seem like the changes introduced by Bambu Lab's firmware update are minor technical quibbles, rather than a cut against ownership. Yet these changes are a large shift in how users are allowed to interact with devices they purchased & thought they owned.
== What is a 3D Printer & How is it Used? ==
A 3D printer is a device that creates physical objects by building them layer by layer out of materials like plastic. People use 3D printers for:
* '''Personal Projects''': Hobbyists print toys, tools, and decorative items.
* '''Small Businesses''': Entrepreneurs use them to create prototypes, replacement parts, and sell custom items.
* '''Large Businesses''': Manufacturers benefit from rapid prototyping by not needing to make molds or tools for individual parts.
* '''Education''': Schools & universities use 3D printers for teaching engineering & design.
To create something with a 3D printer, users typically:
# Design or download a digital file of the object (a 3D model).
# Use software called a "slicer" to convert the 3D model into instructions the printer can understand.
# Send the instructions to the printer, which creates the object.
Before this update, users could freely choose from many slicer programs and customize their workflows, including integrating printers with smart home systems for convenience.
== What Has Changed? ==
Bambu Lab’s new firmware requires authorization for nearly all printer functions:
* Mandatory Software: Users are forced to use Bambu's software, which limits options & removes features previously available through third-party slicers.
* Restricted Control: Home automation systems & custom scripts, which allowed users to automate or remotely manage their printers, are now blocked.
* Cloud Dependency: Many printer functions now rely on Bambu’s cloud servers, requiring constant internet access and raising concerns about privacy and future subscription fees.
== Why is This a Problem? ==
These changes significantly reduce what owners can do with their printers:
# '''Loss of Freedom''': Previously, users could choose software that best met their needs. Now, they must conform to Bambu's ecosystem, even if it doesn't suit their workflow or preferences.
# '''Reduced Functionality''': Features like remote monitoring, advanced slicing options, & integration with custom setups are no longer possible, which impacts small businesses & advanced users.
# '''Privacy Risks''': Users' print data, including designs & settings, are now processed through Bambu’s cloud servers, giving the company access to information on how users use their hardware.
# '''Locked Hardware''': If a user disagrees with these changes, they can’t simply switch back to the older version of software—they're stuck with the new version & locked into Bambu’s system.
# '''Reduced resiliency''': In an emergency where internet access is lost, the 3D printer cannot be used to create items that may be used to repair or replace items vital to an emergency response. This functionality is vital for small and or remote households and communities.
== The Bigger Picture ==
This situation is part of a growing trend where companies use software updates to limit what customers can do with devices they own, such as buying a car and being told you can only use fuel from a specific company; or lose features unless you pay extra. In the case of 3D printing, Bambu Lab's actions undermine the principles of ownership that have made the technology useful & valuable to individuals & small businesses.




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