Editing Bambu Lab Authorization Control System

= How This Started =

On 2025-01-16, the 3D printer manufacturer [[:wikipedia:Bambu Lab|Bambu Lab]] announced that future firmwares for their 3D printers would introduce an authorization and authentication protection mechanism for their connection and control, in the name of security. Bambu has stated the following:<blockquote>''"This change is mitigating any risk of remote hacks or printer exposure issues that have happened in the past and also lower the risk of abnormal traffic or attacks."''<ref>https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/</ref><ref>https://all3dp.com/4/bambu-lab-limits-third-party-printer-control-with-new-security-update/</ref></blockquote>

== Implementation Timeline and Requirements ==

The authorization system will be rolled out in phases, starting with the X1 series printers. A beta firmware (version 01.08.03.00) was released on January 17th, 2025, with the full release scheduled for January 23rd, 2025. The P & A series printers will get similar updates at an unspecified future date.

To use printers with the new authorization system, users must update multiple pieces of software:
* Bambu Studio must be updated to version 01.10.02.64 or higher
* Bambu Handy mobile app must be updated to version 2.17.0 or higher
* The new Bambu Connect application must be installed for using third-party slicers

These software updates are mandatory for users who update their firmware - failing to update all components simultaneously will result in certain printer controls becoming unusable. Users who choose to maintain third-party software compatibility can continue using older firmware versions, though this will not be an option for new printers which will ship with the authorization system pre-installed.

Bambu Lab states these coordinated updates are necessary because the new authorization system fundamentally changes how the printer validates & accepts commands. The older versions of Bambu Studio & Bambu Handy lack the authentication mechanisms required to interact with printers running the new firmware. The Bambu Connect application was created specifically to provide a controlled interface for third-party software, replacing the previous direct access through network plugins<ref>https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/</ref>.

== Impact on Third-Party Integration and User Choice ==

=== Changes to Third-Party Access ===
The new authorization system replaces direct network API access with a more limited URL-based interface through Bambu Connect. Third-party software can only interact with the printer by sending specific URL commands to Bambu Connect<ref>https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/software/bambu-connect</ref>. The interface requires three parameters:

* <code>path</code>: The absolute file system path to the 3MF file (e.g., /tmp/cube.gcode.3mf)
* <code>name</code>: The name of the file (e.g., Cube)
* <code>version</code>: A fixed value of 1.0.0 for compatibility

A complete command must be formatted as:<blockquote><syntaxhighlight lang="text">
bambu-connect://import-file?path=%2Ftmp%2Fcube.gcode.3mf&name=Cube&version=1.0.0
</syntaxhighlight></blockquote>This interface only allows basic file transfer and print initiation - all other printer control functions previously available to third-party software are now exclusive to Bambu's own applications. The path and name parameters must be URL-encoded using encodeURIComponent or equivalent functions<ref>https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/software/bambu-connect</ref>.

=== Reduced Home Automation Capabilities ===
While basic status monitoring remains available (e.g., print progress updates in Home Assistant), the new firmware removes the ability for home automation systems to control printer functions. Users can no longer:
* Start or stop prints remotely via Home Assistant
* Control printer temperatures or cooling
* Automate printer behaviors based on sensor data or events
* Access camera feeds through third-party applications<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/this-new-auth-system-will-make-me-sell-my-printers/135400/9</ref>

=== Permanent Nature of the Update ===
Once a printer is updated to the new firmware, users cannot revert to previous versions that allowed 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>.

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>.

== Impact on Functionality ==
While some functionality remains unauthenticated like in previous firmware versions (sending status information from the printer over the network, starting a print job using SD cards), the most important features now require authentication through a new closed-source client called Bambu Connect<ref>https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/software/bambu-connect</ref>. These restricted features include:

* Initiating prints via LAN or cloud mode
* Remote video access to monitor prints
* Controlling motion system, temperature, fans
* AMS settings and calibrations
* Home automation integration beyond basic status monitoring

Previously, third-party software such as OrcaSlicer<ref>https://github.com/SoftFever/OrcaSlicer/issues/8063</ref> could interact with Bambu Lab printers via the open-source Bambu Studio and proprietary network plug-ins. While Bambu Connect provides a limited URL-based API to initiate prints, most functionality previously openly available is now restricted to Bambu's ecosystem<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/this-new-auth-system-will-make-me-sell-my-printers/135400/9</ref>.

== Communication with OrcaSlicer Developers ==

Before the official announcement of the new authorization & authentication, Bambu Lab engaged with the OrcaSlicer development team regarding the changes. This communication has sparked significant discussion within the 3D printing community, particularly regarding its timing, tone, and implications.

=== 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:
* 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>
* An invitation for OrcaSlicer developers to adapt their software to integrate with the Bambu Connect URL scheme.

The communication lacked the detailed technical documentation that would be necessary for developers to be able to work with the new requirements. 

=== How Community Viewed These Actions ===
This approach has been interpreted by many as a calculated move by Bambu Lab to enforce tighter control over its ecosystem. Primary criticisms of Bambu were:
* '''Lack of Transparency''': The limited warning to OrcaSlicer devs suggests that Bambu Lab prioritized internal rollout schedules over community engagement with existing customers. 
* '''Disregard for Open-Source Collaboration''': OrcaSlicer is widely used in the community; it is an open-source effort to improve the 3D printing experience for all customers. By abruptly altering the compatibility landscape, Bambu Lab is seen as undermining good-faith initiatives to improve the ecosystem for everyone. The decision to restrict network APIs in favor of proprietary systems such as Bambu Connect represents a broader industry trend of closing off ecosystems that were once open, removing customer choice, privacy, & freedom. 
* '''Token Support for Third-Party Tools''': While Bambu Connect provides a workaround for third-party slicer use, it significantly restricts functionality & complicates workflows, leading many to question the sincerity of Bambu's stated support for open tools.<ref>https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/software/bambu-connect</ref>
* '''Power Imbalance''': As the hardware manufacturer, Bambu Lab has the ability to dictate how its products can be used; often to the detriment of third-party devs & users.
== 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.

=== Custom Firmware Development ===
Discussions within the community highlight interest in developing custom firmware as an alternative to Bambu's official updates. One prominent project mentioned in forums is the development of custom firmware for the X1-series printers, such as the "X1Plus Custom Firmware."<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/12</ref> This firmware aims to:
* Restore direct network control and third-party slicer compatibility.
* Re-enable previously available features such as motion system adjustments, temperature control, and AMS settings without requiring proprietary software.
* Provide users with greater flexibility in integrating printers with home automation systems and workflows.

However, custom firmware development faces significant challenges, including:
* Limited documentation and proprietary hardware components, which complicate reverse engineering efforts.
* The potential voiding of warranties and risks of bricking devices.
* Legal concerns regarding intellectual property and bypassing manufacturer-imposed restrictions.

== Community Tools and Scripts ==
In addition to firmware alternatives, some users have come up with custom scripts & software tools to interface with Bambu Lab printers indirectly. These tools often rely on:
* Reverse-engineering the URL-based commands required by Bambu Connect to enable partial functionality with third-party slicers like OrcaSlicer.
* Creating local server emulations to replicate the network API previously available before the update.

While these tools provide temporary solutions, they don't fully replace the open ecosystem that existed prior to the authorization update.

=== Advocacy for Open Ecosystem Support ===
Community members have also organized to advocate for open-source support and rollback options. Suggestions include:
* 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>
== Bambu Corporate Strategy vs Maker Community 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:

* Users of open-source slicing software like OrcaSlicer
* Community developers who create tools and modifications
* Users who modify their printers' behavior through custom scripts and automation
* Those who prefer local network control over cloud-based solutions<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/this-new-auth-system-will-make-me-sell-my-printers/135400</ref>

=== Impact on Professional Users and Print Farms ===
The restrictions imposed by the new authorization system create significant operational challenges for professional users:

* Print farms can no longer use custom automation systems to manage multiple printers
* Workflows built around third-party software have to be completely redesigned
* The requirement to manually export & import files through Bambu Connect creates additional labor
* Integration with existing business systems & workflows becomes more difficult or impossible
* Professional users with more than 20 printers report the new workflow as "an absolute nightmare"<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/this-new-auth-system-will-make-me-sell-my-printers/135400/4</ref>

=== Privacy & Data Collection Concerns ===

The shift toward mandatory use of Bambu's software ecosystem raises several privacy and data collection concerns:

* All printer operations must now pass through Bambu's cloud infrastructure when using cloud mode
* User print data, including file names and print settings, becomes visible to Bambu
* Camera feeds and operational data are processed through Bambu's servers
* Users have limited visibility into how their data is collected, stored, and used
* The system creates dependence on Bambu's cloud services for basic printer functionality<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/full-non-cloud-based-network-option-needed/3643/9</ref>

While Bambu Lab maintains that cloud processing is necessary for security and functionality, community members argue this represents unnecessary data collection that could be handled locally<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/12</ref>. The company's cloud infrastructure costs are significant, leading some users to speculate that future monetization of the cloud services may be planned<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/full-non-cloud-based-network-option-needed/3643/5</ref>.

This shift from local control to cloud-dependent operation is part of a broader trend in consumer devices, where manufacturers use security concerns to justify increased data collection & reduced customer control over devices they bought & paid for. The change is devastating to privacy-conscious users who specifically chose to operate their printers in LAN-only mode to avoid cloud connectivity.

== Customer Reactions ==

Customer reactions have been overwhelmingly negative<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/4</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i2psvz/firmware_update_introducing_new_authorization/</ref>. Bambu Lab has historically pushed cloud-based printer interaction while offering limited LAN mode functionality<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/full-non-cloud-based-network-option-needed/3643/9</ref>. Many customers argue that the security issues this locked-down firmware claims to address are actually consequences of the company's cloud-based 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>, which continues to infuriate users who are now told that security is the justification for a loss of freedom.

The shift raises privacy concerns as user print data, including file names, print settings, and camera feeds, must now pass through Bambu's cloud infrastructure. 

Many community members & customers ask whether the significant costs of maintaining & deploying this cloud infrastructure might lead to future monetization of these now-mandatory services<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/full-non-cloud-based-network-option-needed/3643/5</ref>, with subscriptions required for features that once worked with local access.

== 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:

=== Printer DRM and Locked Ecosystems ===
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:
* '''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."
* '''Consumer Backlash''': Users criticized these updates as anti-consumer, with some pursuing class-action lawsuits for deceptive practices.<ref>https://www.classaction.org/hp-printer-lawsuit</ref>

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. 
* '''Education''': Schools & universities use 3D printers for teaching engineering & design.

To create something with a 3D printer, users typically:
1. Design or download a digital file of the object (a 3D model).
2. Use software called a "slicer" to convert the 3D model into instructions the printer can understand.
3. 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 software—they're stuck with the new version & locked into Bambu’s system.

== 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.


== References ==

<references/>

[[Category:Bambu Lab]]