Shenzhen-based 3D printer manufacturer Bambu Lab has launched a new firmware for its X1 Series of 3D printers. The optional security update introduces authorization and authentication controls for key 3D printing operations, altering how third-party software interacts with the 3D printer.

Some in the 3D printing community have not received the news well, leading to Bambu Lab refuting claims that the firmware, currently undergoing beta testing, restricts third-party tools or forces users into a closed ecosystem. Those who choose not to install the update can continue using external software without any changes. The company has also introduced a new tool called Bambu Connect, designed to integrate third-party software with updated printers. Bambu Lab is collaborating with software developers, including Orca Slicer, to ensure a seamless connection with external tools.

  • atomic peach@pawb.social
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    2 days ago

    Take a week and build a Voron. The kits are super easy to piece together and you end up with an insanely great, reliable printer for a fraction what it should cost. Yes, the build time and initial calibration might take a bit, but mine’s been without issue, printing 24h long prints perfectly for over a year now. You don’t need to settle for a mediocre built printer if you have the patience to piece together one. Not to mention, since you built the kit, you know how to troubleshoot any issues that pop up much faster than something you pulled out of a box and plugged into the wall.

    • IMALlama@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      2x on the recommendation. I’ve been slowly modding mine for about two years now. I printed the filter and magnetic panels right out of the gate.

      Things I wish I did sooner:

      • sexbolt aka a z-endstop switch that won’t fall out when turn your printer out or get pulled out by your extruder when you’re printing TPU
      • moar bed fans to get chamber temps up faster
      • daylight on a stick
      • LDO NiteHawk and umbilical. The third wire break was enough for me. I didn’t use cheap wiring, but I did use generic chains. I thought I left enough slack in the runs, but evidently you want loose loose wires in the chains so they don’t rub the inner radius
      • ACM panels to help get chamber temps up. Bonus points if you print your magnetic panels clips a bit taller to fit radiant barriers on the inside
      • Clicky-clacky fridge door replaces the front doors with a wider panel and gives it a nice seal. It’s also satisfying to open/close

      Other than wiring breaks, and me goobering my hod end while goofing with it, it’s been dead reliable. The printer has 906 hours on it with the longest print clicking in at 25.5 hours.

      • Fribbtastic@lemmy.world
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        2 days ago

        As someone who is currently building an LDO Voron (Voron 2.4 LDO Rev. D) most of those things are already included (like the Z-end-stop, the NiteHawk and panels)

    • pulverizedcoccyx@lemmy.ca
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      2 days ago

      Thanks for this insight! Thanks to everyone that replied really. I’m good with building, just hate endless tweaking and tuning. Will research Voron.