News Bambu Lab Printer Firmware Updates Have Limited Timeline

[Admin]

Reddit users raise the alarm on Bambu Lab X1C’s new software “expiration” date.

Bambu Lab Printer Firmware Updates Have Limited Timeline : Read more

 

[peachpuff]

As long as you can install 3rd party firmware this is fine, you can't expect infinite firmware updates on everything.

 

[elleryfg]

This is wildly incorrect. I just checked BL website and it states 2027 for X1C and 2028 for P1S and A1. That's 3 and 4 years respectively. You should confirm your information before writing a whole article about something. See link below

https://bambulab.com/en/compare

 

[USAFRet]

 

[HaninTH]

This is wildly incorrect. I just checked BL website and it states 2027 for X1C and 2028 for P1S and A1. That's 3 and 4 years respectively. You should confirm your information before writing a whole article about something. See link below

https://bambulab.com/en/compare

And it's totally impossible that they have updated the website since they/the internet discovered the anomaly?

If the device works, as expected, why would you need any software updates for a 3D printer? I can understand security updates, for network connected variants, but if the product does what it was sold to do, then extra "features" that come after that are gifts and should not be expected.

The particular printer in this discussion is and will probably stay closed source as this vendor appears to want to take the "Apple" route for sales. That is their choice and if they haven't stated any future delivery of features that were not present on the device when sold, then do not expect them.

 

[USAFRet]

If the device works, as expected, why would you need any software updates for a 3D printer? I can understand security updates, for network connected variants, but if the product does what it was sold to do, then extra "features" that come after that are gifts and should not be expected.

Some of the feature updates have been pretty good.

Lower noise profile, less purge waste during color changes, for instance.

 

[ripclaw2971]

As long as you can install 3rd party firmware this is fine, you can't expect infinite firmware updates on everything.

If you're referring to XPlus here, it's not third-party firmware. XPlus is based on the original firmware and just adds functionality to it. It's like installing an app on an Android smartphone. The underlying system is still the same.

In addition, XPlus is limited to the X1 series. A completely different firmware runs on the P1 and A1 series.

Furthermore, a group of enthusiasts who develop open source software does not release the manufacturer from its responsibility to ensure the security of its devices.

 

[ripclaw2971]

If the device works, as expected, why would you need any software updates for a 3D printer? I can understand security updates, for network connected variants, but if the product does what it was sold to do, then extra "features" that come after that are gifts and should not be expected.

Many of the features with which the device is advertised require a cloud connection. Security is therefore an important factor. Of course, you can also use the device without a network connection or only in Lan mode, but then you lose a lot of functionality.

The particular printer in this discussion is and will probably stay closed source as this vendor appears to want to take the "Apple" route for sales. That is their choice and if they haven't stated any future delivery of features that were not present on the device when sold, then do not expect them.

If, like Bambu Lab, you like to see yourself as the Apple of 3D printer manufacturers, you have to measure yourself against that. Apple continues to deliver updates long after a model has been discontinued. Therefore, in my opinion, it was justified to criticize the originally rather short support period.

 

[HaninTH]

Many of the features with which the device is advertised require a cloud connection. Security is therefore an important factor. Of course, you can also use the device without a network connection or only in Lan mode, but then you lose a lot of functionality.


If, like Bambu Lab, you like to see yourself as the Apple of 3D printer manufacturers, you have to measure yourself against that. Apple continues to deliver updates long after a model has been discontinued. Therefore, in my opinion, it was justified to criticize the originally rather short support period.

Thank you for your reply. I was highly interested in their A1 line of printers, but after further examination, the requirement for internet access for "feature" access is a no-go for me. I guess i will have to continue looking for a multi-color printer with a >280mmx280mm print bed and all of the basic features that seem "standard" for current device (bed leveling, filament detector, etc). Either that or go all in with the latest Prusa XL.

 

[edzieba]

Also, from the ToU:

7.2 Bambu Lab is committed to ensure a long lifetime of our products, by releasing regular software updates containing bugfixes, new features and security updates. Our promise includes a guaranteed five-year provision of software updates (since the launch of the product), including crucial bug fixes and exciting new features to enhance user experience.
During the five-year period, you can expect frequent updates that add new features which further enhance the user experience, while also solving any bugs that might be present. After this period, we may still bring less-frequent updates containing further improvements, if there are features which can be integrated and the capabilities of the printer support it.
Recognizing the constant evolving landscape of digital threats, and the importance of security, Bambu Lab is also committed to a minimum of seven years of software security updates, a commitment which will extend beyond this period with ongoing coverage of security updates throughout the product's lifecycle if new security issues are identified and need to be patched.

Thank you for your reply. I was highly interested in their A1 line of printers, but after further examination, the requirement for internet access for "feature" access is a no-go for me. I guess i will have to continue looking for a multi-color printer with a >280mmx280mm print bed and all of the basic features that seem "standard" for current device (bed leveling, filament detector, etc). Either that or go all in with the latest Prusa XL.

The A1, like other Bambu printers, can be operated in 'LAN mode' as well as completely disconnected from, any networks. When fully isolated, you put your sliced GCODE onto an SD card and insert it just like the decade of 3D printers past. In LAN mode, you can connect to the printer over the local network using Bambu Slicer or Orca Slicer (both open-source), and upload sliced GCODE, view the internal camera, etc. You do lose support for the mobile app (Bambu Handy) though, and need to provide your own VPN solution if you want to talk to the printer from outside your local network - just like a regular 3D printer connected to Octoprint.

Basically, unless you really want to run your printer from a smartphone app (that cannot slice models, just upload pre-sliced files from Makerworld) then you don't really lose anything from switching to LAN mode.

 

[HaninTH]

Also, from the ToU:


The A1, like other Bambu printers, can be operated in 'LAN mode' as well as completely disconnected from, any networks. When fully isolated, you put your sliced GCODE onto an SD card and insert it just like the decade of 3D printers past. In LAN mode, you can connect to the printer over the local network using Bambu Slicer or Orca Slicer (both open-source), and upload sliced GCODE, view the internal camera, etc. You do lose support for the mobile app (Bambu Handy) though, and need to provide your own VPN solution if you want to talk to the printer from outside your local network - just like a regular 3D printer connected to Octoprint.

Basically, unless you really want to run your printer from a smartphone app (that cannot slice models, just upload pre-sliced files from Makerworld) then you don't really lose anything from switching to LAN mode.

Again, I highly appreciate your input on this matter, as there are not a lot of worthwhile options for multi-color printing with the basic "standard" functions we've come to accept from a current generation printer.

Maybe I will still give it a try. The setup you described is exactly how I run my Prusa Minis now, only Prusa's web portal lets you send the GCODE and start/stop the print from there, but you do need to have a USB flash drive inserted in to the printer, for storage of the GCODE.

Again, appreciate your input on the matter as these products are not exactly cheap.

 

[USAFRet]

Again, I highly appreciate your input on this matter, as there are not a lot of worthwhile options for multi-color printing with the basic "standard" functions we've come to accept from a current generation printer.

I used to have a CraneQuad, from M3D.
https://3dprinterexchange.com/products/m3d-the-crane-quad-3d-printer

Welcome | Crane Documentation

Information on your M3D Crane Series printer.

crane.printm3d.com

Bought in during the initial Early Adopter kickstarter.

It 'worked', but was very finicky, and the company sucked.
I sold it.

The Bambu X1-C + AMS is soooo much better.
I'm on the edge of buying a second AMS for 8x filaments. I just don't have the desk/table space for the second one right now.