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Update: Bambu Lab has responded to the controversy that followed this announcement, and plans to release a LAN-only "Developer Mode" that will enable third-party printer control via an MQTT channel.

Bambu Lab has announced the release of an “authorization and authentication protection mechanism” for many important printer actions – a change with implications for access and control via third-party software.

“These updates will introduce authorization controls that require official authorization for critical printer operations. Furthermore, unauthorized third-party software will be prohibited from executing critical operations”, a Bambu Lab blog article about the update reads.

The manufacturer says the release, which comes via firmware update, aims to reduce the risk of cyberattacks and remote hacks. The firmware’s X1-series beta will be released today, with a full release following on January 23. The update will necessitate accompanying updates to Bambu Studio and Bambu Handy. Versions for P and A Series printers are slotted for the future, but there is no indication of when.

Printer tasks that will now require user authorization include printer binding and unbinding, firmware upgrades, accessing remote video, starting prints via LAN or cloud, and controlling printer settings like fans and temperature.

The security update breaks compatibility for third-party software that controls printers – OrcaSlicer is named in the update’s announcement. To avoid issues here, Bambu Lab recommends those who want to maintain the status quo opt out of the update. And while Bambu Lab’s network plugin API will now be off-limits to third-party slicers, Bambu Lab recommends users instead use Bambu Connect: new software for remote control outside of Bambu Studio with which they can open and send exported sliced files to printers, as well as start and control prints. While perhaps not as convenient as current API implementations, Bambu Connect does offer software integration to enable third-party software to prompt the import of sliced files.

The release of such a firmware update will undoubtedly ruffle some feathers. Striking a balance between freedom and security is always tricky business. While this seems to be a sudden, if not heavy-handed, approach, Bambu Lab seems firm behind the move, stating on its blog that “all future Bambu Lab printer models will integrate authorization control technology as standard” despite the “additional effort and workload” it may cause.

Whether that trade-off is effective and worth it to users remains to be seen. Covering bases is all well and good, but if it comes at the cost of overall usability – well, that’s something with which the 3D printing community may take issue.

For more on Bamub Lab’s security firmware update, check out its blog post.

Update – Jan 16, 2025: Added details about Bambu Connect third-party software integration.

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License: The text of "Bambu Lab Limits Third-Party Printer Control with New Security Update" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.