Bambu Lab has announced that it will allow the X1 3D printer to be rooted via an opt-in firmware branch to enable the use of third-party firmware.
The announcement follows a reveal of the upcoming X1Plus open-source firmware that’s generated excitement among the community. YouTuber Michael Laws (Teaching Tech) explains that the firmware uses an exploit to jailbreak the X1’s application board in firmware v1.7.0 and install a bootloader that allows the X1Plus firmware to run via a bootable microSD card.
Initially following the reveal, Bambu Lab released an update to close the exploit but now plans to offer a firmware branch that enables rooting for customers who sign a waiver of warranty and safety responsibility – even if they have already updated above v1.7.0. The exploit will remain closed on future official releases.
Bambu Lab says it will try to allow users to revert to official firmware but offers no guarantees and is clear that warranty and support will not be reinstated once waived.
Fortunately, according to Laws’ explainer video, running X1Plus on a live microSD card leaves the X1’s official firmware intact.
Closed-source firmware has been the subject of much criticism leveled at Bambu Lab, and the option to install third-party firmware is sure to be appreciated by many.
Right now, the X1Plus firmware’s new features appear to be relatively minimal but have large benefits to users who know how to take advantage. The open-source firmware provides users with more detailed diagnostics during calibration routines such as bed leveling and vibration compensation, enables terminal and SSH access, adds an optional lock screen, and an additional layer of data security via the “LAN + shield” mode, which Laws says “blocks outgoing connections at the kernel level”. Future plans include lidar diagnostics, user touchscreen customization, and ethernet connections via a USB dongle connected to an unused USB port on the application board.
The jailbreak has also given the X1Plus team unprecedented insight into the X1’s stock operation. According to Laws, the X1Plus team has found no indication the Bambu Lab X1 sends logs without user permission, that LAN Only mode connects to Bambu Cloud, or that its stock firmware is stolen.
Bambu Lab says in its blog article that it expects its rootable firmware branch to be made available within several weeks following internal development and due diligence. Meanwhile, the X1Plus team has said they are preparing their firmware for Bambu Lab’s release.
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License: The text of "Bambu Lab to Allow Third-Party Firmware on the X1" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.