BambuLab will prevent the use of OrcaSlicer with its latest security update

BambuLab security update announcement has the community in turmoil.

Bambu Lab recently announced a security update to its printer firmware, introducing an official “authorization control” system for critical machine operations. This measure seeks to reduce the risks of remote hacking and other security issues, as well as minimizing the impact of anomalous traffic or potential cyberattacks.

With this new update, Bambu Lab printers will no longer be compatible with third-party software or hardware, such as the Orca Slicer or BigTreeTech’s Panda touchscreen. Instead, users will need to download “Bambu Connect,” which will function as a one-way interface between the user and the printer.

Those using Bambu's official software, Bambu Studio , will not be affected by this update, as it will continue to function as usual.

Bambu Lab detailed a list of critical operations that will now require authorization and will not be accessible through third-party products:

• Linking and unlinking the printer.
• Enabling remote video access.
• Firmware update.
• Starting print jobs (either in LAN or cloud mode).
• Control of the movement system, temperature, fans, AMS configuration, calibrations, among others.

It will affect OrcaSlicer users, among others.

This means that Orca Slicer users will not be able to remotely detect the type or color of filament loaded into their AMS, or monitor prints from the software’s devices tab. It will also not be possible to adjust print head speed or temperature remotely. Users will have to manually coordinate filament colors before printing, send G-codes via the Bambu Connect interface, and make speed or temperature adjustments directly on the printer.

On the other hand, Bambu Connect will allow you to monitor these functions, but not modify them. In addition, the program does not include access to the integrated camera, so in order to observe the progress of the first printing layer, it will be necessary to be physically in front of the printer.

According to Bambu Lab, these changes are necessary to protect printers from potential malicious hacks via the internet. On their official blog they explain: " By verifying and securing all interactions with the hardware — such as the movement of axes, the heating of components or the performance of critical actions — we can minimize risks and prevent potentially dangerous situations ."

The company also mentioned that it has suffered targeted DDoS attacks and detected up to 30 million unauthorized requests per day, which places an unnecessary load on its infrastructure. These unauthorized requests could be linked to the use of Orca Slicer or Panda Touch. The affected infrastructure is Bambu Lab's cloud service, which acts as a bridge between the user's computer and the printer.

A few words from us...

At PRINTATONIC we advocate not making value judgments about current news, however, we cannot but position ourselves against the measure adopted by the people of the Chinese company.

Until now, 3D printing was an environment free from the prison-like pretensions of large companies, a place where most companies advocated for free software that fostered user creativity.

Although BambuLab's code never enjoyed this freedom, the company itself proudly displayed the flag of support for creators and even its acts of collaboration with them.

When credit is due, it is given, but when the edge of the sword needs to be sharpened, it is also given. We just want to never get a message from our printer in this world telling us "you have printed your quota this month, upgrade to the next subscription level to continue printing."