Until they don’t. I use OrcaSlicer, a perfectly good slicer for many 3D printers, including for my Bambu A1. However, I have it set to LAN-only mode and locked at v4.0.0.0, since the latest firmware blocks the use of third-party software (and hardware, if you bought one of those Panda Touch displays, those no longer work because Bambu said more e-waste!)
Although I have an A1 (and it prints quite well, but nothing special. It, like any other 3D printer, struggles with complex prints and has adhesion issues with taller ones), I no longer recommend Bambu printers because they as a company are no longer trustworthy. They have already blocked non-Bambu software and hardware, what’s stopping them from becoming the HP of 3D printers and restrict what kind of filament you can use? They have the RFID tags already, so it’s just a software patch that needs to be sent out.
Other companies have printers that work just as well while not locking down on a tight ecosystem. Prusa is the obvious alternative, but you also have Qidi, Sovol, Elegoo’s Centauri Carbon, etc. who are more price-competitive with Bambu, especially on the value end of the market
I fully agree with you. My next one won’t be a Bambu, but as long as my P1S works, it’ll be my main machine. And back when i bought my A1 mini, there simply was no comparable alternative in the sub 200€ range. It’s great that this is now a different story, but since printers take a couple of years to break down, the change in market share won’t happen overnight.
Until they don’t. I use OrcaSlicer, a perfectly good slicer for many 3D printers, including for my Bambu A1. However, I have it set to LAN-only mode and locked at v4.0.0.0, since the latest firmware blocks the use of third-party software (and hardware, if you bought one of those Panda Touch displays, those no longer work because Bambu said more e-waste!)
Although I have an A1 (and it prints quite well, but nothing special. It, like any other 3D printer, struggles with complex prints and has adhesion issues with taller ones), I no longer recommend Bambu printers because they as a company are no longer trustworthy. They have already blocked non-Bambu software and hardware, what’s stopping them from becoming the HP of 3D printers and restrict what kind of filament you can use? They have the RFID tags already, so it’s just a software patch that needs to be sent out.
Other companies have printers that work just as well while not locking down on a tight ecosystem. Prusa is the obvious alternative, but you also have Qidi, Sovol, Elegoo’s Centauri Carbon, etc. who are more price-competitive with Bambu, especially on the value end of the market
I fully agree with you. My next one won’t be a Bambu, but as long as my P1S works, it’ll be my main machine. And back when i bought my A1 mini, there simply was no comparable alternative in the sub 200€ range. It’s great that this is now a different story, but since printers take a couple of years to break down, the change in market share won’t happen overnight.