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Bambu Labs moves to block Orca Slicer
New soon to be released firmware prevents 3rd parties from interfacing with printers directly
Steven D
January 16, 2025
Find the latest updates on this story here.
A press release on the Bambu Labs website appears to cloak a security update as one blocking 3rd party slicers from working with it’s printers directly. This will prevent Orca Slicer from sending print jobs to Bambu Lab Printers without a new app and added steps for the user.
From the press release:
Critical Operations That Require Authorization The following printer operations will require authorization controls: Binding and unbinding the printer. Initiating remote video access. Performing firmware upgrades. Initiating a print job (via LAN or cloud mode). Controlling motion system, temperature, fans, AMS settings, calibrations, etc.
Specifically in the press release they called out Orca Slicer:
Network Plugin for Third-party Slicer
Network plugin API for Third-party slicing tools (e.g. OrcaSlicer) based on open-source Studio development will no longer be able to utilize Studio’s network plugin API for authorization control. For these users, Bambu Connect client software will act as a replacement. This new software removes slicing functions while enabling remote control and print initiation.
As you can see this requires a new tool in order to go from Orca Slicer to the printer. This is further backed up by the following:
If you choose to upgrade to the firmware version with Authorization Features, you must download and install Bambu Connect (a printer control software) from the official website. After installation, you can export sliced .3mf files from OrcaSlicer and open them with Bambu Connect. This software allows you to send the files to your printer and monitor print progress.
So for now we would recommend you do NOT upgrade your firmware if you use Orca Slicer. Bambu Labs may improve the experience but for now this is pretty damning for maintaining Orca Slicer integration in your printing workflow.
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