I’ve been noticing an unsettling trend in the 3D printing world: more and more printer manufacturers are locking down their devices with proprietary firmware, cloud-based software, and other anti-consumer restrictions. Despite this, they still receive glowing reviews, even from tech-savvy communities.
Back in the day, 3D printing was all about open-source hardware, modding, and user control. Now, it feels like we’re heading towards the same path as smartphones and other consumer tech—walled gardens, forced online accounts, and limited third-party compatibility. Some companies even prevent users from using alternative slicers or modifying firmware without jumping through hoops.
My question is: Has 3D printing gone too mainstream? Are newer users simply unaware (or uninterested) in the dangers of locked-down ecosystems? Have we lost the awareness of FOSS (Free and Open-Source Software) and user freedom that once defined this space?
I’d love to hear thoughts from the community. Do you think this is just a phase, or are we stuck on this trajectory? What can we do to push back against enshitification before it’s too late?
(Transparency Note: I wrote this text myself, but since English is not my first language, I used LLM to refine some formulations. The core content and ideas are entirely my own.)
It’s giving me serious pause when looking at things like the new Bambu printer
I really like my x1c, but I haven’t upgraded it’s firmware yet, and probably never will, because the local features are just too good. I know I can replace a lot of the bambu cloud features with octoanywhere, but I shouldn’t have to
I installed the X-plus firmware, switched to LAN mode, blocked WAN acess at my router and use Orca slicer and honestly, I’m pretty happy with the result. That doesn’t mean I’d give Bambu a second chance after their recent moves.
Apparently the h2d is crippled if you use offline mode. No cutter or laser support
This is what I was always afraid of. With the x1c they didn’t really take away any hardware features if you put it offline and so the trade-off was acceptable. But locking you out of the physical hardware that you’ve purchased is a whole new story. Kind of like the dishwashers that require an app to do a rinse cycle.
For what the h2d costs you can get an awful lot of printer from a different brand
Honestly, if I were in the market for another machine right now I’d be taking a hard look at building a Voron. I don’t WANT a project like that, but it seems like the best compromise in the quality and capability vs price compromise. I’m told they’re working on a 600mm³ model that may really tempt me when they finish.
Yeah I’m keeping eyes on the voron.
My next printer must have the following, else it’s not much of an upgrade
We’re on very similar pages I think.
And frankly, there’s not really too much I want to do that the x1c can’t presently do, so there’s minimal need to go buy a big new expensive printer, or build one
I can wait until they work the bugs out.