3D printing getting moneytized

[sundancer 43070xp 0]

So two days ago Bambu Lab posted this article:

https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/

This basically boils down to “any software that is not authorized [aka made by us and bought by you] will not work once you’ve upgraded your firmware”. Making every 3rd party software useless on a Bambu Lab printer.

Now, I’m pretty sure there where already 3D printer companies who did this day 1 with any printer and that is ok. If you (as a producer of 3D printers) want to make sure hard- and software work together 100% than that is fine. As long as you’re open and upfront about it.

But building your brand on openness and than taking that away. That’s bad. Yet they will do that as that way down lies the options to monetize on 3D files.

Imagine you need to buy a printer from brand “BL” because their firmware works in tandem with 3D files from miniature company “GW” because of copyright protections and limited print runs? Buy an STL but you’re only allowed to print it 3 times.

That’s where this is going. And other 3D printer companies will follow. Because DRM makes money. And after all: companies want to make money.

On the other hand I think Bambu Lab printers will be had for cheap now on ebay the next few days? 😉

[dawfyddParticipant 12066xp 0]

Hmm, that does come across as a shady move by Bamboo Labs. Honestly though, DRM has long been proven to do jack & shit to prevent piracy, in many cases doing the opposite and causing it to spike as folks get hacked off by DRM impeding their enjoyment of a product they have legally brought. I doubt any move to implement the same amongst the 3D printing community will fair any better….

[sundancer 43070xp 0]

Honestly though, DRM has long been proven to do jack & shit to prevent piracy, in many cases doing the opposite and causing it to spike as folks get hacked off by DRM impeding their enjoyment of a product they have legally brought.

True but that won’t stop greedy corpo from trying. It’ll be the 1980s again with cracked files, WareZ sites and mates exchanging USB sticks. Maybe even a 3D printer Demo scene? XD

[dawfyddParticipant 12066xp 1]

Arrrrrr

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