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.)

  • Marvelicious@fedia.io
    2·
    7 days ago

    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.

    • ParadoxAEnglish
      2·
      6 days ago

      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

      • Marvelicious@fedia.io
        2·
        6 days ago

        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.

        • ParadoxAEnglish
          2·
          6 days ago

          Yeah I’m keeping eyes on the voron.

          My next printer must have the following, else it’s not much of an upgrade

          • Multiple extruders or changeable tool heads
          • 500mm^3 print volume
          • Actively heated enclosure
          • Lidar and auto tramming
          • Ams like thing
          • Full opensource
          • Core xy. Not interested in a bed slinger
            • ParadoxAEnglish
              2·
              6 days ago

              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