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.)

  • TheRealKuni@midwest.socialEnglish
    2·
    6 days ago

    I just want a printer that doesn’t require you to upload your gcode to their cloud server before getting permission from them to print.

    Even on Bambu’s locked-down firmware you can just toss the gcode on the SD card and print that way if you don’t want to deal with their cloud service. Or throw it on a flash drive and plug into the USB port.

    My previous printer could ONLY function via SD card, so I’m kinda used to that anyway.

    Don’t get me wrong, I think Bambu locking down their firmware and forcing everyone through their cloud service is shitty. But you can print without it still.