When Bambu releases an updated version of the X1C, I hope they focus on making key components upgradeable, especially the electronics. This would prevent users from being locked into outdated hardware and help Bambu expand its market share by appealing to both new and existing customers.
One feature I would like to see improved is the LiDAR system. If it could scan entire objects and auto-correct in the XY plane, it would be a game-changer for precision and ease of use.
Another upgrade I hope for is a redesigned hotend that’s easier and faster to swap, similar to the one on the A1. This would simplify maintenance and reduce downtime.
While these improvements might eventually result in a completely new printer, offering an upgrade kit would be a smart move. It would demonstrate Bambu’s commitment to sustainability and long-term usability, reinforcing their dedication to supporting their products over time.
If Bambu doesn’t provide such upgrades, third-party manufacturers might step in. However, it would be far better for users to stay within Bambu’s ecosystem for compatibility and reliability.
What are your thoughts on this? What do you think will happen, and why?
I don’t think it will go the way you describe, for a couple of reasons:
bambu’s closed (Apple like) business model, where customers are hold captive through proprietary hardware and software. Bambu also controls the distribution and logistics chain from A to Z;
bambu’s life cycle guarantee policy for the current generation of printers, which is made publicly available on their website, and which guarantees updates and spares up to a specific date and year.
As side note, Tao said in an YouTube interview that they won’t extend support for the existing printers beyond that date. …and that, perhaps will decide to release software/firmware for the obsolete machines as open source…
Remains to be seen.
Bambu’s closed, Apple-like business model has its pros and cons.
But the cons is obvious — you’re locked into their ecosystem. Repairs, upgrades, and even spare parts depend entirely on Bambu’s decisions. Their life cycle guarantee policy gives some peace of mind for now, but it’s clear there’s a cut-off date. After that, current printers might be left without official support.
I think this approach may cause them issues later. They’re already losing some customers who don’t want to be tied down to a closed system. Their mindset around limiting upgrades and controlling every aspect of their products might work for now, but it could backfire if users feel abandoned or locked out when support ends.
What’s interesting, though, is that Tao mentioned in a YouTube interview that they might open-source the software and firmware for older models once they stop supporting them. If they actually follow through, it could be huge — letting the community keep those printers alive and even improve them.
In the end, I think if Bambu balances its closed system with some form of long-term support — either through upgrade kits or open-source releases — they could really win over a lot of users. It’s something that would turn a potential negative into a big win for everyone.
One of my biggest gripes with the P1S is it’s uncertain future. Based on the reports in this forum, it sounds like quite a tricky repair to replace the x axis gantry or the idlers on it.
After about 1.5k print hours I can already see some grooves on the carbon rods, and that is a part that you can’t really ignore. Once the extruder becomes loose, I will likely start having leveling/print issues.
I hope that the x axis outlives the printer, then I wouldn’t mind them being so tedious to replace. I hope they will make that easier with the next printer. Otherwise I might consider buying a prusa printer or whatever is competitive at the time instead.
There will be no upgrades released for the existing printers, that was also clearly said by Tao, so don’t expect any upgrade kits from Bambu (like Prusa, Creality, and others tend to do), not unless you (and community members) won’t come up with any. It looks like Bambu’s so called “support” isn’t planned to extend their printers life cycle… rather is intended to encourage acquiring newer iterations, new generation printers, and dropping the older ones like unwanted luggage. And it’s pretty obvious Bambu won’t even consider developing and releasing any upgrade kits, or else they would have done it by not already.
While Bambu’s printers are innovative and perform well out of the box, their long-term usability is questionable due to this locked-down approach that you said. If you want a printer you can upgrade and maintain for many years, Bambu’s current business model makes that difficult.
Prusa feels like a safer bet, but you’re definitely paying a premium for that peace of mind.
The fact is that Bambu’s intended audience is not the average tinkerers but the hobbyists and the beginners, who wanted an out-of-the-box functioning printer. Prusa, with the exception of Core One (freshly launched), an out-of-the-box machine and (partially) the XL, which still requires some level of tinkering, Prusa printers do require to work on them to make them work. Hell, the business model is completely different, Prusa encourages development, peer improvement , develops and makes available upgrade kits and software/firmware that allow users to improve and continue using their machines…
Different brands, different business models, (absolutely no comparison between) two customer support type services…
It would be great if we could get the best of both worlds: Bambu’s out-of-the-box simplicity and Prusa’s open-source flexibility. Imagine a printer that’s ready to go right away but also lets you upgrade and customize as you grow with the hobby. It would be a win-win for beginners and experienced makers alike.
I’m not a “lost” customer but I definitely hesitated to jump aboard due to these issues. I despise Apple’s business model! For the X1C the pros outweighed the cons this time (barely), but I can say for sure that I will continue to closely evaluate the field looking at open alternatives when the next time to purchase a printer comes around.
A promise to eventually open the hardware/firmware would be a sufficient mitigation for me to deal with this system to start off. That’s kind of the best of both worlds - you get the up front period of a more cohesive experience, and then get to tinker later on after the warranty is gone anyway.
It would also be a fast way to clear leftover inventory at the end of life of these devices, since it’d suddenly be a real option for the Open/Libre community die-hards and would instantly expand your market size.
Opening up the hardware/firmware after the warranty period would be a great compromise. You’d get a smooth, cohesive experience at first, and then full control later when you’re ready to tinker. It could also help clear out older inventory and attract the open-source community, making the device appealing to a much wider market.
It seems like a win-win that more companies should consider.