I initially pushed back on using the Bambu “Print Profiles” (3MF files), but after digging into them more I see that they have many advantages over just using STL files. Especially for novice printer users.
For instance, I had a rather large part that I had to print several times before I got it right. The STL file never changed, but the slicer settings for it needed a lot of experimentation. There was a 160mm diameter base ring, some 90mm tall curved spokes that met at a central hub. To minimize print time, and at the same time get strong, good looking spokes, I ended up using the Layers to change the infill percentage and print speed just for the spokes, and reverse the wall order. This took a lot of experimentation with tree supports and other options before I got this right. Also the supports were a pain to remove, so I used the Support Painting to split them into two halves so they were easier to remove. By posting a 3MF file for the part I could tie this information to the part, and save another maker from having to go through the same pain, time and filament waste.
I also see Bambu’s ability to apply different print settings to every part (object) on a print bed as a real advantage. It allows a user to generate one print job (gcode file) that optimally handles each part on the bed. So I can print more parts at the same time, minimizing the number of jobs that I need to run. Slicers that only support global settings mean that I need to create a separate print job for each part that requires unique processing. This kind of information is not supported by STL files, or by other slicers for that matter.
So I believe that there are several advantages to 3MF files over just using STL files:
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Learning what print settings (support, orientation, etc.) to use for complex parts comes with experience, and a 3MF file (especially Bambu’s) can be very useful for helping someone new to 3D printing to be successful on their first try.
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Multiple plates help minimize forgotten parts.
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Parts don’t need to be rotated to their optimal print orientation.
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The printing options for each part can be optimized on the same build plate.
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It is easy to drag parts from plate to plate if you want to change colors of parts, or if you need to reprint a part that breaks or fails. And their print settings move with them.
The disadvantage of a closed system is that you can’t hack it to your liking. But I believe that 99 percent of people who use 3D printers don’t have the skills to do that. They are just interested in having a successful print, not experimenting with printer optimizations. I did a quick survey and less than 5% of the people that download my designs, also post designs. This implies to me that only a small percentage of people who download files know how to use a 3D modeling program. Which makes sense, because they can be expensive, are complicated and have huge learning curves. It wouldn’t surprise me that the same percentages applied to users that want to hack a printer slicer or firmware.
The advantage of a closed system is that it can support proprietary features that make the system easier to use, and help ensure more successful prints, like: known filament characteristics, RFIDs on filament spools to convey those characteristics to the printer and the slicer, well characterized hardware; printers, nozzles, etc., known slicer idiosyncrasies/features, custom 3MF files, etc. You have to work within the constraints of the system, but assuming it is well designed, it can lead to simpler, faster, and more successful printing.
You can get to the same place using STL files, but it will take you longer.
With that said, a lot of poorly configured or organized 3MF files get posted, which means going back to the STLs and generating your own settings. Especially when dealing with non-Bambu filaments. Filament settings are critical for a successful print, and sometimes even the Bambu settings may need tweaking.
And relative to how my data is used by Bambu, I don’t know. If you are concerned, then use their local network option. But given my experience with people at Bambu that I know, I have no reason to suspect that they are using my data for anything more than improving their product. Exploiting your data in other ways is bad for business. There are many conspiracy theories, but you do see relatively few documented cases of this, and it never ends well for the company doing it. And these few cases do not justify making blanket statements about all companies of a particular nationality. I believe that most companies are just trying to offer a good product for a competitive price, and make a profit doing it. The bad press associated with data misuse is never good for the bottom line. And every company that I have ever worked at has made it clear that if an employee is caught doing this, that they will be fired. And I’ve seen that happen.
