The Saga of Hacking a Bambu X1 Carbon
Bambu Labs has long been synonymous with excellence in the world of 3D printing. Their printers are renowned for their exceptional quality and reliability. However, as with any closed ecosystem, this excellence comes at a cost – freedom. Following a firmware release earlier this year, Bambu printers were found to be woefully incompatible with third-party slicers. This was a significant blow to the community, particularly for those who value flexibility and customization.
The Nozzle Conundrum
One of the most frustrating aspects of working with Bambu printers is the nozzle replacement process. The current design makes it nearly impossible to swap out nozzles without compromising the integrity of the printer. This limitation is further exacerbated by the lack of availability for specialty sizes, such as 1.8mm. It was clear that something had to be done to address this issue.
Modifying the Nozzle
To overcome the limitations posed by the Bambu Labs nozzle, [Proper Printing] embarked on a mission to create a compatible heat sink. This involved sourcing an E3D V6 ring heater and a heat break assembly. The addition of these components was crucial for ensuring proper clearance with the stock shroud. With the help of a 3D-printed jig, fresh holes were cut and tapped into the heat sink to accommodate the new components.
Adding a Heat Break Assembly
The E3D V6 ring heater required a custom mount to fit within the confines of the Bambu shroud. A 3D-printed jig was used to create the necessary holes, allowing for a secure and precise installation. The heat break assembly was then attached using crimping techniques, followed by some careful filing to ensure smooth wire routing.
Breaking Free from FOSS Restrictions
While modifying the nozzle was a crucial step in printer liberation, it was only half the battle. To truly free the Bambu X1 Carbon from its proprietary firmware constraints, [Proper Printing] turned their attention to installing an open-source (FOSS) control board.
The New Control Board
A fan was sacrificed to mount a Big Tree Tech control board, which would serve as the brain of the operation. Fortunately, most components connected seamlessly with the new board, except for one issue: the extruder. The X1's extruder communicated through a proprietary protocol, presumed to be CAN bus.
Solving the Extruder Dilemma
To overcome this hurdle, [Proper Printing] created a custom mount for the popular Orbiter extruder. This solution ensured that the printer could continue to function as intended while still benefiting from the flexibility offered by the new control board.
The Final Touches
No journey is complete without a few final touches. A custom-made screen mount was added to complete the transformation, tying together all the various components and bringing the Bambu X1 Carbon under its owner's control.
The successful completion of this project serves as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of those who refuse to be bound by restrictive firmware. For those in need of printer liberation, [Joshua Wise’s] journey into custom X1 firmware is an inspiration to follow.
With the Bambu X1 Carbon now free from its proprietary shackles, the possibilities for customization and innovation are endless. As this project demonstrates, with persistence and creativity, even the most seemingly intractable challenges can be overcome.