An ongoing 3D-printer AGPL violation(lwn.net)
479 points by Velocifyer 14 days ago | 218 comments
tl;dr: Bambu Lab is violating the AGPLv3 by shipping a modified PrusaSlicer (Bambu Studio) that dynamically loads proprietary .so files which call out to Bambu's servers—exactly the network-service loophole AGPL was designed to close. The Software Freedom Conservancy is coordinating a response via its "baltobu" project, mirroring reverse-engineered code (like OrcaSlicer) after Bambu issued a DMCA takedown, and recently blew past a $250K fundraising goal to hire a full-time litigation attorney. SFC notes the 3D-printing community's enthusiastic engagement has been unusually effective at popularizing copyleft awareness.
HN Discussion:
  • Practical workarounds exist via LAN mode and reverse-engineered open source tools
  • Litigation strategy suggestions like using Court of International Trade to block imports
  • Chinese tech industry systematically violates GPL and only import bans can stop it
  • ~Bambu products just work well despite ethical concerns, making customer loyalty understandable
  • Clarifying questions about compliance requirements and what the proprietary components actually do