As 3D printing technology continues to advance, it’s no surprise that people have started to explore the creepy possibilities of the tech. In the latest example of 3D printer gone wild, two of the most popular models on the market, the Bambu X1C and the P1P, experienced a malfunction and began to print while their owners were asleep.
The machines belong to two families in Thailand. Each family found that when they woke up the next morning, the printers were completing items which they had not queued up the night before. Their discoveries quickly went viral on social media platforms, earning the monikers “3D Printing Nightmare Fuel” and “Robo-Printer.”
The issues with both machines were traced to faulty wiring. In the Bambu X1C, a defect in the power supply caused a short in the microcontroller, causing it to boot up and start printing unexpectedly. The P1P had a loose board wire which made the connection that should have stopped the machine from starting up.
While some users found the incidents humorous, others point to the possible danger that may come from machines that can start running without user input. Typically, 3D printers are not intended to run unattended, and uncontrolled printing could lead to fires or other danger.
Fortunately, the manufacturers of the models in this case took action quickly and are currently issuing a fix for all affected products. While this particular incident didn’t have any serious consequences, it serves as a reminder to 3D printer owners to take all safety precautions to avoid any future mishaps.
Ultimately, this story serves as a reminder that while 3D printers can be incredibly helpful and fun tools, they must also be used responsibly. Keeping your printer up to date, regularly inspecting the wiring and hardware, and taking defensive steps against power outages are all important steps in 3D printing safely.