Snapmaker U1: A tool-changing, Multi-Color, High-Speed 3D Printer

Snapmaker Returns to Roots with U1: A Closer Look at the New Multi-Color, Tool-Changing 3D Printer

Snapmaker, a name synonymous with versatile desktop fabrication, has officially lifted the curtain on its newest creation: the Snapmaker U1 3D printer. After a flurry of online speculation, the company confirmed it will launch the U1 on Kickstarter, the same platform that kickstarted its original success. The U1 is a dedicated 3D printer that promises to tackle one of the biggest challenges in desktop FDM printing: multi-color and multi-material projects.

The U1 is built on a CoreXY motion system, a choice that immediately signals an emphasis on speed and precision. Snapmaker claims the U1 can hit printing speeds up to 300 mm/s with a maximum acceleration of 20,000 mm/s². This puts it in a competitive league with other high-speed consumer printers on the market.

However, the real talking point is the new SnapSwap intelligent tool-changing system. This isn’t just another multi-color module; it’s a completely new approach. Instead of a single extruder with a complex purging system, the U1 utilizes dedicated print heads for each material or color. The U1’s main print head swaps between these stationary modules, a process Snapmaker claims takes just 5 seconds. This method is designed to drastically reduce the filament waste and time typically associated with multi-color prints, with the company claiming up to an 80% reduction in waste.

The system allows makers to combine up to four different materials or colors in a single print. This opens up possibilities for not only vibrant aesthetics but also functional combinations like printing with a rigid material for the main body and a flexible material for a gasket, or using a dissolvable support material. Snapmaker states the system’s precision is high, with tool offsets maintained under 0.04mm.

Targeted at both hobbyists and professionals, the U1 features a fully enclosed chamber for stable temperature control, making it suitable for printing with more demanding filaments. It also includes modern quality-of-life features like automatic mesh bed leveling and advanced compensation algorithms for input shaping and pressure advance, all aimed at producing accurate and high-quality prints with minimal user intervention.

While we’ll have to wait for the Kickstarter campaign for full details and pricing, some key specifications have been released:

• Motion System: CoreXY for high-speed and stability.
• Tool-Changing: SnapSwap™ system with 5-second swaps.
• Multi-Material/Multi-Color: Four dedicated hotend modules.
• Build Volume: Approximately 270 x 270 x 270mm, a respectable size for an enclosed desktop printer.
• Enclosure: Full enclosure for thermal stability.
• Filament: Compatible with 1.75mm third-party filaments, though Snapmaker’s own filaments will have RFID recognition.
• Interface: A color touchscreen for intuitive control.

Snapmaker’s decision to launch the U1 on Kickstarter is a significant nod to its origins. It’s a move that re-engages with the community that helped build the brand through the successful Snapmaker Original and Snapmaker 2.0 campaigns. This strategy not only generates initial funding but also fosters a direct connection with the maker community for feedback and support.

The Snapmaker U1, with its promise of fast, efficient, and waste-conscious multi-color printing, is shaping up to be a compelling addition to the 3D printing market. We’re looking forward to seeing how it performs and what the community thinks once the campaign officially begins.

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