As predicted by tech-industry analysts, 3D printing is no longer as costly as before. In fact, a quick search on popular online retailers will populate models of varying price points and capabilities. However, if you’re patient enough, crowdfunding projects such as the Snapmaker UI promise better features than regular options.
With the exception of flagship SKUs, most 3D printers only support a single color at a time. If you want to combine more than one shade, the printing material needs to be changed in intervals. Therefore, creatives who prefer convenience will find Snapmaker’s system as the versatile choice. Plus, the slogan claims it has “5x More Speed. 5x Less Waste.”
Depending on how efficient the unit is, one print job can also produce waste as it purges the toolhead. With four separate modules, users can load the different filaments accordingly. Meanwhile, Snapmaker also highlights the SnapSwap system, which allows you to quickly change out toolheads in five seconds.
According to the press materials, “the U1 uses steel-ball kinematic couplings to click each print heat into perfect position, then locks it securely—no screws, no magnets, no extra motors. Locked fast, rock solid, tested over 1,000,000 swaps with zero failures.” With this in mind, the annual savings from efficient printing are impressive to say the least.
Its CoreXY motion system leverages the lightweight yet rigid properties of carbon fiber. On top of precision, the 500 mm/s speed across the 270 mm x 270 mm x 270 mm work area equates to more prints in less time than average. The UI measures 584 mm x 499 mm x 730 mm and weighs approximately 40 lbs.
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Images courtesy of Snapmaker/Kickstarter
