- Snapmaker U1 turns four extruders into one seamless multi-material printing system
- The printer achieves a print speed of 500 millimeters per second while maintaining accuracy.
- AI tools detect filament errors before the print fails completely.
Snapmaker has officially launched its long-awaited U1 3D printer after… crowdfunding campaign it raised over $20 million from over 20,000 backers.
Pre-order cost on the website company website Listed price is $849.00, down from the original $999.00.
The Snapmaker U1 combines CoreXY's motion design with the SnapSwap tooling system, which allows users to switch between four preloaded extruders in about five seconds.
The new standard in multi-material printing
Each extruder can process different colors or materials, effectively turning one 3D printer into a machine to process multiple materials without the downtime associated with traditional thread changers.
Snapmaker claims that this design not only increases print speed by up to five times, but also reduces filament waste by as much as 80 percent.
Unlike many 3D printers for hobby that require manual adjustment and frequent purging, the U1 automates key steps.
It features vibration compensation, automatic calibration and a bed leveling process that ensures printing accuracy even at speeds reaching 500 millimeters per second.
The manufacturer says its algorithms fine-tune extrusion and stabilize tool head movement, maintaining clean surfaces and sharp edges, improving multi-color performance.
Its automatic thread management system supports up to four spools, automatically detecting, loading and tracking material usage.
The printer also works with Snapmaker Orca software and mobile app, allowing for remote monitoring and control.
These tools simplify the workflow, especially for creators experimenting with mixed materials such as PLA, TPU and PETG.
A miniature 3D printer The camera inside the camera provides time-lapse recording, and thanks to a planned firmware update in 2025, it will support AI-based error detection.
This system is expected to detect thread tangles or print failures and alert users through a connected app.
In addition to automation and software features, the machine has a working volume of 270 x 270 x 270 mm, which allows large projects to be completed without loss of precision.
The printer provides acceleration speeds of up to 20,000 mm/s², which ensures fast movement without any visible loss of quality.
It has a nozzle temperature of up to 300°C and a heated bed that reaches up to 100°C to ensure stable adhesion.
Each of the four tool heads has an offset tolerance of less than 0.04mm, which is important for clean transitions between materials.
However, despite its strong performance and claims of “five times faster speed” and “five times less waste”, the U1 still needs to prove that these benefits hold up in real-world conditions.
High-speed printing often poses challenges with layer accuracy and temperature control, especially when working with mixed materials.
For a crowdfunded product, questions about long-term reliability, component life, and calibration consistency remain open.
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