Snapmaker U1: High-speed 3D printer features four toolheads for quick filament swaps

The Snapmaker U1 is a new 3D printer with a recommended retail price of $999. As part of an ongoing crowdfunding campaign, backers can purchase the system at an early-bird price of $749. The manufacturer is also offering a limited-time cashback bonus for those who reserve early, effectively reducing the price to $679. One of the standout features of the Snapmaker U1 is its four toolheads. Although a single toolhead or nozzle can certainly handle multiple filaments, swapping colours or materials typically requires the active filament to be cut, leading to downtime and material waste. Meanwhile, the Snapmaker U1 promises to switch toolheads (and thus filaments) within just five seconds.

Despite featuring multiple toolheads, the U1 is designed to maintain minimal vertical shifts of less than 0.04 mm. Print quality is further enhanced by built-in compensation for flow delay and automatic bed levelling. Instead of assigning a unique filament to each toolhead, users can load identical filament types into multiple toolheads as backups.

Like many modern 3D printers, the Snapmaker U1 comes equipped with a built-in camera for live monitoring in its chamber, which boasts a built volume of 270 x 270 x 270 mm (10.6 x 10.6 x 10.6 in). The nozzle and heated bed can reach maximum temperatures of 300°C (572°F) and 100°C (212°F), respectively. Optional add-ons and a hardened nozzle are required for printing with carbon fibre filaments. Other practical features include a touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity and USB support.

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