Leading technology company Snapmaker has launched its new U1 3D printer in Australia which is aimed at a broader range of customers, including creators, educators, hobbyists, and small businesses.
The Snapmaker U1 is a 4-toolhead 3D printer and can make multi-colour and multi-material 3D prints faster and more efficiently.
The printer was first launched through Kickstarter last year where it received support from 20,680 backers and raised $US20.6 million.
The attraction of the new unit is its ease of use which will make it easier for newcomers to 3D printing to get started.
Conventional multi-colour systems load different filaments through the same nozzle but the U1 has four independent tool heads, with each colour or material loaded on its own filament path.
So when a print requires a different colour or material, the unit swaps the entire tool head instead of unloading and reloading filament through the same nozzle.
Snapmaker says a typical tool change takes about 5 seconds.
Another benefit of its tool changer architecture is the substantial reduction in waste associated with multi-colour printing.
Snapmaker says the U1 produce up to 85 per cent less filament waste than shared-nozzle filament-switching 3D printers.
Apart from different coloured filament, the Snapmaker U1 also allows users to use different types of filament for their prints.
New types of filament include rigid and flexible filaments or dedicated support materials so you can produce more complex functional parts while reducing the need for manual material changes.
The UI can automatically calibrate the multiple toolheads, load filament, and monitor the print.
There is even a small camera built in so users can connect via the companion app to see the progress of their work.
The Snapmaker U1 has a build volume at 270 x 270 x 270 mm which is a generous amount of space for your 3D prints.
“Making digital creation more accessible has always been central to Snapmaker,” says Sheila She, Head of Global Go-to-Market at Snapmaker.
“We designed the U1 to make multi-colour and multi-material printing faster, cleaner, and easier to use, while reducing the material waste commonly associated with filament changes.
“We’re excited for Australian customers to discover and experience tool changing 3D printing.”
The Snapmaker U1 is available now for pre-order through JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman at the discounted price of $1,299.
The Snapmaker U1 will go on sale on October 15 and will be priced at $1,399.
