Snapmaker 2.0 is the latest version of its widely popular 2016 predecessor, the Snapmaker 1.0 All Metal FDM Desktop 3D Printer. The first Kickstarter project that raised a whopping $2.2 million is now followed by the Snapmaker 2.0 which has created a Kickstarter record by becoming the most funded technology project on the crowdfunding platform raising a massive $7.8 million.
What makes Snapmaker so popular on Kickstarter and how has it managed to make the machine into the most funded project? Let us dive deep into understanding the same.
Snapmaker 1.0 – An All Metal 3D Printer
Snapmaker 1.0 was a super successful 3D printer that boasted of a sleek all-metal look that allowed users to 3D print, Laser engrave and CNC carve. An attractive proposition to enthusiasts and hobbyists who always look into such machines that can do much more than being just a single device. The simple marketing was to get three machines for the price of one. The Snapmaker 1.0 was priced at $439 in its campaign – which in itself is a competitive price for any of the single machines but to get three modules for $439 was simply a no-brainer for the target customer.
The all-in-one Metal 3D printer was, according to the team, a complete ‘Desktop Makerspace’ since it combined 3D printer, the laser engraver, and CNC carving with interchangeable heads.
With a focus on quality and precision, the machine was able to capture the imagination of the maker community and went on to raise the funds it did.
Snapmaker 2.0 Modular 3-in-1 FDM 3D Printer
Last year, the Snapmaker team launched its second Kickstarter campaign for Snapmaker 2.0 Modular 3-in-1 3D printer. The latest version of the 3D printer builds on the positives of its predecessor and now comes with smarter functions, larger build volume, and powerful performance. It comes in three different sizes to cater to different users.
Snapmaker 2.0: What it Offers?
As mentioned, the Snapmaker comes with 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC carving capabilities. Let us see each one individually.
1. Snapmaker 2.0: 3D Printing
Snapmaker 2.0 modular 3-in-1 3D printer is an ideal choice for beginners who are just getting started, hobbyists who prefer more customized options, as well as engineers and designers who want to print large objects or accurate parts with outstanding print quality
The 3D printer can print with multiple materials like PLA, ABS, Wood, Flexible and more to produce common applications requiring specific mechanical properties, such as toughness, durability, and flexibility.
Notable Features
Auto-Bed Levelling
The printer comes with an auto-bed levelling sequence that allows the users to avoid the tedious task of levelling the bed each time a print is to be carried out.
Heated Bed
The print bed comes with heating capability thereby enabling better bed adhesion and also allows printing with difficult materials like ABS.
Filament Runout Sensor
The printer is equipped with a filament runout sensor that notifies the user of the absence of filament thus avoiding ‘air printing’.
Upgraded Cooling System
Snapmaker 2.0 boasts of an upgraded cooling system to print objects with deep overhangs and smoother surfaces.
Flexible Platform
As available with many new printers nowadays, Snapmaker 2.0 comes with a removable flexible print sheet. The magnetic sheet can be easily removed after the print and a simple flex of the sheet will remove the printed object from its surface. It can as easily snap back into its place.
Technical Specifications
- Build Volume
- A150: 160 x 160 x 145 mm,
- A250: 230 x 250 x 235 mm,
- A350: 320 x 350 x 330 mm
- Heated Bed
- A150: Up to 110°C
- A250: Up to 100°C
- A350: Up to 80°C
- Layer Resolution: 50 – 300 microns
- Nozzle Temperature: Up to 275°C
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
- Supported Materials: PLA, ABS, TPU, Wooded PLA, etc.
- Supported File Types: STL, OBJ
2. Snapmaker 2.0: Laser Engraving & Cutting
One of the main advantages of Snapmaker 2.0 is the fact that it can allow laser engraving. Here the modular design of the machine helps as it is easy to interchange between the different modules. The 3D printer extruder assembly can be replaced with a laser engraving tool head and the printer gets converted to a laser engraving machine.
The Snapmaker 2.0 laser engraver can engrave on a wide variety of materials including paper, plywood, leather, acrylic, cardboard, paper, fabric, and even food like cookies and coconuts.
Notable Features
Built-In Camera
The laser engraver boasts of a built-in camera that allows the user to preview their design with whatever material is used. Users can also edit the design and precisely position it exactly where they want it to be
Draw. Capture. Cut.
The smart Snapmaker software can help the user to recognize and transform their drawing into a vector image for laser engraving or cutting.
Faster Engraving
The new Snapmaker comes with a Line mode to allow for faster engraving for grayscale images. This feature saves a lot of time while engraving large grayscale images.
Aluminium Grid Table
The aluminium grid table acts as a protection against damage to the 3D printing bed from the laser beam.
Technical Specifications
- Work Area
- A150: 160 x 160 mm
- A250: 230 x 250 mm
- A350: 320 x 350 mm
- Laser: 1600mW 450nm Laser Diode
- Wavelength: 450nm
- Safety Class: Class 4
- Supported Materials: Wood, leather, plastic, fabric, paper, non-transparent acrylic, etc.
- Supported File Types: SVG, JPEG, PNG, etc.
3. Snapmaker 2.0: CNC Carving
Lastly, Snapmaker 2.0 can also be used as a CNC router to create precision 2.5D and 3D objects. As compared to the first Snapmaker, it is faster with a larger workspace area.
The CNC carving functions effectively on a range of materials right from plastics and soft materials to hardwood, PCB, acrylic, POM, carbon fibre sheet, etc.
Notable Features
ER11 Collet
Snapmaker 2.0 features a fully upgraded CNC module. The new standard ER11 Collet guarantees a better concentricity that allows for a faster CNC carving speed and larger step-down. It also supports over one hundred carving and cutting bits.
Wasteboard & Clamping Kits
Each Snapmaker 2.0 comes with an MDF wasteboard and clamping kits. The wasteboard is removable and can protect the bed from damage as well as providing a smooth and levelled surface for precise CNC carving.
Dust Resistance
Important components like the lead screw, driver chip, and precision parts are purposefully enclosed in the aluminium alloy housings, to keep them dirt-free thus reducing maintenance and improving durability.
Technical Specifications
- Work Area
- A150: 160 x 160 x 90 mm
- A250: 230 x 250 x 180 mm
- A350: 320 x 350 x 275 mm
- Shank Diameter: 0.5mm-6.35mm (0.02-0.25 inches)
- Spindle Speed: 6000-12,000 RPM
- Supported Materials: Wood, acrylic, PCB, carbon fibre sheet, jade, etc.
- Supported File Types: .CNC/.NC
Universal Features of Snapmaker 2.0
3-in-1 Software
The Snapmaker consists of a single powerful software tailor-made for the 3-in-1 Snapmaker machine. It has multiple features like multiple models printing/engraving/cutting/carving, SVG editing, relief carving, and multiple language support.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
The Snapmaker 2.0 has a WiFi connectivity feature and a USB port to upload designs, update the firmware or control the operations.
With the Wi-Fi feature and the USB port, you can connect your Snapmaker 2.0 to any configuration for your convenience. You can upload designs via Wi-Fi or USB flash drive and print with the touch of a button. Besides, you can update the firmware over Wi-Fi directly.
Smart Touchscreen
The machine sports a smart 5-inch touchscreen equipped with a Quad-Core A7 CPU @1.1GHz, running under Android OS providing a smooth and fast interface.
Power-Loss Recovery
Snapmaker 2.0 can automatically detect power-loss, and thus pause the operation and subsequently resume exactly where it left off.
Easy To Assemble
Snapmaker 2.0 convinces people that the printer can be assembled in 20 minutes in the first try itself.
Pricing
The Snapmaker 2.0 comes in various sizes and with three different modules to choose from. The price for the highest A350 module with all its features is priced around $1079 (Check Price on Amazon).
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