Guides
When a 3D print feels weak or snaps too easily, most people assume the fix is more infill. It seems logical. More plastic inside should mean more strength. In reality, that approach often wastes time and filament while doing very little to improve durability. The real secret sits in a
Guides
In the world of 3D printing, few finishes are as captivating as real metal. You’ve likely scrolled through social media and seen 3D printed busts that look like solid antique bronze, or mechanical parts with the gleaming shine of chrome. This isn't just metallic paint. It is
Guides
Picture this: You’re baking cookies with your kids on a Sunday afternoon. The shapes are unique—a heart with your child’s name, or a star with a custom swirl. You didn’t buy these cookie cutters; you made them yourself on your 3D printer. As 3D printing becomes
Hi Snapmaker Community, Over the past month, our U1 Test Pilot Program has been in full swing. We shipped 19 beta units to experienced community members and past Snapmaker video contest winners. They have provided detailed feedback that has been invaluable in refining the U1 before full-scale production. This blog
The day is here. The official Snapmaker U1 Kickstarter campaign launches today, August 19, at 7 AM PDT / 4 PM CEST. This post contains all the final details you need to back the project the moment it goes live and secure your U1 at the exclusive Kickstarter price. We'
Tool changer 3D printers are redefining the possibilities of multi-material printing. Unlike traditional designs, these advanced machines feature a system that can automatically swap between different tool heads during a single print job. This core capability opens the door to creating complex parts with multiple materials and colors, without the
Do you use more filament than expected when printing in many colors or materials? You are not alone. In 3D printing, there is a process called purge. This means pushing out some filament to clean the nozzle. It happens before a print starts or when the printer switches color or
This week, we're unveiling the next era of Snapmaker: the U1, a high-speed, multicolor, multimaterial 3D printer, powered by an independent 4-head extruder swapping system: SnapSwap™.
Easter celebrations have long been a time for families to come together, celebrate spring, and enjoy time-honored traditions. But this year, why settle for store-bought decorations when you can create something truly unique? Imagine a hunt filled with custom-made treasures, crafted with your own hands. Let's explore how
There is nothing quite as heart-sinking as checking on a 10-hour print only to find the last few inches look like a brittle sponge. Or perhaps you’ve returned to find the printer “air printing” inches above the model, with no plastic coming out at all. This is under-extrusion. It
You are sketching an idea for a small 3D print or thinking of making a simple engraved gift, and then the real question hits you. How do you change your idea on paper into something a machine can make? Most people find this hard the first time they try to
If you’ve ever waited 14 hours for a print that failed in the last ten minutes, or struggled with ghosting artifacts on your models, you’ve likely stumbled into the debate of Marlin vs. Klipper. For many users, firmware is just "the stuff that makes the printer beep.
PETG is one of those filaments people turn to when they want something tougher than PLA but not as temperamental as ABS. It’s strong, holds up well under heat, and has a solid balance between flexibility and rigidity. When paired with a Snapmaker, especially the Direct Drive setups, you
A clogged nozzle can mess up a print pretty quickly, even if the rest of the printer is doing fine. Most blockages start as tiny buildups you don’t notice at first, and then they keep growing until the filament barely comes out. In this guide, we’re walking through
If you have ever printed a complex model—like a miniature figure or a part with intricate overhangs—you are likely familiar with the frustration of removing standard supports. You spend hours prying off dense plastic scaffolding, only to find the surface underneath is scarred, rough, or completely ruined. There
You've got a powerful 3D printer, and Christmas is just around the corner. You have the unique ability to make gifts that are perfectly customized, thoughtful, and one-of-a-kind. But let's be honest: finding genuinely great gift ideas can be overwhelming. It's easy to get
Imagine this: you spend hours perfecting a 3D model. It looks flawless on your screen, every curve just right. You hit print, wait patiently, and when the part finally cools, it’s… rough. Maybe even fragile. The problem usually isn’t your filament or printer. It’s the layer height,
Every perfect print begins with one thing: a strong first layer. It’s the unshakeable foundation on which your model rests. If that layer slips, lifts, or warps even slightly, hours of printing go straight into the bin. Most print fails? They start right here, on the bed. When your
Buying your first (or next) 3D printer is a serious investment. It’s not just a purchase; it’s an entry into a new world of creativity, prototyping, or even a small business. But with new models launching all the time and prices fluctuating, it’s frustrating to know when
We said we'd be back! Join us in Germany for an incredible opportunity to get hands on with Snapmaker U1, meet and greet some of our favorite creators, and get to know the Snapmaker team firsthand! 🏢 Booth F99, Hall 12.1 🗓 November 18-21, 2025 📍 Messe Frankfurt, Germany 🌟 1.
When you’re ready to print, you go to save or download your 3D model and you’re faced with a choice: the familiar .stl or the newer .3mf. If you're confused, you're not alone. For decades, the STL file has been the default. But it&
