So, what did they make?

Real Car Parts. Model Cars. Automotive Artwork.

Let’s take a look:

Meet the Master

Sponsored Teams

Schumacher CLRT

Snapmaker gifted the team a Snapmaker Artisan Premium, a J1s, and large quantities of TPU, ABS, Nylon, PVA, and other specialized materials to give them everything they need to blaze a trail across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia!

And how’d it go? They took home the Porsche Super Cup and the Carrera Cup France! They also made an appearance at the Macau Grand Prix, where the Snapmaker Team, which gave us the opportunity to meet the team in person. You can watch the video here.

Every single day, Schumacher CLRT uses 3D printed parts on their cars.

3D printing allows Schumacher CLRT to replace some of their heavier metal tools and parts with lightweight alternatives. It lets them produce intricate and unique parts that simply aren’t available from traditional suppliers. The CNC and Laser functions allow for even more capabilities, like making subtactive adjustments to various pieces and adding customizations across the car.

In the photo set below, you can see a wide range of specialized fasteners, adapters, caps, unique tools, custom mounting solutions, and all manner of precision parts specially designed to make the most out of their Porsche 992 GT3 Cup, 992 GT3R and 991 GT+ Rally Cars.

Team Solaris

Team Solaris is a Solar Car Racing team from Dokuz Eylul University in Turkey. Specializing in electronics engineering, the team used the Snapmaker J1s and A250 to build PCB Boards, aerodynamic surfaces, and other specialized parts for their cars. This past fall, they took their S11 Solar Car to South Africa to take part in the Sasol Solar Challenge!

Here we’ll link to Solaris’ Instagram video where they show off how they used the Snapmaker A250 to build custom PCBs. By designing their own electronics hardware, Solaris has maximum control over their cars’ performance, efficiency, and weight.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Solar Team Solaris (@solarteamsolaris)

Here we can see Solaris testing their car in a virtual wind tunnel, which allows them to simulate real world modifications to the car’s body structure. With the new design set up in the digital world, they use their J1s to print the required parts, and then install them!

This is the heart of Maker Culture – thinking, designing, building, and implementing.

And in this video we can see Solaris testing their machines, building models and novelty name plates to celebrate our collaboration!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Solar Team Solaris (@solarteamsolaris)

Everidge Racing

Cassten Everidge took his his heavily modified Chevrolet SS all over the American Midwest in a series of intense stock car races – with the help of the Snapmaker Artisan Premium.

In this video, we can see him using the machine in some of his off-season projects:

Check out more from Cassten on his website, including this story from the Winchester Speedway!

ATTACKER!

ATTACKER! is an EV racing team from Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, making full use of the Snapmaker Artisan Premium’s 3-in-1 capabilities to build custom parts for their racer. This past October, they took their racer to the NIO Cup in Hefei, China.

ATTACKER! used the CNC function to build special mounting brackets for the battery cooling system – while you can special order these custom parts for delivery, it was a lot faster to simply cut them out of aluminum on-site. 3D Printing was used extensively for molds for the car’s air ducts, battery box cover, and other assorted pieces. Finally, Snapmaker’s laser was perfect for building custom PCBs.

Let’s see the car in action here:

RC Cars

Snapmaker is a top choice for RC Hobby enthusiasts, including our friends Hemistorm RC, RCSparks, Soarpix3D, and more!

For Accelerate with Snapmaker, we partenered with Mr. Goodcat to produce this video on the Koenigsegg Jesko:

You can find the Car Body here: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/various/porsche-911-992-gt3-rc-car

And the RC Car Chassis here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4892947

Also, we highly recommend watching Mr. Goodcat’s How To Video that he put together for another project on a Porsche 911:

And for an example of some of the amazing (non-RC) Model Cars our friends have built with Snapmaker, check out Duke Doks’ Back to the Future Delorean:

Hot Pursuit!

As part of Accelerate with Snapmaker, we launched a video contest, challenging Snapmakers to build real car parts, automotive artwork, and model cars – with a prize of $911!

You can check out all entries through the playlist here (the embedded video shows only the first entry but Watch on YouTube and you can see the whole list):

Or jump straight into the winner’s circle:

Auto Art Award: @ Whiskyclubcanada

Model Car Winner: @ BerndMichalak

Real Car Part Winner: @ Alin_3196

Stay Tuned for Accelerate with Snapmaker 2025!

Sincerely,

The Snapmaker Pit Crew

The post Accelerate with Snapmaker appeared first on | Blog.

Gulang has been a Snapmaker 2.0 user for 4 years. He is an electrical engineer who is keen on designing and making interesting stuff by himself. Recently, he also beta-tested the Snapmaker 2.0 Quick Swap Kit and provided valuable feedback to Snapmaker.

When did you become a Snapmaker user?

I saw Snapmaker’s second-generation machine on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter in 2019 and placed an order. After a long wait, I finally received an email informing me that the printer had been shipped and they were assembled as soon as they were received. At that time, I was completely ignorant of 3D printing and didn’t even know the principle. I only knew that it is done layer by layer. After the machine was installed, all three functions were tested. I didn’t choose to use the official model samples, but instead downloaded the models myself from the internet, one Batman and one Iron Man. It took me a long time to slice them, so in the end I scaled down the Iron Man model. These two models are still on my desk in my office (Batman’shead has already fallen off).

Why did you choose Snapmaker?

I knew that the initial crowdfunding was very successful. Lots of users supported it. The appearance also looks good, and there are three functions that can meet my needs quite well.

What is the most memorable project you have ever done with Snapmaker 3D printer?

When I bought a Wuling Miniev car years ago, the original gear knob position was too low, making it inconvenient to operate. So I gradually learned to make models and create samples, and printed a total of 2KG of materials before completing the final product. This can be counted as my first work.

Since becoming a Snapmaker user, what have you gained in your maker journey? 

I made more friends via the user community, learned knowledge that I didn’t know before, and I started making more progress. I realized that there are so many things 3D printing can do, and there is so much knowledge behind it. Gradually, more and more 3D printed models have been integrated into various things I usually design and produce: office equipment, car accessories, household accessories, equipment maintenance tools, woodworking tools, tool racks, and so on. What was originally impossible or difficult to implement has become simple and convenient. The dream is becoming true. In order to better utilize the performance of the machine, I will need to tweak it. Therefore, I have specially designed a rack and cabinet for easy maintenance and adjustment. At the same time, I have conducted tests, data analysis, and other tests on various aspects of the printer to ensure that the machine operates in good working condition.

From your perspective, what progress has Snapmaker made over these years?

Snapmaker is now 7 years old, and I have owned this printer for 4 years. During these 4 years, Snapmaker has made significant progress. Software, hardware, resources, and many other aspects are rapidly getting better. I was also lucky to participate in some software and hardware testing programs and recognized that Snapmaker has been working hard to improve user experience continuously. Nowadays, the printing speed is more than twice as fast as when I first bought it, and the print quality is also greatly improved. There are also more and more functions, accessories, and new models, which are getting better and better.

What do you want to say to the Snapmaker team?

I would like to say to the Snapmaker team, thank you for designing this interesting product. Your spirit of continuous effort is worth learning. While constantly launching new products, please also keep improving the experience of the previous models. I wish you all the best

The post Snapmaker 7th Anniversary Column | Letter from Gulang appeared first on | Blog.

Hi Makers,

Approaching the end of June, our 7th Anniversary Column also comes to its last episode. Over the past month, we are happy to talk to different users and get to know their stories. Lilian Chamontin from France often surprised the community with beautifully made CNC projects. He is also an active participant in our Snapmaking Contest held quarterly.

When did you become a Snapmaker user?

I became a Snapmaker user two years ago when I received it as a gift from my wife (I love her !) for my 50th birthday. I used to be a kind of a frustrated artist, with lots of things in my mind I was not able to transform into reality (music, drawing, sculpting…) due to a lack of manual skills. Now I’m still a frustrated artist (can’t do anything with my own hands ) but at least I can design original stuff and see it coming to reality. This is a big and very rewarding change!

Why did you choose Snapmaker?

I started using my Snapmaker F350 with the laser head, having the feeling it would be easier to master the technical side of it, then I moved to CNC which I still use very often, and finally 3D printing. Every time I design and make something new, I also learn something; and each time I have this great feeling of having passed a new mastery milestone. This is what motivates me the most.

A jewel box designed by Lilian (Files: https://lcdevs.com/cnc/jewel-box/)

What is the most memorable project you have ever done with Snapmaker 3D printer?

I’m proud of all my designs, from my early CNC attempts (jewel box, Roman aqueduct) to the latest rotary gnomes. I’m also liking more and more 3D printing, which is a bit more practical-oriented, but it’s so nice to fix or enhance stuff: My latest aquarium toolkit (starting with a glass vase) involved designing an aquaponic system, lighting, heating, and feeding slots. My dozen of fish seem to love it!

An aquarium system with integrated aquaponics, made from an old vase (20/25 liters) and black PLA.  Lilian 3D-printed the pump/heat/light holder and the top flowers/filtering system. 

The Mandala Maker by Lilian

From your perspective, what progress has Snapmaker made over these years?

I love the built-in quality of Snapmaker and the latest Artisan design is awesome. I especially like the quick swap features (expecting them now for the 350 !) and the stronger and bigger tools provided. I’ll have to wait unfortunately a few years before being able to purchase one (or I try to win another contest and finish first this time !).

What do you want to say to the Snapmaker team?

I would like to encourage the Snapmaker team in their daily job: keep up the good work and improve the already fantastic tools you’ve designed. Oh and please implement a proper roughing pass for the rotary CNC, it’s doable right now but so error-prone it’s frustrating, and without it, it takes a full week to carve a medium-sized sculpture Thank you Snapmaker for having awakened the maker inside me.

The post Snapmaker 7th Anniversary Column | Letter from Lilian Chamontin appeared first on | Blog.

Hi Makers,

Daniel is one of the top contributors to Snapmaker 2.0 owners group. He is a father who likes making different stuff for his family members. Read on to learn about his story with Snapmaker!

When did you become a Snapmaker user?

I got my first Snapmaker A350 on May 1, 2021, and became a Snapmaker member on December 14, 2021.

Why did you choose Snapmaker?

I chose Snapmaker primarily because of its ability to transform the machine from 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC. These varied modules allowed for a wide variety of projects and applications. In all honesty, I was a little intimidated by the 3D printing feature initially; completely intrigued, but intimidated. The fact that other modules were included made for more confidence in the purchase of the Snapmaker. Another fun fact is that I remember reading an article that reported the Snapmaker Kickstarter launched on my birthday in 2019, making the Snapmaker feel more like a “meant to be” purchase.

What is the most memorable project you have ever done with Snapmaker 3D printer?

My most memorable project is a Batman statue. This was my first extensive print that contained multiple pieces. It took me a few months to gain confidence in the machine; spending countless hours watching prints. I would certainly spend all night babysitting my prints and refused to leave them at first. (Keep in mind I have never done anything remotely close to 3dprinting, CNC, or laser engraving; this was all brand new to me.) My Batman statue has over 500 hours of printing, sanding, assembling the pieces, filling seams with wood glue, and painting. This is truly a print that I am most proud of completing.

Batman statue by Daniel

Since becoming a Snapmaker user, what have you gained in your maker journey? 

With an amazingly narrow learning curve, I was able to create many fantastic pieces. I have enjoyed my journey with Snapmaker so much that I bought a second machine and I have had my machines running constantly for the past 3 years. I feel as though I have learned a great deal about the ins and outs of 3D printing, so much so that I am able to set it and forget it (for the most part). Above all, I have learned that patience is of the utmost importance.

Different projects made by Daniel

From your perspective, what progress has Snapmaker made over these years?

I have seen constant growth in many aspects. The Community has grown from a near 4,000 members when I first joined to over 29,000 members to date. I also see that they are constantly evolving; staying up-to-date with Luban.

What do you want to say to the Snapmaker team?

You have made me look good for the last 3 years. From someone that uses the default settings, I can say that your machines are dialed in. You definitely know what you are doing. Without you, none of this would be possible. Thank you!

The post Snapmaker 7th Anniversary Column | Letter from Daniel Tallman appeared first on | Blog.

Snapmaker met many of our users because of Kickstarter. And Henry is exactly one of our backers, who supported J1 in 2021 because of its build quality and innovative calibration method.

When did you become a Snapmaker user?

I morphed from a Jadelabo user to a Snapmaker User on the day Snapmaker acquired Jadelabo, then officially on the joyous day of my J1’s arrival.

Why did you choose Snapmaker?

Having previously been the VP of R&D for a capital equipment manufacturing company: I was looking for the IDEX printer that had both a solid mechanical foundation (the castings) and an innovative enablement of software for automated calibration. The J1 met those specifications along with a very clean and current design style.

What is the most memorable project you have ever done with Snapmaker 3D printer?

There are two that stand out for me: one was a collaborative effort among several members of the J1 owners’ Facebook group to beta test an internal spool holder retrofit. The testing really made for a better design that worked on a multitude of slicers and materials – as a result, I see many many users who are enjoying the design.

Snapmaker J1 HEPA/Charcoal filter retrofit by Henry (Check out the model: https://www.printables.com/model/446939-snapmaker-j1-hepacharcoal-filter-retrofit?fbclid=IwAR3LA7XyrwryaWJb26ngBRvLu6DH-diTAYbqwPJlb_ol9CsHcLD7J3rT5xk)

The other is a project done for my grandchildren in which they learned how to use TinkerCad and also came away feeling equally enabled to “make” things with the colored filaments as they do with colored crayons.

3D-printed and hand-painted “Hello Kitty” pencil holders for Henry’s grandchild’s school birthday party

Since becoming a Snapmaker user, what have you gained in your maker journey? 

IDEX type printing not only has improved my manufacturing bandwidth but has also enabled more complex designs using support materials or multi-color designs as well. What is great is that Snapmaker has continued to keep pace with my needs with software that is continually improved with new features, such as the new “painting” feature in Luban.

From your perspective, what progress has Snapmaker made over these years?

I don’t have any experience with Snapmaker before the J1, so I can only speak of what I’ve seen since the merge with Jadelabo. I see an agile, innovative company that has discovered it can use a platform, such as Kickstarter, to fund leapfrog product development programs. They know that a product is never done and working to improve issues that are being reported within the community of users.

What do you want to say to Snapmaker team?

I want to say thank you for all your efforts to date. Thank you for keeping the promises made. I would remind the product developers that no product is perfect (there have been similar issues discussed by a minority of users )so aftermarket support is very important to establish credibility and continue to attract new users. Listen closely to your most demanding users – they will help drive your next innovations. Some of us use these machines in an R&D and light manufacturing operation (as I do) and have high uptime requirements. By the way – my machine has paid for itself many times over and continues to be a trusted workhorse. I’m grateful to have been able to support the J1 user community with a balanced view of the printer’s capabilities (for me, it has been a very positive experience) and share a couple of retrofit designs that provide features that have been in demand.

The post Snapmaker 7th Anniversary Column | Letter from Henry Martinez appeared first on | Blog.

Let me introduce René Ruschetta from Switzerland today. René has become a Snapmaker Artisan user for 6 months and he has already been surprising the community by sharing his awesome projects in the Facebook group very often.

When did you become a Snapmaker user?

I became interested in 3D printing 3 years ago. I was 66 years young and had no idea what I was in for. The adventure of 3 d printing began with a Creality CR 6 SE. With a lot of patience and perseverance, I understood more and more how the whole thing works. But I quickly wanted to print multicolor parts and bought the MOSAIC PALETTE 3 PRO. A good but very difficult adjustment thing to achieve good results. Then I bought, again from Crealiy, CR 10 Smart Pro, which is also a top printer for beginners. But I wanted more and better. I searched the Internet and came across the Snapmaker and my blood pressure rose enormously. Yes!!! This is the part I must have. But I thought I should wait a little longer because these guys are light years ahead of other manufacturers. The wait was worth it. The Snapmaker artisan was born and has been a proud owner for 6 months.

Why did you choose Snapmaker?

I chose the Artisan because you have 3 options in one device. But most often I use only the printer and laser, CNC, which I have never used until now. I will then try a CNC project on my 70th birthday, so in a year.

Paintings by René Ruschetta

What is the most memorable project you have ever done with Snapmaker 3D printer?

This guy was the most difficult. He almost drove me crazy because he wouldn’t stay on the pressure bed or the supports broke away. After what felt like three weeks, he finally stopped. He probably realized that he couldn’t think I was stupid. Haha. But I still don’t know how I made the settings.

Since becoming a Snapmaker user, what have you gained in your maker journey? 

Anyone who buys the artisan and has little or no experience must be aware that it is not a toy. It will also not work with every filament. It’s just a matter of trying it out, and in my opinion, there’s no getting around it. But it is worth it and achieves perfect results.

3D Printing Projects by René Ruschetta

From your perspective, what progress has Snapmaker made over these years?

You actually make progress every day. I am a person with the slogan, can’t be done, with a lot of patience and time everything is possible. I used kilos of filament for test prints until I found the right settings. Unfortunately, the Luban slicer is not exactly the rolls royce slicer, but for certain parts quite good. But must be urgently improved since one achieves much better results with cura and prusa.

What do you want to say to Snapmaker team?

Now to the Snapmaker team：

As already mentioned, improve the Luban slicer. A spring steel plate for the heating bed would also not be bad. But this is purely a matter of opinion. On the whole, you are completely on the fast track. Keep it up. You can be proud of what you have created. Congratulations.

The post Snapmaker 7th Anniversary Column | Letter from René Ruschetta appeared first on | Blog.

Let’s meet Lightning Bug Club today! Lightning Bug Club is an owner of Snapmaker 2.0 and Snapmaker Artisan 3-in-1 3D Printer. Lightning Bug Club also once won the third prize in the 10th Snapmaking Contest “Remain Childlike” with a Kaleidoscope project. He has an Esty store that sells 3D printed goods.

When did you become a Snapmaker User?

Kickstarter for the A350 2.0! Been exclusive and faithful to Snapmaker ever since ?

Why did you choose Snapmaker?

I wanted the 3-in-1 capability. As a mechanical engineer, I used the machine shop in college a lot and miss the freedom of making real things with multiple materials.

What is the most memorable project you have done with Snapmaker?

The clay cutter tool that I 3D printed custom for @mudwitch to use to cut some clay plates out in a special shape. It was my first time using PETG and I remember upgrading my linear modules before that. The program had a lot of squiggles in the design and it made the machine make a very enjoyable sound. I mostly remember loving hearing it print into the night – it was comforting ?

Since becoming a Snapmaker user, what have you gained in your maker journey? 

I have products that I’ve designed and created with Snapmaker’s 3-in-1 capability that I intend to sell at an art market this month. It’s helped me unlock the freedom to allow myself to create and take my maker journey seriously.

Shimmering Lamp made with the 3D printing and CNC function of Snapmaker Artisan

From your perspective, what progress has Snapmaker made over these years? 

The hardware build quality has steadily improved in my opinion. The artisan is the best example of that. Luban, while still not my preferred software, has also improved greatly. I am excited about the paint mesh feature!

What do you want to say to the Snapmaker team? 

Hearing the desire for new features and fulfilling a lot of them has been one of my favorite parts of the team. It does seem like you listen to feedback and act on it. When necessary you justify the means for a decision and I highly respect that. Giving us transparency is so amazing ??

The post Snapmaker 7th Anniversary Column | Letter from Lightning Bug Club appeared first on | Blog.

Hi Makers,

Today’s talk was with Dylan, who is a user of Snapmaker 2.0 and Snapmaker J1. Dylan is a typical software engineer and maker. Besides being a fast learner, he is also a doer who seeks solutions right away when he runs into hiccups.

Now, let’s meet Dylan!

When did you become a Snapmaker User?

In 2020, amidst the supply disruptions caused by COVID, I took it upon myself to create some small tools to assist my family and friends. These tools included a mask helper and a storage rack for disinfectants, which I placed outside my door. While I had previously dabbled with resin 3D printing, I quickly realized that these tools were not suited for production using that technology. As a result, I made the decision to purchase my very first FDM 3D printer.

Why did you choose Snapmaker?

Purely by chance, I stumbled upon the Snapmaker 2.0 series while browsing through Google. Upon learning that device offered three-in-one functionality – 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC – I began exploring the possibility of using it to create a storage rack that required CNC technology. Despite the relative scarcity of information available at the time, I scoured YouTube for operation videos. And sure enough, I found exactly what I was looking for – Snapmaker 2.0 is the perfect tool for my project.

What is the most memorable project you have done with Snapmaker?

I created a unique and personalized celebration gift for my friend’s promotion, which stood out amongst all the other gifts that day. Using FDM printing technology, I crafted a 15cm diameter Golden Coin with a face value of One Billion Yuan. To complement it, I utilized CNC cutting to make a stunning display box out of transparent acrylic. As a final touch, I employed laser engraving on an aluminum alloy to inscribe the words “Vincent has a small goal” onto the base. This project allowed me to explore and experiment with new laser and CNC functions, ultimately helping me to gain new insights and grow my skill set.

Since becoming a Snapmaker user, what have you gained in your maker journey? 

As previously mentioned, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have selected the Snapmaker 2.0 printer. The combination of its three-in-one functionality is truly remarkable, and I have struggled to find comparable devices on the market. Prior to my purchase, I had been working exclusively in software development and had no prior experience with laser engraving or CNC technology. As such, I was initially apprehensive about mastering these industrial-grade technologies. However, this device proved to be incredibly user-friendly, and while I have yet to use it in my professional endeavors, it has allowed me to successfully tackle a multitude of challenging tasks in my personal DIY projects.

From your perspective, what progress has Snapmaker made over these years? 

As a long-term user of both the Snapmaker 2.0 3-in-1 and J1 IDEX 3D printers, I have been impressed by the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and improvement over the past several years. Despite consistently releasing new devices to meet evolving market demands, Snapmaker has also gone above and beyond to provide upgrades and improvements to its old models, ensuring that they remain up-to-date with the latest technology. Introducing features such as quiet printing, high-power laser, dual nozzles, and vibration compensation technology is a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence. As a software developer myself, I can appreciate the immense challenges that come with implementing such cutting-edge advancements.

What do you want to say to the Snapmaker team? 

I would like to express my gratitude to the Snapmaker team for their unwavering commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. I sincerely hope that they will continue to work tirelessly and develop more innovative products, thereby enabling an even greater number of people to experience the joy of technology.

At last, we would like to thank Dylan and his contribution to the community. Here are some of his contributions that have benefited lots of our users:

• Upload tool: https://github.com/macdylan/sm2uploader
• Post processor for other slicers: https://github.com/macdylan/Snapmaker2Slic3rPostProcessor
• Plugin for Cura (Public Archive): https://github.com/macdylan/Snapmaker2Plugin
• His designs: https://printables.com/@Dylan

Learn more about the 7th Anniversary Sale.

The post Snapmaker 7th Anniversary Column | Letter from Dylan appeared first on | Blog.

Hi Makers,

Snapmaker is celebrating our 7th Anniversary this month! It’s also a good time for us to take a moment and have a talk with our users about their thoughts on Snapmaker and their progress in the maker journey. Our first talk was with Randy Springer, who is a user of Snapmaker Original, Snapmaker 2.0, and Snapmaker J1. Randy is a plastic product/injection mold designer. Besides his job, he is also a grandpa and a community contributor.

Now, let’s meet Randy!

When did you become a Snapmaker User?

I am an original Kickstarter backer. I started using my Snapmaker hours after it was received in early 2018. We arrived home from a trip to Mexico and the box was waiting at my front door, I was so excited that I set it up in my kitchen before I unpacked from our vacation. I created a calendar ring and started printing. I am a big fan of Kickstarter and have supported many projects, some successful, some not. I am very happy that this was a successful project.

Why did you choose Snapmaker?

I like innovative products that are designed well. I decided to back the Snapmaker project because it seemed to be well thought out. I am a plastic product/injection mold designer, so I was familiar with 3D printing, but never had my own printer. I am also familiar with CNC milling and laser cutting. This product was a way to enter all three worlds with a relatively small investment.

What is the most memorable project you have done with Snapmaker?

Having a tool like this in my home has opened a lot of options. Besides the ability to print replacement parts for broken items around the house, I could also make gifts for friends and family. I am also an inventor, so I always have ideas swimming around in my head and I am now able to hold them in my hand. The greatest thing that I’ve done with the Snapmaker was to design, print and test a replacement lid for travel mugs that I was able to bring to market. I am now selling my own products online.

Randy’s invention: The Tip-Top

Since becoming a Snapmaker user, what have you gained in your maker journey? 

I had never owned any equipment like this before, so I started with familiarity with the concepts but no knowledge of how they really work. The Snapmaker software helped get me started and the internet was a great resource for fine-tuning my skills. I have been able to create so many things that I would not have been able to do otherwise and there is not enough room here to discuss them all. On the 3D printing side, I know a lot more about materials and what to expect when printing, so I have fewer failures. I use the laser quite a bit and have gotten better with that. With more experience, I may be able to produce a cleaner product, but the laser does well for its type. I don’t use the CNC very much, but I want to do more with it when I have time. Since receiving the SM1 I have added two more machines, the A350 and the J1 and I converted a storage area in my basement into a workspace. I considered buying the Artisan but I would have to lose the 350 since I have run out of room. I have always tried to make my hobbies pay for themselves and I have done that many times over with Snapmaker products. Either through making prototypes and products for others or creating and selling my own products. My journey has certainly progressed and continues to do so.

From your perspective, what progress has Snapmaker made over these years? 

I backed the original project because of its innovation and the promise of future expansion, I was disappointed when that didn’t happen, but it was made up for with the SM2. I backed the J1 even though it was not a Snapmaker product at the start because I had built trust in Jade through our communication with Snapmaker. I was happy when she returned to the Snapmaker team. I know that starting a company is tough, especially with this type of technology and things don’t always go as planned. I had faith in the Kickstarter projects and Snapmaker has proven to be a successful group dedicated to providing a quality product. For me, customer service has always been great and lately, communication has improved. Seeing quick responses to issues on Facebook groups is very encouraging to the user. Snapmaker has kept up innovation with the product lines and the software that supports them, and I am sure that there are more upgrades to come.

What do you want to say to the Snapmaker team? 

I would like to say Congratulations on 7 years and thank you to the entire team. There are a lot of products available that can do what your product does. But it’s not just the product, it’s the people behind it that make the difference. Keep moving forward with new innovations and push the limits of your machines. You can only discover what will work by finding out what will not.

The post Snapmaker 7th Anniversary Column | Letter from Randy Springer appeared first on | Blog.

Recently, we had the chance to speak with the talented Content Creator and Product Designer Zi Hao Low from Singapore, who has been a Snapmaker 2.0 user for a year. In our conversation, he talked about how he started 3D printing and brought it to various commissioned projects, and shared his vision of integrating 3D printing into education and the future of desktop FDM 3D printers. Read on to learn more about him and his journey with 3D printing.

Who is Zi Hao Low?

As an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honors) at the School of Art, Design, and Media at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, Zi Hao is dedicated to developing his artistic and design skills through his coursework and independent projects. He is currently focused on the study of product design. In addition to his academic pursuits, Zi Hao is also the founder of Para ( ) Studios and a content creator.

Zi Hao’s personal belief is that the process of learning and exploring new mediums is an ongoing journey that is essential to personal growth. He recognizes that the more skills he acquires, the more possibilities he has for creating new and meaningful work. He also understands that a growth mindset, which allows him to be open to new ideas and perspectives, is crucial for identifying and seizing opportunities for further learning and development.

An Interview with Zi Hao

Snapmaker: When and how did you find your way to 3D printing? 

Zi Hao: I started 3D printing approximately 2 years ago, in 2021, out of necessity. As a product designer, I quickly realized that rapid prototyping was a critical step in creating design iterations and enhancing the overall quality of my projects. However, my passion for 3D printing didn’t end with my work. In my free time, I enjoy tinkering around and printing random objects, both as a hobby and as a way to hone my skills in using a 3D printer. Overall, 3D printing has become an essential tool for me as a designer and a fun pastime that allows me to explore my creativity. 

SM: How’s your experience with Snapmaker 3D printer? What do you love about Snapmaker 3D printers? What can be improved?

ZH: I have been using the Snapmaker 2.0 A350T for almost a year now, and I must say, it is one of the most dependable 3D printers I have ever worked with. As an owner of a printing farm consisting of about 16 printers from different brands, I have tested multiple consumer-grade desktop 3D printers, and the A350T stands out for its consistency.

What sets the A350T apart is its unwavering reliability. I once had to run all my printers 24/7 for two straight weeks to complete a commercial project on time. While some of my smaller printers gave me trouble, the A350T kept running smoothly without any issues. I only had to switch the nozzle once every 1-2 months, and it was good to go again. The only downside I have noticed is the sound produced by the A350T. Although it’s not a major issue, it’s something that could be improved upon.

SM: How do you think Snapmaker 3-in-1 3D Printer can help you with your art and design?  Do you also use laser and CNC functions for your projects? 

ZH: I have found 3D printing to be an incredibly helpful tool in my work. While it is traditionally used for prototyping, I am working to promote it as a viable finishing product. Additionally, I have found the CNC and Laser Cutting modules to be useful in my projects. I use the Laser Cutting tool occasionally for simpler models that don’t require 3D printing, and while the CNC module is effective, the clean-up process makes it more time-consuming and requires more effort for me to use. 

SM: You often have multi-disciplinary collaborations with different companies and industries. What kind of role did 3D printing play in the realization of these commissioned projects? 

ZH: Fine details are also achievable with the A350T, allowing for a high level of accuracy in the final product. As a professional who frequently undertakes large-scale projects with various clients, I strive to create bespoke solutions tailored to their specific requirements. One of the significant advantages of utilizing 3D printing technology is the ability to rapidly produce custom designs. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with a newly opened bar in Singapore, where I utilized the Snapmaker 2.0 A350T to create 3D-printed planes for a ceiling installation.

A 3D printed ceiling installation at The Kongsee, an open bar in Singapore

This not only impressed my client but also allowed them to physically experience the prototypes with a range of options available, including scaling, textures, and colors. The A350T proved to be an excellent choice for this project, delivering quality-looking prints with exceptional precision and detail. The ability to bring a client’s vision to life is something that is highly valued in my profession, and 3D printing makes this entire process of project management much more efficient and effective.

SM: What materials do you regularly work with? We know that you are very into paper craft which has a different medium compared to 3D printing. Does 3D printing open up some new possibilities for your art and design?  

ZH: As a designer, I enjoy working with a wide range of materials, and paper is one that particularly fascinates me. Like 3D printing, paper is incredibly versatile and has many potential use cases. I love exploring origami and parametric ideas, and often find ways to incorporate elements of both 3D printing and origami in my work.

As mentioned, I was commissioned to create an origami plane ceiling installation. While I initially considered using paper as the material, my concern was that the planes might not be durable enough for long-term use. This led me to think about alternative materials, and 3D printing immediately came to mind. Unlike paper, 3D printing offers superior durability, can be quickly fabricated without any supports and is much easier to maintain over time.

A close-up of 3D-printed planes

After proposing this idea to my client, they were impressed with the potential of 3D printing and agreed to move forward with this approach. This project has opened up new opportunities and options for me as a designer, and I’m excited to continue exploring the intersection between 3D printing and traditional materials like paper in my future work.

SM:  Could you talk more about your paper plane ceiling installation?

ZH: Creating the 3D-printed plane installation was a fascinating experience, especially since it was my first time working on a project of this magnitude. Unlike other installations, ceiling-mounted pieces present unique challenges as they involve public safety concerns when hanging overhead. After receiving client approval and providing quick renderings, I set to work fabricating 800 3D-printed planes, using the A350T to print not only the planes but also the brackets that were subsequently attached to each plane.

Snapmaker 2.0 A350T in action

One of the significant advantages of 3D printing was that I was able to print all 800 planes in a single week, thanks to the 16 printers in my print farm. While I faced some challenges with print quality inconsistency and print failures when using other printers, the planes printed with the A350T required no post-processing and had zero print failures.

Installation was straightforward, as I designed the planes to be easily hooked onto the brackets. Despite the challenges associated with such a project, the overall experience was relatively smooth, and the end result was a satisfied client.

SM:  We are also interested in your 3D-printed kinetic sculpture recently exhibited at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Center. Could you tell us more about this project? It seems to me that it’s part of your kinetic structure series.

ZH: Creating this kinetic 3D-printed sculpture for the 2023 Singapore Art Week exhibition was a thrilling experience. Standing at 1.1m tall, this sculpture was an adaptation of a kinetic piece I created the previous year. However, what made this exhibition particularly exciting was the opportunity to engage with the public and address their skepticism about 3D printing’s role in art.

I relished the opportunity to explain my creative process and how I use 3D printing as a tool to bring my ideas to life. Ultimately, my workflow involves digitally designing the models using 3D software and then 3D printing the modules, which are then manually pieced together to create the final sculpture.

Through this exhibition, I was able to engage with the audience and explore the intersection of art and technology, demonstrating how 3D printing can be used as a creative medium, just like any other tool. The end result was a kinetic sculpture that challenged conventional notions of what constitutes art.

SM:  We also noticed that you ran education workshops from time to time. In your opinion, how 3D printing will fit into future education? Why is it essential for students nowadays to have access to this emerging technology?

ZH: While I have conducted paper craft workshops for youths and adults, I have yet to organize a 3D printing workshop. However, I believe that there is enormous potential in conducting 3D printing workshops, particularly for the younger generation. By exposing children to this technology at an early age, we can inspire them to think creatively and explore the vast array of possibilities that 3D printing offers.

Over the years, entry-level 3D printers have improved significantly, making it easier for people to access and utilize this technology. In fact, I envision a future where 3D printers become as ubiquitous as 2D printers in our homes.

By introducing students to emerging technologies such as 3D printing, we can help to push the boundaries of what is possible and foster innovation that can positively impact society. Ultimately, these young minds will be the ones to continue pushing the limits of this technology, creating new applications, and driving further progress in this field.

SM:  As a designer, do you have any expectations for the future of desktop FDM 3D printers?

ZH: In the future, FDM 3D printers should be designed to be as user-friendly as our everyday 2D photocopy printers, requiring only a few clicks to operate. Designers should not have to comprehend the technical intricacies of the printer components. As technology and artificial intelligence continue to advance at a rapid pace, I believe that FDM printers will become increasingly affordable and accessible to everyone. It is intriguing to consider how the intersection of these two fields will shape the future, and the possibilities that lie ahead are exciting!

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