Accelerate with Snapmaker

This year, we sponsored Schumacher CLRT, a Porsche Racing Team, who made the most of the Artisan and J1s, using 3D Printed, Laser Cut, and CNC’d part to dominate races all over the world, from Spain to Italy to Macau to Saudi Arabia.

This wasn’t the only team we sponsored as part of Accelerate with Snapmaker – find out more here.

Snapmaker Supercharged Cinema

Check out these projects from our friends all over YouTube! Whether its building a special tool missing from your workshop, putting together the ultimate trap to catch Santa, or building a time-traveling Delorean, Snapmaker’s 3-in-1 machines make it possible.

Unleash the SnapDryer

At Formnext 2024, we unveiled our first collaboration with PolyMaker, the SnapDryer.

• Dry and store your 3D filament in one solution with this modular design. Say goodbye to your filament’s moisture, and hello to your project’s creativity!
• Buy it here!

Key Products

1064nm Infrared Laser Module

Released in the Spring of 2024, the 1064nm Laser Module unlocks a whole new set of ultra-fine, precision engraving capabilities to your Snapmaker machine.

• Find out more here.
• Buy it Here!

Artisan Premium 3-in-1 3D Printer

In June we released the Snapmaker Artisan Premium, the Ultimate 3-in-1 Machine. It comes with a dual extrustion 3D Printer Module, a powerful 40W Laser, and a 200W CNC Module, with a massive 400mm³ workspace.

Supercharged Software

Upgrade to Snapmaker Orca

Snapmaker users have been asking for official support for their 3rd party integrations for a long time – you asked, we delivered.

• Join the Beta here.
• Dive into the details on the Snapmaker Wiki
• Support: https://snapmaker.formcrafts.com/support-ticket
• Join the Discussion: https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/snapmaker-orca-v1-1-0-beta-issues-report-discussions/38235/5

Videos Galore!

Big Contests, Bigger Prizes

In 2024, we started running regular Snapmaker Video Contests, kicking it off with Winter Wonderland (okay, technically that started in 2023), and developing this into a new contest every month or two!

Prizes ranged from free Snapmaker products to mega cash prizes, up to $1225 USD for the Home Alone Video Contest!

Click on one of the tiles above to check out the contest and view the video gallery of submissions!

Or check out the playlists on YouTube.

Vertical Videos

In 2024 we had the pleasure of launching our Short Video Project, a little behind-the-scenes effort to dramatically increase the number of short videos we post. These videos come from our in-house graphics team, user generated content, and external professional studios.

Follow our accounts!

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snapmakerinc/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Snapmaker/shorts
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@snapmaker_global
• RedNote (小红书): @snapmaker

8th Anniversary Maker-a-Thon

June 1st was Snapmaker’s 8th Anniversary, so we held our annual Maker-a-Thon. 10 Teams, 10 Projects, 1 Big Party.

You can check out our Blog Post here: https://www.snapmaker.com/blog/8-years-of-playing-well-join-the-celebration-with-play-well-makerathon-artisan-premium-launch-and-more/

And make sure to download your Snapmaker Mini 3D Printable Models here! https://wiki.snapmaker.com/en/important_installation_tips_for_mini_snapmaker_models

Here’s to Snapmaker: Year 9!

Sincerely,

The Snapmaker Team

The post Snapmaker 2024: In The Rear View Mirror 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.

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.

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!

The post Bring 3D Printing Into Art and Design: An Interview With Content Creator Zi Hao Low appeared first on | Blog.

Hi makers,

In the past two weeks, we have shared two examples of incorporating 3D printing and laser engraving into teaching. We hope you are inspired in one way or another! This article is the last tutorial in this series, guiding you on how to make a hexagonal tray with the CNC function in Snapmaker 3-in-1 3D printer.

First, instead of simply starting to make this tray, a teacher or parent can encourage students to dig into the design and form of this tray. To facilitate your teaching, we have prepared several examples of questions you can ask to form an instructive dialogue between you and your students.

Question 1: Why do we design the tray in a hexagonal shape? What are the features of a hexagonal structure?

Answer 1: The hexagonal structure generally has several advantages. First, when polygons such as circles or pentagons are used to join with each other in a plane, there will be gaps in the middle. Only triangles, quadrilaterals, and hexagons have no gaps in between when joined together. 

Question 2: But why do we choose hexagons instead of triangles or quads?

Answer 2: This is because compared to the triangle and square, the perimeter of the hexagon is the least when the same area of the plane is laid out, which means a larger area can be enclosed when the same amount of material is used. For example, we now have a 6cm line to enclose a flat surface. If it is a triangle, then the side length measures 2cm, which is able to enclose an area of 1.73 square centimeters. If it is a square, the side length is 1.5cm and it can enclose an area of 2.25 square centimeters. On the other hand, a hexagon with a side length of 1cm can enclose an area of 2.6 square centimeters, making it the largest of the three. Therefore, by using a hexagon you can cover the same area with less material.

Question 3: Now, you have got to know some basics of hexagonal structure. Take a look at my design of a modular hexagonal tray. What is special about it? 

Answer 3: In order to make the tray modular, we need to design a joint structure to connect each hexagon. Mortise and tenon joints are used in this particular design. We can further use Inkscape to design the vector images.

After students have a basic sense of what is under the hood, a teacher can further guide them on getting their hands on Snapmaker Luban and starting the carving job!

For your reference, we have prepared files for a tray that can be used as a phone holder. Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lRBQH6xTHwTFW5tJi5ORt5pELKalLd-L?usp=share_link 

Now let’s see how to set the CNC machining settings in Luban. Let’s start by importing the “phone slot.svg”. Since we are going to do the grooving job, we need to create a toolpath named “phone slot”. “Method” is set to “Fill”, “Target Depth” is set to “10mm”, “Tool” is set to “Flat End Mill (1.5mm)”. Other parameters remain unchanged, then save the settings.

Next, import the “outer joint.svg” and create a toolpath named “outer joint”. “Method” is set to “Outline”, and “Target Depth” is set to “20mm”, which is the thickness of the material. “Tool” is set to “Flat End Mill (1.5mm)”. Other parameters remain the same, then save the settings.

Then we can generate the G-code and send it to the printer to start machining! You can make multiple trays, slot them together, and post-process them in the way you like! 

If you are amazed by the versatility of this 3-in-1 3D printer, don’t forget to check out our Back-to-School Sale. Find the best deals, and start learning by making today!

The post Make a modular hexagonal tray with the CNC function in Snapmaker 3-in-1 3D Printer appeared first on | Blog.

With the interchangeable modules, Snapmaker allows you switch between different functions quickly. Now, let’s move on to laser engraving. Today’s task is to make a wooden guitar decoration. Before entering the actual making process, let’s get to know the structure of guitar together. The picture below shows a wooden guitar placed vertically, which can be roughly divided into three parts: the head, the neck, and the body. The head is equipped with tuning pegs for adjusting the tightness of the strings; the body includes a sound hole that amplifies the sound of picked or strummed strings, and a bridge that holds the strings. Between head and sound board, there is one long and thin neck.

To better help students make a guitar, it’s recommended to drop a question to guide students to consider before designing.

Question: What are the features of the overall shape of the guitar?

Answer: The outline of the guitar body is streamlined and irregular, wide at both ends, and narrow in the middle, which is axisymmetric. The shape of the head and neck can also be roughly seen as quadrilateral. Since the guitar has an obvious axisymmetric shape, we can draw half of the outline of each part, then flip it to get the outline of the other half. In this way, we can not only save time for the drawing process but also ensure the regularity of the structure of the work.

In this blog, we will use Inkscape as the design tool. You can also use more professional software if needed.

If you are new to laser engraving and planning to try STEAM education in your classes or at home, we highly recommend you to follow this course.

First, open Inkscape and create a new file. Then draw the body part of the guitar by using the basic graphics tools to create an ellipse object and convert this object to a path. Divide the ellipse into two parts with a straight line along the central axis of the ellipse, and use the clipping path tool to get the “half outline” mentioned earlier. Through node editing, we make this path streamlined, then make a copy and flip it horizontally to get the “other half of the outline”. Merge the two paths to get a complete guitar body path. Similar to the process of drawing the outline of the guitar body, we use the method of cutting paths and combining paths to draw the shield-shaped head. The neck profile is an elongated trapezoidal shape, created by using the rectangle tool and node editing. Finally, we merge the outlines of the head, neck, and body together to have a complete guitar outline.

How about painting some patterns on the surface of the guitar to make it more attractive and customized? Using the spray copies provided by Inkscape, we randomly spread stars on the sound board. Once all graphics are ready to go, we export the picture in PNG format for subsequent laser cutting and engraving in Luban.

Here are some important tips in Luban that may help you obtain a successful project:

1. Since we need to cut out a clear outline, we should choose the “VECTOR” in the “Processing Mode” and raise the threshold appropriately so that the previewed outline can be more visible.
2. When you import patterns to Luban, it’s recommended to select “GREYSCALE” for laser engraving in the “Processing Mode”.
3. The speed and power parameters can be set based on the material you choose.

If you follow the guides above, the only thing left to do is wait for your delicate little guitar!

In the next blog, we will share the instructions of using CNC carving and cutting. We hope you enjoy the courses and can be inspired to laser engrave your first piece.

Meanwhile, there is a question we would like to know what you think about it – would you appreciate it if STEAM course is the standard course during your school time? Why?

Please feel free to comment below and let us know your thoughts.

Don’t forget our Back-to-school sale is on! Get the most versatile 3-in-1 3D printer to embrace all-round development! See you next week!

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As you may have noticed, 3D printers play an important role in STEAM education. 3D printing technology is one of the emerging technologies that may change the way we design and manufacture in the future. It can also be combined with various subjects in school. That’s why 3D printers were introduced to classrooms and many curriculums were designed based on the needs of different education levels. For example, on MyMiniFactory, you can find tens of thousands of models that are categorized based on grade level and subject. Most of them can be further designed into a course that teaches students knowledge of a certain subject and skills to design.

As a 3D printer equipment and solution provider, Snapmaker provides 3-in-1 3D printers that not only develop students’ printing knowledge and skills, but also make it easy to learn the knowledge and skills of laser and CNC. The technologies of both additive manufacturing and subtractive manufacturing are all integrated into one machine, opening up more possibilities to combine different subjects in one course and thus helping teachers and parents to better achieve students’ holistic development.

Partnered with honored teachers in Nankai University, Snapmaker developed an education guidebook named Becoming a Smart Maker: Digital Technology Introduction. From a beginner’s perspective, it aims to help students to establish their understanding of three manufacturing technologies (3D printing, laser engraving and cutting, CNC carving) from the ground up. From mastering basic model design knowledge to experiencing actually making something, it can gradually inspire students’ awareness of innovation and help fulfill all-round development.

In the following weeks, we will share three courses in the education guidebook, which use the three functions of the Snapmaker 2.0 AT models respectively. Today, this blog will show you how you can use Snapmaker’s 3D printing function for educational purposes. This course’s task is to 3D print a terrestrial globe. In the making process, it’s recommended that teachers and parents explain relevant geographic knowledge to the students and show them how to design models. In this blog, we will use TinkerCAD as the design tool. You can also use more professional software if needed. If you are also planning to try STEAM education in your classes or at home, this course can be your starter.

To make the terrestrial globe, students need to understand basic information about the Earth before designing. Students can be easily involved and start thinking when teachers or parents guide them through questions:

• Question: Is the Earth a normal sphere?
• Answer: We always say that the Earth is a sphere, but the Earth is not a perfect sphere. The Earth is a spheroid slightly flattened at the poles and slightly bulging at the equator. The poles are the North and South poles, the two ends of the Earth and the two points at which the imaginary axis of the Earth intersects the Earth’s surface. The equator is the longest circumference on the Earth’s surface in the direction of the Earth’s rotation.

Other questions that you may consider asking include:

• Do humans know the Earth’s shape from the very beginning? By asking this question, you can let students know that humans’ understanding of the Earth’s shape also experienced a long and difficult process. By telling them the interesting story and history of geocentric theory and heliocentric theory, they are better able to understand and remember these concepts.
• What are the points and lines you should know about the Earth? By asking this question, you can naturally lead to the concept of the North Pole, the South Pole, longitude and latitude. To make sure they understand how these concepts work in daily life, you can even ask them the approximate longitude and latitude of your location.
• What parts do we need to design and print to make the globe? Is the Earth’s axis vertical to the surface? By asking these questions, you help them imagine how to substantialize something they cannot see or touch in person. In addition, the relationship of revolution, rotation of the Earth and the four seasons can be explained thoroughly here.

All the above knowledge may be taught in 2 or 3 different courses in usual classes. Now it’s easily connected by one project!

After the students figure out all the above questions, we can start the design. The globe can be divided into the following parts. Today we will use the sphere as an example and show you how to teach students to design.

In TinkerCAD, with its basic shapes, you can easily get a sphere by dragging the shape to the workplane. But, is it what we really need? When designing the sphere, what we need to consider includes should the sphere be stuffed or hollow; should we print it as a whole or cut it into two pieces; what the size is; whether there is a design that saves the most time and material.

Some of the questions can be answered after we get familiar with 3D printing. If the sphere is printed as a whole, support is needed when slicing the g-code because of the limited contact area between the model and the 3D printer’s build plate and also the deep bridging. Otherwise, you will spend lots of time dealing with print failures and postprocessing the surface. Therefore, printing two half spheres and then gluing them together is a better choice.

Also, to save material and for easy assembly, the sphere is better designed as hollow. The thickness, however, may be best decided by trial and error as it is related to the size of the model. In our course, we use 50 mm as the outer diameter and 5 mm as the thickness. In this case, in TinkerCAD, all we need to do is set the two half spheres to the right size, align them, group them, and copy them. Quick and easy!

When the design is finished, the next step is to learn how a 3D printer works and how to transform design files into G-code files. We have put this in detail in our Quick Start Guides and User Manuals. Remember to check them out when you receive your Snapmaker! After this project, we are sure that students will have a strong sense of achievement. They will also have a new understanding and develop a deeper interest in related subjects.

This is how a project can help students learn knowledge of relevant subjects and design skills. A terrestrial globe may be common in almost every household, but a DIY one made by children is meaningful and unique. Whether STEAM education is beneficial to the country is debatable, but it will be beneficial to those who take advantage of it. So, don’t hesitate to take advantage of this blog and start a project with your students or children!

In the next blog, we will share the course using laser engraving. If you want to learn more about our case studies in the education field or you have an idea of 3D printing education to share, feel free to comment below.

A Snapmaker 3-in-1 3D printer is essential to turn the project into reality. Products you may be interested in: Snapmaker 2.0 AT Models, Snapmaker Artisan. US users can also have a look at our new Education Program.

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