Snapmaker releases the U1, a high-speed, multi-tool 3D printer with SnapSwap™ for faster, cleaner multicolor prints.
The Snapmaker U1 isn’t just another printer release—it feels like someone finally looked at all the multicolor FDM machines out there and said, “Why is this still so messy?” And then did something about it.
I’ve been eyeing this machine since its first whispers. Now that it’s official—and headed to Kickstarter later this summer—it’s clear Snapmaker is going for more than just speed or precision. They want to make multi-material, multi-color printing actually work… without leaving your workspace looking like a rainbow spaghetti explosion.
The Star of the Show: SnapSwap™
At the heart of the U1 is Snapmaker’s new SnapSwap™ system. In simple terms? It’s a tool-changer—up to four heads that swap mid-print like it’s no big deal. No more giant purge blocks, no awkward filament swaps mid-print. Just one print head stepping aside while the next one jumps in, like relay racers that actually practiced their handoffs.
Snapmaker claims this cuts filament waste by up to 80%. That’s not just marketing fluff—if you’ve ever pulled a purge tower the size of your print off the bed, you know how quickly multicolor fun becomes wasteful frustration. Here, that pain point is more or less gone. And what you’re left with is a machine that feels smarter, more deliberate in how it handles complexity.
Speed Demon with Brains
The U1 is no slouch in the speed department either. Thanks to a CoreXY motion system, it has travel speeds up to 500 mm/s and acceleration at a crazy 20,000 mm/s². Those numbers don’t just look good on a spec sheet—they translate to the kind of snappy, high-speed moves that make you lean in and watch the print head zip like a drone on espresso.
But it’s not just about raw power. The U1 is fully enclosed, which might not sound exciting, but anyone who’s printed ABS on an open-frame printer knows how important this is. Warps, cracks, splits—those headaches disappear when the enclosure keeps your ambient temps steady and calm.
Details
You get all the modern amenities—color touchscreen, external spool mounts, and support for tricky filaments like PVA or TPU. Snapmaker’s slicing software is a win. Snapmaker Orca, a customized fork of Orca Slicer, feels like it was actually built for this printer not just tacked on as an afterthought.
And while the official build volume isn’t printed on the box yet, all signs point to a healthy 270 x 270 x 270mm. That’s bigger than the Bambu Lab X1C and P1S, so it’s in the “big enough to be useful” category.
Real Talk: Is It Perfect?
Of course not. We haven’t seen final pricing yet (though early-bird rumors say it could be under $500, which is crazy for what you’re getting). And like any Kickstarter launch you’re riding the wave of early adoption—which comes with all the excitement and risk that implies.
Then there’s the question of long term reliability. Tool changing systems are more complex. Will SnapSwap™ hold up to thousands of swaps? Will those four print heads play nice with retractions, oozing and stringing long term? These are the kinds of things you only know after months of use.
But if Snapmaker nails the execution—and their track record with campaign fulfillment is actually pretty good—this could be the biggest FDM leap we’ve seen in years.
Full Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Snapmaker U1 |
|---|---|
| Technology | FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) |
| Toolheads | Up to 4 (SnapSwap™ Tool-Changing System) |
| Motion System | CoreXY |
| Max Travel Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Acceleration | 20,000 mm/s² |
| Build Volume (approx.) | 270 x 270 x 270 mm |
| Enclosure | Fully Enclosed |
| Multi-Material Support | Yes (Flexible, PVA, Breakaway, etc.) |
| Multi-Color Printing | Yes (Up to 4 colors/materials per print) |
| Touchscreen | Yes (Color display) |
| External Spool Mounts | Yes |
| Slicer Software | Snapmaker Orca (based on Orca Slicer) |
| Noise & Waste Reduction | Yes – Up to 80% less purge waste |
| Launch Platform | Kickstarter (Expected July–Sept 2025) |
| Target Users | Hobbyists, Designers, Multi-Material Tinkerers |
Expected Price
| Bundle Type | Expected Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird Kickstarter | Under $500 (rumored) | Base printer with essential features |
| Full Retail Price | TBD | Expected to be in the premium range |
Note: Official pricing to be announced during Kickstarter launch.
Conclusion
The Snapmaker U1 feels like a machine made by people who are tired of workarounds. It’s not chasing gimmicks. It’s not half baked. It’s a real attempt to solve the core problems of multi color FDM printing and give you a machine that’s fast, slick and fun to use.
Is it for everyone? Maybe not. If you’re the set it and forget it kind of user who just wants a single color Benchy every now and then this might be overkill. But if you’ve been dreaming of multi color prints that don’t take all weekend and two rolls of wasted filament—this could be your next big upgrade.
And honestly? I can’t wait to see what people make with it.