Snapmaker proudly announces that its Snapmaker U1 campaign has shattered records, becoming the most funded 3D printer project in Kickstarter history.

As of 30 September, the U1 has raised US$ 20,161,265 with the support of 20,206 backers worldwide.

How Did They Do It?

Community-led development
From day one, Snapmaker leaned on its community. A large-scale beta testing program gave makers early access to the U1, generating invaluable feedback, and coinciding with the start of the Kickstarter campaign, these testers started sharing their experiences with the general public. Beta users even brought their machines to Maker Faire Hannover and PrintedHub in Germany, as well as 3DPrintopia in the US, where potential backers could get hands on with U1 before pledging.

Open communication

Snapmaker ran a transparent campaign with frequent updates, unparalleled customer service and thorough documentation of the project’s progress. Users could feel secure, getting their FAQs answered, joining Discord and Facebook groups, tuning in to livestreams, and seeing behind the scenes looks at factory production, both through Snapmaker’s own channels and through partnerships with various KOLs.

Strategic partnerships
Snapmaker’s record-breaking run was strengthened by partnerships with leading maker-ecosystem brands, including:

  • KIRI Engine – mobile 3D scanning app bringing accessible scanning to the U1 community – every backer gets a month free!
  • HueForge – unlocking creative colour-mapped lithophane workflows, with stretch goals providing every backer a US$10 coupon for HueForge/FlatForge products
  • Polymaker – delivering high-quality, multi-material filaments to match the U1’s tool-changing capabilities, Polymaker is the first 3rd Party filament to get officially supported profiles on U1.

Stretch goals unlocked

By surpassing the US$ 20M mark, Snapmaker is rewarding every backer with:

  • US$ 10 coupon for HueForge (including FlatForge)
  • US$ 20 coupon for the Snapmaker Store

A machine that’s redefining multi-color 3D printing

The U1 is a tool-changing, four-head 3D printer equipped with the SnapSwap system, enabling 5-second swaps without wasteful filament purging. Combined with a CoreXY motion system and acceleration up to 20,000 mm/s², the U1 achieves both 5x speed and 80 per cent less waste compared to traditional filament changing systems.

Other highlights include:

  • Better multi-material handling
  • 300°C hotends & heated bed
  • Built-in camera & wireless connectivity
  • Powered by Snapmaker Orca, OrcaSlicer & Klipper

Late pledge offer

For makers who missed the Kickstarter, Snapmaker is offering a Late Pledge tier at US$849 — still an outstanding deal for the U1’s groundbreaking performance and versatility.

It’s not too late to get in on a Late Pledge at just $ 849! View the campaign on Kickstarter

For the latest packaging news please visit: https://convertermag.com/category/latest-news/