This topic will serve as the main thread for all Snapmaker U1 Kickstarter updates. We will post each weekly update here so backers can easily follow the latest information.
Updates on the firmware and software issues the reviewers (and the tech team) found, progress on filament profiles and tuning, spare part availability, basically anything that’s going to give us confidence that you’re going to get this printer working ‘out of the box’.
The tester video on the Kickstarter campaign page shows the first layer of the build plate size being molded after being taken out of the box, but it doesn’t look good from the video.
There are two places that are wavy.
The Bambu A1 was perfect right out of the box, though
I would like to see some additional information about this.
Also, as I wrote in the Kickstarter comments, I was speechless when I saw the official response that ABS verification took about 10 hours.
My main goal is ABS molding with a standard molding time of 15 hours.
As others have pointed out, there are concerns that the door or cover may warp due to heat.
When using the Snapmaker A250 Enclosure for ABS molding for 26 hours, the internal temperature is around 45°C to 55°C, and the warping of the acrylic panels in the enclosure is severe.
I regularly flip the acrylic panels over and reattach them.
ABS molding users are quite concerned.
By the way, I also pledged for the top cover as a backer in the 800s.
I will definitely purchase it and share my opinion.
For what it’s worth, the mesh shown in the video also has large bed tilt after shipping. Software mesh would do a lot of heavy lifting. In my testing I learned there is already a macro assisted bed screw adjustment that takes just a few minutes to correct that skew.
There’s a good chance not all testers knew this or simply didn’t do it. [I would add, this result is still a testament that mesh correction works ]
So there is some kind of function that can be adjusted with the head screw to perform “manual correction”?
Even if there is automatic tilt height correction for the heat bed, is it necessary to perform this “manual correction”?
If so, if it’s not mentioned in the manual, it might lead to a flood of questions in the Community like with the A350…
What’s a bit concerning is that when watching the preview user’s video, the bed calibration seems to skip measuring the left edge area. If that’s the case, could the left part of the green first-layer sheet being held by hand be causing the wavy pattern?
Agree…however…take Bambu as the example. Bed mesh and levelling is checked and calibrated before the printer is shipped and the first layer is near perfect straight out of the box, so the same should happen here, beta printer or not. This is where the basics HAVE to be done and have to be done right. We’ve gone past the days where everything had to be checked, rechecked, test print run, re-levelled, recalibrated. If manufacturers can’t get it right then they’re going to lose business, reputation and have a warehouse full of returned printers. People want a printer that is going to work as soon as they’ve assembled and run the initial calibrations, not some kit that needs a wiki just to get it to lay a decent first layer. Those days are gone…
I guess that depends what you’re printing. For what it’s worth, I’d done several successful prints on mine “out of the box” before even checking the mesh, including a first layer print.
Feedback on this is why we’re beta testers, I imagine!
Oh, and I doubt that. The mesh is, um, very detailed right now, as Sherry showed before, and it’s another point of feedback.
Hi U1 backers,
Our third Kickstarter update is live!
We’re sharing details on the upcoming livestream, stories from test pilots, recent hardware and firmware improvements, plus info about the SnapDryer.
Check it out here: Kickstarter Update#3
Let us know in the comments what you’re most interested in for the next update.
Snapmaker U1 Test Pilot Program – Key Updates & Insights
Hey U1 Community!
Over the past month, our U1 Test Pilot Program has been in full swing, with 19 beta pilots testing the U1 and providing valuable feedback. Here’s a quick overview of the key highlights:
Why We Launched the U1 Test Pilot Program
How We Found the Right Pilots
Quick Numbers
Top Surprises from Beta Pilots
What We’ve Fixed & Improved
Some Challenges Remain
What We’re Working On
Real Stories from the Community
Tips & Advice from Our Beta Pilots
For a deeper dive into the details and full stories, check out the complete blog here:
Quick highlights from the latest Kickstarter update:
BackerKit Survey: Surveys are sent by pledge tier, not all at once. This is where you confirm your shipping address and add optional add-ons. Make sure to complete it before the survey lockdown.
Delivery Timeline: Production is underway and first shipments have started. Your individual shipping date depends on your pledge tier and survey completion. You can check the estimated delivery via the FAQ or your Snapmaker account.
Deposit Rebate: $100 rebate for deposit holders will be issued after shipment. Early Bird – October backers can expect it by November 30.
Stretch Goal Rewards: Digital coupons for all U1 printer backers (including Late Pledge) will be sent on October 20.
U1 Accessories: First wave is now available in the Snapmaker Store with an early bird discount.
“To date, around 2300 U1 printers have already arrived at October-tier backers’ homes, and deliveries across all regions are continuing intensively.”
Hi everyone, I’d like to share the latest U1 Kickstarter update with you. This is a comprehensive update with multiple important sections. Feel free to jump directly to the topics most relevant to you:
Great news! Over 3,500 backers have received their Snapmaker U1, and with increased production, the next batch will ship about 10 days earlier than planned.
We’re thrilled to announce that all U1 units have now shipped from our Shenzhen warehouse to backers who have completed their surveys, ahead of schedule!
If you haven’t completed your survey or if your card hasn’t been charged yet, please make sure to finish these steps so your rewards can be shipped smoothly.
Kickstarter Update #14: U1 Add-ons Latest Progress and Delivery Update!
Hi everyone!
We’ve shared a new Kickstarter update covering important details about the progress of U1 add-ons, including the Top Cover , Hardened Steel Hot End Bundles (0.2mm/0.6mm/0.8mm), and Smooth Surface & Carbon-Fiber Surface Steel Plates . These add-ons have been highly anticipated, and we deeply appreciate your continued support and patience as we address development challenges.
For the Top Cover , we’ve made significant improvements in design, noise reduction, and temperature control, ensuring a better experience with high and low-temperature filaments. Our team is working carefully to resolve this and enhance the product’s overall effectiveness. We truly appreciate your understanding as we finalize the Top Cover for mass production.
We’re also making steady progress on the Hardened Steel Hot End Bundles and Steel Plates , addressing development challenges to ensure high-quality results.
Challenges and Delays:
The development of the U1 Top Cover involved multiple iterations to meet user demands for better noise reduction, maintenance convenience, and temperature insulation performance. While significant progress has been made, we are still optimizing its sealing performance and structural design. The unexpected high demand for the U1 and the necessary resource reallocation to ensure the best quality for the main product caused some delays in the add-on’s timeline.
Compensation for Delayed Add-ons:
We sincerely apologize for the delay. To express our gratitude for your patience, we’re offering the following compensation options:
Thank you again for your continued support and understanding. We truly appreciate your patience as we continue refining these products and work towards delivering a quality experience.
I’m going to wait patiently for my top cover that was quoted as arriving in February… I was waiting patiently instead of downloading a maker file cover. But now it looks like I’ll have to download one and 3D print it.
It is described within the post. It was redesigned and their facility capabilities are limited. Thats why you can just cancel your order or get the Voucher as compensation.
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