So, in September I bought a Snapmaker, hoping it would provide an upgradable solution rather than a 3D printer I would need to DIY myself. Then, today, I saw the “Platform” page was advertising a BRAND NEW Snapmaker for launch on Kickstarter.
However, there’s only been one module released for Snapmaker V1, a few components in case parts of the modules fail and some consumables… no modules from the existing system have even made an appearance on the company store, let alone anyone else’s.
After spending close to £1,000 on your system, therefore, I have to ask - will Snapmaker allow EXISTING users to upgrade and expand their hardware, before selling an entirely new 3-in-1 system?
In my opinion, this is the start of the process. As long as they only have a single model, there isn’t much upgrading that can be done. I will be very disappointed if the new modules are not backwards compatible.
I do agree that they should have the 200mW laser and CNC head available on the store, in addition to the 1.6W laser. And it would be nice if all the parts were available, like linear modules and the controller, in case I break one. I thought I saw them on the store at one point, but I could be mis-remembering.
Remember that they have always moved quite a bit slower than they expected. The initial Kickstarter finished in April 2017. I was late to the party, as was projected to get mine in Sept 2017 (5 months). It didn’t arrive until May 2018, a full 15 months after the the campaign closed. They explained the delays, but it was frustrating.
It looks like they redesigned the linear modules. So at least some portion of the work they did before has to be repeated again. IIRC, quite a few of the delays were related to manufacturing of the linear modules.
Well, if nothing else, I think the price to buy Snapmaker 2 components should be discounted for existing owners. This shouldn’t be hard, as everyone who already has a Snapmaker will retain proof-of-purchase.
This revisits the opportunity as well to launch the Hardware Beta program I suggested previously, enabling more industrious owners to get access to these products even earlier.
Full acknowledge! I at least hope for a upgrade kit, which only includes the longer linear modules, base etc, so I can reuse the 3D-printing-, laser- and engraving-modules. Because all I would need now is more working space
Agreed! These are the upgrade paths I would like to see…
Standard/Plus 3D Printing Kit - two variations
Snapmaker 2 Core Drive
Snapmaker 2 Base (medium for Standard, large for Plus)
Snapmaker 2 Hub
4x Snapmaker 2 Linear Modules (medium for Standard, large for Plus)
Filament Holder
Standard/Plus Laser Engraving Kit - two variations
Snapmaker 2 Core Drive
Snapmaker 2 Base (medium for Standard, large for Plus)
4x Snapmaker 2 Linear Modules (medium for Standard, large for Plus)
Snapmaker 2 Laser Engraving Platform
1.6Mw Laser Engraving Module
Standard/Plus CNC Milling Kit - two variations
Snapmaker 2 Core Drive
Snapmaker 2 Base (medium for Standard, large for Plus)
4x Snapmaker 2 Linear Modules (medium for Standard, large for Plus)
Snapmaker 2 MDF Waste Board
Snapmaker 2 CNC Module
Fixtures + Spare CNC heads
Delta Plus 3D Printing Kit
Snapmaker 2 Core Drive
Snapmaker 2 Hub
Delta 3D Printing Module
Delta Base and top
3x Large Linear Modules
Filament Holder
I also want to see the Snapmaker 2’s Core Drive, Hub, Linear Modules, Tool Modules, 5" Touchscreen and other stuff available on its own, for users who may not need, want or even can afford the upgrade kits.
