We spent a few weeks testing the Snapmaker 2.0—from assembling the machine itself and its optional futuristic enclosure to testing all three modules. In this Snapmaker 2.0 review, we’ll let you know if it’s worth the hefty price tag. (Spoiler alert: Quite possibly.)
What Comes with the Snapmaker 2.0?
-SnapMaker 2.0 camera -SnapMaker 2.0 software -SnapMaker 2.0 memory card -SnapMaker 2.0 tripod The Snapmaker 2.0 camera is a very large, heavy camera that is perfect for capturing stunning photos and videos. The software is also very easy to use, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to take great photos and videos. The memory card can store up to 10 photos and 10 videos, making it perfect for anyone who wants to capture memories of their family or friends. The tripod makes it easy to take great photos and videos without having to worry about the stability of the camera or the tripod.
3D Printing Module with Print Head Laser Module CNC Module The 3D Printing Module with Print Head Laser Module CNC Module is a great way to print items quickly and easily. It has a number of features, including a print head that can print in three dimensions, a CNC carving platform/wasteboard, and a heated bed. The module is also easy to use, with a touch screen that allows you to control the printing process.
-An 8x8 inch build platform -A drill -A saw -A screwdriver -An drill bit -A saw blade -Hinges
The following are the parts of the Beam: -Beam (24) -Cable Clip (20) -Folding Door Slider (8) -Wing Nut (4) -Hex Nut (8) -Hose Clamp Snap Bushing Hose Hex Key (2) -Front Folding Door Side Folding door Back Panel Side Panel Top Panel Exhaust Fan Touchscreen Holder Hose Connector Foot Fixture Connecting Cable LED Strip Cable Screws in a variety of sizes (124). ..
The Snapmaker 2.0 is a powerful 3D printer that requires assembly. This process will take some time and effort to complete. ..
Assembling the Snapmaker and Its Enclosure
We assembled the Snapmaker printer using a few simple steps. First, we connected the power cord to the printer and to our home network. Then we plugged in the Snapmaker and its enclosure. The Snapmaker has an integrated enclosure that helps keep your work area clean and reduces warping of 3D printing materials. You can control the lighting and fan from a touchscreen on your Android phone.
The Snapmaker is a great product that is built very sturdy and has thick plastic panels. The accordion panels can be a little awkward to open, but being able to open both the front and the right sides is useful.
The panels are tinted to provide protection from the laser module, and it contains the dust fairly well when you use the CNC module. The exhaust system is really nice to have—protecting you from fumes and particulates. While it doesn’t come with a window mount, you could easily print one with the Snapmaker.
The printer has high-quality components and is well-made. However, the cable management is awkward. ..
The controller’s rubber covers are easy to accidentally pull out and are difficult to put back in. These downsides, while minor, did stick out. ..
The Snapmaker is a modular construction system that allows you to build projects with different sizes and shapes. The bed sizes are generous, allowing for a build volume that should accommodate all your projects.
The Luban printer has WiFi and USB connectivity, allowing the firmware to update automatically. The Snapmaker software can connect to the printer directly via WiFi. ..
The Snapmaker’s 3D Printing Module
3D printing calibration was essentially automatic. The printer has auto bed-leveling, performed via the touchscreen. It comes with a calibration card to help you set the Z offset. You can further refine the Z offset via the touchscreen at any time.
The Snapmaker printer is capable of layer resolutions between 50 and 300 microns. This makes it perfect for creating detailed prints with high resolution.
Slicing an STL file with the Luben software was straightforward, similar to using Cura. We were able to send the g-code directly to the printer. Our test print looked so good, we used the Snapmaker to print some DIY custom pieces, and they turned out great too. When using the default settings, this printer is a little slow compared to some other printers we’ve tried. ..
The magnetic build plate feels great and leaves a nice texture on the prints. We had no problems with adhesion, and the parts were very easy to remove by flexing the print bed like an ice tray. The build volume for 3D printing is 320x350x330 mm—one of the largest build areas mentioned in any of our 3D printer reviews. ..
This printer is easy to use and we think beginners will be able to print quickly.
The Snapmaker’s Laser Module
This was the laser cutter we were dying to try. The 3.6 watt diode laser power is perfect for engraving and cutting. There’s also a 10 watt module available, so you can cut and engrave with ease. calibrating the laser cutter involved cutting a piece of regular typing paper. Then we were ready to engrave a piece of beech wood included with the Snapmaker.
We used the Luben design and slicer software to set up our own engraving project by importing an SVG file. We knew that it would take some trial and error to get all the settings right.
We set up the workspace home coordinates incorrectly, so the design isn’t perfectly centered. In retrospect, we should have turned the power up or used a darker image. Having said that, our Chicago flag etching still looked good.
We also tried etching a map on a piece of card stock just to see if it worked. ..
While it wasn’t perfect, we got surprisingly good results on card stock. We can’t wait to laser etch a piece of leather. ..
We were a little surprised that laser engraving was slower than we thought it would be. If you’re concerned about the speed of the process, consider investing in a 10-watt module from Snapmaker and other add-ons to help speed up the process.
The Snapmaker’s CNC Mill Module
It seems crazy to be able to use CNC machining to cut a piece of acrylic with such precision in our living room, but the Snapmaker makes it look easy. Using the Luben software, we prepared a sample file for a cell phone stand.
We had a product that looked like it had been bought at a store.
The CNC module supports a shank diameter of 0.5 mm to 6.3 mm making it compatible with a wide variety of bits. It is capable of spindle speeds between 6,000-12,000 RPM.
Cut to the Chase
We thought the Snapmaker printer would work together, but it doesn’t. The Snapmaker is three different machines that can be used one at a time, and even still, the Snapmaker brings functionality and quality to a consumer-level printer that we’ve never seen before.
The Snapmaker 2.0 All-in-One is a high-quality maker tool that does more than any other single maker tool we’ve used. The new Artisan version continues to improve upon its predecessors in myriad ways, and if you can afford it, it has addressed all of our concerns about the 2.0. ..
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the Snapmaker 2.0, it’s still an incredible value.
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