Snapmaker - anyone use one?

I'm intrigued by the Snapmaker concept - 3 tools in one, 3D printer, laser cutter/engraver and CNC router in a single package with interchangable heads. Especially intrigued as they are about to release a more powerful laser module - 10W as opposed to the standard 1.6W, and claim it is good for cutting up to 8mm in some materials.

So, has anyone had any experience of these machines?

I would also like to read about this from existing users.

Brian

Conflicting requirements really. A 3D printer is preferably fairly quick which is possible because it needs little force to move the head whereas routing, even wood, needs force and rigidity. Not sure about lasers but I don't think 1.6W will melt the butter on your toast let alone draw patterns on it.

Now that I've googled the price yeeeek! Get an Ender3 Pro printer like what Neil has and use it to make the bits for one of the CNC router designs available.

I have an ender 3 thanks. I was looking for feedback from someone that had actually used one.

Just my opinion:

Some times making a multiple use tool makes sense. Some times they are such a compromise that the don't.

A 3D printer needs little rigidity as the moving parts are light and the forces on them are minimal. Same goes for a laser engraver/cutter.

A router needs to be much more rigid and it needs to have the head moved at the appropriate speed to be making a cut instead of just rubbing. It would seem that the compromise would be too much.

OTOH, if you want all three machines, it makes sense to build one device to the highest common denominator and save the room .... and possibly some money (not that that is a given).

I had not heard of these, so had dig around - there is a pretty comprehensive review here

Like most multi function machines it appears compromised in all it's functions to some degree but, depending on your requirements, may be "good enough" at all of them.

The €1800 price tag quoted for the largest size machine reviwed would be enough to put me off, though, given it's limited machining capabilities & low powered laser - which really requires another €600 spending to safely enclose it if you value your eyesight . The review concludes that, unless space is an issue, 3 separate machines would offer more capabilty for much the same (or less) outlay.

The modular linear motion units are a neat solution.

Nigel B.

Thanks for the link Nigel - an interesting review. I would agree that ideally, you would go for 3 separate machines, but there are circumstances where that isn't a practical solution, so as always it is horses for courses. The price tag is a tad on the high side I must admit!

Tony J.

Indeed. The most practical combination would probably be router and laser.

As has been pointed out, the router instance is the odd one out in many respects in that it needs a more robust xyz mechanism than the other two.

A 3D printer can be used for either printing or laser engraving (& perhaps cutting) - or indeed as a plotter - by replacing the extruder head.

In fact, one of my 3D printers is a BIBO which does just that: you replace the extruder with a laser head (supplied) to do laser engraving. The extruder fan power connection now feeds the laser and controls the laser power via the g-code fan speed commands. It would be fairly simple to hook up something like this on most any 3D printer. (Suitable precautions being taken for eye - and other - protection of course).

I would also like to have sheilding on a machine when using a 1.6W laser, let alone a 10W one. There could be a momentary reflection of the beam when starting a cut which could be in any direction.

True.

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Edited By Tony Jeffree on 10/01/2022 21:33:00