Snapmaker 2.0 Review

A 3D printer is not only a pricey investment, but it is also a rather large commitment in general when it comes to a method of bringing a wide variety of projects for creators. Because of this, it is imperative to make the choice that is right for you when considering purchasing a 3D printer.

If you are looking for a 3D printer that is incredibly versatile- in that it is able to do more than just print- then the Snapmaker 2.0 could be the perfect choice for you.

The Snapmaker 2.0 is a three-in-one 3D printer that not only effectively does its job as a printer, it also has laser cutting capabilities as well as CNC properties that make it a machine that is not only highly practical for those with a variety of creative needs but also includes two other functions for the price of one.

Let’s take an in-depth look at the Snapmaker 2.0 to see exactly what it has to offer.

The 3D Printer

First, we are going to take a look at each element of the SnapMaker 2.0 and see exactly what it can do and how it works. The 3D printing aspect of the SnapMaker 2.0 is obviously an important one!

This is the primary function of the machine, after all. A 3D printer is able to create three-dimensional projects in the same manner as a traditional printer, in that it receives digital data as an input from a computer.

The output comes in the form of a three-dimensional model rather than on paper as is the traditional printing method. Instead of ink, 3D printers utilize a filament made up of raw materials that allow for three-dimensional printing.

The materials can vary widely- ranging from materials such as carbon fiber to nylon- to allow for all sorts of different models and projects to be created.

In terms of 3D printing, the SnapMaker 2.0 offers a fair amount of features that are sure to be useful to those who are interested in the craft of three-dimensional printing and creating.

The SnapMaker 2.0 has a filament runout recovery system, thanks to a sensor that can detect when the filament is running out.

This acts in a similar manner to the detection of low ink in a regular printer. This sensor will pause the project when it detects that the filament has run out. All the user needs to do in this situation is replace the filament and then use the touchscreen to resume the project.

This 3D printer also has an auto-leveling system, which aids in ensuring minimal mistakes when creating a project. The proximity sensor within the SnapMaker 2.0 will automatically calibrate to the heated bed, ensuring that everything is lined up cleanly and correctly.

There is also the option to switch to Manual Mode, allowing the user to calibrate every single point as they go and allowing for control and customization of every 3D print created with the SnapMaker 2.0.

In the case of a power outage, the SnapMaker 2.0 also has a power loss recovery feature, which means that the user can resume an interrupted job immediately without any changes or cancellations should they experience a loss of power.

Each different element of the SnapMaker 2.0 has a different tool head that will need to be switched out if you want to jump between three-dimensional printing, CNC and laser cutting.

The 3D printing tool head has large building area- around 320 x 350 x 330 mm- thanks to this SnapMaker model being one of the larger 3D printers on the market.

Another aspect of a 3D printer that is always important to keep track of is the layer resolution, as this will dictate just how much detailing there is in a three-dimensional project.

The Snapmaker 2.0 has a decent level of layer resolution- between around 50 and 300 microns. This is not as much as some 3D printers can offer, but the resolution that is provided with this model is still incredibly high quality.

In terms of temperature, the Snapmaker 2.0 can reach up to 527F. This is a significant factor, as the higher the temperature that a 3D printer can reach allows for a greater choice when it comes to the material that you can use to print.

As well as this, the SnapMaker 2.0 utilizes a standard 0.4 mm nozzle to further increase the amount of materials that can be used with it.

This printer also uses the Luban software- a generative design software that allows for the automatic generation of 3D models across a wide range of materials- which furthers the versatility in terms of what materials can be used to create 3D projects even more so.

Luban is a software that is tailor-made for the SnapMaker brand- with tutorials, API, and a plugin system that allows the user to customize existing modules and develop new features- and so you can be sure that you will get the best possible results for your personal projects.

The highly precise parts and the upgraded design allow for the SnapMaker 2.0 to create high-quality 3D projects by engraving, carving, cutting, and printing a wide variety of materials.

The Laser Cutter

Much like a 3D printer, a laser cutter is pretty self-explanatory in terms of what it is and what it can do as a product. A laser cutter is able to create designs and patterns in certain materials by utilizing a powerful laser beam, which will burn, vaporize or melt the chosen materials.

The SnapMaker 2.0 incorporates a laser cutter into its design, which is incredibly handy if you are in the market for a printer that offers other kinds of cutting and creation options whilst you work.

The SnapMaker 2.0 has an autofocus feature that allows for laser engraving to be performed at differentiating heights. It does this automatically, without the need for repetitive testing.

The laser will automatically be placed at what is considered to be the optimal height, and you can then perform these height tests to find the best placement to suit your needs. The laser engraving feature also includes a camera that can connect to that aforementioned Luban 3D design software.

The built-in camera will automatically take a picture of the material that is being used for laser engraving and then upload it directly to the Luban software as a canvas.

Once the canvas has been uploaded, it can be imported, edited, and engraved with the final image. It is such a simple process that you will be able to do it with your eyes closed!

As well as this, the Snapmaker 2.0 also comes with some safety goggles- the OD6 laser safety goggles- specifically designed to protect your eyes during the laser cutting/engraving process.

The laser cutter element of the SnapMaker 2.0 has a 1600 mW and 450 nm laser diode (coming under Class 4 in terms of safety), which is another element that allows for a wide variety of materials to be used with the laser engraving feature.

This particular laser is powerful enough to use with materials such as leather, plastic, fabric, and wood, but it is also able to be used with more delicate materials such as paper.

The CNC Carving

You would be forgiven if you are unsure as to what exactly CNC is and what it stands for, as it isn’t quite as straightforward as the 3D printer and the laser cutting elements of the SnapMaker 2.0.

CNC is an abbreviation of the term “computer numerical control” and it relates to a certain manufacturing process that utilizes computer software to instruct machinery and conveys to the machinery what it is exactly that they need to do.

As is to be expected, CNC is a process that is used to perform all sorts of complex tasks. In regards to the SnapMaker 2.0, the CNC process allows for three-dimensional cutting tasks to be done within the printer via a set of prompts that are easily followed by the computer program.

Much like the other elements of this SnapMaker model, it is incredibly straightforward and easy to use.

The SnapMaker 2.0 features a new CNC module that allows for more consistent and precise results.

The module- the ER11 collet- has improved output and concentricity (when we say concentricity, this relates to the regulation of the center point when creating a project with the printer) that helps with this additional precision.

The module also allows for the CNC elements of the printer to work with a wide range of materials.

There is also multi-material support included, which offers a CNC spindle speed of between 6,000 and 12,000 RPM (RPM refers to revolutions per minute, relating to the rotational speed of the tool head).

The tool heads for the CNC are well-sized too, fitting into a 0.5 to 6.35 mm shank. The SnapMaker 2.0 also comes with a platform that ensures even more accurate and precise carving.

Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of the SnapMaker 2.0 3D printer.

Summary

These three elements come together to create a 3D printer that is so much more than just a 3D printer! The laser cutting and the CNC aspects of the SnapMaker 2.0 make it a highly versatile tool for creators of all kinds, offering countless options for engraving, modeling, and so much more.

As well as that, the SnapMaker 2.0 is also made up of powerful modules, which can be customized to suit your specific needs. 

The various add-ons, modules, and kits mean that there are endless possibilities for creative types to let their imaginations loose when it comes to building and creating with the SnapMaker 2.0. There are three different models of the SnapMaker 2.0: the A150, the A250, and A350. 

All three printers come in different sizes, which are as follows: the A150 measures at 160 x 160 x 145 mm; the A250 measures at 230 x 250 x 230 mm, and the A350- the largest of the three sizes- measures at 320 x 350 x 330 mm. Pick the size that is right for you and get to creating!