Snapmaker announced in a press release that its new funding will be directed toward core technology R&D, global talent acquisition, and ecosystem expansion. The company has been producing 3D printers since 2016 and has twice broken Kickstarter records: first with the Snapmaker 2.0 in 2019 and again with the U1 tool changer this year. The Snapmaker 2.0 raised over $7.85 million, while the U1 brought in over $20 million, becoming the highest-funded 3D printing project in crowdfunding history. Over 20,000 people backed the tool changer, which will be coming to retail shelves in Q1 2026.
Snapmaker is something of a dark horse in the 3D printing world. Despite success with the Snapmaker 2.0 Kickstarter, its machines have been bulky, expensive, niche products designed for makers who want a 3D printer that can also laser-cut and CNC mill. The U1 tool changer flipped the script, offering a faster solution to multicolor printing that doesn’t waste filament and is cheaper than industry leader Bambu Lab’s flagship Core XY machines.
Priced around $750 during the Kickstarter, U1 flew off the shelves and proved that consumers crave a speedy machine that respects their time, budget, and recycling can. It also spurred renewed interest in tool changers. Before the U1, the only consumer tool changer was Prusa Research’s prosumer XL , priced at $ 3,099 for a semi-assembled unit.
Shortly after the U1’s launch, Bambu Lab announced the seven-nozzle, filament-saving P2S , followed by Prusa Research revealing a partnership with Bondtech to turn its new CORE One into a more affordable eight-color tool changer.
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Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/3d-printing/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/3d-printing/snapmaker-raises-millions-as-chinese-big-tech-investors-pile-into-3d-printing#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
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