New Enclosures, Pilot Production #2, and Makerathon Projects
over 4 years ago – Tue, Oct 01, 2019 at 01:50:55 AM

Dear backers,

This September has been crazy as always. We have been testing and iterating the design of enclosures, following up with everything of pilot production #2 (small scale) and whole machine testing, and running a Makerathon activity in our office.

You Will Love the New Enclosures

Along with all the new features coming with the Snapmaker 2.0 modular 3-in-1 3D printers, we are also developing new enclosures for A150, A250, and A350, which are currently close to the end of the design process. The following pictures show the early samples that we have assembled in early September. We proved out most of the features. For the doors, we have further modified the design to increase their firmness. The new samples with updated design just arrived today. We will finalize the enclosures’ design in early October.

We have carefully analyzed the product design and reviewed customer feedback of the enclosure for Snapmaker Original model when designing the new enclosures. These enclosures are not only safer, more solid, but also easier to assemble, designed to be compatible with future add-ons and expansions in mind.

All the rails used in the enclosures are part of the Snapmaker 2.0 modular system. They can be used to construct expanded models with the modular 3D printers. Using folding door design, the enclosure will take up much less space when opening the doors and reduce the risk of a crash.

The enclosures will be available for preorder in your BackerKit Survey. You can check out the updated information about the survey sending plan in the FAQ section in this update.

The Pilot Production #2 Has Proved Out the Manufacturing Process

The pilot production #1 (initial trial run) is finished. Now we are in the most critical moment in pilot production #2 (small scale). In this period, we focus on the assembly line and the more comprehensive whole machine testing using more test units. To ensure the production capacity and quality, we have cooperated with a reputable assembly plant. The assembly instructions were created and the workers were trained. The modules of 90 units have been manufactured by the assembly line to prove out the manufacturing process. On 18th September, all these modules were transferred to our office for more extensive testing.

We Need More Time to Fix the Problems Arose in Whole Machine Testing

We have completed Modules Testing back in early September, though there were some hiccups which caused a delay for a week or so. Things were going just fine. However, during Whole Machine Testing, we need to overcome even more unexpected challenges that take us a lot of time to get things done. There are two major problems currently: the problems related to Linear Modules motion, and the problems related to the wireless signal of the camera inside Laser Module. We have been conducting extra tests on the solutions, and we are racing against time to validate them. We won’t move on to the next step, mass production, until the problems exposed in the process of pilot production are solved. We are sorry to say that we can’t give an updated delivery schedule at the moment. As soon as we complete the test data analysis, we will be able to evaluate and update rewards delivery schedule.

Makerathon Projects in Our Office

Makerathon is a marathon race for makers. Since September 2018, we have been running monthly Makerathon Online in our Facebook group. It’s a competition that inspires everyone to start creating and sharing the pictures and stories of their projects that were made using Snapmaker products. In the third Friday in September, we held a company internal Makerathon in our office. There were ten teams in the competition. Each team needed to complete their prototypes within 25 hours. It was super exciting and inspiring.

Now let’s check out the top 3 most voted projects by our team.

You can find more wonderful Makerathon projects in our Facebook groups: [Official] Snapmaker - New Kickstarter Project and Snapmaker. Visit them now and Like the posts if you like their projects!

The FAQ in Post Campaign

When will we get the links about the add-ons?

We have updated the survey plan. Instead of sending the survey to all backers at once, we will send out the survey in batches in accordance with backers’ pledge levels. Also, we will send out the first batch of survey to the 600 early bird adopters about one month ahead of their rewards delivery. In recent weeks, we have been testing and iterating the design of enclosures. We have also conducted tests on various materials. However, we need extra time to finish the evaluation of the items and the time for creating the survey. We cannot make it at the end of September as scheduled in our original plan.

As always, please keep sharing your feedback and suggestions below. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Team Snapmaker

Test Progress & Upgraded Design of the 3D Printing Module
over 4 years ago – Sat, Aug 24, 2019 at 02:34:54 AM

Dear backers,

Today, we bring you the upgraded design of the 3D Printing Module and news on the test progress of the initial trial run. Also, you’ll find a new section in the update: Maker 101.

Sneak Peek at the Upgraded Design of the 3D Printing Module

Further improve the success rate and user experience of loading filament

From the feedback of our original model’s users, we found that it’s a little bit hard to push the physical button to load filament, and there remained a small possibility of failing to load filament in the right position which results in the problem of filament breaking inside the extruder. To improve the success rate and user experience of loading filament, we developed an auto-loading-filament feature in Snapmaker 2.0. Users can easily load or unload filament using the application in our touchscreen, without pushing hard on the physical button on the 3D Printing Module.

Furthermore, we’ve kept working on the improvement of the manual loading method as well. Now you are one of the first to have a look at the upgraded design of our 3D Printing Module. Simply switch the button on the module to open the cover of the extruder, and then you can insert filament directly into the hole for loading filament. This process is very intuitive and you can spot a mistake immediately if there is something wrong. It also allows you to clean the extruder drive gear conveniently.

The video below shows the improved manual loading method and the newly added quick-release feature.

Add quick-release feature for quicker troubleshooting and maintenance

Generally, after printing for some time, the nozzle and hot end may get worn, which requires replacement of a new nozzle or hot end in some troubleshooting cases. For our original model, replacing a hot end is a little bit tricky: you need to remove the side cover of the module and then remove the fan to disassemble the hot end. We’ve been thinking of a better design. Now we are pleased to announce that we’ve made it. Your 3D Printing Module will be upgraded with the quick-release feature. This new design saves you time in replacing the hot end. It simplifies the steps to: switching a button, removing the screw on the hot end and then taking out the hot end.

The Latest Progress of Modules Testing in the Initial Trial Run

Over the past month, we’ve completed around 80% of testing on average for each module. Most test results meet our standards. A few unexpected problems arose during the testing. To solve them, we have improved some of the assembly methods, conducted extra tests to figure out how to solve the problems, and communicated with suppliers to make the further fine adjustments for some components. We know that in testing, we can’t expect things always go the way we want and that the challenges we meet will be valuable and well worth the extra time, effort and money to make our products even better.

We’ve completed 3D printing tests on various materials including PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, and PVA in different scenarios. These scenarios include filament loading/extruding/unloading and filament runout recovery. All of these materials passed our tests. We will complete all the tests in Modules Testing and move on to the next phase, Whole Machine Testing, by the end of this month. At that time, we will test more materials and use more test models, including Autodesk & Kickstarter Test Print.

Maker 101 – 3D Printing Post Process Projects Sharing

We’ve seen many great discussions on how-to-make-it under #SnapmakerShowcase posts in our Facebook groups. They are so inspiring. Making, sharing, discussing, learning more and making more. We believe that everyone in this community can have fun and make wonderful projects in this process. From today, we will share our latest DIY projects with you. You can leave a comment below this update to let us know what kind of projects you want to see and what kind of projects you want to follow to make your projects. We may not make them immediately nor make all of them, but we will make a proper schedule to realizing them gradually and keep sharing our ideas on DIY projects. Welcome to share your thoughts on this section, including the name, form, engagement, and plans.

Fluid painting

Not sure how to post-process your prints? How about trying fluid painting? It's beautiful and surprisingly easy to make. Let's check our first try on a 3D printed mask. The models are printed by Snapmaker 2.0 A250.

Apollo 50th

We were thinking about celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. What our first thought is making a moonwalker model with a 3D printer. The 3D printing model is provided by Gravitation Innovation. They recently designed an Apollo AR Clock and a Saturn V AR Metal Model. You can learn more about their creations here.

The FAQ in Post Campaign 

“Hi, my apologies if this has already been asked before.” It’s very nice to begin your question with this sentence on our Comments page. Generally, if it’s a question that has been asked before, another peer in this community would help to answer it very quickly. We would like to thank those backers for helping others out on our public Comments section. Although editing the FAQ page is not allowed after the end of this campaign, we think that it’s good to share the latest answers to those commonly asked questions at the end of each update. Let’s try it from today.

When should I provide my shipping address to you?

Can I opt in to extra accessories?

We will contact you via survey emails to collect your shipping information in late September. You’ll be able to add extra accessories and add-ons when filling out your survey. More information will be shared in the September update.

Can I swap the 1.6W laser module for the higher-powered one and pay the difference in the survey?

Sorry, no. When we first heard of this demand, we wanted to make it. We replied with an answer that we would further evaluate it. Now, we are sure that we cannot meet this demand due to the schedule is very tight. We need to stick to our plan on pilot production and testing, and reserve sufficient time for dealing with unexpected problems and taking user experience to the next level. For example, we are working on a series of helpful applications on the 1.6W laser module with its built-in camera, including auto-focusing and what-you-see-is-what-you-get. Therefore, we choose not to rush into the new addons development at the moment. We hope you can understand our decision.

Will the product come with a comprehensive user manual?

I’d love to be a manual editor/reviewer. Let me know if you need me :)

The answer is yes to both questions. We plan to offer complete tutorial resources to you when you receive the product. If you want to support us in making a better knowledge base, be sure to contact us to apply to join our small group of backers who would help us in improving the Quick Start Guide, User Manual, Video Tutorials and Troubleshooting Guides before they are published to all backers. You can send us your email address via Kickstarter Message or simply leave a comment below to let us know your passion for it.

As always, please keep sharing your feedback and suggestions below. We’d love to hear your thoughts on how we make this project more inspiring. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Team Snapmaker

Things Are on Track for Pilot Production #1 (Initial Trial Run)
almost 5 years ago – Fri, Jul 19, 2019 at 03:01:46 AM

Dear backers,

We are pleased to announce that we are entering the most exciting moment in our initial trial run. All components have arrived and passed our appearance inspection and dimension measurement. Meanwhile, our product development team has finalized all test plans and the design of all test fixtures. Now almost all test fixtures have been produced and improved to set up the test environment for all the 30 units produced from the initial trial run.

Accomplished the First Goal of Trial Run – Produced High Quality Components

Taking a hardware product from prototype to production is one of the most critical challenges for most Kickstarter hardware projects. There could be so many unexpected problems to get solved in a limited time and there’s so little room for error. We deeply understand that completing the production on time for a new product can be a huge challenge. However, this is not our first time to take up this kind of challenge. Learning from our last project, we know how to get better prepared this time. For example, all parts were designed taking manufacturing and assembly into consideration from the very beginning; we always set proper Plan B in advance for those tasks that don't allow failure or delay. That is, we segment main tasks and work in parallel though it usually means that we spend more money to save the time we want.

From May to June, we arguably spent a lot of time on tooling corrections and adjustments as well as the improvement of a series of complicated post processes for various metal parts and electronic parts. Up to this Monday, we have finally received all components for the initial trial run of all models: Snapmaker A150, A250, and A350. All parts have passed our appearance inspection and dimension measurement.

Get Well Prepared for Trial Run – Finalized Comprehensive Test Plans

In the past month, in addition to pushing hard on manufacture and components suppliers, we also worked hard on creating comprehensive test plans as well as making dedicated test fixtures for setting up a better test environment. Again, learning from our last project, we know the importance of always thinking about how to test each part of our new product while it was in development, no matter it’s a circuit board or a mechanical part. If the testing is prepared hastily, it can cause either uncontrollable delays or poor production quality, which will be irreversible.

Our test plans include plans for testing modules and the whole machine. 

Test Plans for Modules

•  Detailed documents that outline the test items, test objectives, test overview, test methods, test fixtures, equipment list, expected results, responsibilities and test schedule.
•  Ten major modules: Linear module, 3D printing module, laser module, CNC module, touchscreen, controller, power module, work platform, dual port splitter for linear module, and structural parts.
•  Eight major test types: dimension measurement, appearance inspection, assembly test, function and performance test, reliability test, environmental adaptability test, safety test and user experience test.
•  Sufficient test items that serve to validate our product design and manufacturing, and verify that all modules’ performance meet our standards. For example, there are 65 test items for the 3D printing module and 36 test items for the laser module. The estimated time for completing all modules tests is about five weeks.

Test Plan for Whole Machine

•  Four major test types: reliability test, aging test, environmental adaptability test and safety test.
•  Effective test cases that verify particular functions of various applications, including general functions, system setup, 3D printing application, laser application and CNC application.

What’s Next?

We’ll share the latest news on test progress of our initial trial run and the preparation of Pilot Production #2 (Small Scale) in late August.

As always, please keep sharing your feedback and suggestions below. We’d love to hear your thoughts on how we make this project more inspiring. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Team Snapmaker

We Stay Laser-Focused on the Pilot Production
almost 5 years ago – Sat, Jun 22, 2019 at 03:16:44 AM

Dear backers,

As our campaign was funded with a huge success, 7,388 backers having pledged $7,850,866 to help bring this project to life, we are laser-focusing on the preparation for pilot production now.

The Road to Mass Production - Pilot Production

For Snapmaker 2.0, one of the most important milestones of the past is that we created the final prototypes of all models in December 2018. Then we spent five months on various tests and improvements on mechanical structure, hardware, and firmware. Meanwhile, we had deeper communication with suppliers, evaluated all possible risks of the production, and worked on tooling so as to get ready for the pilot production in July.

Pilot Production Plan

We aim to send out all rewards to all Snapmaker 2.0 backers by the end of March 2020. Before going full speed on mass production, we are going to perform a pilot run in this summer. A pilot run is like a test production: instead of making 2000 units straight away, we will make 30, then 90 or more units to test the quality of all parts and assembly procedure. After ensuring everything goes well, we will make 600, 1200, 2000 and more printers per month.

There are two periods in our pilot production for Snapmaker 2.0: an initial trial run, and a small pilot batch production.

We’ve Set Higher Standards

In our last project, we offered a limited number of beta version products to the "Very Early Beta Adopters". We appreciated what beta adopters had shared and discussed with us in the early stages of production. They helped to polish the original model to be a more mature product before the mass production. (You can click here to learn more about the improvements we have made based upon beta adopters’ feedback for our last project.) When planning out the delivery schedule for Snapmaker 2.0, we reserved more time and resources for internal product features testing and user experience related improvements. Therefore, the earliest batch (delivered in mid Nov.) of Snapmaker 2.0 will be made in the first batch of mass production, instead of pilot production. We aim to find and fix as many problems as possible internally before this new product is shipped to our early supporters. 

No Stretch Goal

We noticed that some of you discussed about stretch goals for celebrating the success of this campaign. Whether when our campaign was live or at the moment, rather than think about the stretch goals that help to get more funds and backers, we prefer to stay laser-focused on our goal of delivering high-quality products to all of our early supporters. That is, you and other 7,000+ backers. Therefore, we didn’t set any stretch goal. However, we are sure that most add-ons will be offered with the biggest discount for you :)

Meet Us at ISTE 2019 in Philadelphia

Enthusiastic about STEAM education? Gearing up for ISTE 2019 in Philly? Be sure to come to visit us at Booth 1055. We will show the Snapmaker original model and Snapmaker 2.0 A250 from June 24 to 26. We look forward to hearing diverse perspectives, sharing thoughts and ideas, and connecting with more educators. Can’t wait to meet you there! 

What’s Next?

We’ll share the latest progress of the initial trial run of every aspect in late July, which is the foundation of pilot production #2 (small scale).

At the time we started working on Snapmaker 2.0 project back in August 2018, it's the second year after the company was created. Our first project has proven that we are a team of persistence. We always keep going beyond ourselves. We are clear that we will still face various challenges, though we are much more well-prepared this time than last time. We are not worried as we have you to support us and experience the joy and anxiety with us along the journey of overcoming challenges and fulfilling this project.

Last, we want to thank you again for supporting us in the very beginning of this project. As we said Thank-You via Kickstarter message on the last day of this campaign, those thrilling, exciting moments belong to all of us in this awesome community. We hope the success of this campaign can inspire you to achieve your goals with great passion and love!

As always, please keep sharing your feedback and suggestions below. We’d love to hear your ideas on how we grow this community together to make it a happy place for making something wonderful.

Sincerely,

Team Snapmaker

Less Than 48 Hours! Surpassed $6.7 Million! Livestream and More Showcases Sharing.
almost 5 years ago – Tue, Jun 04, 2019 at 10:46:36 PM

Dear backers,

We’ve got less than 48 HOURS LEFT in our final countdown. This is actually the final call for Snapmaker 2.0. Can’t believe how quickly the past month has gone by! Your amazing support has made it the most funded project in Technology category on Kickstarter last weekend! After June 6, our Kickstarter campaign will come to an end, and we will speed up the preparation of pilot production for this project.

Livestream

A few hours ago, we had a great time with our active followers in our first LIVESTREAM. If you didn’t make it, don’t worry. You can replay the livestream video below. We’ve shown all models of Snapmaker 2.0, prototypes of some add-ons / future expansions, and answered your questions in real time. Check it out now!

If you have additional questions or suggestions, be sure to add them into the Comments below. We’ll reply them as soon as possible.

CNC Cutting Carbon Fiber Sheet and More Showcases

Traditional 3D printers can only 3D print. Your Snapmaker 2.0 is completely different. Being able to access all essential technologies in one machine means that you’ll have more / better options on the materials for your specific projects. For example, in addition to 3D printing with plastic filament, you can make better drone frames using CNC cutting carbon fiber sheets, a material that has low weight and high strength.

The Most Funded Project in Technology on Kickstarter

Last weekend, you’ve helped to bring this campaign to the #1 All-Time Most Funded project in Technology category in Kickstarter history. And as I’m writing this now, you’ve helped this campaign to raise over $6.7 million together with other 6,300+ backers. There are less than 48 HOURS remaining for this campaign, but we are gathering more and more backers in this final sprint. Help us spread the word! Let’s hit a new milestone within the final hours!

What’s Next for Backers

June 6 – June 12: Pledges Collection

When the campaign ends at 10AM ET, June 6, your pledge will be finalized and Kickstarter will process your payment. If your pledge fails to collect, Kickstarter will send you email reminders. Please pay attention to those reminders (with an email subject of “Action Needed”) and resolve your payment issues by June 12.

About Three Months Before Delivery: Shipping Info Collection

We will contact you via emails to collect your shipping information around three months before delivery.

Thanks again to all of you for making Snapmaker 2.0 a huge success in Kickstarter history!

Sincerely,

Team Snapmaker