# Snapmaker

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/companies/snapmaker
Shenzhen maker of desktop fabrication machines, from 3-in-1 printer/laser/CNC tools to the U1, a four-head tool-changing 3D printer that is Kickstarter's most-funded 3D printer.

## In brief

- U1 raised $20.6M from 20,680 backers in 2025, the most-funded 3D printer on Kickstarter.
- Swaps among four separate print heads instead of purging one nozzle between colours.
- Says every U1 Kickstarter order shipped by 23 December 2025.

## Facts

- Founded: 2016
- Headquarters: CN
- Status: private
- Website: https://www.snapmaker.com
- Frontiers: [Manufacturing](https://technooptimist.io/manufacturing.md) (Desktop 3D printers)

## Programs

- [Snapmaker U1](https://technooptimist.io/manufacturing/u1.md) (Manufacturing): Deploy. Kickstarter orders shipped by Dec 2025 (company); on retail sale in 2026.

## Technical approach

- **Tool changing: One head per material**: The J1 (2022) had two independent extruders and the U1 (2025) four, each with its own nozzle rather than one shared one.
- **In-house build: Design to factory in Shenzhen**: Design, firmware, mechanical engineering and manufacturing are done in-house in Shenzhen.

## Latest updates

- **23 Dec 2025**: Snapmaker says all U1 Kickstarter orders have shipped. Snapmaker says every U1 Kickstarter order shipped by 23 December 2025, ahead of schedule. ([our story](https://technooptimist.io/stories/snapmaker-says-all-u1-kickstarter-orders-have-shipped-45fe6909.md) · [original source](https://www.snapmaker.com/en/about-us))
- **30 Sep 2025**: Snapmaker U1 tool changer becomes the most-funded 3D printer in Kickstarter history. The U1 campaign passed $20.1M from 20,206 backers by 30 September 2025, the most for any 3D printer on Kickstarter. ([our story](https://technooptimist.io/stories/snapmaker-u1-tool-changer-becomes-the-most-funded-3d-printer-in-1cbc60c9.md) · [original source](https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/snapmaker-u1-becomes-most-funded-3d-printer-in-kickstarter-history-244988/))

## Partners, customers and investors

- Polymaker (partner): First third-party filament maker with official U1 profiles.

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