Snapmaker Artisan 3 in 1 with enclosure - FDM 3D printer

Snapmaker are known for their multifunctionl and modular 3D printing solutions such as the Snapmaker 2.0 3 in 1 3D printer or the Snapmaker J1 3D printer. Another innovative user-friendly 3D printer from their catalog is the Snapmaker Artisan 3 in 1 3D printer defined by the brand themselves as a desktop powerhouse - larger, stronger and more acccessible than ever. With a dual extrusion 3D printing module, a 10 W laser engraving and cutting module, a 200 W CNC carving and cutting module, and a laser-proof enclosure the Artisan printer is converted into a poweful multipurpose tool for private users, small businesses, workshops or art studios.

Video 1: Introducing the Snapmaker Artisan 3  in 1. Source: Snapmaker.

The Snapmaker Artisan 3 in 1 3D printer stands out with the numerous improvements that were made to increase its printing speed, precision, filament compatibility and accessibility. In comparison to the Snapmaker 2.0 3 in 1 3D printer, the Snapmaker Artisan 3 in 1 has a built-in emergency button, a bigger printing speed (180 mm/s compared to 100 mm/s), a higher extrusion temperature (300 ºC vs. 275 ºC), and a much wider range of supported 3D printing, laser engraving and CNC machining materials, and faster and deeper cutting (8 mm in a single pass) with ultra-fine laser focus thanks to beam shaping optics and the triangulation technology that calculates the thickness of materials and completes the laser auto focus in seconds. Compared with Snapmaker 2.0, the CNC module of Artisan has increased by 300 % in power and 50 % in maximum spindle speed, making it 6 times faster with a dimensional accuracy of up to 0.2 mm.

Image 1: Parts made with the Snapmaker Artisan CNC cutting, laser engraving and 3D printing modules. Source: Snapmaker.

Apart from the 3D printing materials the Snapmaker 2.0 can work with (PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU), the Snapmaker Artisan is compatible with the PVA and HIPS soluble support materials, breakaway PLA, PA-CF, PA-GF and ASA. A detailed comparison table can be consulted on the manufacturer's website. The laser module is capable of processing materials such as basswood, leather, brick, slate, stainless steel, anodized aluminum, corrugated board or MDF, and the CNC module allows the user to work with beech, pine, plywood, jade, carbon fiber board, HDF, copper-clad plate and epoxy tooling material.

Video 2: The Artisan allows for a quick changing between manufacturing modules. Source: Snapmaker.

The all-metal chassis of the Artisan printer is sturdy and durable, and the steel guiderails made by CNC grinding  and powered by industrial-grade transmission technology guarantee precision and stability (±0.1 mm dimensional accuracy even at 180 mm/s printing speeds). The work are enables builds of up to 400 x 400 x 400 mm and the quick-swap toolheads, platforms and hotends allow the user to seamlessly and quickly move between the 3 functions in 1 minute.

Video 3: The hotends can be changed easily without tools. Source: Snapmaker.

The Luban software automatically suggests customized configurations for the detected nozzle sizes and types, and a built-in motor automatically lifts and shifts between two extruders, without extra toolhead movement or switch toggling. The upgraded one-piece die-cast base plate, similar to the one Snapmaker J1 is equipped with, provides stability even at high speeds. 

Image 2: The high temperature zone saves time and energy. Source: Snapmaker.

A very interesting feature included in the 3D printing bed of the Snapmaker Artisan printer is zone heating. The 260 x 260 mm high temperature zone placed in the middle of the hot bed can reach 110 ºC whereas the highest temperature of the outer zone is 80°C. This solution allows the user to save time and energy when only a small part is printed. The new build plate included in the Artisan printer is made of glass with higher flatness, ensuring a smoother and more adhesive first layer. It’s glossy glass on one side (flexibles) and PEI coating (PLA, PETG, etc.) on the other side, aiding in adhesion of various filaments. Furthermore, the Artisan printer can automatically level the hot bed and calibrate the Z offset of the two extruders, and then calibrate the XY offset with a semi-auto program.

Video 4: The quick-swap manufacturing platforms. Source: Snapmaker.

Snapmaker has equipped the Artisan 3D printer with numerous solutions that ensure the safety of the user at all times. The included enclosure reduces the laser from Class 4 to Class 1 and the enclosure's door-detection sensor lets Artisan automatically stop the laser or CNC job when any door is opened. Furthermore, the controller has an embedded emergency stop button, and the laser module is equipped with a temperature sensor (stops upon detecting temperatures exceeding 55 ºC) as well as a gyro sensor responsible for making sure that no laser beam comes out if the module deviates from its designated position.

Image 3: The manufacturing beds and modules provided with the Snapmaker Artisan. Source: Snapmaker.

The ultra-wide 7" touchscreen with a brand new user interface offers broader vision, a more intuitive user experience and an ergonomic and smooth workflow. The software that the Snapmaker Artisan 3 in 1 printer employs is the Snapmaker Luban software, a tailor-made solution that provides concise and easy-to-follow configuration instructions for 3D printing, laser engraving and CNC machining. The Luban software permits the user to take full control of the 3 fabrication methods and monitor the process at all times thanks to the wide-angle camera. The built-in printing modes free the user from the need to adjust the printing parameters and allow to perform most operations in just a few clicks but the user can also access the underlying parameters and fully control the manufacturing process anyway.

Image 4: The controller's 7" screen and the Luban software. Source: Snapmaker.

The Snapmaker Artisan 3 in 1 is compatible with many of the Snapmaker modules and add-ons, which further increases the printer's potential and makes it a truly modular and versatile tool that enables the user to easily adjust the Artisan to the current needs and projects. On top of the already included components (enclosure, quick-swap fabrication bases and modules), the potential of the Artisan printer can be further expanded by swapping the included laser and CNC modules for laser and CNC modules with different power, swapping the dual extrusion 3D printing module for a single extrusion module, adding a rotary module, an air purifier, the CAN Hub or a filament dryer. The compatibility of the Snapmaker Artisan printer with the various add-ons offered by Snapmaker is explained in detail here.

Snapmaker CAN Hub

Snapmaker Air Purifier

Snapmaker laser module

Snapmaker rotary module

The Snapmaker Artisan 3 in 1 is a powerful and extremely polyvalent tool that will be a priceless addition to any workshop. The multiple safety features and quick-swap system for manufacturing modules and build surfaces enables the user to not worry about time-consuming and complicated procedures, and instead to focus on the 3D printing, laser engraving or CNC cutting project at hand while the Artisan takes care of leveling, calibration, parameters and monitoring. The Artisan makes it possible not only to 3D print complex structures and geometries with a wide range of polymers and support materials, but also to manufacture detailed and impeccable models with the help of laser engraving or CNC machining with dozens of materials. Introducing the Snapmaker Artisan 3 in 1 into the workflow is a decision that will make any project viable and open the door for innovation and uninhibited creation.