Published on Thu Jul 29 2021 10:41:12 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Snapmaker J1: A Deep Dive into High-Speed, Dual-Extrusion 3D Printing

The Snapmaker J1 is making waves in the 3D printing world, promising high-speed printing, dual-extrusion capabilities, and a focus on precision. If you’re looking for a printer that can handle complex geometries, multi-material projects, and demanding deadlines, the J1 might be a strong contender. Let’s dive into the details and see what this machine has to offer.

What Makes the Snapmaker J1 Stand Out?

The J1 isn’t just another printer; it’s designed for serious makers and professionals. Here are some of its key features:

• Independent Dual Extruders (IDEX): This allows you to print with two different materials or colors simultaneously, or to utilize a support material for complex overhangs. The IDEX system dramatically expands design possibilities and streamlines the printing process.
• High-Speed Printing: The J1 boasts impressive print speeds, minimizing production time without sacrificing quality.
• Enclosed Chamber: The enclosed chamber helps maintain consistent temperatures, especially crucial when working with materials like ABS and ASA that are prone to warping.
• Precision Engineering: Snapmaker is known for its build quality, and the J1 is no exception. The printer is built with robust components to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Detailed Specifications:

• Print Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Build Volume: 300 x 200 x 200 mm (11.8 x 7.9 x 7.9 inches)
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (standard, others available)
• Maximum Nozzle Temperature: 300°C (572°F)
• Maximum Bed Temperature: 100°C (212°F)
• Layer Resolution: 0.05 - 0.3 mm
• Print Speed: Up to 350 mm/s
• Travel Speed: Up to 500 mm/s
• Acceleration: Up to 10000 mm/s²
• Supported Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Nylon, Carbon Fiber Composites, and more (depending on temperature requirements)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
• Operating System: Custom Linux-based system
• Slicing Software: Snapmaker Luban (compatible with other slicers)
• Power Supply: AC 100-240V
• Dimensions: 524 x 494 x 503 mm (20.6 x 19.4 x 19.8 inches)
• Weight: 27 kg (59.5 lbs)

Getting the Most Out of Your Snapmaker J1: Usage Tips

• Leveling is Key: Dual-extrusion requires precise bed leveling. Take your time with the initial leveling process, and re-level periodically, especially when switching between materials.
• Material Compatibility: While the J1 supports a wide range of filaments, always check the recommended temperature settings for each material. Pay close attention to bed adhesion settings too. Experiment and find what works best for your specific filament brands.
• Dual-Material Profiles: When printing with two materials, create custom profiles in your slicing software. This allows you to optimize temperature, speed, and retraction settings for each extruder independently.
• Support Material Strategies: Explore different support material options (e.g., dissolvable support). Dual extrusion is an excellent opportunity to use specialized support filaments that dissolve in water or other solvents.
• Temperature Control: Monitor the chamber temperature, especially when printing materials like ABS. Adjust the enclosure’s ventilation settings as needed to prevent overheating or warping.
• Luban Workflow: Familiarize yourself with the Snapmaker Luban software. While you can use other slicers, Luban is specifically designed for Snapmaker machines and provides a seamless workflow. Learn the best settings for maximizing print quality and speed.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep the nozzles clean, lubricate the linear rails, and check the belt tension regularly. Proper maintenance will ensure consistent performance and extend the lifespan of your printer.
• Firmware Updates: Stay up-to-date with the latest firmware updates. These updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and new features.

Snapmaker J1 Review: A Closer Look

Let’s break down the Snapmaker J1’s performance across several key categories:

• Print Quality: (9/10) The J1 delivers excellent print quality, with fine details and smooth surfaces. The dual-extrusion capability further enhances the ability to produce complex parts.
• Build Volume: (7/10) The build volume is a reasonable size for many projects, but it may be limiting for very large prints.
• Printing Speed: (10/10) The J1 is a true speed demon, significantly reducing print times compared to slower printers.
• Material Compatibility: (9/10) The J1 supports a wide variety of filaments, making it a versatile machine for different applications.
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: (8/10) Bed adhesion is generally reliable, especially with proper preparation. The automatic bed leveling system simplifies the process, but occasional manual adjustments may be needed.
• Reliability: (8/10) With proper maintenance, the J1 is a reliable machine. However, like any complex piece of equipment, occasional issues may arise.
• Ease of Use: (7/10) The J1 is relatively easy to use, thanks to the user-friendly interface and the Snapmaker Luban software. However, mastering dual-extrusion printing requires some practice and experimentation.
• Firmware and Software: (8/10) The custom Linux-based system is stable and responsive. Luban provides a good starting point, but experienced users may prefer to use other slicers for more advanced control.
• Connectivity Options: (8/10) The Wi-Fi and USB connectivity options provide flexibility in how you connect to the printer.
• Build Quality & Durability: (9/10) The J1 is built with high-quality components and a sturdy frame, ensuring long-term durability.
• Noise Level: (7/10) The J1 is not the quietest printer on the market, but the noise level is acceptable. The enclosure helps to dampen some of the sound.
• Maintenance Requirements: (7/10) The J1 requires regular maintenance, such as cleaning the nozzles and lubricating the linear rails.
• Customer Support: (7/10) Snapmaker’s customer support is generally responsive, but some users have reported delays in getting assistance.
• Upgradeability: (6/10) The J1 has limited upgradeability options compared to some other printers.
• Price to Performance Ratio: (7/10) The J1 is a premium printer with a corresponding price tag. However, the high-speed printing, dual-extrusion capabilities, and overall quality justify the cost for users who need those features.

Overall Average Score: 7.73/10

Conclusion:

The Snapmaker J1 is a powerful and versatile 3D printer that is well-suited for advanced makers and professionals. Its high-speed printing, dual-extrusion capabilities, and robust build quality make it a compelling option for those who need to produce complex parts quickly and efficiently. While the price point may be a barrier for some, the J1 delivers a solid return on investment for users who can leverage its advanced features.

Written by Alex