I have been using my new Snapmaker U1 four filament / four extruder 3D printer for several weeks. I am impressed with the performance of four separate print heads. The U1 is a keeper.
I did not order (pre-order) the top cover during the kickstarter. It was a pricey add-on and not immediately available. I wanted a chance to “VET” the U1 itself before investing more money.
Low temperature filament like PLA don’t require tight temperature environment control. So the top cover is actually not a requirement for printing this material.
The full price for the top is listed at $249.00 plus tax. (Pricey) But the pre-order list price is $149.00. That’s actually not too bad. The U1 top includes air filtration which I assume involves a fan of some type.
The complete design of the top is not completely finalized. So specifications and even pre-release photos (the one shown here) are subject to change. It’s big and tall and a weird shape.
My present intention is to cover the top for protection and to keep out dust and debris. There is actually a lot of air-borne dust in every or any home workspace. It’s why clean people sweep the floor and dust the furniture! Ha!
The added benefit is the cover will permit printing of high temperature material. Snapmaker marketing tries to make high temp printing the primary reason for the top cover. That’s O.K.
Delivery time at this time (of writing) is 120 day or so. That’s 1/3 of a year.
I placed the order to take advantage of the lower price. The U1 can continue to run naked (no hat) for the next four months. <G>
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