“We found that all 3D printer, laser engraver, and CNC Carving machine require a three-axis linear motion system to work. So we combined them into one machine that performs all functions.”

Completely constructed out of aluminum alloys, the highly-durable industrial Snapmaker is simple to put together, equipped with a 3.2-inch color touchscreen, and is backed by an intuitive drag-and-drop software program. Even though the Snapmaker 3-in-1 Printer looks like it belongs in a Ford factory assembly line, it’s actually a quite versatile piece of machinery. According to the company’s website, “Its versatility is achieved by using interchangeable heads, modular connector (RJ25 and RJ45) jacks, and modified firmware that enables three applications of 3D printing, laser engraving, and CSN carving.”

Offering a 500 mW beam that works with wood, bamboo, leather, plastic, fabric, and paper, the engraving module allows users to design super precise logos and images on soft surfaces. The CNC module, yet another interchangeable head, can carve wood, acrylic, and PCB at speed between 2,000 and 7,000 RPM. If you want exact precision with your design and it needs to come to life using various materials, the Snapmaker can make it happen.

With a 3D printer head speed that ranges between 10-150 mm/second, all you need to do is simply drag and drop print files into Snapmaker’s proprietary software program and watch the machine print multiple items at a time. Whether you want to use the given slicer software or use third party applications, the choice is entirely up to the user. Considered to be the “most affordable 3-in-1 printer” about to hit the market, Snapmaker is certainly drawing some much-deserved attention at price starting at $299.

So how did Snapmaker develop an affordable All-Metal 3-in-1 3D Printer? According to the company’s Kickstarter campaign:

“Using modular design and designing all three linear modules (the most important and expensive parts) to be identical so that all of them can be made with the same dies. It not only cuts dies costs but also allows for making linear modules in higher volume.”

With already close to $1.3 million pledged (April 2017) and an estimated ship date scheduled for September of 2017, Snapmaker is poised to make 3D printing technology accessible to the everyday consumer. Engineered for beginners as well as experienced designers, the additional CNC and laser engraver models are just an additional $75 on top of the already inexpensive 3D printing machine. This makes the Snapmaker one of the most attractive, multi-functional machines in development.