Snapmaker recently celebrated its 8th anniversary by launching the newest version of their product, the Snapmaker Artisan Premium 3-in-1 combo. This upgraded model includes a dual extruder 3D printing module, a more robust 200W CNC module, and an expanded workspace measuring 400mm x 400mm x 400mm. Additionally, it features an enhanced 40W laser module complete with an air assist pump to ensure cleaner cuts.
The innovative modular design of the Artisan Premium allows for rapid switching between its multiple functions, ideal for a variety of projects. The machine’s toolheads and corresponding work beds can be easily exchanged, and it incorporates safety features that verify correct setup before operation commences.
An enclosure is included with the system to enhance safety during operation. Both the machine and the enclosure require assembly prior to use.
The Artisan Premium package is delivered in three separate boxes that include the machine itself, the enclosure, the controller, the air pump, and various accessories. Central to its operation are three distinct toolheads and their respective beds/worktables.
Setting up the Artisan is a considerable endeavor, and it’s advisable to allocate an entire weekend to fully assemble, configure, and test all components.
While repeat builders might find the assembly process quicker, first-timers should expect to spend a complete day and require ample space to put together this substantial machine.
Once put together, the enclosure’s dimensions are 665 mm × 943 mm × 705 mm. It is important to remember that additional space will be necessary for the controller, making this unsuitable for compact living spaces like bedrooms.
The assembly begins with a singular box that houses the main machine, followed by a second one containing the enclosure, and a third smaller box holds the air pump unit.
The machine’s assembly consumed an entire afternoon, whereas setting up the enclosure extended into a few hours of the next day. The manuals provide clear instructions for assembling each component. Additionally, Snapmaker offers helpful video guides on their YouTube channel for both the machine and the enclosure setups.
Once the machine and enclosure were ready, I proceeded to trial the Artisan Premium combo, beginning with its laser module.
The Snapmaker Artisan Premium features a new 40W laser module, substantially more powerful and precise than its predecessors. This module fits perfectly into the modular system, allowing for the engraving and cutting of diverse materials like wood, acrylic, leather, and some types of metal.
Setting up the laser module is a straightforward process, yet it demands meticulous attention to detail. The module securely attaches to the toolhead mount of the machine, with a requirement to precisely level the work surface to achieve optimal outcomes. It is crucial to calibrate the laser’s focus to ensure that both cutting and engraving are clean and accurate. This entails fine-tuning the Z-height of the module until the laser beam sharply focuses on the material’s surface. Although the manual from Snapmaker includes a calibration guide that aids in simplifying this procedure, patience and accuracy remain essential.
The module’s air assist pump is connected using a flexible hose that directs a stream of air across the cutting area to eliminate debris and minimize burn marks. Although this connection process is straightforward, managing the hose is vital to prevent any operational interference. The system within the enclosure handles smoke efficiently, ensuring the environment within remains safe and clear.
The capabilities of the 40W laser module are notable, as it can cleanly cut through 8mm thick wood in a single pass, producing smooth edges with hardly any scorch marks. During engraving tasks, the module achieves a high level of detail and maintains consistent depth across different materials. The air assist feature notably enhances the quality of cuts, proving particularly beneficial for fragile materials such as paper and fabric. Still, for optimal results, one must carefully adjust the speed and power based on the material’s thickness and type.
Experimenting with the Lubian software, I found it impressively user-friendly for setting up various cutting and engraving jobs on different types of wood.
The FDM 3D printer module offers comprehensive coverage across the entire building platform and can execute large-scale prints due to its capability to extrude filaments throughout the build plate. This module is equipped with dual extruders that enable the use of two different materials simultaneously or support material for complex shapes.
The 3D printing module operates via a controller screen which facilitates ease in setup and calibration with step-by-step instructions. Assembly of the 3D printing module is a seamless process, courtesy of the printer’s modular architecture. The module mounts snugly onto the toolhead mount, and hooking up the filament feed tubes is accomplished swiftly. However, the dual-extruder setup demands extra care. The software of the Artisan Premium helps with loading and calibrating the filaments and ensures the nozzles are perfectly aligned. An auto-leveling feature streamlines bed calibration, thereby curtailing the time spent on manual adjustments.
Starting a print requires loading filaments into both extruders and calibrating the nozzle offset. This procedure is guided by the touchscreen interface which makes it user-friendly, even for novices of dual-extrusion technology. Still, additional adjustments might be necessary to enhance print quality, particularly when using different materials.
Its sizable build volume is conducive to undertaking large projects. Nevertheless, printing large items might take a considerable amount of time as the printing speed of this 3D printer may seem slow compared to some standard desktop printers. Yet, this machine is designed for professional use, possibly appealing to users who prioritize quality over speed.
The Snapmaker Artisan Pro Combo includes an enhanced CNC module that maximizes the 400 x 400 x 400 mm workspace offered by the frame. It features a spindle that can go up to 18,000 RPM, capable of efficiently milling materials such as wood, acrylic, carbon fiber, and soft metals like aluminum. The module incorporates a high-precision linear module for stable and accurate machining operations.
Various types of end mills are also part of the package, including Flat End Mills, Ball End Mills, and V-Bit End Mills. These tools are perfect for tasks like milling, carving, and engraving on materials like wood, acrylic, carbon fiber, and soft metals.
The setup and configuration for the tasks are handled through the Snapmaker Lubian software, where one can clearly adjust and review the impact of settings like tool-type, cutting depth, and speeds on the finish time of the projects.
To test the versatile setup, I downloaded a relief of a mythical character from the internet and observed how adjusting the parameters influenced project completion times, which varied from 4 hours to as much as 12 hours for more detailed work.
Unfortunately, as I reside in a serene apartment complex, I was unable to operate the CNC feature of the Snapmaker Artisan due to the noise level restrictions in my building.
Nevertheless, I did devote substantial time exploring the various functionalities and settings in the Snapmaker Luban software, which provided some insights into the capabilities and operation speeds of the CNC feature of this machine.
Upon my initial interaction with this multifaceted machine, I pondered its target audience. It appears somewhat pricey for an ordinary hobbyist and notably bulky for anyone lacking a dedicated workspace.
Thus, it appears that this machine is catered towards the more serious hobbyists or professionals who are seeking the advantages of CNC, laser cutting, and 3D printing all in one, without the necessity of accommodating three distinct machines in their workspace.
It would be well suited to a prototyping company, or even to a full manufacturing company (such as a furniture company) for smaller runs of items such as brackets and whatnot.
As someone with a small business, I would consider this machine as something that can definitely add value to a company, especially for smaller jobs, and if you have regular customers buying trinkets, there is no reason this machine can’t pay for itself after a few weeks or months, depending on usage.
Overall, we would say that the Snapmaker Artisan Premium Combo is a fine addition to any workshop. So if you would like to know more about it, then head on over to the Snapmaker website at the link below for more information.
This Snapmaker device is a powerful 3-in-1 3D printer + laser cutter + CNC