What is it?

In September 2022, I decided to invest in a Snapmaker Artisan, a multi-functional desktop machine that can do CNC, Laser, and 3D printing. After spending some time researching and examining its quality, I eagerly awaited its arrival. I finally received it in March 2023 and have been using it for the past two weeks. As an owner of the Snapmaker 2.0 A350, I'm excited to compare the two machines and see the improvements that Snapmaker has made. It's clear that Snapmaker has been attentive to user feedback and has implemented various updates and improvements in the Artisan model. In this review, I'll share my experience as a new user and evaluate whether upgrading from an earlier machine is worth it.

I was also pleased to find that Snapmaker had included all the necessary tools for assembling and maintaining the machine, neatly organized in a toolbox. While I initially missed the multi-tipped screwdriver from the A350, I quickly adjusted to the new color-coded Allen keys, which made the assembly process even smoother. It's clear that Snapmaker has thought through every detail, making sure that customers have everything they need to get started with their Artisan right out of the box.

Assembly

It's great to hear that Snapmaker has taken the time to think about the customer experience in such detail. It definitely shows in the selection of sample materials provided, which gives users a chance to experiment with different materials right from the get-go. As someone who enjoys tinkering with new materials and designs, I appreciate the effort that has gone into providing these samples. Additionally, the use of paper pull tabs is a thoughtful touch that may seem small but can really make a difference in the ease of unpacking and setting up the machine. Overall, I'm impressed with the attention to detail and thoughtfulness that Snapmaker has put into the Artisan.

Instruction manual

One of the standout features of the Snapmaker Artisan is the instruction manual. I was blown away by how clear and concise it was, with each step laid out in an easy-to-follow format. What really impressed me was how well the manual was organized, with each part and component carefully labeled and cross-referenced with the corresponding step in the instructions. This level of attention to detail really sets the Snapmaker apart from other machines I've used in the past.

Another great feature is the step-by-step instructions displayed on the 7" touchscreen control center. The interface is intuitive and easy to use, with controls and wizards that are tailored to the specific module being used. This makes it incredibly easy to navigate and select the right settings for each project. I've included a sample step below to give you an idea of what to expect, but I highly recommend downloading the full instruction manual to see for yourself just how well-designed and user-friendly it is.

The new CNC module uses the same ER11 collet as the previous model, making it easy to purchase additional bits as needed. The reviewer notes that there is a wide variety of bits available for different needs, and being able to source them from Amazon Prime for just a few pounds each is a relief.

Snapmaker has also revised the system for fixing materials to the work-bed, with a more robust and secure design that allows for easier adjustment when changing materials. The improved system and increased motor power have resulted in faster cutting speeds and deeper cuts, with the ability to work with a wide range of materials such as woods, PCBs, acrylic sheets, POM, and carbon fiber sheets.

Overall, it seems like the upgrades to the CNC module on the Snapmaker Artisan are impressive and should provide users with a more powerful and efficient carving and cutting experience.

The wooden platform used for CNC machining is considered a sacrificial board. This means that in order to cut all the way through any material you are using, the drill bit will also cut away some of the wooden platform itself. However, this is usually less than a millimeter and won't affect its ability to function as a level work platform for a long time. When it eventually needs replacing, Snapmaker and its resellers keep it in stock, but users can also make their own if they wish.

Installing a work bit into the ER11 collet requires both of the included open-ended spanners. The process involves inserting the work bit into the end of the collet and hand-tightening it while ensuring the bit is nestled vertically in the center of the collet. After this, the collet's grip is tightened firmly using the two spanners, with one on the silver shaft and the second on the black collar.

To set the work origin, the user needs to follow a few steps. First, the onscreen control is used to lower the CNC module's work bit closer to the material, but high enough that it cannot collide with any of the clamps if the CNC module moves around above the platform. Next, the "Run Boundary" option is selected on the display, which causes the machine to move its axis to mark the greatest extent/boundary of its working area for the selected program. Once this is done, the user can lower the work bit further and slide a piece of paper around between the work bit and the top surface of the material. When the paper encounters friction, the user can save this height as the work origin.

CNC machining is a process used to carve or cut materials using computer-controlled machines. The first step in this process is setting the work origin, which refers to the point where the machine begins its operation. Setting the work origin is important because the machine needs to know the surface of the material and the correct starting point to avoid any collisions.

To set the work origin, the user needs to follow a few steps. First, the onscreen control is used to lower the CNC module's work bit closer to the material, but high enough that it cannot collide with any of the clamps if the CNC module moves around above the platform. Next, the "Run Boundary" option is selected on the display, which causes the machine to move its axis to mark the greatest extent/boundary of its working area for the selected program. Once this is done, the user can lower the work bit further and slide a piece of paper around between the work bit and the top surface of the material. When the paper encounters friction, the user can save this height as the work origin.

The upgraded module of the Artisan was noticeably different from its predecessor. The twin nozzle design and enlarged air inlets for effective cooling of the heartbreak and the print itself were immediately apparent. Both filaments were mounted externally on either side of the enclosure and fed into the top of the module via a pair of easily reconnect-able Bowden tubes.

Once I had prepared the machine for 3D printing and loaded the included sample filament, the onscreen wizard guided me through the calibration process to ensure good alignment of the two separate nozzles. The machine printed two calibration models for the X and Y axes, and I let it know which markings had the most centered pair of printed lines. The machine then tested these settings by printing one more model - some intersecting squares.

I appreciated the ample included sample filament and the onscreen controls while printing. The Snapmaker also had the hardware and software needed to automatically probe the surface of the print bed at predetermined points and compensate for any undulations. The print bed had two different usable surfaces, one of which was textured PEI coated surface for most materials, and the other was a glossy glass surface more suitable for sticky and flexible filaments.

Printing the sample model, a spring-like pencil pot with severe overhangs, was made possible with the breakaway support filament and Artisan's second nozzle. The print time was increased due to the nozzles needing to spend time making use of the purge tower, but the white support material was easily pulled away, with the remaining bits coming off with a pair of pliers where I couldn't reach them with my fingers.

The Snapmaker Artisan was capable of utilizing the full 400 x 400 x 400mm scare build volume for some truly large prints. The switching of tool-head module and build platform was tool-less and took mere seconds. However, I would have liked to see additional information on the screen while printing, such as the current layer height/number and time-elapsed.

Overall, the Snapmaker Artisan's dual extrusion 3D printing module was a great addition to its 3-in-1 capabilities. It offered easy setup and calibration, and its large build volume and dual-zoned print bed made it ideal for large prints. The ability to use different materials and easily swap out nozzles also added to its versatility.

One of the great things about Luban is how seamlessly it integrates with the Snapmaker hardware. For example, the camera capture feature for the Laser module is easy to locate and use, making it simple to monitor and adjust your designs. Even if you don't have the optional Rotary Module, you'll appreciate the specialized workspace that makes creating 4-axis machine code a breeze.

I was lucky enough to receive a pre-release version of Luban 4.5 from Snapmaker to use while testing the machine. While it does have a few bugs (understandably), I'm excited to see the new features that will be added, such as dual extrusion 3D printing. I'll reserve judgment until it reaches the general release stage of its development cycle, as it wouldn't be fair to judge its stability yet.

That being said, I've been using the previous version of Luban for a while now and I've noticed a significant improvement in its functionality. While there are still some minor issues, the team at Snapmaker regularly releases updates that address them. If you encounter any problems, I encourage you to report them via the project Github page to help make Luban even better.