Snapmaker U1 Setup and First-Print Guide

Before you begin

• Check that the model and version on your printer match this guide. Packaging and accessories may vary by batch.
• Prepare a stable table and leave room for movement and tubing. Open your printer manual and watch the video to locate the shipping restraints. The heated bed is the part that moves or heats up; the build plate sits on top of it and supports the print.
• Use the tools and screws specified for each step. Keep the printer disconnected from power while assembling parts and connecting cables.
• Keep the box, protective packaging and shipping screws, and store the shipping screws separately from the assembly screws.

Assembly video

Watch the video and follow the written steps below it. You can enable subtitles in the YouTube settings if they are available.

Unboxing and assembly — Snapmaker U1

Watch on YouTube ↗

Setup and first-start video

Watch on YouTube ↗

Unboxing and assembly steps

Follow the steps in order and check the images below each step. Click an image to view it or open its reference. Compare screw positions and connections with the images in the printer manual as you assemble the printer.

1. Open the box and organize the parts and tools using the quick-start packing list. Follow the included assembly video and check the parts against your version.

   

   

2. Place the printer on a stable table and remove the shipping restraints. Remove the three Z-axis release screws, followed by the six screws and shipping brackets shown in the diagram. Remove the remaining foam before installing accessories.

   

   

3. Install the two filament feeders and the numbered spool holders. Place holders 1 and 2 on the left of the printer, and holders 3 and 4 on the right; holders 1 and 3 go at the top. Route the cables as shown in the video without pulling them tight.

   

   

   

   

4. Move the toolhead swapper forward to make room for the waste collector. Fit the collector until it is secure, with the long recess underneath facing the rear of the printer. Before installing the toolheads, check that the locking slider on the labeled toolhead is fully left and those on the other three toolheads are fully right. The red mark must be visible before installation. Start with the labeled toolhead and remove its label. Insert the rear locating pins, then the side pins as shown, until the magnets hold the toolhead and the red mark disappears. Repeat for the remaining toolheads and check that every red mark has disappeared. If you need to adjust a slider, use a hex key as shown in the manual. Do not move the toolhead swapper by hand to pick up or park a toolhead.

   

   

   

5. Insert the filament tubes fully, aligning the slots in the connectors as shown. Do not bend the tubes sharply.

   

   

   

6. Adjust belt tension before first use: loosen the two indicated adjustment screws by about two turns without removing them. Move the toolhead swapper along the illustrated path for about two circuits, then retighten both screws. Pass each toolhead cable through its filament tube holder and connect it to the printer, then secure the holder and cable with two M2.5×16 screws per toolhead. Connect the other end to the toolhead and secure it with two ST2.6×10 screws using an H2.0 hex key. Stop tightening if resistance increases noticeably; do not use an electric screwdriver or overtighten, as this can damage the threads or internal parts. Gently move the cable to check that it is secure. If it remains loose, tighten the two screws alternately by half a turn at a time until secure. Make sure the toolhead docking positions are clear.

   

   

   

   

   

7. Once assembly is complete, connect the power and switch on the printer. Watch the setup and first-print video on this page and follow the steps in order.

   

8. Complete the setup and calibrations requested on the touchscreen before your first print. If the printer cannot detect or pick up a toolhead, stop and check the assembly.

   

9. Load filament into the correct channels and set the material type for each toolhead. Start with one color and a small model to check the assembly.

   

   

10. Open Snapmaker Orca and select the correct U1 profile. Match the filament type and selected toolhead before sending the file to the printer.

    

11. Watch the first layer and, for a multicolor print, the first toolhead change. Stop the print if there is a collision or a toolhead does not lock into place.

    

12. Wait for the print to cool, then remove the model and clean the plate. Save a screenshot of the successful print settings for future reference.

    

First startup and calibration

1. Before connecting power, check that you have removed the foam and shipping restraints and released the screws specified in the model-specific steps above. Check that the build plate and connections are fitted correctly.
2. Choose the language and settings on the touchscreen. For remote printing, connect the printer to the network and pair it with the app.
3. Run the checks and calibrations requested by the setup screen and wait for them to finish. Keep tools and models off the build plate, and do not touch moving parts.
4. If an error appears, photograph the message and error code, then check the assembly and printer manual before running calibration again. Once setup finishes successfully, you can load filament.

Fit and load filament

1. Start with an easy material such as PLA and select its slicer profile, which contains preset settings for that material. Check that the spool and filament suit your printer and feeding system. Verify compatibility before using flexible or abrasive filament.
2. Fit the spool so it can turn freely. Hold the filament end to prevent it from springing loose and tangling, then gently feed it into the path. Do not force it if you feel resistance.
3. Select the filament-loading command on the touchscreen as described in the printer manual. Wait for the nozzle to heat automatically, check that filament comes out, then continue with the on-screen steps.
4. Set the filament type and color for each channel or toolhead, and match their order in the slicer to the printer. Similar colors do not necessarily mean the same material type.
5. Before changing a spool, choose Unload on the touchscreen to remove the filament. Do not force filament out of a cold toolhead.

Download printer software

The desktop software for this printer is Snapmaker Orca. This is the slicer: use it to open your model, select the printer and filament settings, and prepare the file for printing.

Download Snapmaker Orca for desktop

1. Open the link on your computer, choose the version for your operating system and install the software.
2. Open the software and select your printer model, nozzle size and build plate type.
3. Choose the filament profile, which provides preset material settings, and match the color channels to the printer for multicolor printing.
4. If your printer model is missing, update the software and printer profiles from the same official source before continuing; do not choose a similarly named model.

Open the download page on a computer to see the download options.

Your first print: start with a small model

1. Start with a test model stored on the printer if one is available. Before printing, check that the filament type required by the file matches the material you have loaded.
2. To print your own file, download Snapmaker Orca from the software section above. Open the slicer and choose your printer model, nozzle size and build plate type; do not use another printer's profile.
3. Open the model in the slicer and place it within the build plate boundaries. Select the filament profile and keep the recommended settings for your first attempt; do not start at maximum speed.
4. For multicolor printing, assign each color to the correct channel or toolhead. If the file uses a prime tower, a printed structure used to clear the nozzle between colors, check that it fits within the build plate alongside the model and supports.
5. In the slicer, click Slice to prepare the file, then open Preview. Review the first layer, supports, print time and filament use, then send the file using a method your printer supports: over the network or via storage media.
6. Watch the first layer: the lines should be joined and adhere to the plate without dragging or lifting at the edges. If adhesion fails, stop the print, clean the plate and check calibration and settings before trying again.

After printing

• Wait for the nozzle, heated bed and model to cool before touching them. If the build plate is flexible and suitable for this method, remove it and flex it gently to release the model, then refit it flat.
• Remove the starting line and filament debris. Check for small pieces under the build plate or on the heated bed before refitting the plate.
• Avoid touching the print surface with your fingers. Clean it using a method suitable for the plate type, and check compatibility before using any cleaner.
• Store filament in a dry place and secure its end when removing a spool to prevent tangles. Check the tubes, nozzle wiper and spools regularly.
• Follow the maintenance schedule in your printer manual. Do not apply grease or oil unless the manual specifically instructs you to.

If something goes wrong

If the issue remains, send us the model name, error code and a photo of the connections or a short video showing the problem through the contact page.

Manuals and printer resources

• Download printer software
• Snapmaker U1 printer manual
• Quick Start Guide V1.2.0
• Snapmaker App guide
• Assembly video

Prepared by Tajseem using the manufacturers' manuals. Videos remain in their original language. If your printer version differs or instructions have changed, follow the latest manual for your specific version.