Snapmaker announced the availability of their new model library, and it’s just in time.
What is the model library? It’s a highly curated collection of 30 very good 3D models produced by notable 3D print artists. These are available to access through Snapmaker Orca or the Snapmaker app, and can be immediately 3D printed.
The designers include:
- Flexi Factory
- MatMire Makes
- 3DGOB
- RAKI-Box
- Gazzaladra
- JINQITOYS
- Lucky 13 Toys
- Sibo Design
- SugarPaws3D
- Siskey
- SavioCore Tech
As you might guess, these models are multicolour, which will highlight the capabilities of the upcoming Snapmaker U1 toolchanger: because this machine can simultaneously use four different colours, there is almost no waste. This is very different from typical filament swappers, which must purge on each colour switch.
And on that device, the U1, it’s on the verge of being fully available worldwide. The company received a staggering number of orders for the device after launch, and they have spent that time building mountains of units for sale in worldwide locations.
The new model library arrives just in time to match this availability.
Now I know what you’re thinking: 30 3D models is not a lot. It’s more than you’d typically find on that USB stick manufacturers ship with their printers, but far, far less than you’d find with the integrated and massive 3D model repositories associated with several other brands.
It turns out that the Snapmaker Model Library is only the first step. The company intends on adding more models to it, and later will introduce the “Snapmaker Model Repository”, which apparently will include a lot more 3D models, much deeper integration with the software systems, and “opportunities for creators”.
That is quite interesting, as it would complete the ecosystem equation that’s already in place for their major competitors:
- Prusa Research: Printables
- Bambu Lab: MakerWorld
- Anycubic: MakerOnline
- Creality: Creality Cloud
Each of these companies integrates a large collection of 3D models into their slicing software, making it very easy for operators to find great content to print. It also makes their system a bit stickier: happy operators are more likely to buy more systems in the future.
Snapmaker obviously will be well behind the others in terms of 3D models in their upcoming repository, but you’ve got to start somewhere. Depending on the sweetness of their creator programs, they may be able to catch up quickly by attracting more designs.
It’s fascinating to see how the major players in the desktop 3D print space are all aligning on similar software, hardware, and content environments.
Via Snapmaker
