We Built a Model Site for U1. Come Break It.

The Snapmaker Team

The Snapmaker Team

— 3 min read
We Built a Model Site for U1. Come Break It.

Hey Snapmaker Community,

Back in April we launched the Snapmaker Model Library with 30 print-ready models, and said at the time that a larger platform was coming later in the year.

That platform, Snapmaker Space, is now in closed beta, and applications are open.

This post covers what the platform is, who can join the beta, how to apply, how we are releasing access, and what to expect while the beta runs.

What the Model Platform Is

A model site built around one machine. Every model on the platform has been prepared with a U1 profile, so color assignments and print settings are already in place when you open it. You pick a model, send it to your U1, and print.

There are already over 1,000 multi-color & multi-material models, Snapmaker U1-tuned profiles, and ready to print in one click.

What We Prioritize

Every featured model is reviewed before it goes on the platform. We look at three things:

  • Print quality and success rate. Featured Models are test printed and checked before publishing. We're aiming for a high hit rate on the platform rather than the largest model count in 3D printing.
  • U1 optimization. Each model ships with a tuned U1 profile covering multi-color and multi-material assignments, so the preview matches what comes off the build plate.
  • Value for creators. Our designer rewards system will operate on a fully transparent algorithm that rewards quality and originality - full details soon.
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Who Can Join the Beta

The closed beta is open to current U1 owners.

The models on the platform are profiled for U1, and the parts of the experience we most need to test in this phase (downloading, printing, and earning points) require a U1 to test properly. The platform opens to everyone at Open Beta later this year, no application needed.

How to Apply

Applications are open now.

👉 https://space.snapmaker.com/

There is no test, no portfolio requirement, and no need to be a designer. If you own a U1 and want to help us test the platform, apply.

Access is released in batches, so applying today does not mean access today. Applicants stay in the pool and are drawn as we expand, so if you do not hear back right away, your application is still active.

How Access Is Released

  • Starting today: first batch, approximately 1,000 users.
  • Step by step: from there we expand to around 5,000 and continue, once each batch confirms that downloads, print handoff, points earning and redemption, and site performance are all holding up.
  • The Big One: The Open Beta. The whitelist comes off and the platform is open to everyone.

We are releasing access in stages so that problems surface at a size where we can fix them, rather than all at once across the whole user base.

What to Expect During Beta

The beta label will stay on the platform for some time, likely months rather than weeks. There are features that are not finished yet, and there will be issues we have not found. Feedback from this phase will shape how parts of the platform work, not only fix what is broken.

How to Report Problems

Three channels, all monitored by our team:

We will also send a short survey to beta participants a few weeks in, and publish a summary of what we heard and what we are changing as a result.

Thanks in advance to everyone who applies!

-- The Snapmaker Team

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