Best Mods & Upgrades for Snapmaker U1

The Snapmaker U1 is one of the most compelling multi-color printers on the market thanks to its SnapSwap automatic tool-changing system. However, like any printer, the U1 can be significantly improved with community modifications. In this article, we cover the best mods — from simple 3D-printed accessories to custom firmware — that will make your U1 quieter, more reliable, and more capable.

Essential Mods

TMC Driver Heatsink Mod

One of the main issues with the Snapmaker U1 is TMC stepper driver overheating. The stock heatsink is placed on top of the driver chips, but TMC drivers dissipate heat through the bottom of their package. As a result, driver temperatures reach 80-82°C during printing and around 70°C during homing moves. Overheating can cause missed steps and accelerated component degradation.

The mod by user Cheeky_b52 relocates the heatsink to the bottom of the board — where the chips actually dissipate heat. A cooling fan is added for active airflow. The results are impressive: driver temperatures drop to 56-59°C, a reduction of 20-25 degrees. The bracket model is available for free on Printables.

HULA Anti-Vibration Feet

HULA (High-performance Universal Leveling Absorber) feet are anti-vibration mounts designed specifically for 3D printers. Unlike standard rubber feet, HULA effectively decouples the printer from the table and absorbs the forces caused by rapid directional changes of the toolhead.

A dedicated Snapmaker U1 adapter by thrutheframe replaces the stock rubber rings (ID 18.5mm, OD 28.5mm). The printed feet fit perfectly into the holes where the factory plugs were installed. Users report noticeably reduced vibration and slight improvement in print quality — visible micro-layer-shifts decrease. Models are available on MakerWorld and Printables.

Enclosure & Insulation

An enclosure is an important upgrade for printing ABS, ASA, and other temperature-sensitive materials. Three main top cover options are available for the Snapmaker U1, ranging from budget DIY to official.

IKEA SAMLA 45L (~$20 DIY)

The most budget-friendly option is using an IKEA SAMLA 45-liter storage box as a top cover. You need to print special adapter connectors that attach the container to the printer frame — no additional hardware like screws is required. Several adapter variations are available on MakerWorld and Printables, including versions with vent openings and front USB pass-throughs.

Srin Top Hat (DIY, 3D-Printed)

A more advanced option is the fully 3D-printed Srin Top Hat. The project is available on GitHub and includes three model variants: standard, huge slope, and no slope. A printer with at least 250mm build volume is required to print the parts.

Design highlights include a grid of M3x4x5 heat-set insert holes spaced 10mm apart on the top surface, allowing you to mount custom accessories like chamber heaters or electronics. Cable tie holes and a dedicated cable pass-through keep wiring neat. Panels attach with foam tape and are easily removable. Print the parts in ABS, as PLA softens at 55°C.

Official Snapmaker Top Cover ($149)

Snapmaker offers an official Top Cover at $149 (regular price $249). It passively heats the chamber up to 50°C, reduces noise by up to 6 dB, and features a 3-layer filtration system: cotton pre-filter, HEPA12 filter, and modified activated carbon. This effectively filters PM2.5, dust, odors, and harmful gases from filament melting.

The cover automatically switches between high and low chamber temperature modes for different filaments. A magnetic front door provides convenient access without removing the entire cover.

Filament Feed Improvements

The stock filament feeding system on the Snapmaker U1 works well, but a few simple mods can improve reliability — especially when using flexible materials.

PTFE Tube Support Clips

PTFE clips support the filament feed tube, preventing it from bending and creating excess resistance. A set of 4 clips prints in under 10 minutes. They attach to the printer frame and hold the tube in an optimal position. The model is available on MakerWorld.

TPU Tube Holder

For stable TPU and flexible filament printing, it is recommended to use a separate 6mm PTFE tube connected directly to the extruder head. A dedicated holder corrects the feeding angle and aligns the tube vertically for smooth filament loading. This significantly reduces the chance of flexible filament jams during long print sessions (24+ hours). The holder is available on MakerWorld.

There is also a protective cover for the print head cable and PTFE tube that prevents wear from toolhead movements. The model is available on MakerWorld.

Custom Firmware

The Snapmaker U1 runs a modified Klipper firmware with Moonraker for API management. The community has developed two custom firmware projects that significantly extend the printer's capabilities.

U1Supercharged

U1Supercharged (u1sc) is an unofficial custom firmware for the Snapmaker U1 that adds extended functionality and optimizations on top of the stock firmware.

Extended Firmware

Extended Firmware by paxx12 is a more advanced option that unlocks full system access. Key features include:

• SSH Access — root access to the printer's Linux system (root/snapmaker, lava/snapmaker)
• USB Ethernet — hot-plug support for USB Ethernet adapters with automatic DHCP configuration
• WebRTC Camera — hardware-accelerated camera streaming via WebRTC
• Full Klipper — experimental TMC driver optimizations and full Klipper configuration access

Snapmaker has committed to releasing the source code of their Klipper and Moonraker modifications under an open-source license before March 2026, which will unlock even more customization potential for the community.

Useful 3D-Printed Accessories

The Snapmaker U1 community actively creates accessories that you can print on the printer itself. Here are the most useful ones:

• Toolbox — organizer for the included tools (pliers, bed scraper, brush, hex keys) that mounts to the frame without obstructing the print area. MakerWorld
• Print Bed Holder — side-mounted rack for storing multiple build plates. MakerWorld
• Waste Filament Organizer — container for filament scraps and purge waste, with a supportless printing version available. MakerWorld
• Filament Dry Box — keeps spools dry with an enlarged desiccant compartment. MakerWorld
• Multi-Spool Direct Feed Holder — direct feed system for multiple spools simultaneously. Printables

Conclusion

The Snapmaker U1 is an excellent printer out of the box, but community mods take it to the next level. Start with the TMC driver heatsink and HULA anti-vibration feet — these upgrades deliver the biggest impact for minimal cost. If you print ABS or ASA, choose the enclosure option that fits your budget. And for power users, custom firmware unlocks full control over the printer via SSH, Ethernet, and full Klipper access.

All mentioned mods can be found on Printables and MakerWorld by searching for "Snapmaker U1". Most accessories print in under an hour and require no additional hardware.