5 Exciting Kickstarter Projects from the World of 3D Printing

Kickstarter provides a platform for both independent creators and businesses to present their ideas and secure funding through community support. Projects on the platform span a wide range of fields—from video games and television productions to, notably, 3D printing. Within this diverse ecosystem, countless initiatives are seeking the support needed to turn ideas into reality. In this article, we showcase five innovative 3D printing projects that demonstrate the creativity and potential driving this rapidly evolving field.

Snapmaker U1 Color 3D Printer

Snapmaker will return to Kickstarter in summer 2025 with the Snapmaker U1 Color 3D Printer. The highlight: with the SnapSwap system, the printer switches between four independent print heads in just five seconds – faster than any classic multi-color solution and without purge waste. Thanks to CoreXY technology, the U1 achieves impressive print speeds of up to 500 mm/s with around 80% less filament waste. The print surface measures 270 × 270 × 270 mm, making the printer compact and perfect for demanding projects. Automatic leveling, input shaping, pressure advance, and camera monitoring are all included. The U1 generated $7.8 million in support on Kickstarter on its first day, surpassing Bambu Lab’s previous records. Click here for the project.

YUMI 3D Printer: “The Fastest Multi-Color Printer in the Galaxy”

The start-up YUMI presents the YUMI Model C, which is described by the manufacturers as a complete, open, and future-proof ecosystem for hobbyists. It offers up to 12 color modules thanks to the built-in ChromaX12 print head, which allows the printer to manage multiple spools in parallel. Color changes happen via a short retraction (~10 cm), and the filament is automatically cut and ejected. With a printing speed of 700 mm/s and acceleration of up to 20,000 mm/s², powered by Klipper firmware, the printer lives up to its title as “the fastest multi-color printer in the galaxy.” It is available in three versions (C235, C335, C435) for different print volumes. According to Kickstarter, prices range from $195 (C235, 1-color entry-level) to $775 (C435, 12 colors). You can find more detailed information here.

(Credit: YUMi)

401Bot – The Makerspace Tool

401Bot is a project focused on makerspace infrastructure. The campaign ran from July 22 to August 21, 2025, and achieved an impressive 916% of its funding goal, around $203,082, with only 93 backers. The 401Bot is a 6-axis robotic arm that, according to the manufacturer, can be easily assembled in just 45 minutes. The 401Bot platform offers ready-made downloadable programs that can control the robotic arm. However, you can also create your own programs and load them onto the arm. You can then share these with the community, similar to other sharing platforms. You can find the Kickstarter campaign here.

(Credit: 401Bot)

HyperMaker – Industrial-Grade 16K Resin Printer

Manufacturer EMAKE3D released the Galaxy 1 SLA 3D printer back in 2023. It quickly established itself as one of the most popular 3D printers on Kickstarter. Now, EMAKE3D is offering a new model for financing: the Hypermaker Industrial-Grade 16K 3D printer. The Hypermaker features Zoned UV Light Control, i.e,. selective exposure of specific print areas to preserve screen life; Esy-Peel Release technology, which makes it easy to remove finished prints; and a Resin Mixing Scraper, which automatically stirs the resin after each layer to achieve consistent print quality. The printer is intended for professional use and, according to the manufacturer, is designed for use in dentistry, jewelry, and ceramics manufacturing. Click here for the project.

(Credit: EMAKE3D)

OttoEject System – Automatic Release for Desktop 3D Printing

The Kickstarter project OttoEject System focuses on automating the print release process for desktop 3D printers. Whether you are a hobbyist, small business owner, or print farm, the OttoEject System streamlines your workflow with clever automation throughout the printing process. The system automatically opens the printer doors and removes and stores printed parts, enabling a clean and continuous printing process, even when you need to take a break. Interested? Find out more here.

These five projects showcase very different but exciting developments in the 3D printing crowdfunding scene. If you are interested in 3D printing Kickstarter campaigns, you can find more information HERE.

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*Cover Photo: Shutterstock