We’ve seen a lot of wild 3D printers launch on Kickstarter, but none are quite like the YUMi, a 12-color modular bedslinger that claims to be “the fastest multi-color 3D printer in the galaxy.” And if you don’t believe it, just turn to TikTok for print demos by American influencers. The new printers tout impressive speed stats of 700mm/s with a max acceleration of 20,000mm/s², but as we'll cover below, remember that those claims are with lowered quality settings. The Kickstarter price for the YUMi 3D printer starts at $195 for the C235 with a single color toolhead and goes up to $775 for the C435 with 12 colors.
It's not unusual for 3D printer companies to turn to online content creators to beta test a new design. However, YUMi’s CEO, Nicolas Michaut, went one step further and invited TikTokers to fly to China and check out his factory. Shannon of PretzelPrints told Tom’s Hardware that she accepted the invite despite YUMi being unable to provide travel expenses or other compensation. She was simply a tourist abroad, and she thanks her Patreon supporters for making the adventure possible.
“YUMi contacted me on TikTok over a year ago about this project,” she said. “I couldn't turn down an opportunity to see a new factory in the industry I love, and see what YUMi was all about in person, so I agreed,” Shannon told us. She said the opportunity came at a good time for her to take an extended trip and experience the Chinese culture as well as the manufacturing process that goes into developing a new 3D Printer.
During her stay, she tried out early versions of the printer and provided user feedback to the engineers. She also took questions from her audience and tested their suggestions on the developing machines.
Her first visit was for a week, but she later returned for a longer stay. As a full-time designer, she was able to continue her work while abroad and share her experience with her audience. “I have been talking with the team about the work on the back-end for a long time now and was already impressed with the work ethic, care, and determination I saw. Seeing them work in person affirmed my confidence in their ability to create a great product,” Shannon said.
The YUMi 3D printer will come in three sizes: C235 with a 235x235mm build plate, C335 with a 335x335mm plate, and the C435 with, you guessed it, a 435x435 mm build plate. For reference, a Bambu Lab A1 has a 256x256 mm build plate, while an Anycubic Kobra Max has a 420x420mm plate.
