Snapmaker U1 Direct Feed Multi Spool Holder

1–4 spool holder system for the Snapmaker U1 direct feed inputs, with optional low-friction rollers.
TPU tested down to 70A, including multicolor  / multishore prints.

Description

While testing soft TPU on the Snapmaker U1, I developed this modular multi-spool holder for the printer’s direct feed inputs.

The system allows you to connect 1 to 4 detachable spool holders directly to the rear of the Snapmaker U1. It can also help save space on the sides of the printer, as all spools are mounted at the back.

Each active input only requires a short 8 cm / 4 mm PTFE tube.
If you want to switch back to the original auto feeder setup, simply equip the existing PTFE tube with a 4 mm–to–4 mm double coupler for quick reverting.

Variants

• Standard version

• Low-friction version (recommended for TPU and flexible filaments)

For the low-friction version, each spool holder requires:

• 2 × 6802 ball bearings (15 × 24 × 5 mm)

Printing & Assembly

Tested so far only in PETG.
If any fits are too tight or too loose, let me know and I will adjust the model.

Assembly steps:

1. Connect the two main parts using the dovetail connector and place them on the rear of the Snapmaker U1.

2. If needed, slightly loosen the rotating parts of the spool holders with pliers.
   Align the upper parts with the connectors on the main body and click the rotating parts in the upper spool holder connector on the U1.

3. Low-friction holders only:
   Insert two 6802 bearings into the inner roller, slide it onto the spool holder, and screw on the end cap.
   ⚠ Do not overtighten – the part may break.

    

4. Attach or remove 1–4 spool holders via the dovetail connectors as needed.

Loading Filament

1. Loosen the 6 mm PTFE tube from the toolhead.

2. Push the filament through the 8 cm PTFE tube until it exits at the toolhead.

3. Use the manual load function on the Snapmaker U1.

4. Reconnect the 6 mm PTFE tube to the toolhead.

TPU Printing Tips (tested down to 70A)

• Loosen the extruder tension screw on the toolhead  (my values, yours may differ)

  • ~3 turns for 82A TPU

  • ~6 turns for 70A TPU (adjust as needed)

• Set retraction to minimal or zero in your slicer.

• Important: Disable or lower Toolhead Change Retraction in the printer settings. (10mm default in orca)

• If TPU gets stuck inside the extruder:

  • Follow Snapmaker’s official toolhead disassembly guide.

  • Fully loosen the tension screw before attempting removal.

  • In some cases, the filament can be pulled out sideways.

Note: TPU generally prints best from dry boxes.
For those who want a closed System, i managed to print 70A directly from a Chitu E1. Used two short 4mm PTFE Tubes (2cm each), 4 to6 mm Couplers and a 6mm Tube for the connection. 

Hardware

• Low-friction version only:

  • 2 × 6802 ball bearings per spool holder (15 × 24 × 5 mm)

• Optional:

  • 4 mm PTFE tube, ~8 cm per active input

  • 4 mm–to–4 mm PTFE double coupler (for easy revert to auto feeder)

Feedback

If you have questions, suggestions, or encounter issues, feel free to leave a comment.
Feedback is always welcome!