3D Printer Brands

AnkerMake Brand Overview

Mark Lanctot

Brand At a Glance

Year Founded 2022
Category Midrange
Country of Origin China
Size of Online Community Small
Manufacturer Support Limited
Availability of Parts Available from manufacturer only

AnkerMake, an offshoot of the globally recognized electronics company Anker, is a fresh face in the realm of 3D printing. The brand offers Cartesian printers, which are gaining traction in the market. AnkerMake finds its roots in the parent company’s expertise in electronics and extends it into 3D printing. The brand was launched with the M5 printer in April 2022, followed by the M5C printer in 2023.

AnkerMake’s Product Lineup

The company presents a modest range of 3D printers, from entry-level to premium models. They emphasize on quality, implementing high-grade components and clean design aesthetics. With an AI-driven approach, they cater to a variety of user requirements. Their printers include a number of premium features, including:

  • Optimal Heating: The printers’ beds are designed to achieve temperatures of up to 100°C. They’re equipped with removable magnetic PEI build plates, which we have found to be one of the best bed materials/
  • High-Speed Capabilities: Ankermake printers are optimized for high-speed printing. Their capabilities are backed by high-capacity heating blocks and dual part cooling fans, ensuring the rapid deposition and solidification of filament.
  • Sturdy Design: The bed’s mechanism is firmly secured within a robust die-cast aluminum base. This foundation is further bolstered by dual Z-axis stepper motors, which are integrated into the base, offering a clean look while hiding essential motors and wiring.
  • Auto-Leveling: Their printers feature 49-point (7x7) auto-leveling using a strain sensor in the nozzle, a key feature ensuring precision in every print.
  • AI-Powered Monitoring: The M5 printer includes dedicated AI CPU cores that continuously monitor the first layer of a print, detecting anomalies like “spaghetti” (unadhered filament and a failing print). This intelligent oversight ensures that users are alerted to potential print failures, significantly improving the success rate of print jobs.
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities have been integrated. While AnkerMake has its own dedicated app and slicing software, these printers also maintain compatibility with popular options like Cura and PrusaSlicer.

Getting Started Experience

AnkerMake is tailored for user convenience. The printers are designed for a hassle-free set-up experience, integrating features like an AI-assisted camera for monitoring common printing issues. However, newcomers to the 3D printing realm might want to consult online resources to optimize their printing process since the documentation can sometimes be technical.

Support and Online Community

Being a newer brand in the 3D printing industry, AnkerMake’s online community is still budding. While their official forums have limited activity, users find support on platforms like Reddit. The community-driven support system currently compensates for the lack of an extensive official presence.

Manufacturer support is available with a focus on troubleshooting via their online documentation. Feedback suggests there’s room for enhancement in their warranty and direct customer support.

Recommended AnkerMake 3D Printers:

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The flagship AnkerMake M5 is the fastest Cartesian 3D printer ever produced. It has a build volume of 235 X 235 X 250mm and a maximum speed of 500mm/s with 5,000 mm/s2 acceleration.

The M5 is built with a very solid frame in order to accomplish this speed, with the dual Z axis stepper motors recessed into the heavy die cast aluminum base. The gantry uprights are enclosed in shrouds, hiding the Z axis leadscrews and wiring. This leads to a clean, uncluttered design.

The dual steel gear direct extruder has a maximum temperature of 260°C, enabling the printing of PLA, PETG, TPU and ABS. The print bed can reach a temperature of 100°C and is covered by a removable magnetic flexible PEI build plate. The M5 features 49 point auto levelling using a strain gauge built into the nozzle which probes the bed and also sets the Z offset.

The M5 is equipped with a 4.3” touchscreen as well as a high quality 1920 X 1080 HD camera. AI monitors the first layer and looks for a failing print, warning the user if it finds problems. The AnkerMake phone app connects to the printer by Bluetooth. The printer also connects to local computers by WiFi. Print files can be loaded into the printer’s 8GB of eMMC memory over USB-C.

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The more budget conscious M5C is built with a solid frame for high speed printing, with the dual Z axis stepper motors recessed into the heavy die cast aluminum base. The gantry uprights are enclosed in shrouds, hiding the Z axis leadscrews and wiring. This leads to a clean, uncluttered design.

The hot end is all-metal and the dual steel gear direct extruder has a maximum temperature of 300°C, enabling the printing of PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS and PA (nylon). The print bed can reach a temperature of 100°C and is covered by a removable magnetic flexible PEI build plate. The M5C features 49 point auto levelling using a strain gauge built into the nozzle which probes the bed and also sets the Z offset.

Unusually, the M5C does not have a display or touchscreen at all. It has a multi-function button which can be programmed to carry out different commands on single press, double press or long press. The AnkerMake phone app connects by Bluetooth to the printer and acts as a display and touchscreen. The printer also connects to local computers by WiFi. Print files can be loaded into the printer’s 8GB of eMMC memory over USB-C.

Type of User

AnkerMake printers, while designed for user-friendliness, cater to those who have a moderate to high budget for 3D printing. Their focus on speed and cutting-edge features indicates that they might be better appreciated by users with some experience in the domain. However, with their continued emphasis on usability, they are gradually becoming more suitable for beginners.

Pros and Cons of AnkerMake 3D Printers

Pros:

  • Sleek, quality-driven designs
  • Advanced AI integration for enhanced user experience
  • Growing community

Cons:

  • Newer brand with limited online community support
  • Some AI features might need refinement
  • Pending release of certain anticipated add-ons

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