Comparing the Bambu Lab A1 and AnkerMake M5C

Bambu Lab A1

Released:

2023

Build Volume:

256 x 256 x 256 mm
(~10.25 x 10.25 x 10.25 in)

Price Range:

$375 - 400

Check Price On Bambu Lab

Vs.

AnkerMake M5C

Released:

2023

Build Volume:

220 x 220 x 250 mm
(~8.75 x 8.75 x 10 in)

Price Range:

$375 - 400

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About the Bambu Lab A1

The Bambu Lab A1 is a midrange 3D printer that offers fast print speeds, advanced sensors, and above-average print quality. Its 256 x 256 x 256 mm build volume is slightly larger than machines such as the Creality Ender 3 series, and matches that of the Bambu P1P and X1C. It's notably larger than the 180 x 180 x 180 mm build volume of the A1 Mini, making it a clear upgrade from that machine. The A1 uses a Cartesian "bedslinger" design, in which the X axis raises on a gantry and the bed moves back and forth along the Y axis. This design is shared with many other 3D printers in the A1's price range, but is unusual for Bambu Lab--most of their other machines use the CoreXY motion system instead. The motion system on the A1 uses linear rails to decrease vibration, allowing for high print speeds. Similar to Bambu's other printers, the A1 includes a direct drive extruder with an all-metal hot end capable of heating to 300°C, allowing it to print most standard filament types, including flexible filament. However, since the printer isn't enclosed, it won't be an ideal choice for printing materials such as ABS and ASA that benefit from an enclosure. The A1 includes advanced firmware features and sensors that should improve its print quality and ease of use compared to other 3D printers in its price class. In addition to automatic bed leveling and Z offset calibration (which is starting to become a common feature in printers in this class), the A1 includes a sensor in the hot end which allows it to calibrate the flow rate of the filament to further improve print quality. Like the rest of Bambu's lineup, the A1 includes WiFi connectivity and has an integrated camera. These features allow you to monitor and control the printer remotely using the Bambu Studio computer application or the Bambu Handy smartphone app. The A1 is also available in a bundle with the Bambu Lab AMS Lite, a multi-material system that allows the A1 to print with up to 4 different filament spools at once. The Bambu A1 shares many of its fundamental specs with a number of 3D printers from other manufacturers, many of which come in at a lower price. However, its advanced firmware features, overall build quality, and convenience features such as the integrated camera and flow rate sensor give it a few key advantages over its competition that may make it worth a look as a more premium option in its class.

The M5C Is very polished, and looks more like a typical peripheral than a hobbyist machine.

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About the AnkerMake M5C

The AnkerMake M5C is one of the fastest Cartesian 3D printers ever produced. It has a build volume of 220 X 220 X 250mm and a maximum speed of 500mm/s with 5,000 mm/s2 acceleration. The M5C is built with a 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 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.

Click here to view the Bambu Lab A1 on the Bambu Lab website.

Click here to view the AnkerMake M5C.

You can find a side-by-side comparison of the specifications for these two printers in the table below:

Brands Overview

Bambu Lab

Bambu Lab, based in Shenzhen, China, and founded by five ex-DJI engineers, has made notable strides in the 3D printing arena with their unique combination of innovation and user-friendly interfaces. They launched their journey with a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2022, securing over $7 million in funding. Their printer lineup, from the flagship Bambu X1-Carbon to the more affordable Bambu P1P, showcases their commitment to high-performance features while ensuring ease of use, making them a rising competitor in the 3D printing industry.

Learn more about Bambu Lab.

AnkerMake

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.

Learn more about AnkerMake.