ANET A6

About the ANET A6

Benefits of the ANET A6

Large online community - A large online community is important when it comes to any questions that come up as you learn how to use your 3D printer. A larger community typically means that you'll be able to find answers already posted to the most common questions, and you'll be able to find slicing profiles and printable upgrades online.

Direct drive extruder - Direct drive extruders are mounted right above the hot end, and push the filament directly into it, as opposed to a side mounted bowden extruder setup. We prefer direct drive extruders to bowden since they are less prone to jamming and typically require less maintenance. they also are much easier to use with flexible materials

Sub-200 Price tag - This printer is one of the most affordable on the market, and sells for under $200. While this low price means you won't be getting the most premium features, you can still get a lot out of these machines if you are willing to put up with some missing quality of life features, and get your hands dirty with more frequent repairs.

Disadvantages to consider

Manual bed levelling - This printer requires you to to adjust the bed level manually using nuts on each corner of the print bed. Once you have calibrated the bed leveling, you may need to adjust the levelling knobs periodically to ensure good first layer adhesion to the print bed.

No touch screen - having a touch screen isn't a deal-maker or breaker, but it is a convenient feature that makes it easier to navigate the interface when you are printing files and configuring 3D printing settings.

Difficult to assemble - This 3D printer is shipped mostly unassembled, and will require more time to put together. This can be a good learning experience to better understand how the printer works, but can be a challenge especially if you are new to 3D printing.

Dated technology - This printer has been on the market for a while, and does not include newer mainboard features such as resuming prints after a power failure and support for silent stepper motor drivers for quieter printing. Newer boards also include safety features like thermal runaway protection which shuts the printer down if it detects issues with overheating.

Dated LCD Screen - The printer's LCD screen is a more basic monochrome interface with limited resolution and no support for graphical components. While this does not detract much from using the printer, it can take a bit longer to navigate through the text only menus, and gives the printer a less premium feel.

Where to buy the ANET A6

Click here to view the ANET A6.

Brand Summary: ANET

Anet is a popular choice for hobbyists and beginners seeking affordable entry into the world of 3D printing. Their claim to fame lies in offering some of the most budget-friendly FDM printers on the market. However, this affordability comes with a caveat – Anet printers often require some tinkering and user modifications to achieve good quality prints. While Anet itself offers email support, the real strength lies in the brand's large and active online community. Here, users can find a wealth of troubleshooting guides, printer modifications, and shared knowledge from other enthusiasts. This collaborative environment is invaluable for overcoming challenges and unlocking the full potential of your Anet printer. However, it's important to be realistic about your expectations. Anet printers are ideal for tinkerers and budget-conscious beginners who are comfortable with a steeper learning curve. If user-friendliness, extensive manufacturer support, or a guaranteed out-of-the-box experience are your top priorities, then other brands like Creality might be a better fit. But for those willing to invest time in research and troubleshooting, Anet offers a valuable entry point into the exciting world of 3D printing.

Learn more about ANET.

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