ANET A8 Plus

About the ANET A8 Plus

Benefits of the ANET A8 Plus

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

Affordable - This printer does not include a lot of frills, but offers a good experience for a low price point. 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.

Linear rail motion system - Linear rails provide added stability to the moving parts of the printer, allowing higher printing speeds without sacrificing quality. Keep in mind that the most important factor to consider when optimizing for print speed is the flow rate of filament, which depends on the hot end and nozzle size moreso than the motion system.

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.

Moderately difficult assembly - This 3D printer is shipped partially 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.

Bare-bones appearance - This printer is not built to be attractive, which is apparent by the standard aluminum extrusions used throughout the design, and the exposed power supply unit. While this is a purely cosmetic issue, it makes the printer less attractive than some of it's more expensive cousins.

Where to buy the ANET A8 Plus

Click here to view the ANET A8 Plus.

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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