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AnkerMake M5
About the AnkerMake M5
The 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.
Benefits of the AnkerMake M5
Modern mainboard features - Many 3D printer features relate to the version of the mainboard and firmware, including features like 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.
Auto bed leveling - auto bed leveling will ensure your prints have perfect first layers every time and greatly reduce issues with bed adhesion. When using an auto-leveling system, the probe allows better tolerances for slightly warped print beds by measuring and compensating for any inconsistencies. Without this feature, you'll need to adjust the bed level manually using nuts on each corner of the print bed.
Has 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.
Premium components - This printer is known for using the highest quality components, and prioritizes this over providing a lower price point on their printers.
Easy to assemble - This 3D printer is shipped with most of the parts pre-assembled, and you will only need to attach a few components and connect a couple cables in order to get the machine ready to print.
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
PEI build surface has good balance of adhesion and part removal - PEI beds are one of the more premium build surface options, and for good reason. They offer great first layer adhesion with no spraysor other treatments, and can be flexed to quickly remove parts. You'll need to clean the bed with a solvent like acetone or IPA every so often to maintain the bed's adhesion.
Wireless printing - In addition to the standard USB and SD card connections, you can connect wirelessly to this printer to print from your computer or mobile device.
Dual gear extruder - A dual gear extruder grips filament from both sides and can exert much more force on the filament before slipping. It helps with all filaments but especially with flexible, slippery TPU.
Disadvantages to consider
High price tag - While this printer includes a lot of premium features, they come with a price. This printer is one of the more expensive consumer printers, and may not be worth the cost if you are willing to sacrifice some of the high end features.
Where to buy the AnkerMake M5
Brand Summary: AnkerMake
AnkerMake, branching out from the established electronics company Anker, has expanded into the 3D printing sector, drawing from its electronics heritage. Debuting with the M5 printer in April 2022 and followed by the M5C in 2023, AnkerMake provides Cartesian printers that emphasize durability and technical advancement. These machines integrate an AI-driven mechanism to meet diverse printing needs and are equipped with features like precise heating, efficient printing speeds, solid construction, auto-leveling, AI monitoring, and versatile connectivity. For those setting up, while the process is designed to be straightforward, beginners might need to refer to supplementary online resources due to the technical nature of some documentation. In terms of online presence, AnkerMake is in its nascent stage, with platforms like Reddit offering more active community support compared to the brand's official channels. The company offers online troubleshooting, but user feedback points to possible improvements in warranty and customer service areas. Diving deeper into their product lineup, the AnkerMake M5 stands out as a high-performance Cartesian 3D printer, characterized by its diverse features and a 4.3" touchscreen interface. On the other hand, the M5C, a more budget-friendly option, excludes a traditional display in favor of a multi-functional button and connectivity to a mobile app. Both models are tailored for efficient performance; however, given their advanced features, they might be more suitable for individuals with prior 3D printing experience. Overall, while AnkerMake printers offer notable benefits such as advanced AI capabilities and a robust design, potential users should be aware of certain challenges like the brand's emerging online community and areas in AI that might require further optimization.
Pros
- Modern mainboard features
- Auto bed leveling
- Has touch screen
- Premium components
- Easy to assemble
- Direct drive extruder
- PEI build surface has good balance of adhesion and part removal
- Wireless printing
- Dual gear extruder
Cons
- High price tag
Printer Comparisons
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