AnkerMake M5C Review: A Budget-Friendly 3D Printer with High-End Features
In the evolving world of 3D printing, AnkerMake, a relatively new player in the market, offers the AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer, striking an impressive balance between affordability and advanced features. With its competitive price tag of $399, the M5C stands out by delivering the essential qualities of more expensive models, positioning itself as an attractive option for both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to 3D printing. This review delves into the specifics of the AnkerMake M5C, examining its capabilities, user experience, and overall value to provide you with comprehensive insights.
Diving Deeper into the AnkerMake M5C's Capabilities
Delving deeper into what sets the M5C apart, we find a printer that is more than just budget-friendly; it's a testament to thoughtful design and user-centric innovation. In this section, we'll dissect the unique aspects of the M5C's design and functionality, demonstrating how each feature enhances the printer's performance and usability, and why it could be a game-changer in the budget 3D printer segment.
Sturdy Design
The AnkerMake M5C 3D printer is engineered with a focus on durability and reliability. The printer's foundation is a die-cast aluminum alloy base, a premium material processed through CNC machining, polishing, and spray painting. This construction not only lends the M5C a sleek appearance but also ensures longevity. The Z-Axis adds both style and substance to the machine. Crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and treated with an anodized surface finish, it contributes to its overall robustness.
The AnkerMake M5C 3D printer is engineered with a focus on durability and reliability. The printer's foundation is a die-cast aluminum alloy base, a premium material processed through CNC machining, polishing, and spray painting. This construction not only lends the M5C a sleek appearance but also ensures longevity. The Z-Axis adds both style and substance to the machine. Crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and treated with an anodized surface finish, it contributes to its overall robustness.
High-Quality Prints
Quality is paramount in 3D printing, and the AnkerMake M5C does not disappoint. At its core is the PowerBoost™ 2.0 system, an advanced motion control upgrade equipped with a robust stepper motor, belt driveshaft, and the S-smoothing algorithm. This unique combination allows for a dramatic increase in printing speed and acceleration, reaching speeds of 500 mm/s, without sacrificing the integrity of the print.
In addition to speed, the AnkerMake M5C boasts remarkable precision in its printing process. Its ultra-direct extruder system, featuring a compact yet powerful extrusion motor with a 21.6:1 ultra-large reduction ratio, enhances accuracy, crucial for high-speed printing. It can achieve a layer thickness of 0.1 mm with a 0.2 mm nozzle by accurately controlling flow.
Overall, its blend of speed, precision, and quality places it at the forefront of 3D printing technology, catering to the needs of those who demand the best in their printing endeavors.
49-Point Automatic Bed Leveling
The AnkerMake M5C enhances the 3D printing experience with its advanced 49-Point Automatic Bed Leveling feature. The key benefit of this feature is the convenience it offers. The automatic bed leveling eliminates the need for frequent manual adjustments, a task that can be both time-consuming and challenging, especially for beginners.
With the AnkerMake M5C, users only need to make manual tweaks in exceptional cases, such as after major upgrades or changes to the nozzle or the PEI soft magnetic plate. This ease of use not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of errors that can occur with manual leveling.
One-Click Button
The M5C is equipped with a One-Click Button, a feature designed for user convenience and efficiency in operation, which is absent in the M5.
App-Based Control System
The AnkerMake M5C introduces a cutting-edge app-based control system, transforming how users interact with 3D printing. This system allows for remote control and monitoring of prints using the AnkerMake app on mobile devices and the AnkerMake slicer software on PCs, offering a level of convenience and flexibility previously unseen in traditional 3D printing.
With the AnkerMake slicer, users gain the ability to remotely control their printer and monitor print progress right from their PC. This ensures precise customization and convenience. The AnkerMake app complements this by providing remote control via Wi-Fi and a seamless Bluetooth connection, allowing users to manage their prints from anywhere using their mobile devices.
Ease of Use
AnkerMake M5C uses the AnkerMake app and the physical button on the printer to simplify the 3D printing process. The App allows users to customize their printing experience with ease, defining functions for single-click, double-click, and long-press actions. This level of customization means that key printing actions like starting a print, re-printing, automatic bed leveling, homing, pausing, or stopping the printer are all just a click away, making the printing process more intuitive and efficient.
Affordability
The AnkerMake M5C exemplifies affordability in the 3D printing world, standing out with its competitive price of just $399. Despite its budget-friendly price, the M5C retains essential features and functionality, making it a remarkable choice for those seeking a capable 3D printer without a hefty investment.
AnkerMake M5C vs. AnkerMake M5 3D Printer: What’s the Difference?
While the AnkerMake M5 has been a popular choice among 3D printing enthusiasts, the introduction of the M5C marks a significant evolution in the AnkerMake series. Let’s delve into the key differences that distinguish the AnkerMake M5C from its predecessor, the M5:
Print Size
M5C has a print area of 220×220×250 mm³, slightly smaller than the M5, which offers a 235×235×250 mm³ print size. The M5C's size is still ample for most standard printing projects, but the M5 offers a bit more space for larger prints.
Camera and Advanced Features
M5C does not include a camera, AI recognition, or time-lapse video capabilities, which are present in the M5. These features in the M5 enhance the user experience by enabling monitoring, video streaming, and creating dynamic time-lapse videos of the printing process.
Hotend
The M5C distinguishes itself with its all-metal hotend capable of reaching temperatures up to 300℃. While the M5 also offers an all-metal hotend as an option, the M5C comes standard with this feature, allowing it to readily handle a more diverse range of materials that necessitate higher printing temperatures. This capability makes the M5C particularly versatile, catering to users who work with advanced materials requiring elevated thermal conditions.
Extrusion Flow
M5C has an extrusion flow rate of 35 mm³/s, which is significantly higher than the M5's 24 mm³/s. A higher extrusion flow rate in the M5C translates to faster print speeds and more efficient printing.
Screen
The M5 includes a 4.3-inch touch screen for ease of navigation and control, while the M5C does not have a screen, relying on external controls for its operations.
All in all, the M5C offers simplified operations with its One-Click Button and a higher temperature range for more material versatility, at the cost of some advanced features like video streaming and AI recognition found in the M5. The choice between the two models would depend on the user's specific needs regarding print size, material handling capability, and preference for additional monitoring and control features.
Conclusion
In summary, the AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer stands out as a budget-friendly choice that doesn't skimp on essential features. Its ease of use, efficient printing capabilities, and high-temperature handling make it ideal for both novices and experienced users. While it lacks some high-end features, its attractive price point of $399 offers great value, making it a practical option for those seeking quality and affordability in their 3D printing endeavors.
FAQ
Which types of filament are compatible with the AnkerMake M5C?
The AnkerMake M5C is versatile in its filament compatibility, handling a variety of materials including PLA, TPU, PETG, and more. This flexibility allows users to explore different types of projects with ease.
What's the Price Tag on the AnkerMake M5C?
The AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer is priced competitively at $399, offering a cost-effective solution for users seeking a balance between quality and affordability in 3D printing technology.
What Is the Printing Speed of the AnkerMake M5C?
The AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer boasts a high printing speed, reaching up to 500 mm/s in its Fast Mode, making it notably efficient for rapid production of 3D prints.
