AnkerMake M5 Review: Speed, Quality, and Convenience – But Is It Worth the Premium?
The 3D printing landscape is rapidly evolving, and Anker, a name synonymous with reliable power solutions, has boldly entered the arena with the AnkerMake M5. Promising blistering speeds, high-resolution prints, and a user-friendly experience, the M5 aims to disrupt the market and make 3D printing more accessible to both hobbyists and professionals. But does it live up to the hype? We put the M5 through its paces to find out.
Out of the box, the M5 impresses with its sleek, modern design. The all-metal construction feels incredibly robust, lending a premium feel rarely seen in this price range. Setting up the printer is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the intuitive touchscreen interface and well-designed software. Auto-leveling is quick and accurate, a welcome feature that eliminates a common source of frustration for beginners.
The M5’s standout feature is undoubtedly its speed. Anker claims a 5x faster print speed compared to conventional printers, and while real-world results may vary depending on the complexity of the model, it’s undeniably quick. We consistently achieved impressive print times without sacrificing print quality, a delicate balance that many other printers struggle to maintain. This speed is largely attributed to the printer’s robust direct-drive extruder and stable frame, allowing for high-acceleration movements without excessive vibrations.
Speaking of print quality, the M5 delivers consistently sharp and detailed results. The 0.1mm layer resolution produces smooth surfaces and intricate details, making it suitable for a wide range of projects, from functional prototypes to decorative models. The integrated AI camera monitors the print in real-time, automatically detecting potential issues like nozzle clogging or layer shifting and pausing the print to prevent catastrophic failures. This is a huge time-saver and gives users greater peace of mind.
However, the M5 isn’t without its drawbacks. While the enclosed design helps maintain a consistent temperature and reduces warping, it also makes it more difficult to access the print bed during the printing process. The AnkerMake slicing software, while user-friendly, lacks some of the advanced features found in more established programs like Cura or Simplify3D. Experienced users may find themselves wanting more control over print settings.
Ultimately, the AnkerMake M5 is a compelling offering that strikes a good balance between speed, quality, and ease of use. While it comes with a premium price tag, the M5’s impressive performance and user-friendly features make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to streamline their 3D printing workflow.
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AnkerMake M5 Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 92%
- Design: 91%
- Performance: 92%
- Quality: 91%
- Popularity: 90%
Top Pros
- ✅ Print speeds are significantly faster than traditional 3D printers.
- ✅ The auto-leveling feature simplifies the setup process considerably.
- ✅ Print quality is impressive, with sharp details and smooth surfaces.
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Key Cons
- ❌ The enclosed design can make accessing the print bed somewhat difficult.
- ❌ The AnkerMake slicer lacks the advanced features found in some competitors.
- ❌ The price point is higher than many other 3D printers on the market.
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