AnkerMake M5C features an all-metal hotend, a full aluminum alloy body, and a magnetic build plate.
With an anti-vibration design, it offers high-speed printing that can produce a Benchy within 17 minutes.
Price and Availability
The AnkerMake retails for $299 after originally selling for $399.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
Even after the $100 deduction, it regularly goes on sale.
The lack of exposed parts makes the printer feel less intimidating.
Before I started 3D printing, I found the number of moving parts nerve-wracking.
AnkerMake M5C features an all-metal hotend, a full aluminum alloy body, and a magnetic build plate. With an anti-vibration design, it offers high-speed printing that can produce a Benchy within 17 minutes.
It felt like anything could go wrong at any time.
This hesitation kept me from getting started for a while.
I would compare this 3D printer to a nice off-the-shelf laptop.
AnkerMake M5C features an all-metal hotend, a full aluminum alloy body, and a magnetic build plate. With an anti-vibration design, it offers high-speed printing that can produce a Benchy within 17 minutes.
These often have a clean and optimized exterior design since the casing is crafted to house the specific components.
The housing has minimal interaction points since they aren’t expecting you to open it up and perform modifications.
There are two major assemblies of parts: the gantry system and the printer base.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
I plugged in two cables, snapped the cover back in place, then stood the printer back up.
Based on your region, you select whether to launch the printer at 115 Volts or 230 Volts.
Once the filament holder is secured in place, it is much more difficult to lay the printer back.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
Its a minor inconvenience in an otherwise painless setup.
While the app does this well, the software leaves a bit to be desired.
The temperature controls are fussy, too.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
The workflow is jumpy.
This isn’t a big concern for those who prefer to source files.
The largest section is just a line of text that says the current rig doesnt support real-time monitoring.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
The AnkerMake M5 supports real-time monitoring and can run all basic actions from the attached touchscreen.
These seem like worthwhile features, but the $400 price difference is substantial.
Part of the beauty of this printer is its lower price since it doesnt have many controls.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
The button is a fine compromise, but the software should be better for the AnkerMake M5C.
As of now, it feels too reliant on the app.
All of my testing was done with a 0.4mm nozzle.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
The first print I ran was the optimized Benchy on the AnkerMake app.
When the print got going, I was shocked at the intense agility of the machine.
it’s possible for you to really feel the power of the stepper motor.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
There was a small amount of stringing, but for a 17 minute print, I can’t complain.
In testing a variety of print types andfilaments, the print quality seems quite uniform.
Layers have been even and details are as clear as can be expected with a 0.4mm nozzle.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
I wouldnt recommend printing without aiding adhesion.
Overall, there werre no notable issues I experienced with print quality compared to other 3D printers.
Thanks to the magnetic build plate, removing a print is painless after it has cooled.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
Most prints pop right off when you apply a bit of rotational force.
Magnetic plates are a very useful feature for all users, but especially for new hobbyists.
All the tools you need are provided.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
With the AnkerMake M5C, its straightforward what part will come off if you loosen a screw.
I followed all the steps shown on the app.
The only hiccup I ran into during this disassembly was trying to unplug the strain gauge connector.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
The process is a bit involved, but it is as clear as possible.
Should You Buy the AnkerMake M5C?
TheAnkerMake M5Cis a great option for both beginners and those who want a low-maintenance printer.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
While the software could still use a little work, it doesnt hinder any processes much.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
