Introduction
The 3D printing landscape is ever-evolving, with technology becoming more sophisticated and accessible to a broader audience. Ankermake has contributed to this progress with the launch of the Ankermake M5, a desktop 3D printer designed to blend precision, user-friendliness, and cost-efficiency. Equipped with capabilities to handle various thermoplastics, the M5 targets both hobbyists and professionals who are on the lookout for a reliable printer that doesn’t break the bank. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth look at the Ankermake M5, its functionalities, technical specifications, and how it compares to other printers in the Ankermake lineup, specifically its counterpart, the M5C.
Navigating through the world of FFF printers can be daunting, but the Ankermake M5 eases this journey with its straightforward design and operation. It emphasizes ease of use without compromising the quality of the final prints. Whether you’re embarking on a prototyping venture, creating artistic models, or experimenting with 3D printing, the Ankermake M5 could be a suitable addition to your toolkit. Let’s delve deeper into what makes the M5 stand out from the competition and how it could cater to your additive manufacturing needs.
About the Printer and Brand
Ankermake, originating from China’s technological innovation sphere, has increasingly become a recognized name in the 3D printing arena. The brand persistently works towards crafting 3D printers that are accessible to a wide user base while maintaining high performance and efficiency. The Ankermake M5 embodies this philosophy with its emphasis on providing quality prints consistently and without hassle.
Leveraging the popular FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) technology, the Ankermake M5 translates digital designs into physical objects with precision and reliability. The printer offers a commendable build volume of 235 mm x 235 mm x 250 mm, which is sufficient for a variety of projects. The absence of an actively heated build chamber means the M5 is optimized for materials that do not require stringent thermal control, typifying many consumer-grade printers.
The M5 is enhanced with an automated build plate calibration feature and has a cartesian bed slinger motion system, which confers steadiness and accuracy to the printing process. The thermal endurance of the M5’s hot end reaches upwards of 260°C, allowing the use of most common thermoplastics utilized in the industry.
Printer Comparison
| Printer | Technology | Motion System | Build Chamber Enclosure | Air Filtration | Build Volume [mm] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ankermake M5 | FFF | Cartesian | Open | No | 235 x 235 x 250 |
| Ankermake M5C | FFF | Cartesian | Open | No | 220 x 220 x 250 |
Bold entries signify the current printer model. The primary difference between the Ankermake M5 and the Ankermake M5C is the build volume. The Ankermake M5 offers a marginally larger build space, accommodating slightly larger prints. Aside from this, both share similar features like the open build chamber, lack of air filtration, and the cartesian motion system.
The Spec Sheet
| Specification | Ankermake M5 Value |
|---|---|
| Printer | Ankermake M5 |
| Brand | Ankermake |
| Country | China |
| Link | Ankermake M5 |
| Technology | FFF |
| Material | Thermoplastics |
| Feedstock Format | Filament |
| Build Volume [L] | 13.81 |
| W [mm] | 235 |
| D [mm] | 235 |
| H [mm] | 250 |
| Layer Height Min [mm] | 0.05 |
| Layer Height Max [mm] | 0.3 |
| Build Chamber | Open |
| Active Heated Build Chamber Temperature [°C] | No |
| Air Filtration | No |
| Motion System | Cartesian |
| Max Hot End Temperature [°C] | 260 |
| Max Build Plate Temperature [°C] | 100 |
| Max Print speed [mm/s] | 500 |
| Automated Buildplate Calibration | Yes |
Filaments Possible to Print on the Ankermake M5C
- PLA (Polylactic Acid)
- PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral)
- BVOH (Butenediol Vinyl Alcohol Co-polymer)
- PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
- PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
- CPE (Co-polyester)
- PCTG (Poly Cyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
- TPE (ThermoPlastic Elastomer)
- TPC (Thermoplastic Copolyester)
- TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Filaments Possible but Not Recommended
- PP (Polypropylene), Not Recommended due to the absence of a enclosed build chamber and Air Filtration
- OBC (Olefin Block Copolymer), Not Recommended due to the absence of a enclosed build chamber and Air Filtration
Not Possible
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), Not Possible due to the required air filtration
- PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride), Not Possible due to the required air filtration
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), Not Possible due to the absence of a enclosed build chamber and Air Filtration.
- Other high-temperature filaments like PEEK (PolyEther Ether Ketone) and PEI (Polyetherimide), Not Possible due to the printer’s temperature limitations
FAQ´s
What is the difference in build volume between the Ankermake M5 and M5C?
The Ankermake M5 offers a slightly larger build volume than the M5C, with the dimensions being 235 mm x 235 mm x 250 mm compared to the M5C’s 220 mm x 220 mm x 250 mm.
Can I use the Ankermake M5 for printing with ABS?
While it is technically possible to print ABS on the Ankermake M5, it is not recommended due to the open build chamber, which may lead to warping issues as ABS requires a controlled temperature environment.
Is there a difference in the maximum hot end temperature between the Ankermake M5 and the M5C?
Yes, the maximum hot end temperature for the Ankermake M5 is 260°C, while the M5C can go up to 300°C.
Does the M5 require manual bed leveling?
No, the Ankermake M5 features automated build plate calibration, which simplifies the leveling process and ensures a consistent starting point for every print.
What kind of materials can I print with the Ankermake M5 without additional hardware?
The Ankermake M5 can effectively print with materials like PLA, PETG, TPU, and other thermoplastics that do not require high-temperature environments or specialized hardware.
