Anker, a company known for its rechargeable products, is entering the 3D printing business. The company just announced AnkerMake, its new 3D printing brand and its first model named AnkerMake M5. Anker claims that the M5 solves the most important problems that have prevented 3D printers from becoming popular, including their typically slow print speeds.
The AnkerMake M5 has a base print speed of 250 mm/s, which is used if you are working on more detailed projects that need a smooth finish. However, this printer also has a much faster mode, which allows the printer to print up to 2,500 mm/s². The end result is coarser and less detailed, and this mode is mostly suitable for prototypes and perhaps random toys, but Anker says it allows the M5 to reduce average print times by up to 70% compared to other printers.
In addition to its fast speeds, the M5 is designed to be easy to set up: It seems to take just 15 minutes to get it ready to start printing. To address another sticking point – the need for constant monitoring – Anker has provided the M5 with the ability to monitor print jobs with a built-in AI-powered camera. If it detects problems like plugging in a nozzle, it can send an alert to your phone. You can also view a live feed of your print jobs through the Anker mobile app wherever you are.
Whether the M5 can deliver on all those promises remains to be seen. Currently, it is a Kickstarter , which means it can take some time for Anker to start shipping products, and that’s if the campaign hits its target. If you want to step back on the project and don’t mind waiting, you can buy the AnkerMake M5 for a super early price of $429. You’ll then have to commit at least $499 to secure one unit.
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