Introducing the M5C: AnkerMake’s Affordable High-Speed 3D Printer

Ankermake released the M5C, a variant of their popular M5 3D printer.

Ankermake is a sub-brand of Anker, the well-known accessory manufacturer. They appeared on the 3D print scene a couple of years ago with the release of their M5 device, which has proven quite popular due to its features and reliability.

Now they’ve released what they call a “younger sibling” to the M5, the new M5C.

What’s In the M5C?

The M5C, like many new desktop FFF 3D printers these days, is a high speed device. It can apparently print at speeds up to 500mm/s, which is enormously faster then the typical 50mm/s speed of most 3D printers. Ankermake said the machine can maintain 0.1mm accuracy at that speed, which is quite notable.

This is made possible by AnkerMake’s “Powerboost 2.0” technology, which seems to be hardware and firmware that compensates for momentum changes during printing. AnkerMake said their firmware is based on Klipper’s input shaping and pressure advance features. The new Powerboost 2.0 technology allows “30% more power release” than version 1.0, which I suspect corresponds to the acceleration capability. AnkerMake explained that the M5C can accelerate at up to 5000mm/s/s, which is quite strong. As an example of the M5C’s speed, it can complete a standard #3DBenchy print in only 17 minutes!

The machine also includes WiFi connectivity, and it’s therefore possible to monitor and control operations remotely through a mobile device. It’s even possible to slice prints remotely and dispatch jobs while not being physically present. Of course, you’ll have to ensure the print bed is empty before doing so.

The M5C includes the usual convenience features, such as power-loss and filament-out detection, with appropriate resumption processes. There’s a flexible PEI plate for easy print removal after job completion.

Mechanically the M5C seems pretty robust, with dual Z-axis lead screws and a “one-piece” design that simplifies assembly. The frame is made from CNC-milled aluminum, and should be quite solid. Ankermake describes the components as “ultra-durable” and “wear-resistant”.

The hot end on the M5C is all-metal, and can hit 300C. This enables the use of many more engineering grade materials on the device, including PETG, PET, ABS, TPU, PA, PLA-CF, PETG-CF and PA-CF. Evidently the machine has a hardened nozzle capable of handling CF materials. However, this is an open-gantry machine that is not enclosed, so it could still be challenging to 3D print certain high-warp materials.

Other specifications of note:

• Build volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
• Maximum material flow: 35 cubic mm/s
• Automated leveling calibration: 7 x 7 matrix
• Print surface maximum temperature: 100C
• Controller: 1.2GHz 32-bit processor XBurst
• Software Compatibility: AnkerMake, PrusaSlicer, Ultimaker Cura

One surprising absence is the lack of a touchscreen, and it appears that you must operate the device remotely via a smartphone app. This could be one of the ways AnkerMake has lowered the cost of the M5C. However, the machine includes 8GB of online storage for local access to GCODE, increasing print reliability.

The M5C appears to be an intriguing machine that we’d like to learn more about. It’s available for purchase now at a price of only US$399.

Via AnkerMake