Ankermake M5 3D Printer Review: Speed and Smarts for Creators in 2025?
TL;DR:
- The Ankermake M5 is a "high-speed 3D printer" that significantly cuts down print times, boasting speeds up to 500mm/s (standard 250mm/s) without sacrificing detail.
- It features an integrated "AI camera 3D printer" for print monitoring, error detection, and time-lapse creation, enhancing user experience and reliability.
- With easy assembly, auto-bed leveling, and a user-friendly interface, it's a strong contender for the "best 3D printer" for both beginners and experienced makers seeking efficiency.
The world of consumer 3D printing has been rapidly evolving, with demands for faster print speeds, better quality, and smarter features. Anker, a brand well-known for charging accessories and a variety of consumer electronics, stepped boldly into this arena with its Ankermake sub-brand and the flagship Ankermake M5 3D Printer. This "ankermake 3d printer" generated considerable buzz for its promised high speeds and AI-assisted printing. This "ankermake m5 review" will examine if it lives up to the hype in 2025, focusing on its print capabilities, ease of use, smart features, and overall value as a leading "3d printer" for hobbyists and professionals alike.
Speed Meets Precision: The M5's Core Performance
One of the headline features of the Ankermake M5 is its incredible print speed. Traditional FDM 3D printers often require many hours, or even days, for large or complex prints. The M5, with its "PowerBoost™" technology, boasts standard printing speeds of 250mm/s and can reach up to 500mm/s in accelerated modes. This is a significant leap, potentially reducing print times by up to 70-80% compared to older-generation printers. Crucially, Ankermake claims these speeds are achieved while maintaining a 0.1mm precision, thanks to its robust die-cast aluminum alloy structure, dual Z-axis leadscrews, and an ultra-direct extruder. We'll investigate how this "high speed 3D printer" performs in real-world scenarios, balancing speed with final print quality across various materials like PLA, PETG, TPU, and ABS.
AI-Powered Printing: The Smart Camera System
Beyond raw speed, the Ankermake M5 integrates intelligence into the printing process via its built-in 1080p AI camera. This "AI camera 3D printer" offers several benefits:
- Remote Monitoring: Users can check on their prints in real-time from anywhere using the AnkerMake app.
- Error Detection: The AI is designed to detect common print failures, such as spaghetti-like extrusions or first-layer adhesion problems, and can alert the user or even pause the print to prevent wasted filament and time.
- Automatic Time-Lapses: The camera automatically records and creates time-lapse videos of your prints, perfect for sharing your creations on social media.
Ease of Use and Setup: Beginner-Friendly Powerhouse?
Ankermake has emphasized making the M5 accessible even to those new to 3D printing, aiming for an "easy to use FDM printer" experience.
Quick Assembly and Auto-Leveling
The M5 is designed for a quick and straightforward assembly process, often quoted as being achievable in around 15 minutes. This is a far cry from some kit printers that can take hours to put together. A crucial feature for print success is bed leveling, and the M5 incorporates a 7x7 (49-point) automatic bed leveling system. This ensures the first layer adheres correctly across the entire PEI magnetic flexible build plate, which is vital for print quality and reducing failures. The heated build platform supports a variety of materials.
Intuitive Interface and Software Ecosystem
The printer features a 4.3-inch color touchscreen for on-device control and settings adjustments. For slicing models and sending them to the printer, Ankermake provides its own AnkerMake Slicer software, but it's also compatible with popular third-party slicers like Cura and PrusaSlicer. The AnkerMake mobile app allows for remote control, monitoring, and file management via Wi-Fi. This ecosystem is designed to provide a seamless workflow from design to finished print. Support for voice assistants like Alexa for status checks further enhances its smart capabilities.
Build Volume and Material Compatibility
The practical capabilities of a "3d printer" are also defined by its build volume and the range of materials it can handle.
Generous Build Space
The Ankermake M5 offers a respectable build volume, typically around 235 x 235 x 250 mm (9.25 x 9.25 x 9.8 inches). This is large enough for a wide variety of projects, from functional parts and prototypes to decorative items and cosplay props. The robust aluminum alloy frame is designed to maintain stability even when printing at the extents of its build volume at high speeds.
Versatile Filament Support
Thanks to its direct drive extruder and heated bed (up to 100°C) and nozzle (up to 260°C), the M5 is compatible with a good range of 1.75mm filaments. This includes common materials like PLA and PETG, as well as more demanding ones like ABS and flexible TPU. This versatility makes it suitable for a broader range of applications and user needs, making it a potential candidate for the "best 3D printer for rapid prototyping" on a budget.
Pros and Cons of the Ankermake M5 3D Printer
Considering its advanced features and market position, here's a balanced look:
- Pro: Exceptionally fast printing speeds (up to 500mm/s, standard 250mm/s) significantly reduce print times.
- Pro: Integrated AI camera for smart print monitoring, error detection, and automatic time-lapses.
- Pro: Easy and quick assembly (around 15 minutes).
- Pro: Reliable 7x7 automatic bed leveling system.
- Pro: Robust die-cast aluminum alloy construction for stability and precision.
- Pro: User-friendly touchscreen interface and mobile app control.
- Pro: Competitively priced for its speed and advanced smart features.
- Con: While fast, achieving the absolute highest speeds may sometimes compromise intricate print quality for some models/materials.
- Con: The AI camera's error detection, while helpful, may not catch every conceivable print failure.
- Con: Some users have noted the slicer software, while improving, might have had a steeper learning curve initially compared to highly mature alternatives.
- Con: The fan noise can be noticeable, especially when printing at high speeds.
Who is the Ankermake M5 Best Suited For?
The Ankermake M5 3D Printer is an excellent choice for a wide range of users. Beginners will appreciate its easy assembly, auto-bed leveling, and intuitive interface. Experienced makers and hobbyists will be drawn to its incredible speed, AI features, and the ability to print with various materials. It's also a strong contender for small businesses or educators looking for a reliable and efficient "3d printer" for rapid prototyping, creating custom parts, or educational projects. If you value speed, smart features, and a good balance of performance and ease of use without an exorbitant price tag, the M5 is one of the "best 3D printer" options to consider. The "Ankermake M5 features" make it stand out in a competitive market.
Final Verdict: Is the Ankermake M5 the Smart Speedster Your Workshop Needs in 2025?
The Ankermake M5 3D Printer made a significant impact on its launch and continues to be a compelling option in 2025. Its promise of drastically reduced print times without a proportional loss in quality, combined with its intelligent AI camera features and user-friendly design, sets it apart from many competitors. While it may have had some initial software quirks, Anker's commitment to updates has generally improved the ecosystem. For those looking to upgrade from an older, slower machine or dive into 3D printing with a device that minimizes frustration and maximizes efficiency, the M5 offers excellent value. This "ankermake m5 review" concludes that it's a powerful, smart, and "high speed 3D printer" that successfully brings advanced features to a broader audience, making it a highly recommended choice for creators ready to bring their ideas to life faster than ever.
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