When it comes to 3D printing, there are numerous options available in the market. Some of the most popular 3D printers on the market right now are the AnkerMake M5 Vs Ender 3. If you’re considering purchasing one of these machines, you might be wondering which one is the best choice for you. In this article, we’ll compare these printers and explore their features, pros, and cons.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are the FDM and SLA 3D Printers?
- What are the AnkerMake M5 and Ender 3?
- How is the Design of AnkerMake M5 and Ender 3?
- How is the Print Quality of AnkerMake M5 and Ender 3?
- How is the Ease of Use of AnkerMake M5 and Ender 3?
- How is the Price of AnkerMake M5 and Ender 3?
- Which 3D Printer to Buy?
| AnkerMake M5 | Creality Ender 3 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 19.7 x 17.2 x 18.5 inches | 16.14 x 16.54 x 18.31 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 32 pounds | 14.6 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
FDM and SLA 3D Printers
FDM (Fused Filament Fabrication) and SLA (Stereolithography) are two different types of 3D printing technologies with distinct differences in how they work and the applications they are best suited for.
FDM:
- FDM is the most widely used 3D printing technology and is often referred to as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), which is a trademarked term by Stratasys, Inc.
- FDM printers work by melting and extruding thermoplastic filament, which is then deposited layer by layer to create a 3D object.
- FDM printers are known for their affordability, ease of use, and versatility. They can print with a wide range of materials, including PLA, ABS, PETG, and more, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
- FDM printers are capable of producing durable and functional parts, making them ideal for prototyping, manufacturing, and hobbyist use.
- FDM printers typically have larger build volumes compared to SLA printers, making them suitable for printing larger objects.
- However, FDM printers may have limitations in achieving high levels of detail and surface finish compared to SLA printers.
SLA:
SLA is a type of 3D printing technology that uses a liquid photopolymer resin that is cured with a UV laser to create solid objects layer by layer.
- SLA printers are known for their high level of detail, accuracy, and smooth surface finish, making them ideal for producing parts with intricate geometries and fine details.
- SLA printers are commonly used in applications such as jewelry making, dental and medical models, and other high-precision applications.
- SLA printers tend to be more expensive compared to FDM printers, and the cost of the resin material can also be higher.
- SLA printers may require more careful handling and post-processing due to the use of liquid resin and the need for UV curing.
- SLA printers typically have smaller build volumes compared to FDM printers, which may limit the size of objects that can be printed.
About the AnkerMake M5 and Ender 3
3D printers have traditionally been complex and challenging for beginners, requiring assembly of numerous intricate parts, time-consuming setup, manual bed leveling, and adjusting print settings. However, the AnkerMake M5 3D Printer stands out with its plug-and-play design, consisting of just two pieces that snap together. Its onboard software automates tedious tasks, while companion computer and phone apps enable easy wireless object sending and job initiation with just a few taps. Read also: FlashForge Creator Pro 2 Vs Creator MAX 2 here.
On the other hand, the Creality Ender 3 is highly sought-after in the 3D printing community due to its impressive features that set it apart from other machines on the market. With a generous build volume of 220 x 220 x 250mm, a heated build plate similar to BuildTak, a power recovery mode, and a well-designed filament pathway that facilitates flexible material printing, the Ender 3 offers a combination of capabilities that are often only found in higher-priced printers.
Design and Build
The AnkerMake M5 and the Ender 3 have distinct differences in their design and build. The AnkerMake M5 has a sturdy metal frame that provides stability and durability. It also features a large 4.3-inch, colorful touch screen that makes it easy to navigate and control the printer’s settings. The Ender 3, on the other hand, has an open-frame design with an aluminum extrusion frame that is both lightweight and sturdy.
Both printers have a build volume of 235 × 235 × 250 and 220 x 220 x 250 mm respectively, which is pretty good. However, the AnkerMake M5 takes the lead in this category due to its more stable frame and better design.
Print Quality
When it comes to print quality, both printers offer excellent results. The AnkerMake M5 features a fast printing performance that can work up to 250mm/s. This feature makes it easier to print a lot of prototypes or if you need to finish a project in a short amount of time. The Ender 3, on the other hand, normally works at 30 – 60mm/s or not exceeding 180mm/s. Both printers offer a layer resolution of 0.1mm, which is suitable for most applications.
Ease of Use
Both printers are relatively easy to use, with intuitive interfaces and simple calibration procedures. The AnkerMake M5 features a touchscreen interface, which makes it easy to navigate through the printer’s settings and options. The Ender 3, on the other hand, has a basic LCD screen interface that can be a bit clunky to use. However, both printers have a large community of users who have shared their experiences and tips online, making it easy to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Check our other comparison in: Flashforge Adventurer 3 Vs Creator Pro 2 here.
Price
Both the AnkerMake M5 and the Ender 3 are affordable 3D printers, with the AnkerMake M5 being notably more expensive than the Ender 3. However, the AnkerMake M5’s additional features, such as the fast printing, camera for monitoring, filament runout sensor, and automatic bed leveling, make it worth the extra investment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the AnkerMake M5 and the Ender 3 are excellent 3D printers that offer high-quality results at an affordable price point. However, if you’re looking for a printer with a more stable frame, better design, and more advanced features, the AnkerMake M5 is the way to go. Overall, the AnkerMake M5 is a better choice due to its superior features, better design, and ease of use. However, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the Ender 3’s open-frame design and manual bed leveling, it’s still a solid choice.