Anker no longer sells 3D printers, but UV printers instead

The Chinese supplier Anker is no longer selling 3D printers. Both the AnkerMake M5 and the smaller AnkerMake M5C are no longer in the range. Anker also no longer supplies some spare parts. What is still available could be leftover stock.

According to 3dprint.com, Anker justifies this step with delivery problems. Essential parts are not available, so Anker can no longer manufacture the devices. There are no new models in sight that do not require these scarce items.

UV printing up to 5 mm

Instead, Anker is trying a UV printer for applying reliefs under the EufyMake brand. The EufyMake E1 has attracted attention through a crowdfunding campaign that has set a new record on Kickstarter: 17,822 backers have pledged around 47 million US dollars. The official target was only half a million dollars.

The device cannot produce 3D objects, but is limited to applying textures to existing objects, which can be made of almost any solid material. According to the manufacturer, over 300 different materials are possible. The printed objects do not have to be flat, but can also be cylindrical or conical. The E1 can also print on films and ribbons up to ten meters long.

The name UV printer comes from the fact that the inks applied are quickly cured by UV light. Depending on the material being printed on, relief heights of up to one to five millimetres should be possible. The E1 is expected to be launched on the market this summer with list prices starting at 2,500 euros.

This is many times the price of the 3D printers from Anker. Some dealers still have stock. In the heise price comparison, the AnkerMake M5C (starting from 349,99 €) currently starts (starting from 349,99 €) at just under 357 euros, the AnkerMake M5 (starting from 399 €) at 495 euros, with the second cheapest M5 offer with stock already costing around 648 euros.

(ds)