Anet A8 3D Printer Review: Our Honest Take
Originally posted on January 13, 2024 @ 4:41 pm
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The Anet A8 is a reasonably-priced 3D printing machine that has become well-known for its extensive printing area and reasonable cost. At first sight, it may seem like an appealing choice for individuals seeking to venture into the realm of 3D printing without spending a large amount of money. Nonetheless, it is crucial to thoroughly examine the advantages and disadvantages of this printer before making a final purchase.
In this review, we will provide an honest and comprehensive assessment of the Anet A8, analyzing its assembly process, build quality, features, and price. We will give you a well-rounded perspective to help you determine whether this 3D printer is the right fit for your needs.
Key Takeaways:
- Despite its affordable price, the Anet A8 offers a large build volume, making it suitable for printing larger objects.
- The assembly process can be time-consuming, taking approximately 12 hours spread across 2 days.
- The build quality of the Anet A8 has received mixed reviews, with concerns about the durability of the acrylic frame and included components.
- Additional expenses may be required for necessary upgrades and replacements to ensure better performance and safety.
- If you are willing to invest the time and effort into modifications and upgrades, the Anet A8 can be a reliable and capable 3D printer on a limited budget.
Assembly of the Anet A8
The Anet A8 3D printer comes as a DIY kit, providing all the necessary parts for assembly. Although there is no instruction manual included, official assembly videos can be found on YouTube to guide you through the process. However, it’s important to note that assembling the Anet A8 can be time-consuming, taking approximately 12 hours spread across 2 days.
The most time-consuming part of the assembly is working with the acrylic frame pieces. These pieces are covered in a protective paper that needs to be removed before assembly. While it may be a bit tedious, it ensures your printer arrives scratch-free and with a clean finish. Once the frame is assembled, installing the electrical components is relatively straightforward.
Cable management, however, can be a bit challenging due to the limited hiding places for the wires. Proper cable management is important to ensure the wires don’t obstruct any moving parts and to maintain a neat and organized setup.
“The assembly process of the Anet A8 requires patience and attention to detail. It’s crucial to follow the assembly videos carefully and take your time to ensure everything is assembled correctly.”
Step-by-Step Assembly Process
- Start by unboxing the Anet A8 and organizing all the components.
- Remove the protective paper from the acrylic frame pieces.
- Assemble the frame following the instructions provided in the assembly videos.
- Install the electrical components, connecting all the necessary cables.
- Ensure proper cable management by securing the wires and keeping them out of the way of moving parts.
- Double-check all connections and make any necessary adjustments before proceeding.
Following these steps will help you successfully assemble your Anet A8 3D printer and prepare it for printing.
| Pros of Anet A8 Assembly | Cons of Anet A8 Assembly |
|---|---|
| Provides a hands-on learning experience | Time-consuming process |
| Opportunity to understand the printer’s mechanics | No instruction manual included |
| Allows for customization and modification | Cable management can be challenging |
| Potential cost savings compared to pre-assembled printers | Requires attention to detail for proper assembly |
Build Quality of the Anet A8
The build quality of the Anet A8 has been a topic of debate among users. While the printer’s acrylic frame is not as sturdy as a metal frame, it is still capable of holding the printer together. However, there are concerns regarding the use of acrylic for the frame and the overall quality of the electronic components that come with the printer.
One notable issue is the power supply and connectors, which are not designed to handle the sustained electrical draw required by the printer. This can lead to component failures or even pose a fire hazard. It is important to be cautious and consider upgrading these parts to ensure better performance and safety.
Faulty bearings have also been reported in some packages, resulting in increased friction during printing. This can lead to poor print quality and potential damage to the printer’s components.
Customer Testimonials
“The frame of the Anet A8 feels a bit flimsy, but it surprisingly holds up well. However, I did have issues with the power supply overheating, so I replaced it with a higher-quality one.” – Mark S.
“I had to replace the bearings in my Anet A8 as they were causing a lot of friction and resulting in inconsistent prints. After the replacement, the printer worked much better.” – Sarah G.
Anet A8 Build Quality Comparison
| Anet A8 | Alternative Printer X | |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Acrylic | Metal |
| Electronic Components | Inferior quality | Higher quality |
| Power Supply | Not capable of handling sustained electricity draw | Designed for sustained use |
| Bearings | Potentially faulty | Reliable and smooth |
Table: Comparison of the build quality between the Anet A8 and an alternative printer.
Features and Price of the Anet A8
The Anet A8 offers a range of impressive features, making it a desirable option among budget 3D printers. With a resolution of 100 microns, it delivers detailed and precise prints. The build volume of 220x220x240mm provides ample space for creating larger and more complex models. The printer features a sturdy 3mm aluminum plate platform, ensuring stability during the printing process.
Another advantage of the Anet A8 is its compatibility with 1.75mm PLA and ABS filament. This versatility allows for a wide range of material options when bringing your designs to life. Whether you prefer the durability of ABS or the ease of use of PLA, the Anet A8 has you covered.
Connectivity is made simple with the option to connect via USB or SD card. This flexibility allows for seamless integration into your workflow, whether you prefer to transfer files directly from your computer or use a standalone storage device.
Now, let’s discuss the all-important aspect of price. The Anet A8 offers exceptional value for its features, with a starting price of $159.99. This affordable price point makes it an attractive choice for beginners or anyone on a limited budget.
However, it’s worth noting that the Anet A8 may require additional expenses for necessary upgrades and replacements. Investing in better quality electronic components or safety features can contribute to improved performance and peace of mind.
To summarize, the Anet A8 boasts impressive features such as high resolution, generous build volume, and compatibility with various filament types. Its affordable price makes it accessible to a wide range of users. However, it’s important to keep in mind that additional expenses might be necessary to optimize its performance and ensure safety.
Key Features of the Anet A8:
- Resolution: 100 microns
- Build Volume: 220x220x240mm
- Platform: 3mm aluminum plate
- Filament Compatibility: 1.75mm PLA and ABS
- Connectivity: USB and SD card
Continue reading to discover our final thoughts and conclusions in the next section.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Anet A8 3D printer is a popular choice for budget-conscious individuals looking for a 3D printer with a large build volume. With its affordable price tag, it provides an entry point into the world of 3D printing for beginners and hobbyists. However, it is essential to be aware of its limitations and potential safety concerns.
While the Anet A8 offers a cost-effective option, it does require significant time and effort for assembly. The build quality, especially the acrylic frame, may not be as robust as higher-end models. As a result, it is advisable to invest in modifications and upgrades to enhance performance and safety.
Nevertheless, for those willing to put in the work, the Anet A8 can be transformed into a reliable and capable 3D printer. By replacing the included electronic components, users can optimize its performance and ensure better reliability. However, it’s worth noting that if budget is less of a concern, there are alternative options on the market that offer superior quality and advanced features.
In summary, the Anet A8 3D printer is an excellent choice for individuals on a limited budget who are willing to invest time and effort into modifications. It provides a large build volume and an affordable price, making it an attractive option for beginners and hobbyists. However, it’s important to be mindful of the assembly process, build quality, and potential safety issues, and consider alternative options if seeking higher quality and more advanced features.
FAQ
Is the Anet A8 3D printer a DIY kit?
Yes, the Anet A8 comes as a DIY kit that requires assembly.
Are there instructions included for the assembly of the Anet A8?
No, there is no instruction manual included. However, there are official assembly videos available on YouTube.
How long does it take to assemble the Anet A8?
The assembly process can be time-consuming, taking approximately 12 hours spread across 2 days.
Is the Anet A8 build quality good?
The build quality of the Anet A8 has received mixed reviews. While the acrylic frame is not as rigid as a metal frame, it can hold the printer together. However, there are concerns about the inferior quality of some electronic components.
What are the compatible filaments for the Anet A8?
The Anet A8 is compatible with 1.75mm PLA and ABS filament.
What is the price of the Anet A8?
The price of the Anet A8 starts at $159.99.
