Anet 3D Anet A8

Über Anet A8

Anet A8 is a pretty famous DIY FDM 3D printer from a Chinese manufacturer Anet 3D. This machine became one of the first affordable printers on the market, quickly becoming a choice for many newcomers. Despite being released a long time ago, Anet A8 is still on the market surprisingly withstanding competition from newer machines. Is it worth purchasing though? Let’s find out.

Features:

• Affordability;
• Open-source system, which is easy to upgrade for your needs;
• Compatible with Windows, MAC and Linux;
• SD card compatibility;
• Heated bed;
• Simple LCD screen display;
• MK8 extruder;
• Aluminum build plate;
• Prusa type frame.

The first Trials, Tribulations and Fire Hazards

When Anet A8 first appeared on the market, a lot of enthusiasts purchased it thanks to the affordable cost of the kit. However, the low machine price was achieved due to cutting corners here and there resulting in first versions not only requiring a lot of upgrades and attention but sometimes being downright unsafe. The main concerning factor at the time was the power cord issue causing a fire hazard, which is in combination low-quality motherboard and unstable printing bed turned some users off the Anet A8. Additionally, when purchasing the kit from Chinese suppliers and resellers, some people ended with a different model, A6, falsely advertised as A8.

Why do people still buy Anet A8?

The information in regards to all troubles with A8 is easy to find and access, though, people still purchase this kit. And many are able to get pretty decent prints with it as well. Anet A8, undoubtedly, requires love from the very first day of buying it. Starting from building the printer from scratch through a bit messy videos from the manufacturer to making upgrades to accommodate for a wobbly frame. In no way this is ready from the box printer.

But there are bright sides to Anet A8. The manufacturer was quick to make changes to the printer resolving some issues from the first versions. That includes upgrading to an aluminum plate under a heating bed (which was acrylic and prone to warping) with metal rails on two sides. Additionally, later orders included a different motherboard and had changes to power cords and supply (though still no “off” button). These changes went unannounced and have no special mark on the printer’s model, however, by default A8 machines now are shipped with these newer parts. And the price for Anet A8 kit dropped even lower.

One of the great advantages of A8 is being an open system, meaning that with a bit of work the printer can be adjusted to preferences or needs in terms of software and structure. And some of the first upgrades for better performance can actually be 3D printed on the A8 itself. Alternatively, some users purchase A8 as a source of parts, which they build a slightly different printer with, upgrading from light and prone to wobbling acrylic frame to a metal one.

Handy 3D printed Upgrades for Anet A8

• Anet A8 Prusa i3 Simple filament guide by papinist

  A 3D printed horizontal guide will help you keeping filament in place and provide better feeding.

• Anet A8 T corner by Electrico

  This tiny thing helps reduce vibrations in the printer’s frame. It is easy and fast to print and will help you a lot.

• Anet A8 Power supply cover w\LCD power meter by papinist

  This one is a bit advanced upgrade that will require you to purchase additional bits. However, due to A8 infamous power supply, you should consider monitoring the voltage and current.

• Anet A6/A8 upgrade: Y-Belt tensioner by Photograaf16

  A 3D printed belt tensioner will help you tighten up X-axis belt easier when needed.