Charging giant Anker appears to be quietly exiting the 3D printing market, leaving customers with discontinued printers struggling to find essential replacement parts. What began as a promising venture into consumer 3D printing has turned into a cautionary tale about corporate commitment to emerging product categories.
The Spin-Off That Wasn't
In March 2025, Anker announced it would spin off its 3D printing business into an independent sub-brand called EufyMake. The company promised to continue providing comprehensive customer service and support for its AnkerMake M5 and M5C printers. However, this restructuring now appears to have been a precursor to a complete withdrawal from the market.
Brett White, an Anker spokesperson, confirmed to The Verge that sales of both the M5 and M5C models have been paused indefinitely. He could not provide assurance that sales would resume or that new models would be developed. The EufyMake website's 3D printing section now sits empty, with only a UV printer for creating textured surfaces remaining in their product lineup.
Critical Parts Shortage Leaves Users Stranded
The situation has become particularly problematic for existing customers who need replacement components. Reddit users report being unable to purchase hotends for the M5C—critical components that melt and deposit plastic filament during printing. These parts are among the most commonly replaced components when 3D printers experience jams or other mechanical issues.
An alleged email from EufyMake support states that due to inventory reasons, the M5C hot end has been removed from the official website and is no longer available for purchase. This has prompted frustrated responses from users who now face the prospect of their printers becoming unusable without access to essential spare parts.
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| This image illustrates a critical motor assembly component, similar to those used in 3D printers, highlighting the supply issues faced by users of Anker's discontinued models |
A Rocky Journey from Start to Finish
Anker's foray into 3D printing was marked by challenges from the beginning. The original M5 launched with ambitious goals to address common pain points in consumer 3D printing but encountered numerous technical issues. The subsequent M5C offered improvements and better community reception at a more affordable price point, though it sacrificed features like a dedicated display screen.
Despite these efforts to refine their offerings, both models continued to face reliability concerns that undermined user confidence. The company's struggle mirrors similar challenges faced by other manufacturers attempting to make 3D printing more accessible to mainstream consumers.
Industry Context and Alternatives
Anker's difficulties highlight the broader challenges companies face when entering the competitive 3D printing market. Even established players like Creality experienced significant problems with models like the K1, though they managed to recover by quickly iterating with improved versions.
For consumers seeking reliable 3D printing solutions, current market leaders include Bambu's P1S and P1P models, as well as the Elegoo Centauri Carbon, which offers comparable print quality at a starting price of USD $300. These alternatives demonstrate that while Anker struggled to find its footing, the consumer 3D printing market continues to evolve with more successful implementations.
The situation serves as a reminder for consumers to consider long-term support commitments when investing in emerging technology products from companies venturing outside their core competencies.