Anet A8 How to Print | Steps Guide for 3D Print

The Anet A8 3D printer is becoming more popular among makers and hobbyists day by day for its affordability and impressive printing capabilities. However, if you are a beginner, you may easily be confused about how you can use this printer.

But don’t worry, you can easily print anything using your Anet A8 printer after reading this guide. It’s because this article will serve as a step-by-step guide on how to print with the Anet A8 3D printer.

From assembling the printer to optimizing your prints, we’ll cover all the essential aspects to help you achieve outstanding results. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s begin!

Assemble Your Anet A8 3D Printer Correctly Before Printing

Before diving into printing, it’s crucial to properly assemble your Anet A8. Because without assembling properly, your Anet A8 won’t print anything.

Assembling the Anet A8 is a complex process and you’ll need visual instructions to install and align all the components securely. So, if you haven’t assembled your Anet A8 printer, then watch the video below and assemble it properly and prevent any potential hazards. 

How to Print with Anet A8 3D Printer

To print with your Anet printer, you have to go through several steps including –

• Preparing The Print Bed
• Preparing The 3D Model
• Slicing the Model
• Loading Filament
• Initiating the Print
• Post-Processing and Finishing

So, follow these steps below carefully:

Step 1: Leveling the Print Bed of Anet A8 3D Printer

To get the proper outcome, you need to level the print bed properly. Here are the steps to follow –

1. First, turn to zero and then navigate to Main Menu > Position > Home All.

2. After turn to zero, navigate to Main Menu > Quick Settings and select Disable stepper to turn off the Step Motor.

3. Ensure a 0.1mm distance between the nozzle and the hotbed.

Step 2: Load Filament on Your Anet A8 Printer

The Anet A8 3D printer uses ‘Direct Drive Extruder’ which is good for printing various filament materials, especially soft materials like ABS and TPU. Here we will show you how to install PLA filament on your Anet A8 printer:

1. Navigate to Main Menu > Quick Settings > Preheat PLA and select the 51.6/190° 36/60° option.

2. Once your printer reaches the preheating temperate, push the filament into the tube until the material overflows from the nozzle.

Caution: Do not touch the hot surface unless you want your finger to be brunt.

Step 3: Preparing the 3D Model

To print something, you have to make a 3D model on your computer first.

• Create or download a 3D model using computer-aided design (CAD) software that you wish to print.
• Ensure the model is compatible with your Anet A8 and meets the printer’s specifications.
• Save the model in a supported file format, such as Gco or Ccode.
• Copy the GCODE file to the Anet A8 SD card.
• Place the SD card into the SD card slot on the motherboard of your Anet A8 printer.

Step 4: Preparing the Print Bed

To ensure a successful print, it is essential to prepare the print bed correctly. Follow the instructions below to make your print bed well-prepared:

• Take a Pyrex Plate and clean it using rubbing alcohol.
• Cover the approximate printing area with blue tape.
• Apply a suitable adhesive material like painter’s tape, glue stick, or a specialized 3D printing bed adhesive on the approximate printing area to promote adhesion.

Step 5: Initiating the Print

This is the main part where you will print your 3D model –

1. Choose Print File by going to Main Menu > SD Card > Print file.

2. Then Select your model file and select Confirm to start printing.

After this wait until your 3D model is successfully printed by your Anet A8 printer. You can check this video below to follow the printing process with Anet A8 3D printer more accurately.

Bonus Tip: Post-Processing and Finishing

Once the print is complete,

• Carefully remove it from the print bed using a spatula or scraper.
• Remove any support structures if necessary.
• Perform any post-processing steps such as sanding, painting, or applying finishing touches to achieve the desired result.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What Is the Print Area Of The Anet A8?

With a sturdy acrylic construction and a generous print area measuring 220 x 220 x 240mm, the Anet A8 offers ample space for your 3D printing needs.

What Materials Can Anet A8 Print?

The Anet A8 is compatible with a 1.75mm filament, allowing for a wide range of printing material options such as ABS, PLA, and TPU.

Which is Stronger PLA or TPU?

PLA stands out as a user-friendly and beginner-friendly material for 3D printing due to its ease of use. However, when it comes to durability and strength, it falls short compared to TPU. In contrast, TPU serves as a versatile material that bridges the gap between plastic and rubber, offering unique properties and flexibility.

How Fast Can Anet A8 Print?

The Anet A8 3D printer is faster than many other 3D printers around. How long it will take to print your 3D model depends on the size of the 3D model and the speed that you’ve selected from the Anet A8 printer settings. If you set the printing speed to 40mm/s then it will print slower and if you set 120mm/s then it will print faster.

Related reading: Chrome Closes When I Try to Print, Can I Print Photos at Staples, Can You Print on Black Cardstock.

Conclusion

Printing 3D models using the Anet A8 printer is very simple. You just need the correct guideline at the beginning and you can print anything afterward. We hope you’ll be well-equipped to navigate through the printing process effectively by following this comprehensive guide. Remember to take your time, experiment with settings, and learn from each print to improve your skills. Happy printing!