In a world increasingly indifferent to traditional printers, Anker is making waves with its new eufyMake E1 UV printer, priced at $1,900. The general apathy towards conventional printing technologies can largely be attributed to the cumbersome nature of toner cartridges and the frustrating intricacies of hardware DRM policies that many users find outdated. So, what makes the eufyMake E1 worth our attention? This cutting-edge printer boasts the remarkable ability to print on almost any surface, along with the capacity to create embossed 3D effects, making it a potential favorite among creators.

The eufyMake E1 evokes memories of the maker revolution that surged with the rise of at-home 3D printing. Although it lacks the versatility of a machine that converts digital 3D models into physical objects, witnessing the printer in action left me convinced that it could be a dream device for many Etsy sellers looking to enhance their product offerings.

During a recent Anker event, I had the opportunity to put the eufyMake E1 to the test. I printed one of my favorite memes from Final Fantasy VII on the flat surface of a ceramic magnet as a tribute to Earth Day. The quality of the output was astonishing, with a resolution of 1,440 DPI (dots per inch) ensuring that even the finest details of the meme emerged without any blurring or loss of clarity. One especially interesting feature of this printer is its rotary attachment, which allows for printing on objects that are not flat, such as a favorite thermos or bottle. Anker informed me that the printer can accommodate tapered objects because it can tilt up to 30 degrees, ensuring that the design remains true to form without distorting the final product.

Despite being a groundbreaking technology, UV printing is not entirely new. The process employs UV-curable inks that can layer colors onto various surfaces, drying almost instantaneously when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. This technology opens the door to printing on a wide range of materials, including paper, wood, and acrylic. The market is already populated with desktop-sized UV flatbed printers, ranging in price from $2,000 to $7,000. However, printers that offer 3D texturing typically demand a hefty price tag, with a notable example being a $50,000 UV printer showcased by Casio in 2018. Anker's eufyMake E1 positions itself as the 'first' 3D texture UV printer designed specifically for home use, making such technology accessible to a broader audience.

In addition to the eufyMake E1, Anker also includes a separate UV laminating machine, ideal for smaller projects such as stickers. The entire system can be controlled via a user-friendly app, allowing users to adjust printing parameters, center images, and even control the depth of the 3D effects added to the printed images. However, potential buyers should note that the eufyMake E1 utilizes proprietary inks, and Anker has yet to disclose future pricing for these ink sets. The device comes with sufficient ink to produce approximately 1,000 2x2-inch magnets, but ink usage may increase if users opt to print in 3D.

While the eufyMake E1's capabilities are extensive, its printing speed is somewhat slower than that of a standard inkjet printer. It takes around three minutes to print color on a small 2x2 inch square, and approximately six minutes to print two of those at once. Anker estimates that larger prints may require anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, while mid-sized paintings featuring 3D texture could take anywhere from 12 to 15 hours, consuming a significant amount of ink in the process. This explains why I was unable to observe the 3D printing firsthand, even though Anker showcased numerous examples around the machine. The textural effects are striking, especially for those who appreciate images that capture the subtle intricacies typical of oil paintings on canvas.

The eufyMake E1 is designed to accommodate both large and small objects, as well as those with unique shapes. My imagination swirled with possibilitiesprinting custom art on the exterior of a PC case stands out as a particularly enticing idea, allowing users to sidestep the costs associated with custom builds from high-end companies like Maingear or Falcon Northwest, or the effort of hand-painting a design.

Anker plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign for the eufyMake E1 on Kickstarter starting April 29. Early supporters will be able to secure the printer for $1,700 instead of the retail price of $1,900. Additionally, those willing to place a $50 deposit on Anker's official site can reduce the cost to just $1,500. However, it is important to remember that backing a crowdfunded project does not guarantee receipt of the product, even with a financial commitment. That said, Anker is a reputable brand with a solid history of delivering on promises. I also inquired with Anker, a China-based company that primarily manufactures its products in the country, about whether the ongoing U.S. tariffs would affect pricing. Representatives declined to provide a comment, citing the fluid situation surrounding the trade war between the U.S. and China.