The eufyMake E1 UV Printer: A Creative Game Changer?

INNOVATIONREVIEW

4/28/20254 min read

3d UV printer
3d UV printer

The world of personal fabrication has just gotten a whole lot more colorful and textured with the arrival of the eufyMake E1 UV Printer. This innovative device, from the smart home experts at eufy (formerly AnkerMake), is making waves as the "world's first personal 3D-texture UV printer." But what exactly does that mean for creators and makers? Let's dive into the details.

What is a UV Printer?

Unlike your standard inkjet or even a filament-based 3D printer, the eufyMake E1 uses UV-curable ink. This means that as the printer sprays the ink onto a surface, it's instantly cured by UV light. The result? Prints that are dry to the touch immediately, vibrant in color, and remarkably durable. What sets the E1 apart is its ability to build up layers of this UV ink to create 3D textures, adding a whole new dimension to your creations.

Characteristics:

  • 3D Texture Printing: This is the headline feature. The E1 can create textured prints up to 5mm in height, allowing for unique tactile effects on a variety of objects. Imagine printing a phone case with a raised pattern or creating artwork that feels as good as it looks.

  • Versatile Material Compatibility: One of the biggest advantages of UV printing is its ability to adhere to a wide range of surfaces. The eufyMake E1 can print on materials like plastic, wood, acrylic, leather, metal, and even glass. This opens up a world of possibilities for customization and personalization.

  • Full-Color Printing: The E1 utilizes CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) inks, along with White and Gloss cartridges, allowing for rich and detailed full-color prints.

  • Compact Design: Unlike industrial UV printers that can be quite bulky, the eufyMake E1 is designed to be compact enough for home or small studio use.

  • User-Friendly Features: eufyMake emphasizes ease of use with features like AI-assisted design tools, dual laser-guided auto-positioning, and a library of over 20,000 ready-to-use templates within its accompanying software for smartphones, Macs, and Windows.

  • JetClean System: To minimize maintenance, the E1 incorporates a self-cleaning system to help prevent the UV inks from clogging, a common issue with this type of printing technology.

  • Optional Accessories: eufyMake offers add-ons like a rotary printing attachment for cylindrical objects like mugs and bottles, and a UV DTF (Direct to Film) laminating machine for creating custom stickers.

Pros:

  • Unleashes Creativity: The ability to print in full color with 3D texture on almost any surface is a game-changer for hobbyists, crafters, and small businesses. Think personalized gifts, unique product prototypes, eye-catching signage, and more.

  • Durable and Instant-Dry Prints: UV-cured inks are known for their durability, resistance to scratching and fading, and the fact that they are instantly dry eliminates smudging.

  • Relatively Compact: Compared to professional UV printers, the E1's size makes it suitable for a wider range of users.

  • User-Friendly Software: The inclusion of design tools and templates makes it easier for beginners to get started with UV printing.

Cons:

  • Ink Cartridge Costs: A significant potential drawback is the cost of the ink cartridges. A full set of CMYK, White, and Gloss cartridges, along with a cleaning cartridge, is priced around $300 USD. Individual colors are approximately $39 USD each. This could make the ongoing cost of operation quite high, especially for frequent users.

  • Print Speed for Textured Prints: While flat prints are reportedly quite fast, creating prints with significant 3D texture can take considerably longer, potentially several hours for more complex designs.

  • Rotary Attachment Limitations: The rotary attachment for cylindrical objects might be particular about the shapes it can accommodate, and the camera positioning reportedly doesn't work with it.

  • New Technology: As the "world's first personal 3D-texture UV printer," the long-term reliability and potential issues that may arise with this specific technology are still largely unknown.

Price and Availability:

The eufyMake E1 launched via a Kickstarter campaign that began on April 29th, 2025. Early bird pricing offered the standard bundle (including the printer and ink cartridges) for around $1,699 USD. For those who made a $50 deposit before the campaign, the price was further reduced to $1,499 USD. The standard retail price is expected to be $1,899 USD. The rotary module and UV DTF laminating machine are sold separately, with their exact prices yet to be fully confirmed, but estimates place the rotary attachment around $360 USD. Shipping is anticipated to begin in July 2025.

Final Thoughts:

The eufyMake E1 UV Printer presents a truly unique and exciting opportunity for creators to bring their visions to life with color and texture on a wide array of materials. While the initial cost and the ongoing expense of ink cartridges may be a barrier for some, the potential for personalized, durable, and visually striking creations is undeniable. As the first of its kind in the personal fabrication market, the E1 is definitely one to watch, and it could very well democratize UV printing for a new generation of makers. Whether it becomes an indispensable tool in your creative arsenal will likely depend on your specific needs and how much you value the ability to add that extra dimension to your projects.

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