The Photon D2 is from Anycubic’s lineup of resin 3D printers, building on the success of its predecessor, the Photon Ultra. With cutting-edge DLP® technology, the Photon D2 prints with precision, enhanced light uniformity, and has a longer-lasting projector. Known for producing high-quality consumer 3D printers, Anycubic continues its mission to make 3D printing accessible and fun for creators worldwide. DLP® 3D printing revolutionizes resin printing by projecting light with minimal diffusion, enabling sharper details and smoother surfaces. This makes the Photon D2 usefult for applications that need high precision, including jewelry design, dental models, and miniature figures. In this Anycubic Photon D2 review, we’ll explore its features, printing capabilities, and how it compares to other consumer-grade resin 3D printers.

DLP vs. LCD 3D Printing: What’s the Difference?

DLP (Digital Light Processing) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 3D printing use different technologies to cure resin. For DLP printers, like the Anycubic Photon D2, rely on a digital projector to cast precise light patterns, ensuring consistent and uniform curing. In contrast, LCD printers use UV LEDs that shine through an LCD screen, masking areas that shouldn’t be cured. While LCD printers are often more affordable due to lower-cost components, their screens have a shorter lifespan and may allow uneven light transmission. This can lead to inconsistencies in print quality between batches or even different machines. DLP printers excel in longevity and precision, making them ideal for tasks requiring high accuracy and fine details.

Design and Build Quality

The Anycubic Photon D2 features a sturdy metal frame built for stability during printing. Its laser-engraved build platform improves resin adhesion, helping prints stick securely throughout the process. The resin vat comes as a single piece with clear measurement lines to simplify resin handling and reducing messes. Despite its compact size of 430x236x226mm, the printer has a print volume of 130.56×73.44x165mm. This gives enough room for creative projects. The removable UV-blocking cover protects prints from unwanted light that can distort the print results. Its 2.8-inch TFT touchscreen makes setting adjustments quick and straightforward.

Key Features and Specifications

The Anycubic Photon D2 brings advanced DLP® 3D printing technology to home users, delivering top-tier results while keeping energy use low. With a generous print volume of 130.56×73.44x165mm, there’s plenty of room for creative projects. Its DLP projector directs light accurately with minimal diffusion, leading to smooth, high-quality prints. The printer’s quiet, fan-free design keeps your workspace peaceful, and its energy-efficient 15W power consumption reduces electricity costs. The Photon D2’s build platform features a laser-engraved surface, boosting resin adhesion for successful prints. Its one-piece resin vat includes built-in measurement lines, simplifying resin management and reducing mess. The intuitive 2.8-inch TFT touchscreen helps you adjust settings quickly and easily, keeping the printing process straightforward from start to finish.

Comparisons

Photon D2 vs. Photon Ultra

The Photon D2 builds upon the success of the Photon Ultr. With upgrades in print volume, light uniformity, and projector resolution, it’s a more advanced choice for detailed resin 3D printing.

• Print Volume: The Photon D2 features a build area of 130.56 x 73.44 x 165mm, a significant increase from the Photon Ultra’s 102.4 x 57.6 x 165mm. This expanded print size supports larger models and multi-part projects.
• Light Uniformity: With a light uniformity of over 92%, the Photon D2 delivers smoother surfaces and consistent prints. In comparison, the Photon Ultra achieves a lower uniformity level, leading to less refined results.
• Projector Resolution: The Photon D2’s DLP projector has a resolution of 2560×1440 pixels. This is double the Photon Ultra’s 1280 x 720 resolution. This higher resolution translates into more detailed and accurate prints.
• Energy Consumption: Both models are energy-efficient, with the Photon D2 consuming 15W and the Photon Ultra using about 12W, far less than traditional LCD printers.

Photon D2 vs. XYZprinting Nobel Superfine

The XYZprinting Nobel Superfine is another DLP® resin printer built for precision projects. However, its capabilities differ from the Anycubic Photon D2.

• Print Volume: The Photon D2 has a larger build area of 130.56 x 73.44 x 165mm. The Nobel Superfine is limited to 64 x 40 x 120mm. This makes the Photon D2 more versatile for bigger models and batch printing.
• Light Technology: Both printers rely on DLP® projection technology, but the Photon D2’s higher resolution and enhanced light uniformity produce more refined models with smoother surfaces.
• Energy Efficiency: Operating at just 15W, the Photon D2 is highly energy-efficient, whereas the Nobel Superfine uses more power due to its older light source design and less efficient cooling system.
• Durability: The Photon D2’s projector is rated for 20,000 hours of use, significantly reducing maintenance and operating costs compared to the Nobel Superfine’s shorter light source lifespan.

Real-World Applications

The Anycubic Photon D2, though an older model, remains useful for specific 3D printing tasks that benefit from its detailed output and efficient operation. Here are the key areas where it still delivers practical results:

• Jewelry Design: The Photon D2’s high-resolution DLP® projector and light uniformity of over 92% make it well-suited for crafting intricate jewelry models. Designers can produce prototypes featuring delicate patterns, engravings, and custom designs with impressive accuracy.
• Dental Models: In the dental industry, precision is essential. The Photon D2’s ability to produce smooth, accurate models makes it useful for creating dental molds, crowns, and other dental components needed for treatment planning and restoration work.
• Miniature Figures and Hobbyist Models: The Photon D2 excels at printing detailed miniature figures, making it a favorite among tabletop game enthusiasts, model makers, and cosplay prop creators. Its fine surface finish helps bring small-scale models to life with less post-processing.

Conclusion

The Anycubic Photon D2 remains a solid choice for creators looking for detailed resin printing with low energy consumption. Its DLP® technology, featuring a 2560×1440 projector resolution and 92% light uniformity, sets it apart from many resin printers in its class. The larger print volume of 130.56×73.44x165mm supports bigger models, while the 20,000-hour projector lifespan reduces long-term maintenance costs.

What truly makes the Photon D2 shine is its quiet, fan-free operation and energy-efficient 15W power consumption. Its laser-engraved build platform boosts resin adhesion, while the one-piece resin vat simplifies handling and cleanup. With features tailored for jewelry design, dental models, and miniatures, the Photon D2 still holds its ground in the ever-evolving 3D printing market.

Though newer models have emerged, the Anycubic Photon D2’s dependable technology, low operating costs, and focus on high-quality prints keep it a relevant and practical choice for hobbyists and professionals alike.