Anycubic Photon Mono Review
The Photon Mono follows the original Photon, the company’s first resin 3D printer. Building on its predecessor’s success, the Photon Mono features key upgrades like a 6-inch 2K monochrome LCD for faster printing speeds, an extended screen lifespan, and advanced light-source technology. Shenzhen Anycubic Technology Co., Ltd. has become a top name in consumer-grade 3D printing. With a presence in over 200 countries, Anycubic’s vision is to make 3D printing fun and affordable for hobbyists. Resin 3D printers have changed how people create detailed models. By using liquid resin and light-based curing, these printers produce highly detailed and smooth models. This makes them ideal for tasks that need extra precision, such as creating prototypes, miniatures, and custom designs. In this Anycubic Photon Mono review, we take a close look at its features, capabilities and how it compares to its resin 3D printer siblings.
Design and Build Quality
The Anycubic Photon Mono showcases a sleek and functional design to deliver a smooth 3D printing experience. Its compact build measures 227x 222x 383mm fits comfortably on most workspaces, a practical choice for home or studio use. The printer features a durable Z-axis rail structure powered by a reliable stepper motor, which keeps the build platform steady and minimizes the risk of layer shifting. This produces smoother and more accurate prints. Another feature is its UV-blocking transparent top cover, which blocks 99.95% of UV light while still allowing you to monitor prints in progress.
Key Features and Specifications
| Key Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| 2K Monochrome LCD | Build Volume: 130mm(L) x 80mm(W) x 165mm(H) |
| Quick FEP Replacement | XY Resolution: 0.051mm (2560×1620) |
| High-Quality Z-Axis Rai | Z-Axis Resolution: 0.01mm |
| Matrix Parallel Light Source | Layer Thickness: 0.01 – 0.15mm |
| UV-Blocking Top Cover | Printing Speed: Up to 50mm/h |
| Top Cover Detection | Technology: LCD-based SLA |
| Light Source: High-quality filament (wavelength 405nm) | |
| Software: ANYCUBIC Photon Workshop | |
| Connectivity: USB |
The Photon Mono packs practical features designed to speed up resin 3D printing while keeping things simple. Its 6-inch 2K monochrome LCD screen is built to last, delivering up to 2000 hours of printing. With a top printing speed of 50mm/h, this printer works quickly without losing print quality. Its Z-axis rail structure and stepper motor keep the printing platform stable to reduce the chances of shifting during prints. The upgraded matrix parallel light source spreads light evenly to help you achieve cleaner results while managing heat better. Maintenance is simple thanks to the quick FEP replacement system. The transparent top cover blocks 99.95% of harmful UV light while letting you keep an eye on your project. For added safety, the printer automatically stops if the cover is opened during printing.
Comparisons
Anycubic Photon Mono vs. Anycubic Photon
The Anycubic Photon Mono and the original Anycubic Photon target different user needs, focusing on speed, durability, and ease of use.
- Printing Speed: The Photon Mono prints up to 50mm/h, making it significantly faster than the original Photon, which uses a slower RGB LCD. This speed improvement helps finish projects in less time.
- Screen Durability: The Photon Mono’s 6-inch 2K monochrome LCD has a lifespan up to four times longer than the Photon’s standard LCD, reducing the need for frequent screen replacements.
- Light Source Technology: The Photon Mono features an upgraded matrix parallel light source, delivering more even light exposure for consistent print results. The original Photon uses a simpler light system, which may result in less uniform prints.
- Ease of Maintenance: The Photon Mono includes a quick FEP replacement system, simplifying maintenance. The original Photon requires a more time-consuming FEP replacement process.
Photon Mono vs. Elegoo Mars 2 Pro
The Photon Mono and Elegoo Mars 2 Pro are both popular resin 3D printers, but they excel in different areas.
- Build Volume: The Photon Mono has a build volume of 130mm x 80mm x 165mm, making it slightly smaller than the Mars 2 Pro’s 129mm x 80mm x 160mm build area. This difference is minimal but might matter for certain projects.
- Printing Speed: Both printers have comparable printing speeds, but the Photon Mono’s improved light source helps maintain print accuracy even at higher speeds.
- Safety Features: The Photon Mono’s top cover detection feature automatically pauses printing if the cover is opened. This is not available on the Mars 2 Pro, which relies on manual monitoring for safety.
Real World Applications
The Anycubic Photon Mono might be considered an older model, but it still shines in areas where detailed and precise resin printing matters. Its compact design and reliable output make it a strong choice for hobbyists, creators, and small-scale businesses focusing on artistic and functional projects.
- Miniatures and Tabletop Models: The Photon Mono is ideal for creating highly detailed miniatures for tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons or Warhammer. Its fine resolution accurately captures small features, making it a favorite among gaming enthusiasts and custom figure creators.
- Jewelry and Crafts: Jewelry makers and artisans benefit from the Photon Mono’s ability to create intricate molds, charms, and decorative pieces. Its resin-based printing process enables smooth surfaces that are ready for casting or display.
- Educational and Creative Projects: The Photon Mono is a great tool for schools and makerspaces. It supports hands-on STEM projects involving 3D modeling and design, helping students and beginners learn about 3D printing through practical experience.
Conclusion
The Anycubic Photon Mono might be an older model, but it still packs useful features that hold up in today’s resin 3D printing scene. Its 6-inch 2K monochrome LCD extends print life and speeds up printing, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to get prints done faster. The upgraded matrix parallel light source helps maintain even light distribution, producing smoother results for creative projects.
Features like quick FEP replacement and automatic top cover detection keep the printing process straightforward and safe. Its compact design fits easily into home workspaces, classrooms, and makerspaces without taking up too much space. From printing custom miniatures and jewelry molds to supporting educational projects, the Photon Mono handles creative tasks with consistency and ease. Though newer models have hit the market, the Photon Mono remains a dependable pick for beginners and hobbyists ready to explore resin 3D printing on a budget.
