Anycubic has carved a strong presence in the world of 3D printing since its founding in 2015. The company is well-known for developing reliable and innovative 3D printers both for beginners and seasoned makers alike. By making user-friendly designs and accessible technology, Anycubic has become a go-to brand for those exploring creative possibilities in 3D printing. Resin 3D printers have gained popularity for their ability to produce detailed, high-quality prints. Unlike filament-based printers, resin printers use liquid photopolymer resin and a light source to achieve exceptional precision. This technology excels at creating intricate models, fine details, and smooth surfaces, making it a favorite among 3D printing makers to achieve a polished finish in their projects. In this Anycubic Photon Mono X2 review, we will highlight what makes this resin 3D printer a compelling choice and why it’s worth considering for your next project.

Design and Build Quality

The Photon Mono X2 has a sleek and practical design that balances functionality with durability. Its 9.1-inch monochrome screen provides a slightly larger print area compared to its predecessor, the Photon Mono X. The build plate features a laser-engraved checkerboard pattern, which improves adhesion and makes it easier to remove finished prints. This helps reduce the risk of failed prints and saves time during cleanup. The printer’s dual linear guides and a POM clearance nut work together with a vibration-absorbing structure on the Z-axis, minimizing layer lines and ensuring stability during printing.

With a size of 17x290x260mm and a weight of just 15.6 pounds, it’s easy to place on a desktop without taking up too much space. Its aluminum alloy build platform and robust components ensure a durable setup that withstands regular use. The 3.5-inch TFT touchscreen provides an intuitive way to control and monitor printing progress.

Key Features and Specifications

The Photon Mono X2 has a 9.1-inch 4K+ monochrome screen delivering sharp prints with a resolution of 4096 x 2560 pixels and 48-micron accuracy. The spacious build volume of 200 x 196 x 122 mm gives you the flexibility to print larger models or multiple items in one session. The laser-engraved build plate improves adhesion, making it easier to remove prints and reducing the risk of errors. The Anycubic LightTurbo light source ensures consistent UV exposure, helping you achieve better results with every project. With a printing speed of up to 60mm per hour, it balances speed and detail. Its compatibility with various resins, including water-washable and plant-based types, makes it a great choice for different kinds of projects. Compact and lightweight, it fits neatly into most workspaces without taking up too much room.

Comparisons

Photon Mono X2 vs. Photon Mono X

When comparing the Photon Mono X2 to the Photon Mono X, both are designed for users who want larger build volumes and reliable performance, but the Mono X2 introduces several improvements:

• Screen Size and Resolution: The Photon Mono X2 features a larger 9.1-inch 4K+ monochrome screen with a resolution of 4096 x 2560 pixels. This improves it pixel accuracy to 48 microns. The Mono X has an 8.9-inch screen with a resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels. And a slightly coarser 50-micron accuracy.
• Build Volume: The Photon Mono X2 has a wider build area at 200 x 196 x 122 mm. While the Mono X has a taller build area at 192 x 120 x 245 mm.
• Enhanced Light Source: The Mono X2 uses Anycubic LightTurbo for more uniform UV exposure, which boosts overall print quality.
• Adhesion and Print Success: The Mono X2’s laser-engraved build plate improves adhesion and print removal.

Photon Mono X2 vs. Photon Mono 4K

When comparing the Photon Mono X2 to the Photon Mono 4K, the focus shifts to size and detail. The Mono X2 excels in build area and the Mono 4K with finer pixel precision:

• Screen Size and Resolution: The Photon Mono 4K has a smaller 6.23-inch monochrome screen. This achieves a sharper pixel size of 35 microns. The Photon Mono X2 trades a little pixel detail (48 microns) for a much larger 9.1-inch screen.
• Build Volume: The Mono 4K’s build volume is 132 x 80 x 165 mm. This is much smaller compared to the Mono X2’s 200 x 196 x 122 mm.
• Advanced Features: The Mono X2 introduces features like the laser-engraved build plate and the LightTurbo matrix light source for better adhesion and uniform prints. The Mono 4K lacks these.
• Use Case: While the Mono 4K suits compact, detail-oriented projects, the Mono X2 is better for large-scale or batch printing needs.

Real World Applications

The Anycubic Photon Mono X2 is designed to meet the needs of hobbyists, professionals, and creatives, making it an excellent choice for various real-world applications. With its advanced features and larger build area, it provides flexibility and quality in every project.

Miniature Model Making

For tabletop gamers, the Mono X2 is a game-changer. Imagine printing an entire squad of custom miniatures for your next campaign. The 4K+ resolution captures intricate details, from armor textures to tiny facial expressions, while the larger build area allows you to produce multiple figures in one go, saving both time and effort.

Jewelry Design

Jewelry designers can create highly detailed prototypes of rings, pendants, or bracelets. For example, a jeweler could print a prototype engagement ring with delicate filigree patterns, providing a tangible model for their client before casting the final piece.

Dental Applications

In dental clinics or labs, the Mono X2 can be used to produce accurate molds and prototypes. A dentist could print a clear aligner mold or a crown prototype, reducing turnaround time and improving patient outcomes.

Functional Prototyping

Engineers can rely on the Mono X2 for building mechanical parts or product designs. For instance, a designer could print a custom camera mount with tight tolerances for testing, ensuring it fits perfectly before moving to final production.

Conclusion

The Anycubic Photon Mono X2 brings together impressive features that make resin printing easier and more reliable. Its 9.1-inch 4K+ screen is a larger printing area, while the enhanced LightTurbo light source ensures consistent exposure for high-quality results. The laser-engraved build plate improves adhesion and makes removing finished prints hassle-free.

With its ability to produce detailed prints and handle a variety of resins, the Photon Mono X2 is well-suited for projects ranging from miniatures to functional prototypes. Its sturdy Z-axis design and vibration-reducing features give users smooth and accurate prints every time. Compact and lightweight, this printer fits comfortably into most workspaces while delivering professional-level results. For hobbyists and professionals alike, the Photon Mono X2 strikes a great balance between performance and usability, making it an excellent choice for resin 3D printing.