Review: Anycubic Photon Mono, Mono X, and Mono SE
Hi everyone! In this review we will talk about the new 3D printers: Anycubic Photon Mono, Mono X and Mono SE. These are high-speed and accurate resin 3D printers that can be used in various fields. Learn more about these devices and their abilities from this article.
About Anycubic
Source: anycubic.com
Anycubic is a great example of a young Chinese startup company. Founded by two friends in Shenzhen in 2015, today it’s one of the trendsetters of the global 3D printers market. Hundreds of Chinese workers, engineers, and scientists are tirelessly working on producing and upgrading new 3D printer models based on the latest research in additive technologies and user experience.
Photon Mono, Mono X, and Mono SE 3D Printers
Source: all3dp.com
It wasn’t long ago when Anycubic announced its first resin 3D printer – the Anycubic Photon – in 2018. It was a highly accurate device offered at a price of a budget FDM 3D printer. Since then the company has significantly improved both the quality of its equipment and the technologies: the Photon 3D printers now feature shorter curing times, higher resolution and larger build volume.
In 2020, Anycubic revealed a new series of 3D printers: Mono. The devices feature 2K and 4K LCD screens and a UV LED array with a higher power. All three devices can print with a layer height of 10 microns and 50-51 microns of the XY-axes resolution, which allows for a high level of detail.
Each 3D printer of the Photon Mono series features a USB port, and the Mono SE and Mono X also have Wi-Fi modules. Unfortunately, one can’t easily connect to a printer (for example, using a web interface) since it requires using a proprietary Anycubic app – the .apk file installed on a USB flash drive that comes with a device. Installing an app on a smartphone will require finding a micro-USB to USB type-A adapter and disabling some security settings in the system. This is available only for Android smartphones.
Technical Specifications
Source: youtube.com
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Power Consumption |
45W |
120W |
55W |
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Dimensions |
227 x 222 x 383 mm |
270 x 290 x 475 mm |
220 x 200 x 400 mm |
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Software |
ANYCUBIC Photon Workshop |
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Supported Materials |
405 nm UV resin |
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Light source |
405 nm LED array |
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Weight |
4.5 kg |
10.75 kg |
8.2 kg |
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Build volume |
130 x 82 x 165 mm |
192 x 120 x 245 mm |
130 x 78 x 160 mm |
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Minimum layer height |
10 microns |
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XY-resolution |
0,051 mm 2560x1620 (2K) |
0,050 mm 3840x2400 (4K) |
0,051 mm 2560x1620 (2K) |
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Maximum printing speed |
50 mm/h |
60 mm/h |
80 mm/h |
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Technology |
LCD/SLA |
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Calibration |
Manual |
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Touchscreen |
2,5” |
3,5” |
3,5” |
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Connectivity |
USB |
USB, Wi-Fi |
USB, Wi-Fi |
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Price |
On request |
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Photon Mono
Build
Source: all3dp.com
A distinctive feature of the Photon Mono and Mono X is an acrylic upper lid that allows for eye-safe monitoring of the printing process. The whole lid can be completely removed (as a single unit), making it possible to conveniently access all of the parts of the printer. This solution simplifies all of the tasks: from filling a resin vat to print removal.
Print platform calibration is done using four nuts. The Mono features a slightly longer Z-axis (by 5 mm) and Y-axis (by 4 mm) compared to the Mono SE model that has a similar build volume. A 2K (2560 x 1620) LCD screen allows the machine to reach the resolution of 51 microns by the XY-axes. The Photon Mini features only USB connectivity. The Mono is the slowest of these three 3D printers, it’s maximum printing speed is 50 mm/h.
Pros and Cons
Source: all3dp.com
Pros:
- a convenient acrylic lid;
- build volume slightly larger than that of the SE model;
- a 2K resolution;
- a low price.
Cons:
- low speed of printing;
- using four nuts to calibrate the platform;
- a lack of Wi-Fi connectivity;
- a lack of air filters.
Photon Mono X
Build
Source: anycubic.com
The Photon Mono X also features a convenient single-unit acrylic lid and its platform is calibrated by using four screws as well. The difference is that this 3D printer offers a really large build volume of 192 x 120 x 245 mm and a 4K (3840 x 2400) screen. The machine with this impressive build volume features a higher resolution over the XY-axes than the counterparts with the 2K LCD screens offer: 50 microns.
The Mono X is faster than the Mono – its printing speed is 60 mm/h. The device also provides Wi-Fi connectivity. It features the most powerful light source among the three. And compared to the Mono, it has a larger touchscreen which simplifies print control.
Pros and Cons
Source: anycubic.com
Pros:
- a convenient acrylic lid cover;
- large build volume;
- good printing speed;
- a 4K resolution;
- a Wi-Fi module;
- low price.
Cons:
- using four nuts to calibrate the platform;
- a lack of air filters.
Photon Mono SE
Build
Source: anycubic.com
The Photon Mono SE features a smaller build volume (compared to the Mono) and a non-removable lid – a traditional design solution of the Anycubic Photon 3D printers. It’s the fastest device of the Photon family, with a maximum printing speed of 80 mm/h. A resin vat made of metal is significantly more durable than the plastic solutions of the Mono and Mono X.
Unlike two other models, the platform calibration is done using one nut, instead of four. This allows for rotating the platform by 90 degrees and its easy removal despite the device’s case not being the most convenient.
Moreover, the machine features mandatory print chamber ventilation and a charcoal filter that can absorb the smells. The latter is located in such a way that replacing it will not cause any inconvenience or require disassembling the printer. The inclusion of a Wi-Fi module simplifies controlling the 3D printer and loading the models into the device.
Pros and Cons
Source: anycubic.com
Pros:
- using one nut to calibrate the platform;
- the inclusion of air filters;
- mandatory print chamber ventilation;
- high printing speed;
- a 2K resolution;
- a Wi-Fi module;
- a metal resin vat;
- a low price
Cons:
- the case that is far from being convenient and featuring a non-removable lid;
- small build volume.
Comparison – Wanhao Duplicator 8 (D8) and Phrozen Shuffle XL Lite
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Mono X |
Shuffle XL Lite |
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Supported materials |
405 nm UV resins |
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Build volume |
130 x 82 x 165 mm |
192 x 120 x 245 mm |
130 x 78 x 160 mm |
192 x 120 x 180 mm |
190 x120 x 200 mm |
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Layer height |
10 microns |
35 microns |
10 microns |
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XY-resolution |
0,051 mm 2560x1620 (2K) |
0,050 mm 3840x2400 (4K) |
0,051 mm 2560x1620 (2K) |
0,075 mm |
0,075 mm |
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Printing speed |
50 mm/h |
60 mm/h |
80 mm/h |
30 mm/h |
20 mm/h |
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Technology |
LCD/SLA |
DLP |
LCD/SLA |
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Touchscreen |
2,5” |
3,5” |
3,5” |
9.7" |
3,5” |
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Price |
On request |
On request |
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The Wanhao Duplicator 8 (D8) 3D Printers and the Phrozen Shuffle XL Lite have only a few advantages over the Anycubic Mono X that features similarly sized build volume. Their prices, printing speed, resolution and build volume are less impressive.
The Mono and Mono SE models feature smaller build volumes but are significantly faster and more affordable.
The advantages of the models of this comparison:
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The Wanhao D8 features a durable and convenient metal case with a door and is compatible with various software;
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The Phrozen Shuffle XL Lite offers a proprietary lens system that allows the light sources to be parallel and result in a larger light exposure area;
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The Photon Mono series have bigger resolutions and faster speed. but their disadvantage is the usage of a proprietary file format.
We should mention again that choosing which 3D printer will be better for certain tasks will depend on its specifications and user preferences, so the choice will be individual.
What’s in the Box?
Source: Youtube.com
The package of any Photon Mono device includes:
- a 3D printer itself;
- ANYCUBIC Photon Workshop software;
- a protective mask;
- gloves;
- a power unit;
- a plastic scraper;
- a metal spatula;
- a funnel;
- a USB flash drive;
- a user manual.
Software
ANYCUBIC Photon Workshop
Source: youtube.com
ANYCUBIC Photon Workshop is a proprietary slicing solution by ANYCUBIC designed for converting 3D models made in CAD programs from the .stl and .obj file formats into proprietary .pws and .photon formats that can be read by the 3D printers of the Photon series. The program also allows for slicing a model into the layers, automatic calculation and manual adjustment of the supporting structures, placing several objects on one print platform, and many other features.
Applications
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Conclusion
Source: Youtube.com
All three devices can be considered a big step forward for Anycubic. Making the printers significantly superior to the predecessors in all aspects, improving the quality of the accessories and keeping a low price, the brand bids to become one of the leaders on the market. It’s for certain that the specifications of the Anycubic Photon 3D printers can compete with the best desktop resin printers by other manufacturers.
Buy affordable and high-quality Anycubic Photon Mono, Mono X and Mono SE 3D printers at Top 3D Shop and get an official warranty and the best possible service.
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