AnyCubic Photon Mono X
Take the step from FFF to SLA.
Compare prints from an FFF (fused filament fabrication) and a SLA (Stereolithography) 3D printer and you’ll instantly see why model makers, jewelry designers, engineers and even dentists look to SLA as their printer technology of choice.
There’s no doubt that the SLA technology enables prints that are a level up from what is achievable by a standard FFF printer, but that quality comes at a cost.
Both the LCD-based SLA printer and the wash and cure machine follow the same design style, making them a perfectly matched pair. Setting up both on the work surface and it has to be said that they look great with the bright yellow protective shield and only the simple touch screen LCD on one and dial on the front differentiating the look of the bases. The design is simple and straightforward, helped in part by the excellent AnyCubic set-up guide that truly reflects the machine’s function.
Likewise, the Wash and Cure follows a similar design ethic. The main washing and then curing station, once the tub is removed, are on top with a button to switch between wash and Cure with a dial used to adjust the timings. The UV light used by resin printers is dangerous to human eyes, and therefore the print area must be covered by some protective shield. AnyCubic has come up with a simple lift on and off solution, it’s not the most elegant solution that I’ve seen, but there’s no faulting its effectiveness. It may be simple, but sensors detect whether the shield is in place or not; if not, the machine will sit idle until the shield is in place. Software for 3D printers is essential to the success of the print, and here AnyCubic has designed a relatively simple and easy to understand solution.
AnyCubic has a reputation for providing solid 3D printers that require only the slightest set-up. Set-up of the Photon Mono X case follows AnyCubic’s usual slick approach, remove the packaging, set the printer on a level surface and switch it on. I’ve tested quite a few of these LCD SLA printers last year, and all have produced excellent results. However, they’re not as straightforward as FFF printers, and you do need to invest time to ensure the best quality print and success rate. The Photon Mono X makes things as simple as possible, and after the first print success, I looked at printing a selection of my 3D models.
Importing into the Photon Software was easy enough to navigate all the functions and features, density, position and punching holes for drainage etc.
AnyCubic’s latest Photon Mono X is a large scale LCD-Based SLA 3D printer. Not only does it offer one of the largest print areas for this style of machine, but coupled with the new Wash and Cure unit available separately or in a bundle, this combination offers a huge technological leap forward for home and small business SLA printing.
Ali Jennings