ANYCUBIC Photon Reviews: See Why 0 Shoppers Rated It 0 Stars!

ANYCUBIC Photon: A Compact DLP 3D Printer for Creative and Professional Use

The ANYCUBIC Photon stands out as an entry-level Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printer designed for both consumers and professionals who require high precision in their projects. Released in 2018, it is primarily geared toward creating detailed miniatures, dental models, and jewelry, fulfilling the demands of hobbyists and intermediate-level users. On paper, the build size and resolution specifications promise a capable device, especially for those venturing into resin 3D printing. But how does its measured performance align with its features? Let's delve into the specs and expected usage to provide a thorough evaluation.

Detailed Specs & Features

According to its engineering data, the ANYCUBIC Photon offers a build volume of 4.53 inches in width, 2.56 inches in depth, and 6.1 inches in height, resulting in a total build volume of 57.14 cubic inches. This space is ample for detailed small-scale projects typical in miniatures and dental molds. The printer uses a DLP-type system with a 2560x1440p high-resolution LCD screen that cures resin precisely layer by layer, supported by a 25-micron minimum layer thickness, which ensures fine details. Operating within a voltage range of 110-220 Volt, it connects seamlessly with global power grids and maintains a power consumption of about 40 watts during operation.

The printer's closed enclosure paired with carbon air filtration provides a safer and cleaner workspace by containing resin odors and limiting particulate release. A 2.8-inch touchscreen offers user-friendly navigation, and the metal build plate with a sandblasted surface guarantees reliable print adhesion. Notably, the manual bed leveling system may require some initial setup effort yet grants control to users who prefer fine-tuning over automatic processes.

On the materials front, it supports standard resins curing at a wavelength of 405 nm, compatible with many third-party resins including biocompatible materials. However, there's no resin cartridge system or auto-filling feature, indicating a more hands-on resin management approach. With its 250 ml max resin tank capacity, it suits printing small to medium batches but is limited for high-volume manufacturing. The UV light power output rated at 25 mW ensures consistent resin curing speed, balancing print quality and time.

User Experience & Performance (Based on Specs)

Design & Build

The compact physical dimensions ; just 7.9 inches wide, 8.7 inches deep, and 15.8 inches tall ; make the Photon a space-conscious device suitable for home studios or small workshops.Weighing around 21.2 pounds, it is portable enough for relocation but sturdy for stable printing. Its metal frame and closed design protect sensitive components from environmental dust and accidental exposure to resin. The absence of automatic bed leveling adds a learning curve but promotes user engagement in setup, a trade-off often seen in printers aimed at beginners seeking professional-grade output.

Performance

When it comes to print speed, the official maximum is 20 mm per hour, but measured effective speed is closer to 10 mm per hour, suggesting realistic estimates are nearly half the theoretical max, which is typical for resin printers emphasizing accuracy over speed. The time to print a standard calibration object like the Benchy is around three hours, while its 85% theoretical print success rate aligns with its respectable print quality rating of 8 out of 10. Noise levels peak at 50 decibels under operation, which should be tolerable even in home environments. The printer does lack advanced error detection, such as spaghetti fault detection or power loss recovery, making continuous monitoring necessary for long print jobs.

Camera / Display / Audio Quality

While no built-in camera offers print monitoring, connectivity through USB, Wi-Fi, and LAN supports remote file transfers and firmware updates, though without real-time print monitoring or cloud features. The 2.8-inch touchscreen facilitates straightforward control, but the lack of remote monitoring may limit convenience for users accustomed to app-based oversight.

Extra Features

On safety and compliance, the Photon carries CE, FCC, and RoHS certifications, implying adherence to key industry standards. Features such as overheat protection and a carbon filter showcase a commitment to operational safety and user comfort. However, it lacks emergency stop buttons or resin spill protections, which might concern less experienced operators. Maintenance requires manual lubrication and servicing every 100 hours, and although spare parts are readily available, the printer doesn't support any upgrade or mod kits, limiting future hardware expandability.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High Resolution 2560x1440p LCD screen enabling fine 25-micron layer details
• Closed enclosure with carbon air filtration for safer resin handling
• Affordable price point with decent build volume for miniatures and prototypes
• Compatible with third-party standard and biocompatible resins
• User-friendly touchscreen interface and easy USB, Wi-Fi connectivity

Cons

• Manual bed leveling can be challenging for beginners
• No resin cartridge system or auto-fill features limit workflow automation
• Lack of advanced fault detection and power loss recovery features
• Limited to 250 ml resin tank capacity, not suited for large batch production
• No built-in camera or remote print monitoring features

Price & Value for Money

At approximately $256.95 at Anycubic Store, the Photon offers compelling value given its solid 1-year warranty period and proven print quality. Its moderate power consumption and compatibility with widespread standard resins justify the price for newcomers or professionals needing precise, small-scale prints without astronomical investment. On the flip side, the lack of some automated features may raise the barrier for total novices or those seeking fully hands-off workflows. Overall, it delivers impressive performance relative to its cost, making it a smart entry point for dedicated hobbyists and small-business users.

Quick Take

In short, the ANYCUBIC Photon blends high-resolution printing with a compact footprint and a user-friendly interface, all wrapped in a solid build. If we look at the numbers alone, its ability to handle biocompatible resins and its efficient power usage stand out for budget-conscious professionals. For anyone starting on resin printing but expecting professional-level output, it's genuinely a noteworthy choice.

Closing Recommendation

The Photon may be ideal for beginners and intermediate users eager to explore detailed resin prints without complex workflow systems. It appears to perform best for those willing to engage in manual bed leveling and prefer a device with certified safety features like overheat protection and air filtration. While it lacks some advanced software and monitoring functions, it helps users achieve quality prints reliably when operated within its design parameters.

Verdict

Rating: Based on the specifications and overall feature set, we believe ANYCUBIC Photon deserves 4.2 out of 5.

• Winner Feature => Exceptional high-resolution LCD screen enabling fine print detail at a budget-friendly price.
• Needs Improvement => Limited automation features such as bed leveling and resin handling could improve accessibility for total beginners.