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1230 Review
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Review on πŸ–¨οΈ Superior Monochrome Printing with the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono by Mark Kolipano

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Spoiled by my first 3D printer

After researching and reading about 3D printing in general, I decided to wait for the release of Photon Zero - and it paid off. I wanted a printer that could produce detailed miniatures and that fit the bill perfectly! However, remember that before 3D printing with resin, you absolutely need technical skills and research. I did all my prints with Anycubic ECO Gray or ECO Green. Pros: - Securely packaged and easy to set up - Printed in 20 minutes! highest possible quality (print this or that cube first!). The included software supports 16x smoothing for smooth surfaces. Comes with a durable metal scraper instead of plastic like other models. Includes gloves, mask, tools, paper filter. .- The UV coating is clearly visible and covers the smell of resin well when printing.- VERY detailed, it is stated that they support 0.01mm printing on their website, although I put it at 0.02 or 0.05 done.- You can pause and continue printing. print without having to wait for the whole process to complete! Ideal for spotting mistakes early in modeling and doesn't waste resin. Cons: - The build plate is smaller than most - not intended for large projects. - No additional FEP or resin included but easily found elsewhere. I think that lowers the price as well. - Currently only sliced .pw0 files are supported, not regular .photon files. - The hobby itself still requires research! Look for help below. Here are some helpful guides/tips to help you prepare: A.) Don't be afraid to ask Google for help! The Anycubic Facebook group and subreddit /r/AnycubicPhoton.B has some great troubleshooting tips and places to ask for help. Set up your digital workflow - figure out which software tools to use and in what order. Here's what I do: - First, I automatically orient the models in Prusaslicer if needed, and then export them to a new STL file. - Second, I add Chitubox automatic supports (75-85%) and make holes/add drainage holes for large prints - Third, slice open the STL and find unsupported "islands" with the Photon File Validator - Finally, exposure time and layer thickness in the Adjust, cut and print the included Photon Workshop! C.) Set up a cleaning workflow - Anycubic now sells a Wash & Cure Station, which helps a lot with this as well. - Always wear gloves and a mask and paper/towels for cleaning. - After printing, I remove the plate and scrape the print into the bin with the included scraper. - I rinse in rubbing alcohol for 15-30 seconds, then in something cleaner like LA's Totally Awesome, then quickly back in IPA - I cut off any supports or platforms with a utility knife or clippers while the resin is still soft. This is MUCH easier than after curing. - Throw in a water bath and under UV light in a box with reflective foil for about 10 minutes. An object is cured when it does not appear sticky. - Wipe the desktop with medical alcohol. - If you won't be printing again soon, filter the unused resin from the vat back into the bottle using the paper filters provided. I hope you like it! I printed all of this and more within the first 4 days of using the printer and it was an absolute blast.

Pros
  • Dope πŸ”₯
Cons
  • Expensive