Anycubic Photon Mono

Resin 3D printing, an additive manufacturing technology like FDM, bases its function on light curing and converts liquid polymers into a fixed shape. While the resin is relatively more fragile compared to a filament, it produces objects with ultra-fine resolution. Resins usually used are of photosensitive type, which is light-cured for delicate miniature models. The device operates silently and only occupies a small space on tables or desks. The only downside is its slower printing speed and sensitivity to lengthy UV light exposure.

ANYCUBIC Photon Mono, featuring its monochrome LCD, significantly increases print speed. It only takes 2 seconds of cure time to process standard resins. Photon Mono uses a 2560 x 1620 LCD, selectively masking the 405nm UV light source that cures the liquid resin.

Design

ANYCUBIC Photon Mono makes use of LCD-based SLA or Shadow Masking Technology for resin printing. It has a build volume of 1330 x 80 x 165mm and a maximum printing speed of 50mm/h. The layer thickness is 0.05mm and the layer resolution is 0.01 ~ 0.15mm.

6" 2K Monochrome LCD

The monochrome screen consumes less energy and has a longer lifespan yet still prints faster. It prints up to 2000 hours, 4 times more than a color LCD. The reduced cure time equates to quicker prints, resulting in more printing.  Although the curing time runs up to only 1.5 seconds per layer, 2 seconds is the recommended exposure time. This run time is possible with the highly efficient Matrix Parallel Light Source technology, which has a uniform exposure and better heat dissipation.

2560 x 1620 (2K) resolution produces quality prints equivalent to 51 microns in XY resolution as the device captures fine detail for better-looking prints. To maintain the LCD level with the top, and likewise to stop the resin from seeping into the machine, it is delicately taped to the base’s upward-facing surface.

Resin

A graduated volume legend fixed into the vat’s walls gives the user a preview of the amount of resin contained. One of its corners has a pour spout for a cleaner pouring operation than that having a hard edge.  A pair of thumbscrews clamping down to a circular feature holds the vat in place as the build platform descends towards the FEP film. Swapping out the FEP film with a generic one is not possible as it would require a proprietary FEP film sold only by Anycubic.

Z-axis

The threaded rod kept rigid by a linear bearing controls the Z motion as it travels along the axis. The linear rail making the printer sturdier allows for a more repeatable precision through the Z-axis. It heightens stability while also reducing layer-shifting risks. The build platform suspends from a sturdy aluminum arm which does not flex much during printing.

This orientation leads to a clear separation between the FEP film and the vat in each layer exposure. The Z-axis resolution measures 0.01mm and the lift distance is 6mm. The Z lift speed is 4mm/s while the retract speed is 6mm/s.

Top Cover

The printer is capable of detecting if the lid is on or not. Removing the lid immediately pauses the printing process, which resumes once the lid is back on. The transparent UV-blocking top cover allows users to see the prints while also blocking UV light at 99.95 percent.

Anycubic Slicer Software

Photon Workshop, developed by Anycubic, is an open-source resin 3D slicer software. This program converts files like stl, obj, and xxx to .pws or .photon files that are readable to Anycubic Photon printers. It can support up to 16x anti-aliasing, such as hollowing, fast slicing, text paste, and split model.

Safety

Photon Mono utilizes 405nm UV resin, which can be dangerous on skin contact. It is important to wear gloves when handling uncured resin, especially upon removal of the build platform after printing. The resin would tend to puddle on the platform top and may drip off during removal. The build platform has a triangular profile, letting resins also drip while printing.

Placing the Photon Mono in a well-ventilated room will minimize the risk of inhaling fumes. In case spilled or uncured resin is stuck to a surface, 99% isopropyl alcohol must be used in cleaning the surface. It is likewise important to keep the resin container closed and secured when there is no material pouring.