Anycubic Photon Mono 2: The Perfect Resin Printer for Beginners and Hobbyists

In-Depth Review of the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 Resin 3D Printer

The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is a resin 3D printer designed to meet the needs of both beginners and enthusiasts. It offers precision, ease of use, and affordability, making it a popular choice for those looking to create detailed prints without a steep learning curve. Below, we’ll dive deep into its features, performance, and overall value.

Key Features of the Anycubic Photon Mono 2:

• Build Volume: 143 x 89 x 165 mm
• Resolution: 4K monochrome LCD screen
• Light Source: Matrix UV light source for uniform exposure
• Z-Axis: Dual linear rails for stability
• Interface: 2.8-inch color touchscreen
• Printing Speed: 50mm/hour
• Connectivity: USB support
• Software: Anycubic Photon Workshop, compatible with Chitubox
• Materials: UV-sensitive resin (405 nm wavelength)

Detailed Breakdown:

1. Build Volume

• The Photon Mono 2 offers a build volume of 143 x 89 x 165 mm, which is ideal for small to medium-sized projects like miniatures, jewelry, and detailed models. While not the largest in its class, this is perfect for precision-oriented tasks that require accuracy over size.

1. 4K Monochrome LCD Screen

• The 4K monochrome LCD is a significant upgrade, offering better pixel density, allowing the printer to achieve finer details in prints. It also speeds up the curing process of the resin, improving overall printing times compared to older models.

1. Matrix UV Light Source

• The Photon Mono 2 features a matrix UV light source, ensuring that light is distributed evenly across the entire print area. This eliminates issues such as inconsistent curing, ensuring higher accuracy and quality in every print.

1. Dual Linear Rails on Z-Axis

• One of the standout features of this model is the dual linear rails on the Z-axis. This adds stability to the printing process, significantly reducing wobble and layer shifting, particularly during taller prints. This translates to smoother surface finishes and better overall print quality.

1. Ease of Use and User Interface

• The 2.8-inch color touchscreen offers an intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate and operate the machine. This is especially helpful for beginners who may be intimidated by complex settings and controls. Setting up prints, adjusting settings, and monitoring the progress is straightforward.

1. Printing Speed

• With a printing speed of up to 50 mm/hour, the Photon Mono 2 is reasonably fast for a resin printer in this price range. The monochrome screen not only improves accuracy but also boosts speed, reducing exposure times.

1. Software Compatibility

• The printer comes with Anycubic Photon Workshop software, which is a capable slicer. It’s also compatible with Chitubox, a widely used software that offers more advanced features and better support. Both options are user-friendly and make slicing files and managing prints relatively simple.

1. Price

• The Photon Mono 2 is positioned as an affordable option, priced below many competitors in the resin printer market. It provides excellent value for users looking to get started with resin printing without a major investment.

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Pros and Cons of the Anycubic Photon Mono 2

Pros:

1. High-Resolution Prints

• The 4K monochrome screen allows for extremely fine detail and smooth surfaces, making it great for applications requiring precision like miniatures or jewelry.

1. Fast Printing Speed

• Compared to older models, the monochrome screen enables faster layer curing, speeding up the overall printing process while maintaining detail.

1. Stability and Consistency

• The dual linear rails on the Z-axis reduce layer shifting and ensure stable prints, even for taller models. This feature is particularly valuable for those looking for reliability in their prints.

1. Affordable

• For the features it offers, the Photon Mono 2 is a cost-effective option in the resin printer market, offering a great balance of price and performance.

1. Easy to Use

• The color touchscreen and simple user interface make it beginner-friendly, with an easy learning curve even for those new to 3D printing.

1. Compatible with Popular Software

• The printer works well with Chitubox and Anycubic’s Photon Workshop, both of which are intuitive and widely used by hobbyists and professionals alike.

Cons:

1. Limited Build Volume

• With a build volume of 143 x 89 x 165 mm, the printer is somewhat limited in size, which may not be ideal for those wanting to create larger models or parts.

1. Lack of Wi-Fi Connectivity

• Unlike some newer models, the Photon Mono 2 does not feature Wi-Fi connectivity, meaning users must rely on USB to transfer files, which could be less convenient.

1. No Built-in Air Filtration

• The Photon Mono 2 does not come with an air filtration system, which means that resin fumes can become an issue if the printer is used in poorly ventilated spaces. This may require users to take extra safety precautions.

1. Resin Handling

• As with all resin printers, handling liquid resin can be messy and requires care. Users need to invest in protective equipment and be mindful of the cleanup process.

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Conclusion

The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is a solid resin 3D printer, offering a combination of precision, speed, and affordability that makes it a great option for beginners and hobbyists. Its high-resolution 4K screen and dual linear rails provide excellent print quality and stability, while its user-friendly interface makes it easy to operate. While its build volume and lack of Wi-Fi connectivity may be limiting for some users, it remains an excellent value for those focused on creating smaller, detailed models.