One of the biggest stereolithography (SLA) 3D printers on the market, the Photon Mono X 6K produces high-quality 3D objects utilizing resin. It performs the same functions as the majority of resin 3D printers, with the exception that it prints at higher resolutions and with finer details. The printer can print bigger objects more quickly because to its bigger monochrome screen. A monochrome panel also has the advantage of lasting longer before needing to be replaced. The build plate for the Photon Mono X 6k features a checkered pattern on it, which also makes the print adhere to the plate more effectively. The base of the print will have a faint checkered pattern on it, which is a minor drawback. You can always print the model on a raft to get around this if it bothers you.
Design
One benefit of resin printers is that they frequently require less setup time, and the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K is no exception. To start printing, you just need to take a few easy steps to take it out of the box, level the print bed, and run a few safety checks. You can finish setting up your printer and start printing in about 20 to 30 minutes. A nice extra that included with the printer was a screen protector similar to those used on smartphones. The process of applying might occasionally be tedious, but so are the applications you make for mobile devices. Although resin printer screens have a shelf life, this can be shortened if liquid resin is spilled and then immediately cured onto the display. This adds an additional degree of security. The spacious print bed is somewhat larger than the Anycubic Photon Mono X’s maximum dimensions, which were 24.5 x 19.2 x 12.0 cm, at 9.6 x 7.8 x 4.8 in. / 24.5 x 19.7 x 12.2 cm.
Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K review: Display
The Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K’s larger 9.25″ LCD screen, which has a whopping 5,760 x 3,600 pixel resolution, is one of its most notable characteristics. Its overall pixel count is above 20 million, which is 125% more than the screen’s 4K resolution on the Mono X. Users may view your 3D printing in clearer, finer detail thanks to the greater resolution. The industry-leading screen with a 350:1 contrast ratio, which is 75% higher than the Photon X, is another important feature you can appreciate. You’ll be able to see the curves and features much more clearly when it comes to the edges and corners of your models. You’re receiving a massive 185% larger build plate than with the original Anycubic Photon. You get a 0.01mm or 10 micron Z-axis resolution and a 0.034mm or 34 micron XY axis resolution in terms of resolution.
Features
The new 6K model differs from the original Mono X printer in a few additional ways as well. The Photon Mono X 6K’s constructed plate has a laser etched surface, which offers better adhesion than the original’s brushed aluminium plate and should assist to lower the likelihood of print failures. It’s difficult to determine whether the increased adhesion claims actually hold any water because we did experience a few prints failing during our tests, but not any more than we had anticipated. you can read our article on Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K review. Additionally, it appears to have a better light matrix than the Mono X, with 40 LED lights producing 90% light uniformity, an apparent 200% improvement. The prints are produced significantly more quickly as a result, although unless you disassemble the printer, it’s unlikely that you’ll see a tangible difference in the lights. The Mono X 6K, like all Anycubic resin printers, is only officially compatible with Anycubic’s own Photon Workshop slicer software. There are some workarounds if you’d rather use Lychee, but we were unable to figure out how to use this printer with other Slicing programmes like Chitubox or Chitubox Pro. Aside from size and resolution, there aren’t many distinctive qualities to highlight. The printer has a yellow acrylic cowl that prevents most of the harmful gases from escaping while printing as well as UV shielding to prevent the tank of liquid resin from curing in sunshine. We always advise wearing a mask and some disposable gloves when using a resin-based printer, and happily, the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K comes with both of these items in addition to a few other practical tools, like a metal scraper for removing prints off the constructed plate.
Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K review: Print quality
We ran the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K through several prints of various sizes and types to test its capabilities. The test file, which was a wireframe cube with the Anycubic logo visible inside the cube, was where we started. It is an extremely impressive-looking piece of building that demonstrates the versatility of resin 3D printers. The cube itself is sized to be exactly 35mm along all of its edges, making it a suitable test of the print’s precision as well. With a set of digital callipers, we measured it, and the results were frustratingly off, coming in at 34mm on both sides. Because we printed it twice and still received the same result, we believe the problem is with the digital model rather than the printer. It’s the same test model that was included with the first Mono X, but scaled down, according to Hackster’s review. This only seems to be an oversight on the provided test print (which can’t be edited in Photon Workshop since it is a pre-sliced file), as all of our other prints came out at the right size when measured.
Print speed
Using the default settings for layer height, exposure time, and Z-lift in Photon Workshop V2.1.19, the printing pace is just over 40 mm/hr. Testing quickly demonstrated how conservative the default values are. Using the appropriate settings can help you save a lot of time. In the image above, the discus thrower stands 68 mm tall above the printing plate. With a layer height of 0.05 mm, an exposure time of just 1.2 seconds, and a Z-lift of 4.5 mm, the statue took 55 minutes to print. When the time of the first slow layers is taken out, the result is approximately 79 mm/h. With a few more small adjustments, even speeds more than 80 mm/h seem entirely feasible.
Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K review: Performance
Compared to the Mono X’s 60 mm per hour and the Elegoo Saturn’s 30 mm per hour, the Photon Mono X 6K can print up to 80 mm per hour. The size of your file and the resolution you choose will affect how long it takes to print, but we can attest that this is a rather quick piece of equipment. If this is your first 3D printer, we advise avoiding the bundled est print because it will probably leave a negative first impression. The file itself is fine and does a good job of showcasing the printer’s capabilities, but it’s made to print directly onto the build plate without any supports, making it nearly impossible to remove without damaging the model. Moreover, the metal scraper that comes with the printer is too thick to slide underneath the model, so you’ll only end up hurting the print when you try to remove it. Here are several options if you do have a print that adheres to the construction plate. One option is to manually add your own supports and feed the file into the Anycubic Photon studio slicer to raise it off the build plate. Another option is to get a razor window scraper that can go below the build, or you can gently stretch the plastic where the print is trapped by pouring boiling hot water over it, which will make it easier to remove. The outcomes of our printing tests are as expected despite this and a few print errors. Sharp features may be seen through the hair of models like this Minotaur bust, and there are hardly any discernible print lines. The Photon Mono X 6K is indeed capable of producing some of the most exquisitely detailed models we’ve seen on a non-industry grade printer, however you do have to get pretty close to appreciate the quality difference between this and a printer with a lower resolution.
Price
Anycubic offers a 12-month warranty on all parts, with the exception of the LCD screen, which is only covered for three months. This is somewhat disappointing because the printer’s main component is the screen. Better watch out that you don’t apply the screen protector incorrectly like we did.
Conclusion
AnyCubic 3D printing is known for producing stunning results, but it’s also known for creating a lot of waste, taking a long time, and needing a lot of labor. The assessment paints a considerably more positive overall image than one might anticipate given the unfavorable reputation of mSLA printers. The Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K performs with accuracy and speed. A lot of waste can also be eliminated with the appropriate workflow. The printed items’ high quality was convincing, and printing times were reasonable.
