Ease of Use

One of the standout features of the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is its ease of use. According to reviews, the setup process is straightforward, making it ideal for beginners who may be intimidated by the complexities of resin printing. The Photon Mono 2 has been designed to minimize the typical frustrations associated with 3D printing, such as bed leveling or manual adjustments. Users report that once the machine is set up, it operates smoothly, with minimal issues during the printing process.

This ease of use makes the Photon Mono 2 a great entry point for those who are new to resin 3D printing. For more experienced users, the simplified setup and operation reduce the time spent on maintenance, allowing for more focus on creative projects.

Print Quality

When it comes to print quality, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 excels. Resin 3D printers are typically chosen for their superior ability to produce highly detailed, intricate models, and the Photon Mono 2 does not disappoint.

Reviews frequently highlight the exceptional detail and sharpness of the prints it produces, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from miniatures for tabletop gaming to highly detailed prototypes and models. The precision of the printer ensures that even the smallest details are captured with clarity, making it a favorite among users who need high-resolution prints.

The printer’s upgraded LighTurbo matrix light source contributes to its excellent print quality. This advanced light source provides a stable and uniform light distribution, which ensures that the resin cures evenly, leading to smoother and more detailed prints. This kind of feature is often seen in higher-end resin printers, making it impressive that the Photon Mono 2 offers it at an entry-level price.

Features

The features packed into the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 are remarkable for its price point. The printer is equipped with a 6.6-inch monochrome LCD screen, which has a resolution of 4096 x 2560. This high-resolution screen ensures that prints come out with fine details, which is particularly important for users working on intricate designs.

One of the most significant upgrades in the Photon Mono 2 is its LighTurbo matrix light source. This system ensures a more consistent and faster curing process, reducing the total print time while maintaining high accuracy. The improved light source helps deliver a higher level of detail, making it ideal for users who require precision in their projects.

Additionally, the monochrome LCD screen ensures longer lifespan and faster printing speeds compared to older RGB screens, which are typically found in lower-end models. This feature also enhances the printer’s overall durability and cost-effectiveness, reducing the need for frequent maintenance or part replacements.

Size and Build Volume

In terms of size, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to store away when not in use. Its compact nature doesn’t sacrifice build volume, however. The Photon Mono 2 boasts a 20% larger build volume than the previous Mono 4K, providing more flexibility for users who want to take on larger print projects.

Specifically, the build volume of the Photon Mono 2 is 165 x 89 x 143 mm, which allows users to print larger models or multiple smaller ones at once. This increased build volume offers greater flexibility compared to similar printers in its class, making it a great option for users who need versatility without investing in a much larger, more expensive machine.

Pros and Cons of the Anycubic Photon Mono 2

Pros:

1. Ease of Use: Ideal for beginners, the Photon Mono 2 is easy to set up and operate, with minimal maintenance required.
2. High-Quality Prints: The printer delivers exceptional detail and sharpness, thanks to its high-resolution screen and advanced light source.
3. Upgraded Features: Equipped with a 4096 x 2560 monochrome LCD and the LighTurbo matrix light source, this printer offers fast, consistent, and reliable performance.
4. Compact Size: The lightweight and compact design makes it easy to store, even in smaller workspaces, without compromising on build volume.
5. Larger Build Volume: With a 20% larger build volume than the previous Mono 4K, users can print bigger models or several smaller models at once.

Cons:

1. Limited to Resin: As a resin 3D printer, the Photon Mono 2 is not suitable for filament-based prints (like FDM), which may limit its versatility for some users.
2. Messy Cleanup: Resin printing requires more post-processing and cleanup compared to FDM printers, which can be off-putting for those who want a more plug-and-play experience.
3. Odor: Like most resin printers, the Photon Mono 2 uses UV-curable resin, which can emit a strong odor during printing, requiring adequate ventilation.

Applications of the Anycubic Photon Mono 2

The Photon Mono 2 is particularly well-suited for users who need high detail and precision in their 3D prints. Here are some common applications:

1. Miniatures and Models: Perfect for tabletop gaming miniatures, detailed models, and figurines due to its high resolution and ability to capture fine details.
2. Prototypes: The precision and speed of the Photon Mono 2 make it ideal for creating prototypes with intricate designs, particularly in industries like jewelry or dental applications.
3. Functional Parts: While resin prints can be more brittle than filament-based prints, the Photon Mono 2 can still produce functional parts for smaller projects or non-load-bearing components.
4. Artistic Projects: Artists and designers who need to bring detailed, high-resolution designs to life will find the Photon Mono 2’s capabilities to be more than sufficient.

How Does the Photon Mono 2 Compare?

In its price range, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ranks very highly among entry-level resin 3D printers. Compared to its competition, the printer’s ease of use, excellent print quality, and feature set make it an attractive choice for both beginners and experienced users. The improved build volume and advanced light source system give it an edge over other similarly priced printers.