Photon Mono X vs Anycubic Mono X - Budget Resin 3D Printer Comparison

Introducing the Photon Mono X and Anycubic Mono X

3D printing technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, with more affordable and user-friendly options hitting the consumer market. Two of the most popular budget resin 3D printers are the Photon Mono X from Anycubic and the Anycubic Mono X from Anycubic. But how do these very similarly named machines compare?

Both the Photon Mono X and Anycubic Mono X are MSLA (masked stereolithography) 3D printers that use UV light to cure liquid resin into solid objects. They offer large build volumes, fast print speeds, and high resolution prints at an affordable price point compared to industrial resin printers.

Specifications and Hardware

The Photon Mono X has a build volume of 192 x 120 x 245mm, while the Anycubic Mono X comes in at 192 x 120 x 250mm. So they are nearly identical in terms of build size and can print comparably sized objects.

In terms of resolution, the Photon Mono X has an XY resolution of 0.051mm while the Anycubic Mono X resolution is 0.05mm. This results in prints with very similar levels of detail from both printers.

The most significant hardware difference between the two is in the light source. The Photon Mono X uses a single LED matrix light source while the Anycubic Mono X has a dual linear LED light source. In practical terms, the dual linear setup on the Anycubic Mono X allows for slightly faster print speeds.

Speed and Performance

Speaking of print speeds, both the Photon Mono X and Anycubic Mono X are significantly faster than older resin 3D printers. The Photon Mono X has a maximum print speed of 80mm/hr, while the Anycubic Mono X can reach up to 100mm/hr.

Faster speeds do come with a reduction in resolution and print quality. But both printers still produce excellent quality prints even at their maximum speeds. For more detailed prints, slower speeds in the 30-50mm/hr range are recommended.

One area where the Anycubic Mono X has a slight edge is in its dual Z-axis rail system. This helps keep the build platform perfectly level during printing for more consistent print quality from start to finish.

Connectivity and Software

Both printers use WiFi and USB connectivity for sending print files and controlling the device. They also come with USB thumb drives preloaded with the slicing software.

The Photon Mono X uses Photon Workshop as its slicing software. Anycubic Mono X printers come with the Chitubox slicer. Both are easy to use programs with very similar features and functionality.

In terms of supported file types, both printers work with STL, OBJ, and 3MF files. The Anycubic Mono X also supports DWT files.

Resins and Post-Processing

When it comes to materials, any standard 405nm UV resin will work in both machines. This gives you plenty of options from budget resins to engineering-grade materials from third party brands.

One difference is that the Anycubic Mono X has a larger resin vat size of 300ml compared to 250ml on the Photon Mono X. This means you can print larger objects or multiple pieces in one go without having to frequently refill the vat.

Post-processing is straightforward but necessary with resin prints. The cleaning and curing process is the same for both printers - washing prints in isopropyl alcohol to remove excess resin, then curing under UV light to fully harden the material.

Main Differences

To recap, here are the key differences between the Photon Mono X and Anycubic Mono X:

• The Anycubic Mono X has a slightly faster maximum print speed of 100mm/hr vs 80mm/hr on the Photon Mono X.
• The Anycubic Mono X uses a dual linear LED light source while the Photon Mono X has a single LED matrix light.
• Anycubic Mono X has dual Z-axis rails for better print consistency.
• Anycubic Mono X has a larger 300ml resin vat capacity compared to 250ml on the Photon Mono X.
• The Mono X uses Chitubox slicing software, while the Photon Mono X uses Photon Workshop.

Which Should You Buy?

In terms of actual print quality, the Photon Mono X and Anycubic Mono X produce nearly identical results. The hardware and specifications are extremely similar between both printers.

The Anycubic Mono X does have some nice upgrades like the faster print speeds, larger resin vat, and dual Z-axis rails. But these are small advantages rather than game-changing differences.

Ultimately, it comes down to which printer you can find for the best price and your personal preferences on styling and brand. Both deliver excellent print quality for the price and are great options for getting started with resin 3D printing.

For beginners, the Photon Mono X may have a slight edge with its large user community providing helpful advice online. But with some experience, either printer will produce beautiful detailed prints out of the box.

At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with either the Anycubic Mono X or the Photon Mono X as your budget resin 3D printer. Take a look at the specs and features of each to decide which is the best fit for your needs and budget.

Happy printing!

FAQs

What is the build volume of the Photon Mono X?

The Photon Mono X has a build volume of 192 x 120 x 245mm.

What resolution are the prints from the Anycubic Mono X?

The Anycubic Mono X has an XY resolution of 0.05mm resulting in highly detailed prints.

Which printer has faster print speeds?

The Anycubic Mono X has a slightly faster maximum print speed of 100mm/hr compared to 80mm/hr on the Photon Mono X.

What type of resins can I use with these printers?

Both printers are compatible with any standard 405nm UV resin from third party brands.

Do these printers require post-processing?

Yes, resin prints require washing in isopropyl alcohol to remove excess resin, followed by UV curing to fully harden the material.