Anycubic Photon : Resin Printing for the masses

This is a preview I have been chomping at the bit to do.  I’ve been wanting an Anycubic Photon  since they were announced.  I’ve finally been able to recieve one, thanks to Anycubic.  This is a preview of a unit they sent me for review, though no money has changed hands for this review/preview.  

If you watch the video, you can see that it comes ready to go.  Once it is unpacked, you level it, pour the resin in, and start printing!  That is pretty outstanding. 

Update – 5/28/2018: So, I’ve had this for a while now, and I have to admit, it is an AWESOME 3D Printer.  Coming from an FDM printer, and seeing the quality of miniatures this produces, is outstanding.  It does require some work though.  It’s not as simple, over all, as FDM printers.  I have found the supports in the Anycubic Slicer work ok, but I have read others use B9 and other software.  I’m still trying to learn how to hollow and make drain holes in Meshmixer.   Overall, it is a major learning curve, but produces outstanding prints.  

Update – 6/22/2017 : My official Anycubic Photon Review is now here.  Spoiler alert: Best DLP printer on the market.  

The First Prints from the Anycubic Photon

I used some fairly simple pieces for my first print.  Hotwheels Car with Photon Printed WeaponsI’ve gotten into a game called Gaslands and picked up a series of weapons that get glued on Hot Wheels cars for this game.  My first print turned out outstanding.  Coming from FDM printers, I knew that resin based printers do a spectacular job, but since I had not seen one before, I was honestly blown away by the quality of the prints.  They look spectacular and well detailed.  

Ill Gotten Games Miniature and Hayland WeaponsMy next print I added a miniature into the mix.  This time I printed a miniature from Ill Gotten Games and more of the Hayland Terrain weapons.  These again printed out terrific.  Seriously, after these two prints, I have been totally smitten by the printer.  My next print, I ran into some issues with.  Everything printed on the bottom of the resin vat.  Basically, I didn’t get very good adhesion to the bed.  That was a bummer, but I don’t know of any of these inexpensive printers that are 100%.  And, when you first start, you will run into issues.  I’ve been trying to use Meshmixer to hollow out models with varying success rates and B9 Creator for putting supports on.  I have found my initial tries at supports were too fine, and the model never adhered.  I am still working on refining the technique needed. If you are used to FDM, it is a similar process for printing, though learning the software is a little difficult.  

Corvus Games Terrain GreeblesI have found, though, some items print pretty easy.  They would print better if I would remember to level the bed before hand.  This time, Corvus Games Terrain gave me some greebles to try out.  These are small pieces that go on a large print or building.  The high detail of the Photon really makes these things shine.  While Corvus Games Terrain builds a lot of parts for Star Wars Legion, these parts I think would fit for anything modern and above, and some would fit well for WWII era as well.  I love having models that give my terrain a much more diversified look.  These printed greebles fit that perfectly. 

This page is aimed at terrain and miniatures makers.  My first impression has been extremely positive.  This is a cool little printer that produces amazing prints.  From miniatures, to greebeles, to find detailed (and small) terrain, this is a versatile printer.  

The Anycubic Photon: Great Price / Great results 

All in all, I am excited to continue to review this 3D Printer and put it through its paces.  I need a lot more experience with it, since it is a VERY different printer.  Check out my unboxing video below and if you are interested, you can find the Photon in these places: ( Amazon | AliExpress | Ebay )

You can find further information about the Anycubic Photon on my previous page.  There is also a ton of knowledge on the Anycubic Photon Facebook Group.

Note: Resin is toxic.  I wear safety glasses, disposable gloves, and use it in a well-ventilated room.  I have printed a few pieces to put on it, to help vent the fumes even better.  Be careful when handling this material, because it is a hazard to your health, if you do not respect it. 

( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lvInToXhJc )