When Anycubic Photon Resin emerged, it did for resin printing what some famous budget FDM printers did for filament. It brought high-detail prints into reach for hobbyists, modelers, and makers who just wanted something small on their desk that “just works.”
Fast forward to today, while newer resins tout higher impact resistance or ultra-clear finishes, Anycubic’s formula remains a favorite among hobbyists who care more about reliability and ease than chasing specs.
Co-Founder & CEO
Amazon.com Disclosure: As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.
The Anycubic Photon series of 3D printers brought resin printing to a more mainstream audience, and the standard Photon Resin was designed to work seamlessly with that ecosystem. Photon printers use masked stereolithography (MSLA), which combines UV light with an LCD screen to cure resin layer by layer with high precision.
Instead of relying on moving extruders or filaments, this system creates each layer in one flash, giving it a serious edge for small, intricate prints. While it’s not the largest or most advanced unit on the market, it offers dependable quality that doesn’t require constant tweaking.
Anycubic launched the original Photon in 2018, at a time when resin printing was still considered a niche for hardcore makers. What they did, though, was put professional-level detail and accuracy into a machine priced for everyday hobbyists. It helped redefine what “entry-level” could mean for resin printers, bringing LCD-based SLA printing to people who had only used filament printers before.
The Photon didn’t try to dazzle with flashy add-ons or marketing gimmicks. Instead, it focused on delivering consistent, high-resolution prints in a compact, solidly built machine. It offered a 2K LCD screen with 47-micron XY resolution, an intuitive touchscreen interface, and a simplified manual leveling system. While it didn’t have Wi-Fi or a huge build volume, it excelled in exactly what it promised: dependable detail at a low cost.
Its metal frame and UV-blocking hood made it feel more premium than its price would suggest, and its success inspired several iterations and competitors to follow suit. For many hobbyists, especially those printing miniatures, dental models, or custom parts, the original Photon became a faithful workhorse.
Even now in 2025, you’ll still see people using the OG Photon on their workbenches, often upgraded with monochrome screens or flexible plates. That kind of longevity speaks volumes about why it earned such a strong reputation: it wasn’t just a stepping stone into resin printing. For many, it was a permanent fixture in their creative setup.
Unboxing the Anycubic Photon is a smooth and reassuring experience, designed to make newcomers feel confident from the start. Everything inside is tightly packed in layered foam, with each component seated in its own cutout. The printer arrives mostly preassembled, which removes a lot of setup stress. You’re not dealing with loose rods, misaligned brackets, or a pile of mystery screws.
Once you lift the printer from the foam, setup is quick. The resin vat comes pre-installed with an FEP sheet, so the build plate only needs mounting and adjustment, and the touchscreen boots without any configuration.
Leveling the plate is done using the classic paper method. Loosen the plate screws, lower it using the Z-home function, slide a piece of leveling paper between, and tighten. The process takes less than ten minutes, and once set, the Photon tends to hold its level well over dozens of prints.
Test printing is just as simple. The USB stick includes a basic rook file, and the printer walks you through each step. There are no complicated slicer demands, and Photon Workshop does enough for new users to get clean results without heavy tuning.
Most of the machine arrives ready to go. When you open the box, you will see that the core parts like the chassis, the Z-rail, the LCD screen, and the light source are already aligned and secured at the factory. That means you will not have to mess around with calibrating complicated components. Once it’s on your desk, the setup is refreshingly simple. You just attach the build plate, drop the resin vat into position, level the plate using the paper method, pour in your resin, and start the test print from the USB stick.
There is no soldering. You do not need to run any extra wires. You do not need to flash firmware. It is truly plug-and-print. The touchscreen boots up and shows a clean menu, guiding you through exposure checks, leveling, and test printing one step at a time.
| Setup Step | Estimated Time | What to Watch For | Helpful Tip |
| Unboxing and Placement | 10 to 12 minutes | Resin smell sensitivity | Keep windows open for airflow |
| Removing Protective Films | 2 to 3 minutes | LCD cover film under vat | Double-check before pouring resin |
| Build Plate Installation | 5 minutes | Plate tilt while tightening | Tighten screws diagonally |
| Vat Mounting | 3 minutes | Even screw pressure | Do not overtighten |
| Leveling | 8 minutes | Constant paper resistance | Recheck after first print |
| Test Print Setup | 10 minutes | Slicer defaults | Print the included rook first |
When we first powered on the Anycubic Photon, it didn’t feel like a starter machine. Right away, we noticed how solid everything felt. The UV hood snapped into place snugly, the Z-rail had no play or wobble, and the touchscreen responded with zero lag. We ran our fingers along the chassis and didn’t feel any flex or rattle. You can tell this thing was built to handle repeat prints without shaking itself loose.
We kept reading online that this printer punches above its weight, and after a few test prints, we saw why. It’s not one of those machines you outgrow quickly. Once we dialed in the exposure settings for our resin, it just kept printing without surprises. Minis came out crisp, supports popped off clean, and we even used it for a set of custom gaming tokens that looked like they came off a much pricier machine. For us, it quickly went from being a way to “try resin printing” to being the printer we reach for first when we want reliable detail without babysitting the entire process.
The Anycubic Photon may not scream high-end just by looking at it, but once you spend time with it, you realize how much thought went into its build. What surprised us most during our early prints was how solid everything stayed. The full metal body doesn’t flex, even during longer print jobs. The rigid construction gave us confidence that nothing would drift or wobble midway through a detailed model.
One of the things we really appreciate is the Z-axis system. The Photon uses a single linear rail, and while it’s not dual-supported like some more expensive machines, it holds up extremely well in practice. We’ve printed tall miniatures and custom parts over six inches in height without any banding or tilt. It’s not just about the rail, though; the anti-backlash nut and lead screw feel smooth, and we rarely have to recalibrate between jobs.
As for print resolution, the Photon features a 2K LCD screen with a 47-micron XY resolution. At first, we were skeptical whether that resolution would hold up in 2025, but side-by-side with newer machines, the print quality still looks excellent. Fine lines on model armor, embossed text, and even tiny rivets come out crisp. For hobbyists printing minis, that’s a game changer.
The build volume measures 115 x 65 x 155 mm. While it won’t let you print helmets or large props in one go, it’s more than enough for minis, custom bits, or smaller terrain pieces. We’ve found that even with these limits, it rarely feels restrictive if you plan your builds right. Plus, the smaller footprint means the machine fits nicely on our desk next to the curing station.
Photon Workshop, the native slicer, is basic but easy to learn. We didn’t have to wrestle with unfamiliar settings just to get a decent print. After a few runs, we knew exactly how to tweak lift speeds and bottom exposures. That kind of predictability goes a long way.
Temperature management is minimal, since resin printing doesn’t require high-heat components like heated beds. Still, we did appreciate the way the internal fan system quietly pulls air through the carbon filter, keeping fumes to a minimum. It’s not a complete air purifier, but in a small room, the difference is noticeable.
Connectivity is simple. Just plug in a USB stick and hit print. There’s no Wi-Fi or app control, but that’s part of the charm. You don’t have to troubleshoot network settings or firmware updates. It just works.
Specs at a Glance
After months of putting the Anycubic Photon through its paces, we found a few upgrades that really changed how we use it. Some were minor tweaks, and others were full-blown hardware swaps. But all of them made printing easier, cleaner, or just more enjoyable.
We hesitated at first because we were unsure if the upgrade was worth the effort. The answer turned out to be yes. Monochrome LCDs allow more UV light to pass through, which cuts down exposure times significantly. Our print times dropped by 30 to 40 percent, and the new screen has a much longer lifespan. The difference in detail sharpness was not dramatic, but it was enough to notice when printing small text or micro-scale textures. If your Photon still runs on an RGB screen, this is the first thing we suggest changing.
Eventually, your FEP film becomes cloudy, scratched, or loses tension. When that started happening for us, we upgraded to a slightly thicker FEP sheet from a third-party supplier. The difference in bottom layer clarity was immediately noticeable. We also started keeping a spare vat on standby, which helped a lot when switching resins quickly or recovering from a failed print. It is not a flashy upgrade, but it helps keep your workflow uninterrupted.
Scraping prints off the stock metal plate always felt risky, especially with thin supports or delicate details. Installing a flexible build plate made a big difference. We could bend the top sheet slightly and watch the prints release cleanly. We no longer chipped bases or worried about damaging the plate. For anyone printing minis or intricate props, this upgrade is essential.
Printing resin indoors can quickly make your workspace uncomfortable. We built a simple enclosure using a plastic storage box with a hole in the back for an inline fan and a carbon filter. The smell decreased noticeably, and we stopped getting headaches during cleanup. You do not need an expensive air system. Just having basic airflow and a carbon filter makes a huge difference.
This is not a physical upgrade, but it might be the most important one. Every resin behaves differently. Once we started logging exposure times, lift speeds, and bottom layer counts per resin type, our print success rate increased. We created separate profiles in Photon Workshop for gray resin, clear resin, and tougher variants. If you are not doing this already, it is worth starting now. It turns troubleshooting into a simple adjustment instead of trial and error.
We put together a small kit that sits next to our printer. It includes spare gloves, funnels, filters, IPA spray, extra scrapers, FEP sheets, and paper towels. Having everything in one place saved us many times. It meant we could deal with spills, change out parts, or clean up immediately without searching for tools. If you print frequently, this is not just helpful. It is a necessity.
After using the Anycubic Photon extensively, we’ve found that it rewards consistent care with remarkably reliable performance. While it’s not maintenance-free, the upkeep is straightforward if you stay ahead of a few key tasks. Below is a breakdown of the most important maintenance routines and what we’ve learned about long-term reliability from hands-on experience.
Once your print is done, your first priority should be cleaning the build plate and dealing with any leftover resin in the vat. We always remove the plate, gently scrape off the print, and clean it with 91% or higher isopropyl alcohol. Skipping this step can cause poor adhesion in your next print.
If we’re not starting another job right away, we pour unused resin back into the bottle using a funnel and a mesh filter. This keeps debris and partially cured bits out of your next batch. We learned the hard way that skipping this can lead to cured blobs floating in the vat, which can puncture the FEP or ruin your next print.
The FEP film takes a beating from repeated peeling during layer separation. Once a week, we hold it up to a light source and check for cloudiness, scratches, or resin spots that won’t wipe off. If we see hazing or localized fog, we replace it. Clear FEP equals clean bottom layers.
We also check that the vat bolts are still tight and the frame hasn’t warped from exposure or temperature shifts. It’s rare, but we’ve seen minor bending in older vats after dozens of prints.
The LCD screen underneath the vat can accumulate small resin splashes or dust if you’re not careful. After every few prints, we remove the vat and gently clean the screen with a microfiber cloth and a small amount of IPA. Do not soak it. A foggy or dirty screen reduces cure accuracy.
As for the build plate, scratches and gouges from print removal can affect adhesion. If we notice inconsistent sticking, we lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to restore texture. Once or twice, we had to resurface the plate completely, but only after heavy use.
Z-axis wobble is the enemy of tall prints. The Photon’s single linear rail does a good job staying stable, but every month we add a small amount of PTFE-based lubricant to the lead screw and wipe the rail clean. This helps keep movement smooth and reduces the risk of banding on vertical prints.
We also go over every bolt and fastener, especially on the build plate arm and the LCD bracket. Over time, vibrations can loosen components just enough to throw off calibration.
The built-in carbon filter is helpful, but it’s not magic. In our experience, it starts to lose effectiveness after a couple of dozen prints. We replace ours every six to eight weeks. If the smell becomes noticeable again or starts to linger after prints, it’s a sign your filter is saturated. If you don’t use an external vent setup, this swap makes a big difference.
What makes the Anycubic Photon impressive is its ability to stay consistent once it’s tuned. We’ve run over 100 prints on ours without needing a major repair. The only parts we’ve had to replace regularly are FEP films and one LCD screen after about 700 hours of use. It didn’t fail suddenly. We just started seeing uneven curing and subtle light bleed that signaled it was time.
This machine doesn’t require endless tweaking. With regular upkeep, it remains dependable and steady. If something starts going wrong, we’ve found it’s usually tied to one of three things: old FEP, dusty screens, or loose plate screws. Fix those, and the Photon keeps going strong.
When you’re shopping for an entry-level resin 3D printer, the original Anycubic Photon still deserves serious attention. Even in 2025, it holds its ground against newer machines with flashier specs. What it lacks in wireless features or massive build volumes, it makes up for in reliability, consistency, and a mod-friendly ecosystem.
We’ve used several other resin printers over the past couple of years, but we keep coming back to the Photon for its simplicity and rock-solid performance. Here’s how it stacks up against some of its most common competitors in the budget to mid-range resin category:
| Feature | Anycubic Photon | Elegoo Mars 2 Pro | Creality Halot-One Plus | Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K |
| Build Volume (mm) | 115 x 65 x 155 | 129 x 80 x 160 | 143 x 89.6 x 175 | 134 x 75 x 130 |
| LCD Resolution | 2K RGB | 2K Monochrome | 4K Monochrome | 4K Monochrome |
| XY Resolution | 47 microns | 50 microns | 43 microns | 35 microns |
| Build Plate Leveling | Manual (4-point) | Manual (4-point) | Auto-assisted | Manual (2-screw tilt) |
| Touchscreen | Yes, color | Yes, color | Yes, large full color | Yes, color |
| USB Front Port | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price Range (USD) | $130 – $180 | $180 – $230 | $239 – $289 | $259 – $299 |
The original Photon launched earlier than all these competitors, yet it still proves relevant for users who want dependable prints and simple hardware. Its RGB screen does mean slower exposure times and a shorter lifespan compared to monochrome options, but the difference is manageable for casual users or those just getting started.
The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is often compared directly to the Photon because both helped define the hobby resin space. The Mars 2 Pro adds a monochrome screen and slightly larger build volume, which gives it an edge in speed and print area. But from a reliability standpoint, we’ve had just as much success with the Photon once exposure settings are tuned.
The Creality Halot-One Plus and Sonic Mini 4K offer sharper XY resolutions and faster print times, thanks to newer 4K monochrome screens. If you print intricate jewelry or ultra-detailed minis, those might tempt you. But they also come with higher price tags and tend to be less forgiving to beginners when it comes to support settings and slicer errors.
What keeps us coming back to the Photon is its consistent behavior and ease of repair. Spare parts are cheap. Mods are everywhere. Community support is still strong. While it doesn’t try to be the fastest or most feature-rich, it still prints beautifully, holds level longer than expected, and never asks for much in return.
The Anycubic Photon continues to be one of the most dependable resin printers you can pick up, even in 2025. It avoids unnecessary frills and instead focuses on the core elements that matter most: detailed output, mechanical stability, and straightforward operation. You won’t get a monochrome screen or Wi-Fi controls out of the box, but what you do get is a printer that delivers time and again with minimal fuss.
For anyone who wants to understand the essentials of resin printing without battling constant hardware quirks, the Photon offers a refreshing experience. It teaches you how to handle supports, exposure settings, and resin handling in a way that builds confidence. And when you’re ready to upgrade, you won’t feel like you’re starting from scratch. Whether it’s a screen replacement, a build plate tweak, or a full enclosure mod, there’s room to grow.
If you’re printing miniatures, tabletop accessories, small prototypes, or decorative pieces, the Photon keeps up. It’s not chasing trends. It’s just doing its job quietly and consistently. That kind of reliability is rare, and it’s exactly why this machine still belongs on your bench.
Disclaimer
3DGearZone.com is a professional review site that receives compensation from the companies whose products we review. We test each product thoroughly and give high marks to only the very best. We don’t guarantee, however, that our suggestions will work best for each individual or business, so consider your unique needs when choosing products and services. 3DGearZone.com is independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Sources
1. Anycubic.com, “Anycubic 3D Printing” Accessed July 26, 2022.
Share Article
