Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Ultra Resin 3D Printer Review
A fast high-detail resin 3D printer for creators, but is it practical for everyday use?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Ultra Resin 3D Printer is aimed at users who want highly detailed prints without stepping into industrial-level pricing. Resin printers like this are known for their precision, making them popular for miniatures, jewellery, and intricate models that filament printers struggle to reproduce.
This model focuses on speed and improved usability, but resin printing still comes with a learning curve and additional handling compared to standard FDM printers. For buyers deciding between resin and filament, understanding these trade-offs is key.
Key Features
- High-resolution mono LCD for detailed prints
- Fast layer curing for reduced print times
- Compact footprint suitable for home use
- Stable Z-axis for improved accuracy
- User-friendly touchscreen interface
Performance and Real-World Use
In real-world use, the Photon Mono 4 Ultra delivers excellent detail, especially for small and complex models. Fine textures and sharp edges are where it clearly outperforms most entry-level filament printers.
Print speeds are noticeably improved compared to older resin models, helping reduce waiting times for smaller batches. However, post-processing remains part of the workflow, including washing and curing prints, which adds extra steps compared to plug-and-play printing.
Reliability is generally strong when settings are dialled in, though beginners may need some trial and error to achieve consistent results.
Design and Build
The compact design makes it suitable for desks or small workspaces, but resin printing requires ventilation, so placement matters. The build quality feels solid, with a stable frame that helps maintain print accuracy.
The touchscreen interface is simple and responsive, making navigation easy even for those new to resin printing.
Pros and Cons
- Excellent print detail and surface quality
- Faster than older resin printers
- Compact and well-built design
- Good value for high-resolution printing
- Requires post-processing (washing and curing)
- Resin handling can be messy
- Not ideal for large prints
- Needs proper ventilation
Who It Is For
This 3D printer is ideal for hobbyists, designers, and anyone focused on highly detailed prints such as miniatures or prototypes.
It is less suitable for beginners who want a simple, low-maintenance setup or users printing large functional objects.
Conclusion
The Photon Mono 4 Ultra strikes a strong balance between performance and price in the resin printing space. It delivers impressive detail and faster workflows, but it still requires the hands-on approach that comes with resin printing.