The ANYCUBIC Photon Zero is one of the many options available for anyone deciding to get into 3D resin printing. It’s an inexpensive model for the novice or the experienced 3D printing enthusiast. Printing with photocuring resin results in builds that contain intricate details without the standard layer lines seen in FDM printing.
However, before we dive into the printing details, let’s take a look at the tech specs:
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ANYCUBIC Photon Technical Specifications
- Build Volume: 97 mm x 54 mm x 150 mm
- Build Speed: 30 mm per hour
- Build Materials: 405 nm UV resin
- Connectivity: USB
- Software: Photon Workshop
- Display: Color touchscreen
- Light Source: 405 nm wavelength UV LED
- Masking Screen: LCD masking screen
- Layer Height: .01 mm – .20 mm
Design & Features
This ANYCUBIC Photon Zero 3D printer review finds the printer to be small, but it gets the job done. The print base and Z-axis rail are constructed out of metal to ensure the print bed rises smoothly out of the resin vat. There is a singular linear rail combined with a lead screw for stability along the Z-axis. It doesn’t require a dual-rail since the printer is smaller than the average 3D resin printer. Rounding out the frame is the yellow acrylic cover that protects the build as it cures, so be sure to leave it on while executing a design file.
Another standout feature of this printer is the ability to perform an exposure time test. Users can print the same model under 8 different exposure settings to compare against one another in order to decide which parameters work best for the builds being tackled by the machine. The ultraviolet light source has been upgraded into a uniform parallel distribution to cure build evenly and faster. The smaller build area also helps accelerate the build speed.
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There’s a built-in cooling system that prevents the ultraviolet LED lights from overheating the printer. It cools the Parallel LED which is used in conjunction with the 16x anti-aliasing feature that allows builds to finish with smoother surface details that require little to no post-processing. If this is your first 3D resin printer, consider getting an external ultraviolet lamp for any curing needs after the build is finished which helps toughen the structure.
There are also marks in the resin vat to help users see how much resin they’re adding and using with designations at the maximum capacity, 120 ml mark, and 80 ml mark. The progress of the print can be monitored from the colored touchscreen. The screen is responsive and easy to navigate. Be aware that the print bed must be attached and calibrated before adding the resin vat and masking screen prior to printing. Let’s take this ANYCUBIC Photon Zero 3D printer review into printing performance.
Printing
ANYCUBIC recommends using their slicer, Photon Workshop, to build design files. Photon Workshop is easy enough to use and learn for children and beginners. This particular software allows files to be hollowed out. However, if the build file has any serious overhangs or suspended parts, it is better to add supports in a cross-linked grid of fill in the design with a crisscrossed pattern to prevent it from collapsing in on itself.
While you’re adding supports to the design file, be sure to add drain holes so the excess resin can escape throughout the build and doesn’t leave a pool of wasted resin inside of the project. Photon Workshop also lets users add text that can be fitted to the model which is great for watermarking, trademarking, or simply stamping printed pieces. The slicer also allows model cutting along with ramping up the anti-aliasing feature that helps bridge the gap between the ANYCUBIC Photon Zero 3D printer’s low-resolution masking screen and the intricate details expected from a 3D resin printer.
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The ANYCUBIC Photon Zero can also print with all third party UV resins so users aren’t limited to the company’s build materials. The resin should adhere nicely to the sanded aluminum platform which needs to be leveled manually. There are four separate screws to adjust the corners as you move through the four-point leveling system. Once the bed is leveled, it should stay that way for several prints after.
There is a resume print option that allows users to stop the process and catch any mistakes which help save resin from a failed build.
Packing & Assembly
The ANYCUBIC Photon Zero 3D printer doesn’t require much assembly outside of securing the print bed and installing the resin vat with the FEP film. Level the bed and get printing within minutes of unpacking. The printer is packed securely for shipping purposes.
Here’s everything included in the box:
- 1 x ANYCUBIC Photon Zero 3D printer with an acrylic cover
- 1 x Pair of gloves
- 1 x Toolset that includes: 1 screwdriver and 2 Allen wrenches
- 1 x Metal scraper
- 1 x Disposable mask
- 1 x Disposable funnel
- 1 x User manual
- 1 x Power adapter
- 1 x USB drive
Customer Support
ANYCUBIC offers a one year warranty to cover the Photon Zero after it’s purchased. The printer’s manual and the Photon Workshop slicing software can be downloaded from the company’s website. Technical support can be reached over the phone or through email, but be sure to specify which printer the inquiry is about as there is a Photon S model offered by the company.
There is a detailed FAQ section dedicated to the Photon Zero where users can toggle through topics they may encounter while using the printer. There are also videos posted across several social media outlets where other ANYCUBIC users post their experiences. The community talks over forums to offer up additional tips and tricks to help make the Photon Zero experience a successful one.
ANYCUBIC Photon Pros & Cons
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Pros
- The 3D resin printer is easy to set up, easy to use and is a great machine for beginners and children to learn on
- Anti-aliasing found in the Photon Workshop slicer smooths the surface of finished builds which helps to compensate for the low-resolution masking screen
- The ultraviolet acrylic cover with the cooling system helps mask odors and fumes, but still, use the printer in a vented area with gloves and a mask
- Instructions for the Photon Zero are easy to follow and the print bed is easy to level
- The marks in the resin vat and an easily replaced FEP film make monitoring the resin usage easier
- The print bed is a sanded aluminum making it’s surface better for builds to adhere to
- The exposure test is a great way to determine the best parameters to set the printer for the projects to be completed
Cons
- The extremely small build area of 3.82 in x 2.12 in x 5.9 in limits the creative possibilities of the printer
- There aren’t any extra FEP films or sample resins included, but perhaps that’s to keep the costs low
- The low-resolution masking screen limits the quality expected from a 3D resin printer
Verdict
Budget-friendly doesn’t always mean it’s the better option. Sure this ANYCUBIC Photon Zero 3D printer review found some benefits to the printer, but the benefits still don’t add up to justify the cost.
Yes, the printer is easy to use and comes ready to go within minutes of unpacking it. However, the size of the build area alone is enough to consider spending a few more dollars for a comparable 3D resin printer.
The low-resolution masking screen limits the amount of detailing that’s come to be expected of printing with photocuring resin. While it’s understandable the company wants to keep costs for this model low, upgrading the masking screen to make up for the tiny build area shouldn’t be too high of a cost. The other side of that is the great anti-aliasing feature within Photon Workshop that smooths the build’s surface which enhances the fine details that do show up in the finished print.
If you’re a novice breaking into 3D resin printing, go for a different model at a comparable price. Also, make sure to add some extra disposable gloves to the cart as well because handling resin is toxic and can cause an allergic reaction within the skin after prolonged use. Use all 3D printers in well-ventilated areas and buy some extra bottles of resin as many of these printers, this one included, doesn’t come with a sample in the box.
Overall, printing with photocuring resin can produce finely detailed builds that can be used within a wide variety of industries and hobbies. But, there are comparable 3D resin printers that give much more bang for budgeted bucks.
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
