Anycubic Photon Mono X 6Ks Review for Miniatures
As a long time warhammer miniature hobbyist and painter with over 20 years of experience customizing mini figurines, I was eager to test out the new Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K resin 3D printer. Based on its large build volume and high resolution 6K screen, it seemed like it could be the ultimate machine for printing highly detailed miniatures and terrain pieces to use in tabletop war games.
After extensive testing, I can confirm that the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K sets a new gold standard for affordable resin 3D printing for hobbyists and gamers. Between the ease of use, stunning print quality, large build plate capacity, and faster speeds, this 3D printer delivers on all fronts. Read on for my full review from the perspective of a passionate miniatures painter.
Out of Box Setup Takes Just Minutes
I was relieved to find that the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K required very little assembly right out of the box. There’s no major construction needed – I simply attached the build platform, leveled it, installed the resin vat, and filled it up with resin in about 20 minutes total.
The printer comes with spare paper for leveling along with disposable gloves and masks, which are essential when working with liquid resin. One tricky part was applying the screen protector, which guards the high resolution 6K screen from potential damage. I struggled to smoothly apply it bubble-free at first. But after a few frustrated attempts, I eventually opted to just skip it rather than waste more time.
Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K Review:High Resolution 6K Screen Unlocks Stunning Miniature Details
The Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K earns its name from the state-of-the-art 6K resolution LCD screen. With over twice as many pixels as previous 4K resin printers, including 34 micron XY pixel resolution, it can reproduce incredible fine details in printed miniatures.
To put the printer through its paces, I printed full armies of 28mm tabletop miniatures for both sci-fi battles and fantasy quests. I was thrilled by the results – even at such a small scale, facial features, intricate clothing patterns, and weapons with sharp edges came out remarkably crisp and defined.
The extra resolution truly makes a noticeable difference from my 4K printer when inspecting the models up close. Tiny elements like railings and trusses that become muddled on lower resolution prints maintain integrity. For painting, I could distinctly make out finer textures and details to highlight.
Massive Build Plate Prints Full Battalions at Once
While resin printers typically have smaller build volumes that limit print sizes, the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K provides one of the most spacious build areas in its price range at 9.6 x 7.8 x 4.8 inches. In fact, during my testing, I comfortably fit entire 28mm armies onto the build plate in a single print.
Being able to print whole groups of miniatures together rather than tedious individual models saves a tremendous amount of time and resin material. And thanks to the precision 6K screen, increased scale does not reduce print quality whatsoever. Larger models like towering ogres maintain exceptionally smooth finishes and crisp features at sizes impossible on lower resolution machines.
For hobbyists, the generous build volume empowers us to bring whole battalions and grand fantasy terrains to life more efficiently. This printer truly unlocks new horizons for tabletop war gaming possibilities!
Faster Print Speeds Maximize Productivity
In addition to the build plate capacity, I found print speeds on the Anycubic Photon Mono 6K to be blazingly fast for a resin 3D printer. While actual rates can vary based on model geometry and slice settings, I clocked around 60-80mm per hour on average.
Quick turnover times let me churn out entire rosters of battle-ready teams faster for both prototyping new pieces as well as mass production. And unlike some competing budget printers that sacrifice accuracy for speed, the Mono X 6K maintained flawless precision even at max speeds by harnessing a powerful 40 LED matrix light source.
For artists, designers, and creative hobbyists pressed for time, faster printing with no quality loss makes achieving your vision easier than ever before. The days of waiting days for a single mini model to finish are over!
User-Friendly Controls and Handy New Features
Operating the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K is simple thanks to the responsive 3.5 inch touchscreen interface. I found the menus intuitive to navigate and options easy to locate. It also networks via WiFi, allowing me to wirelessly transmit sliced model files rather than constantly shuffling USB sticks.
Another upgrade I appreciated was the textured build plate, which uses a laser-etched surface treatment to significantly improve model adhesion compared to the smooth plates of past generations. The strengthened grip helps minimize failed prints detached from the platform – saving precious resin reprints.
For hobbyists less experienced with 3D printing, the helpful nature of the touchscreen combined with handy upgrades like the textured plate help simplify the learning curve. Right away I felt at ease prepping and managing prints for the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K.
Test Model Could Use Some Redesign
My main gripe with the initial out of box experience for the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K is that the included test print model leaves much to be desired. The lattice cube with Anycubic logos itself prints alright, but with no added supports or raft. As as result, models fuse completely to the build plate with virtually no way to pry them off.
Even using the provided metal scraper risks damaging both the print and plate. For new users unfamiliar with post-processing resin prints, this can immediately sour their first impressions. Providing a redesigned test print that either incorporates supports or prints higher off the bed would set users up for success much better.
Resin Printing Yields Tabletop Masterpieces
When it comes to final print quality and resolution, the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K simply blew me away with how detailed and defined resin models came out for painting miniatures. Whether printing small scale single figures or hulking beasts, delicate features remained intact with smooth, consistent finishes.
For example, I could distinctly make out individual strands of fur, scales, veins in wings, and wrinkles in clothing even on tiny 25mm models. Intricate textures like chainmail and stone masonry retain clarity across entire surfaces rather than blending together.
Simply put – this printer takes the visual fidelity of tabletop miniatures to an unprecedented new level far beyond what I could achieve with my older resin devices. My hand-painted figurines truly shine displaying such crisp details. And now I can finally craft set pieces and environments just as stunning as store bought collectors pieces to enhance gameplay immersion!
Loud Fans Are My Only Qualm
I do have to point out that the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K does have one consistent pain point across all my print testing – the incredibly loud cooling fans on the back. Once the printing process starts, they ramp up to a high RPM whirring loud enough to hear through walls.
While resin 3D printer operation already requires running the machine in a well ventilated area away from living spaces, the conspicuous fan noise could still prove distracting for some users. I usually wear noise cancelling headphones while painting, so I personally don’t mind. But those sensitive to irritating electronics buzzing should take heed.
Conclusion: An Absolute Game-Changer for Tabletop Hobbyists
To conclude my review, I believe the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K marks a watershed moment for resin 3D printing targeted specifically at tabletop war gaming, RPGs, model kit building and other miniatures hobbies. Both novice users and veterans alike will find immense value in its thoughtful design.
The pairing of its extra large build volume to accommodate batches of models alongside razor sharp 6K resolution for extracting insane amounts of detail makes this printer a force to be reckoned with. Faster speeds and user-friendly features round it out as an exceptional overall package.
While the loud fans could be improved, for under $700 bucks, no other mid-range device on the market currently compares when it comes to delivering uncompromising print quality in tandem with workhorse production volume. This ready-to-print powerhouse earns my highest recommendation for taking your miniature painting and war gaming to the next level!
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