Anycubic has renewed its Photon Mono 4 range with two new updated printers and very interesting functions.
This new series includes two versions, the entry-level version, Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and an advanced version Mono 4 Ultra of which we will give you all the details below, although in our case we will focus on the Ultra version.
As always before continuing with the article, remind you that you can join 3DWork on our Telegram channel full of 3D printing deranged, or on our social networks Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
We also recommend the Telegram channel of Anycubic Spain where normally together with other colleagues we help and share experiences with these printers.
Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Series
The new Photon Mono 4 series, or M4 from here on out, comes with two models as we anticipated, the normal version and the Ultra version, this being the one with the largest number of novelties.
Aesthetically on the outside, both machines are relatively the same externally but with some important differences, both external and internal, which we will explain below.
In the following Anycubic videos you will be able to see its features:
Both models have a print volume of 153.4 x 87 x 165 mm mounting a 10K 7″ monochrome LCD with a sensational XY resolution of 9024 x 5120 and 17 x 17 μm per pixel which will allow us to create models with an incredible level of detail and precision.
Another aspect of the important/critical optical part, as much or more than the LCD and its resolution, is its UV light source and where we begin to see the first differences between the two models.
Meanwhile,the normal M4 version mounts a LighTurbo matrix that provides uniform UV distribution to enhance the details of our figures.
The M4 Ultra version has a significantly improved UV source using an advanced COB light source with a Fresnel lens that further improves its accuracy (between 0.01 and 0.05 mm) and uniformity.
Another differentiating aspect between the two models is the use of ACF film in the Ultra model which, thanks to its characteristics, minimizes adhesion to it, allowing a smoother process when the parts are peeled off, on the other hand, allowing higher printing speeds.
In addition, again in the Ultra model, we have very useful intelligent options especially for users who are just starting out in resin printing, such as: detection of residues in the VAT/resin tank, resin level, failures during printing, film usage monitor. All this to minimize printing failures and accidents related to them.
Finally, again for the Ultra version, we have other improved features such as the 4.3″ touchscreen (in the normal version 2.8″) in addition to the more advanced control software with friendlier menus and interface and options.
We also have the possibility of transferring files directly by Wi-Fi, which is very convenient, from Anycubic’s own App/Cloud and soon in LAN mode.
Below you have a comparison table of both models with the most important features:
| Photon Mono 4 Ultra | Photon Mono 4 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Build Volume | 153.4 * 87 * 165 mm | 153.4 * 87 * 165 mm |
| Printer Dimensions | 231 * 236 * 430 mm | 230 * 235 * 391 mm |
| Package Dimensions | 512 * 300 * 305 mm | 480 * 300 * 300 mm |
| Net Weight | 5 Kg | 4 Kg |
| Printing Speed | Standard Resin 0.1 mm layer height: 80 mm/h peek speedCommentHigh Speed Resin 0.1 mm layer height: 120 mm/h peek speedCommentComment | Standard Resin 0.1 mm layer height: ≤50 mm/h peek speed CommentHigh Speed Resin 0.1 mm layer height: ≤70 mm/h peek speedCommentComment |
| Layer Height | 0.02 – 0.15 mm | 0.03 – 0.15 mm |
| LCD Screen | 7-inch Mono LCD | 7-inch Mono LCD |
| LCD Reolution | 10K | 10K |
| XY Resolution | 17 * 17 μm | 17 * 17 μm |
| UV Light Source | COB light source+ Fresnel lens+Light uniformity algorithm | Parallel matrix upgrade light source |
| UV Light Uniformity | ≥90% | 80 – 90% |
| UV Light Intensity | ≥3500 μW /cm² | ~3000 μW /cm² |
| Intelligence Assisted Printing | ✔ | ✘ |
| Release Film | ACF | FEP |
| Air Purifier | Optional（USB) | Optional（Rechargeable |
| Display Screen | 4.3′ TFT touch-control | 2.8′ TFT touch-control |
| Anycubic App (Remote Control/Management) | ✔ | ✘ |
| Leveling | 4-point manual leveling | 4-point manual leveling |
| File Transfer | USB & WiFi & LAN MODE | USB |
Getting started Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Ultra
Once we have finished reviewing all the features of this Photon Mono 4 series, it is time to put it into operation.
A very simple process following the steps that we find in the included physical paper manual that we also have in electronic format, on the USB included both in the kit or we can access them online on the Anycubic Wiki.
We are going to briefly detail the steps to follow to launch our M4 Ultra:
- The first step will be the removal of the printer and its accessories, as always Anycubic pays special attention to this section and the printer comes well protected.
- In the kit we will find everything you need for commissioning, maintenance and other accessories.
- Following the instructions in the manual we will install the screen protector included, which we advise you to do without haste and with patience.
Then we will connect and turn on the printer from the power button on the front, pressing this for at least 2 seconds, to follow the instructions from the screen…
basically, choose the language and in which region we want our printer to connect for the Anycubic Cloud services (Global/China as options).
Finally, it will ask us if we want to do the wizard for first use, we will say yes, although it can be done later.
- The next step will start the platform leveling wizard, where following the screen instructions we will place the printing platform and loosen the screws so that it is free.
We will place the leveling paper included in the kit and press to continue with the second phase of leveling where the platform will be lowered and we must, applying pressure from the platform to the screen carefully, tighten the screws of the platform again in such a way that the leveling paper does not move when pulling it.
- Once the process is finished, from the screen we will go to the options menu where we will have the Z-axis movement controls and the screen exposure controls.
We will remove protective film that the VAT/resin tank has, they come with a small colored label to know where to pull.
We will go to the Z-motion controls to raise the platform so that we can install the VAT/resin tank easily with the two screws it has.
Finally, in the screen exposure menu we will verify that it works correctly.
We advise you to launch the pattern with the Anycubic logo to see that the LCD works correctly and the one on the entire screen to see that the UVs look correct and we observe nothing strange.
- Once everything has been checked, we can carefully refill the resin tank and start carrying out the first printing tests.
In our case we use a resin that we are really liking, Anycubic Texture Resin.
It is a resin that we can obtain pieces with great definition (between ranges of 0.15-0.02mm) and geometric precision, with a perfect matte finish if we later have to paint our pieces, a wide range of colors that we can mix to obtain the desired tone, it also has an excellent hardness and flexibility ideal if we make figures for board games, for example.
- The next step we advise you is to carry out the exposure tests to adjust the times of our resin for our M4 Ultra.
We advise you to use the Anycubic RERF that you have on the USB itself and that will allow us to test different ranges of exposure times in a single print to verify which is optimal.
We already have our printer up and running and ready to print!!
Initially we do not advise you to make further adjustments to your laminator profile, in the case of being an advanced user and knowing the resin printers moderately you can try to adjust the speeds. Basically, these print speed adjustments will result in a reduction in printing time, between 5 to 20% depending on the settings.
In case you want to make these advanced settings, always try to make small changes to your settings and verify that they do not affect anything. Normally with very fast speeds it can affect the resin flow and affect the level of detail of our parts.
Another factor we can play with is antialiasing to disguise that staggered effect between layers. Personally, and taking into account the resolution/accuracy of the M4, use the minimum antialiasing value to keep the details as high as possible.
In any case, we advise you to review our SLA calibration guide for more detailed information on parameters, options and tricks with our printers.
Print quality
Now that we have the first tests and basic adjustments, we got down to work to make a project for a colleague in which we are going to use this Photon M4 Ultra and the new Photon M7 Max that we will show you shortly.
Taking into account the size and characteristics of this Photon M4 Ultra we decided to print the small/medium size figures with it as well as use different resins to see the resolution and details obtained.
To test the behavior of the machine we choose supported figures, something that we are not particularly a fan of since the supports are not always optimized for the machine we use, without making any modification or retouching.
And we have to say that the Photon M4 Ultra behaved in an exceptional way, although we had some adhesion failures to the platform in some prints that with an adjustment in the leveling and configuration in the first layers.
As we told you, they provided us with a project for a colleague from Archivillain Games, specifically Orc Legacy – Wrath of the Grimskorn that taking into account the quantity and quality of the figures is worth every $.
Since this project has a couple of large figures and that could be complicated and time-consuming on the Photon M4 Ultra we decided to leave these for the Photon M7 Max that we will show you shortly and print the rest with our dear M4 Ultra…
figures from 25 mm to 75 mm of base in which we used both Anycubic Texture Resin and Anycubic Bio resin although we have to say that the Texture we liked the results for these figures with so much detail better.
Although it can be tricky to see the level of detail per photo, these 25mm base figures came out in sensational detail, showing the potential of this Photon M4 Ultra, in this case along with the Anycubic Texture Resin resin.
With larger figures and with some pieces made with the Anycubic Bio resin we obtained very good results as well, although it is probably not noticeable from the photos the Texture gives us the feeling of greater detail as well as an extra flexibility that in figures with very fine details will allow them not to split easily.
In any case, all the pieces were incredible and waiting for our colleague to start the final processing and apply art to them.
In addition, as we have mentioned, the tests were carried out at layer height 0.05, which for the XY resolution of this M4 Ultra perhaps use 0.025 we will obtain a better definition with specific resins, since due to the incredible speed of this machine, time should not be a problem.
At those layer heights and with the XY resolution of this Photon M4 Ultra, the use of antialiasing usually makes no sense, which will also allow, again depending on the resins and their fine adjustment such as the printing conditions, to obtain more defined and detailed figures.
The next project was to use the Anycubic Rigid 100 resin to make some spare parts/mods for our filament printers.
Taking into account the characteristics of this resin due to its tolerance up to 100ºC and its hardness make it perfect for some uses in mechanical parts.
In our case, we took the opportunity to make a front end for one of our printers, as well as testing dyes to give it a special color.
Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Ultra review and experience
The M4 Ultra is a very compact machine and especially recommended, due to size and resolution/detail, for those who plan to use it in small/medium size applications and with very high detail requirements… miniature figures, jewelry… are some areas where this printer is going to shine especially.
Accustomed to the automatic semi-leveling systems that we have with previous recent models, in this case it is totally manual, with an assistant that will guide us through the steps, which is appreciated.
What they have maintained have been all the smart functions related to the sensor that it incorporates and that can be of great help whether you are a novice or advanced user.
Among these functionswe have some checks when starting the machine to ensure that everything is in perfect condition to print, the detection of residues, resin, printing failures or the monitoring of the use of the film are some of these functions that will improve the experience and use of our M4 Ultra.
Another feature that we found very interesting, and is already included in previous models, is Anycubic’s intelligent algorithm for managing parameters during printing. With these algorithms we can save up to 40% of printing time always trying to ensure that our prints are successful.
In the optical section we would like to highlight its sensational UV system which, the smaller the diagonal size, the better the results, it has a sensational power and uniformity that will ensure perfect and homogeneous details throughout the printing area.
The inclusion of an ACF film is something that usually brings controversy for some.
In this case the M4 Ultra uses a state-of-the-art ACF and in our tests we have not had any quality or artefact issues.
This quality ACF from Anycubic as well as its excellent optical system work perfectly to obtain the highest quality, speed and reliability.
A section that left us with contradictory feelings has been the dome, made of plastic and relatively flexible we have found it great since it is apparently not fragile and seals quite well.
On the other hand, there is also a lot of condensation within this… although this may be due to the current climate of our location.
Something that we would like, and we always say, for brands to include is to improve the grip design of the platform and add a system to be able to drain resin at the end of the print either to recover some resin or to avoid excessively soiling the detergent we use to clean our pieces.
As it is an essential “accessory” for us, we designed one that you can find here if you find it useful like us.
In reference to the new Texture resins from Anycubic we have found them sensational. With finishes with a very high degree of detail for a resin with the flexibility of this. In addition, in our tests, be careful only for guidance/reference purposes since the measuring device is not excessively accurate, the VoC toxicity values during use were very correct.
In relation to air filtration, although its effectiveness is limited, the M4 Ultra has a special USB connector to connect the filtering accessory with activated carbon that will allow certain odors to be absorbed and improve air quality.
Although we haven’t talked much about it, this model allows it to be used together with the Anycubic App from which we can manage certain basic actions, as well as access a library of Makeronline objects.
Something interesting with respect to the use of these management functions would be to be able to send our jobs directly from the most widespread rolling mills without limiting these functions.
Where to buy the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Series?
Today if you want to get the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Series, you can find it both in the Anycubic web store and in other suppliers and take advantage of it because they have an interesting discount for those who opt for the purchase during their launch!! where you can also buy accessories, spare parts and consumables.
