Today, we bring you our full analysis of the Anycubic Photon P1: a machine that marks a true paradigm shift in MSLA resin printing, both for users taking their first steps into resin and for advanced users looking for a capable, reliable workhorse.
Resin printing has been evolving on the same foundation for years: monochrome screen, FEP/nFEP/ACF vat, and a standard vertical lead screw with linear rails. Anycubic has always been a company focused on innovation. The Photon P1 is the first resin printer in its lineup to feature a dual-vat system for printing with two different resins in a single run — something previously reserved for professional production equipment.
But the dual vat is only one of its novelties. Underneath is a machine built with components we previously only saw in industrial equipment: ball screw, dual precision linear rails, milled steel build plate, and a smart heated vat. All complemented by a 14K screen and Wave Release technology, which promises to reduce peel force by 60% compared to traditional FEP.
At 3Dwork we have been testing the Photon P1 for weeks, and in this review we tell you everything: what works, what falls short, and who this machine makes sense for.
Before continuing with the article, remember that you can join 3DWork on our Telegram channel full of 3D printing enthusiasts, or on our social media: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook. If you have an Anycubic resin printer, we also recommend our Telegram group @AnycubicPhoton, where you can find other users to share tips and experiences.
Anycubic Photon P1
As we have already mentioned, the Anycubic Photon P1 is Anycubic’s new flagship within the Photon lineup, clearly positioned above the previous Photon Mono M7 Pro in both build quality and technical improvements.
The exterior design retains the Photon lineup language with some important changes: the chassis is notably more robust, a new improved cover that blocks up to >99.99% of UV light, a 4.5″ touchscreen and a fluid, well-organized interface. The base is wider than previous generations, necessary to accommodate the dual-vat system.
The build materials convey quality from the very first moment. The main chassis is anodized aluminum, the outer panels are high-density ABS, and unlike previous models, the Z-axis arm has a more industrial and solid finish. When you place it on the table, you immediately notice this machine weighs more than any other MSLA of its size — and that is no accident.
The build volume of the Photon P1 is 223 × 126 × 230 mm (6.5 L), virtually identical to the M7 Pro. There is no significant improvement here, nor was it necessary: the 10.1″ format at 230 mm height is already a solid standard for good-sized parts.
The P1’s build plate is not made from the usual anodized aluminum, but rather from milled steel with a guaranteed flatness of less than 80 µm. This is a level of flatness previously only found in production equipment.
With the P1’s milled steel build plate, adhesion is consistent across the entire surface. This is especially relevant when printing full plates with dozens of small parts: in previous generations it was common to see failures in the corners even with correct leveling.
Steel also has greater rigidity than aluminum, preventing the build plate from flexing slightly under the peel pressure of large cross-section parts. A detail that is especially welcome when working with hard resins.
On the subject of the screen, it is worth reminding that in this type of printer the screen is considered a consumable with a different lifecycle from the rest of the machine, and one that will likely need replacing several times depending on use or accidents. To address this, the Anycubic Photon P1 has significantly improved the replacement process with a simplified design — no more headaches when replacing the screen!
And something that genuinely impressed us: a build plate holder that lets you drain resin after the print is done. It sounds simple, but being able to recover resin for future prints or prevent unused excess from contaminating your post-processing cleaning solution is incredibly practical.
Now let’s look at the heart of the Photon P1. On one side, we have its 10.1-inch monochrome screen with 14K resolution (13,320 × 5,120 pixels), translating to an XY resolution of 16.8 × 24.8 µm per pixel. Where the M7 Pro already offered 14K, the P1 slightly improves XY resolution thanks to a screen with a different pixel density.
This screen works alongside the LighTurbo COB 4.0 optical system, the evolution of the LighTurbo 3.0 we saw in the M7 Pro. We cannot stress enough the importance of a good UV system in these machines — it is where the real quality difference is made.
The main improvement is in collimation precision: less than 2° of angular deviation across the entire panel surface. In practice, this means part edges — especially in the corners — do not show the slight beveling or loss of detail that appears when the light source is not sufficiently collimated.
The stated light uniformity is 92%, minimizing curing differences between the center and edges of the build plate. In previous Photon generations, the edges of the print area tended to cure slightly differently from the center, which required compensation with more conservative exposure profiles. With the P1, profiles are more predictable across the entire surface.
We also want to highlight something that may seem minor to some users but ends up being very significant: the UV system cooling design, which allows optimal performance while extending the UV system’s lifespan — worth noting that UV lifespan is typically measured in hours of use.
Another key innovation of the Anycubic Photon P1 is its new Wave Release system.
The ACF film Anycubic introduced in the M5S Pro and improved in the M7 Pro already represented a significant step up from FEP. The new Wave Release goes further: it uses a film with a textured surface geometry that reduces the effective contact area between the cured resin and the film. The result is up to 60% less peel force compared to standard FEP, and approximately 20-30% less than the improved ACF of the M7 Pro based on our subjective measurements.
In practice, this is especially noticeable with:
– Large-base parts: models that previously required heavy supports now print with thinner supports and fewer contact points
– ABS-Like resins: release with these stiffer resins has always been problematic; Wave Release considerably smooths the process
– Full plates of small parts: with multiple contact areas simultaneously, the accumulated peel force can be enormous. Wave Release dramatically reduces this
Another area where the Anycubic Photon P1 shines is its 1,000 mL vat — one of the most practical differentiators of this machine, which features a heated system to keep resin at its optimal temperature at all times, topped off with a simple, reliable, and convenient locking mechanism instead of traditional screws.
Unlike the M7 Pro, which used a peristaltic pump with an integrated circuit in the VAT to heat and circulate the resin, the Photon P1 uses direct resistive heating on the base of the vat, reaching up to 40 °C with temperature control from the touchscreen.
The advantage of this system over the M7 Pro is its mechanical simplicity: no pump, no resin circuit to periodically clean, no additional VAT components that increase replacement cost.
We also have, as mentioned earlier, a quick-release vat removal system, drain hooks for dripping resin at the end of prints, and a dedicated area for conveniently emptying the resin.
We also have these smart functions:
– Resin level detection: alerts when the level is insufficient to complete the print
– Debris detection: pressure sensors detect cured resin on the bottom before starting, preventing damage to the film or screen
Kinematics… this is where the Photon P1 most clearly distances itself from the M7 Pro and any other consumer MSLA we have tested. Instead of the standard trapezoidal lead screw used in every Photon Mono to date, the P1 incorporates a ball screw combined with dual precision linear rails.
This type of kinematics is the same found in metrology equipment, precision CNC mills, and industrial robotic arms. Its advantages over the trapezoidal lead screw are:
- Near-total elimination of mechanical backlash: the traditional lead screw typically has thread play that can cause micro-inaccuracies on the Z axis, especially during slow movements and under significant mechanical load. The ball screw eliminates this problem.
- ±0.01 mm Z repeatability: each layer is deposited exactly where it should be, with no error accumulation.
- Greater durability: contact is rolling, not sliding, so wear is minimal.
- Lower noise at high speeds: although MSLA printers are not particularly fast on Z, the ball screw operates more quietly than the trapezoidal screw.
In practice, with 50 µm or even 20 µm layers, this mechanical precision translates into smoother surfaces and the elimination of layer-line artifacts that in previous generations sometimes appeared as faint horizontal bands on curved surfaces.
Regarding print speed on the Anycubic Photon P1, this model — unlike its predecessors — is not focused on speed but on quality and reliability. What we can confirm from our testing across different resins and layer heights is that times are comparable or slightly longer in some cases compared to the M7 Pro, generally not very different — likely thanks to the intelligent improvements in how the machine processes each print.
The Anycubic Photon P1 is not a machine focused on speed: it is optimized for precision and reliability, not for mass production at maximum velocity.
The P1 incorporates the Intelligent Leveling System 3.0, an evolution of the system already seen in the M7 Pro. As with that machine, it is important to clarify that this is not a fully automatic leveling system: the build plate still requires mechanical leveling when it goes out of adjustment, which under normal use conditions should not happen frequently thanks to the rigidity of the Z axis.
What the system does automatically is establish the precise Z=0 before each print using pressure sensors. These sensors detect the exact moment the build plate touches the vat film and set that point as a reference. The system also detects if any corner of the build plate shows more pressure than the others and alerts you if leveling needs adjustment.
The difference from the M7 Pro system lies in sensor sensitivity and the guided calibration interface, which on the P1 is clearer and includes real-time visual indicators of each corner’s status — something we absolutely loved!
The P1 takes smart features a step further than the M7 Pro:
- Print failure detection: by analyzing pressure sensors during layer release, it detects anomalies that may indicate an ongoing failure
- Wave Release film usage counter: similar to the ACF layer counter on the M7 Pro, it alerts when the film may be approaching end of life
- Anycubic App: remote management, progress monitoring, and job submission from your phone
- WiFi + USB: dual connectivity for greater flexibility
- Self-check on startup: automatic status verification of the screen, Z motor, UV, ventilation and sensors
Within the print failure section, let us highlight two key features:
- Dynamic Release 3.0 monitors layer separation forces in real time to modulate lift height and speed. This ensures reliable release with each layer, significantly increasing both print success rate and output quality.
- Light-Off Compensation 3.0 calculates the resin backflow rate and dynamically adjusts the light-off duration to precisely prepare each layer for the next exposure, ensuring optimal speed and efficiency.
All of this helps make the Photon P1 a reliable machine, avoiding print failures and achieving exceptional quality by intelligently correcting setting deviations or environmental factors that could affect our results.
The Photon P1 integrates Wi-Fi and LAN (2.4 GHz) connectivity, almost completely eliminating the USB drive dependency seen in previous generations. Management is centralized through the Anycubic App and its cloud platform Makeronline, which allows monitoring the machine as well as accessing thousands of designs — enabling not just model downloads but also full operational control of the printer.
From the mobile app, you can start prints, monitor progress in real time, and receive completion or error notifications. One interesting technical detail is that the app allows certain Z-axis movements to be performed remotely, although from a safety perspective we advise against moving the machine without being in front of it.
The slicing software, Photon Workshop 4.0, has undergone a deep transformation. It is no longer just a slicer, but a full remote console for the machine.
- Remote Print: Once the file is prepared, the «Remote Print» function sends the job directly to the printer over the network.
- Multi-material Management: The software allows configuring independent exposure parameters for the left and right sides when using the Dual-Vat Kit, sending both sets of instructions in a single wireless data packet.
- Test Generation: A notable improvement is the ability to generate exposure tests directly from the software, which are sent remotely and printed with physical numbering on the platform to facilitate reading results.
The P1 includes an internal camera for remote monitoring:
- 480p Resolution: A 480p resolution is adequate for verifying whether a part has detached, but do not expect cinema-quality footage for inspecting fine surface-layer details.
- Timelapse Function: The camera generates time-lapse videos of the process, but as mentioned above, the quality is not exceptional and the limited lighting does not help.
We should also mention that the Anycubic Photon P1 is an extremely versatile machine for working with virtually any resin up to 8,000 cP — something that proves challenging for other models.
Below is a comparison table of the Anycubic Photon P1 specifications against previous models:
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Photon P1 | Photon Mono M7 Pro | Photon Mono M5S Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Monochrome MSLA | Monochrome MSLA | Monochrome MSLA |
| Screen | 14K / 10.1″ | 14K / 10.1″ | 14K / 10.1″ |
| XY Resolution | 16.8 × 24.8 µm | 16.8 × 24.8 µm | 16.8 × 24.8 µm |
| Min. Z Resolution | 20 µm | 20 µm | 20 µm |
| Build Volume | 223×126×230 mm | 223×126×230 mm | 200×126×224 mm |
| Light Source | LighTurbo COB 4.0 | LighTurbo 3.0 | LighTurbo 2.0 |
| Uniformity | ≥92 % | ≥90 % | ≥90 % |
| Z Axis | Ball screw + dual linear rail | Trapezoidal screw + dual rail | Trapezoidal screw |
| Z Repeatability | ±0.01 mm | ~0,02 mm | ~0,02 mm |
| Build Plate | Milled steel (<80 µm) | Anodized aluminum | Anodized aluminum |
| Release Film | Wave Release | Improved ACF | ACF |
| Vat Heating | Yes, up to 40°C | Yes (peristaltic pump) | Yes (external heater add-on) |
| Dual Material | Yes (optional kit) | No | No |
| Resin/Debris Detection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Leveling | Intelligent Leveling 3.0 | Intelligent Leveling 2.0 | Semi-assisted |
| Max. Resin Viscosity | 8,000 cps | ~5.000 cps | ~3.000 cps |
| Connectivity | USB + WiFi | USB + WiFi + LAN | USB + WiFi |
| Control Screen | 4.5″ IPS color touch | 4.5″ IPS color touch | 4.3″ TFT touch |
| Wavelength | 405 nm | 405 nm | 405 nm |
Setting up the Anycubic Photon P1
Now that we have a detailed overview of the P1’s features and technologies, it is time to set it up. As with any resin printer, it is essential to use the appropriate PPE before starting: nitrile gloves, an FFP2 mask, and a well-ventilated space.
3D resins are potentially irritating and require responsible handling.
The Anycubic Photon P1 arrives practically ready to print. The vat comes pre-installed, as does the build plate. The setup steps are reduced to removing the transport protectors and placing the machine on a completely level surface.
When powered on, the P1 automatically performs a complete self-check that verifies: UV screen status, Z motor, pressure sensors, ventilation system, and connectivity. If everything is correct, the system displays a confirmation screen and then moves directly to the initial setup wizard, where we select the language and configure the Wi-Fi network.
We also recommend running the screen test in the tools menu before adding resin, which verifies that all LCD pixels are working correctly. A dead pixel on the screen can appear as a line in every printed part.
Below is a great video from Anycubic explaining the full setup process.
Leveling the P1 with the Intelligent Leveling System 3.0 is more comfortable than in previous generations, thanks to real-time visual indicators that make the process simple, intuitive, and truly precise:
- Go to Tools → Level
- The system automatically lowers the build plate until sensors detect contact with the film
- The screen shows the pressure status at each corner of the build plate
- Adjust the four screws following the on-screen instructions until all indicators are green
- The system sets Z=0 with precision
Once correctly leveled, the steel build plate and ball screw Z axis maintain that calibration across many sessions. Do not expect to need to re-level every week as was the case with previous generations: in our tests, we leveled at the start and did not need to do it again during weeks of intensive use, even after switching to the perforated build plate.
Now we proceed to fill the vat, doing so slowly and avoiding creating bubbles. The resin must be well mixed before pouring: we recommend gently rotating the bottle with circular and inversion movements, without shaking vigorously to avoid introducing bubbles — and of course, do not exceed the maximum fill line of the vat.
Once the resin is added, the detection system will confirm the level and the film status. Thanks to the smart systems, if it detects cured resin on the bottom, it will alert before starting the print — something we verified works in our tests, though we still recommend always checking the vat manually.
As with any resin printer and any new resin, the first step before launching real projects is to run the RERF test (Resin Exposure Range Finder). This test prints a matrix of parts at different exposure times and lets you find the optimal value for your resin under current conditions (temperature, resin batch, etc.).
The RERF is a matrix of parts printed at different exposure times within a single file. Its purpose is to find the optimal exposure time for your specific resin under your current machine conditions: ambient temperature, resin batch, and film condition.
It is important to understand that calibration is not optional — at least if you want the best results from your printer. Skipping it can mean:
– Underexposure: brittle parts that detach mid-print, surfaces with incomplete layers, and undefined details.
– Overexposure: loss of fine detail, «elephant foot» on base layers, and merging of nearby geometries.
The optimal time varies between resins, between batches of the same resin, and between temperatures. That is why you should calibrate whenever you change resin or environmental conditions.
The process for generating an RERF test on the P1 is simple. In Photon Workshop 4.0, we have the option to create RERF tests, either using Anycubic’s own test model or whichever one we prefer. In our case, we use the J3D-Tech box test, which we consider one of the most reliable.
- Open Photon Workshop 4.0 and select the Photon P1 profile
- Go to Tools → Exposure Test (RERF)
- The software automatically generates a file with 8 cubes on a single plate, each with a different exposure time calculated from the base profile
- Send the file to the printer and start the print
- Examine the printed cubes: look for the one with the most defined corners without deformation, readable text in the number relief, and a uniform surface without bubbles
- The number engraved on each cube directly indicates the exposure time it was printed with: note it down and enter it in your print profile
No calculations needed: the system is self-explanatory. In our tests, the RERF produced valid results for all tested resins in under 20 minutes.
For a complete analysis of all SLA calibration parameters — bottom layers, lift speeds, anti-aliasing, support management, and temperature optimization — check our complete SLA/resin printer calibration guide.
The P1 is compatible with Photon Workshop 4.0, Anycubic’s own slicer, which includes pre-configured profiles for the most common brand resins. For users coming from other Anycubic printers, the transition is seamless.
For advanced users, Lychee Slicer offers full compatibility with the P1 and greater control over support parameters, anti-aliasing, and zone-differential exposure. It is our recommendation for demanding projects, although for now, it does not support direct remote sending to the printer.
Regarding print speeds in the slicer, the advice is the same as with the M7 Pro: start with the default values from the factory profile, and once you have confirmed the printer is printing correctly, introduce gradual adjustments if you want to optimize time. Aggressive changes in lift speeds can affect the detail in parts with complex geometries.
Print Quality of the Anycubic Photon P1
Once the initial setup process was complete, we set out to print a variety of projects to evaluate the real-world quality of the P1 under normal use conditions.
Our test unit belongs to the first batch of testers, which allowed us to closely follow the product’s evolution before launch. Anycubic incorporated several improvements based on tester feedback — important work we carry out so that machines reach users with as few issues as possible.
- Improved UV cover: production units feature a top cover with greater UV blocking capability, designed for more demanding use environments. The cover on our test unit was functional, but the final version we received later offers greater light protection during long sessions.
- Repositioned MAX fill line on the vat: the maximum level indicator has been adjusted to a lower position than on the initial unit, improving safety and print stability by reducing the risk of overflow with high-viscosity resins.
These updates mean that P1 buyers receive a slightly improved machine compared to the one we evaluated.
Hulk x Hulkbuster Diorama by ZEZ Studios (1:6 scale)
One of the most ambitious tests was the Hulk x Hulkbuster diorama by ZEZ Studios, a 1:6 scale model combining two figures of great geometric complexity with highly defined muscle and armor textures.
The P1 completed this project without a single failure. The 16.8 µm XY resolution is evident in the details of the Hulkbuster armor and in the Hulk’s skin textures: scales, muscle lines, and facial details with a level of definition that matches or exceeds anything we have seen so far in printers of this category.
Wave Release made the difference on this model: the 0.3 mm supports in high-detail areas came out clean with none of the residue that normally requires sanding. The figure was ready for post-processing with almost no extra work at the support contact points.
Warhammer Diorama
The Warhammer universe has many fans, and a colleague asked us to print a 1:6 diorama from that universe. The model was not especially well crafted, but thanks to the quality of the Photon P1, it looked excellent.
The diorama printed on the P1 came out without incident, with all the details of the original model and without adhesion failures or broken supports.
Custom Funko and Chibi Figures
We ran several print sessions of custom Funko-style and chibi figures, combining very rounded geometries with small details in the face, hands, and accessories.
The P1 demonstrated another of its strengths here: cross-session consistency. The same figures printed on different days with the same calibrated profile came out with identical dimensions and the same level of detail. The ball screw and milled steel platform make repeatability real, not just theoretical.
Particularly noteworthy is the ability to fill the build plate in these projects: we printed runs of 8–12 figures per plate without incident, with consistent results corner to corner thanks to the uniform illumination of LighTurbo 4.0.
AV Games Old World — Primal Roar Brakka Gorahur
The Brakka Gorahur by AV Games Old World is a large-format model with extreme detail in organic textures, armor pieces, and complex support structures. We printed it en dos poses diferentes, aprovechando la plataforma para maximizar el volumen impreso por sesión.
The P1 completed both prints without a single failure. Once again, Wave Release was decisive with this model, which has large cross-sectional areas where accumulated peel force can compromise supports. El resultado final fue excepcional: la textura orgánica del personaje, con relieves y detalles de escala milimétrica, se reprodujo fielmente y sin artefactos de estrato visibles.
Overall assessment: zero failures
Over more than 100 hours of test sessions, the Photon P1 did not record a single print failure. Our methodology was always to try to fill the build plate to the maximum volume possible: bandejas completas de figuras pequeñas, proyectos grandes que ocupen la mayor parte de la superficie de 223 × 126 mm, o combinaciones de piezas de diferente tamaño para aprovechar todo el espacio disponible.
In all configurations, results were consistent. The combination of Wave Release (reduced peel force), ball screw (mechanical repeatability), LighTurbo 4.0 (light uniformity luminosa) y el VAT/tanque calefactado (resina siempre a temperatura óptima) funciona como un sistema coherente que elimina prácticamente todas las fuentes habituales de fallo en la impresión MSLA.
Resins tested
| Resin | Type | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anycubic Standard Grey | Standard | ★★★★★ | Factory profile, excellent starting point |
| Anycubic ABS-Like Pro 2 | Tough | ★★★★★ | Heating to 35 °C greatly improves flow |
| Anycubic Texture | Ultra-detail | ★★★★★ | For figures and jewellery: exceptional results |
| Anycubic Rigid 100 | Technical | ★★★★ | Heating to 40 °C is essential for these |
Active vat heating makes a real difference, especially with ABS-Like and engineering-grade resins. At ambient temperature in winter (18–20 °C), these resins can produce unpredictable results and failures with no apparent cause. With the vat at 35–38 °C, exposure parameters are more predictable, and peel force is more consistent between layers.
Analysis and User Experience
After weeks of intensive use with over 100 hours of printing, the Anycubic Photon P1 is the best-designed and best-built resin machine we have had at 3Dwork. It is clear this is not an incremental evolution of the previous generation: there are design decisions that imply a change of philosophy, and Anycubic has done exceptional work with this Photon P1.
Mechanics and kinematics
The ball screw and dual linear rails are the single biggest differentiator from everything else we have tested in this price category. The difference is felt not only in print results but in the very behaviour of the machine: Z-axis movements are silent, without the characteristic screw noise of a trapezoidal leadscrew, and motion response is smoother.
One aspect we were concerned about was the weight of the steel build plate: being heavier than aluminum, it could generate unwanted inertia during fast Z movements. In practice, the P1’s control system handles this aspect perfectly, and we have detected no artefacts related to the extra platform mass.
Wave Release System in real use
Wave Release delivers on its promise. We have printed with resins that already worked well on the M7 Pro (with improved ACF), and the difference in peel force is noticeable. Supports come away with less effort, marks on piece surfaces are smaller, and the number of failures from platform detachment on large pieces has dropped to zero in our tests.
Heated vat: pros and cons
The P1’s heating system is mechanically simpler than the M7 Pro (no peristaltic pump), making it easier to maintain. There is no resin circuit to clean; no pump that can wear out.
The trade-off is that without active circulation, heat distribution is less uniform. With high-viscosity resins, we noticed that the upper zone of the vat takes longer to reach the target temperature than the bottom, so we always recommend a warm-up cycle before starting the print in these cases. For standard resins of normal viscosity, the difference is practically negligible.
We also found the vat connector design very well thought out, as it prevents accidents from resin leaks.
Cloud and AI Functions
These new machine generations include many cloud-based remote management features that greatly simplify certain tasks. In our tests with the Photon P1, however, we encountered some limitations:
- Transfer Speed: The cloud file compression process and subsequent transfer to the printer were extremely slow. Complex files can take 3 to 4 minutes just to be prepared, and as long or longer to be sent — the transfers eventually go through correctly. In our case, we ultimately opted for USB, as we couldn’t quite pinpoint the problem with the help of the Anycubic team, although it points to an internal issue with my network, since this isn’t the first time it’s happened with their machines.
- Wi-Fi Coverage: We found that the internal antenna has a limited range. If the printer is not close to the router, connection drops can be frequent when sending large files.
- Slicer Dependency: For now, to take advantage of these smart features and remote sending, users are required to use Photon Workshop, limiting freedom for those who prefer Lychee or CHITUBOX for professional workflows.
- AI Camera: A feature that looks great in marketing, but in reality, due to the camera angle, how these printers work, and the limited camera and lighting quality, it is barely of any use.
Noise and power consumption
The P1’s noise level during normal printing is between 38 and 45 dB, similar to the M7 Pro. It is not a quiet machine, but it is not intrusive either. The internal fan generates a constant, uniform hum, without the noise spikes that sometimes appeared in previous generationnteriores durante el movimiento del Z.
Power consumption during printing is still being verified in our tests. The active heater adds extra load compared to the M7 Pro, which we will confirm with our own data before publishing definitive figures.
Dual Material System (Optional Kit)
The dual-vat kit is purchased separately and includes a second smart vat and a second build plate. Once installed, it allows loading two different resins and running a combined print where the slicer manages which zones of the model are printed with each material.
In our tests with the dual material kit on two-color jewelry projects, the result is functional. The process requires planning in the slicer and some practice to master purge timing, but once learned, it is reproducible.
What we liked most is that the resin detection for each vat works independently, so the system alerts if either of the two vats needs refilling before the print fails.
What still has room for improvement: the slicer interface for two-color management is functional but somewhat basic. We hope future versions of Photon Workshop will improve this aspect.
For makers who print miniatures or single-material figure runs, it is probably unnecessary. For professionals in dental, jewelry, or technical prototyping, it can be a genuine workflow change.
Maintenance and Support
Anycubic has considerably improved its support ecosystem in recent years, and the P1 benefits from this. They offer a comprehensive Wiki with manuals, setup guides, troubleshooting, and firmware downloads. They also have a YouTube support channel with video content for the most common processes.
Maintenance of the P1 is similar to the M7 Pro, with some specific considerations:
- Wave Release film: Although more durable than FEP, it will eventually need replacement. The P1 includes a spare in the box.
- Ball screw: We recommend periodic lubrication with lithium grease or equivalent, although the interval is much longer than with the trapezoidal screw.
- UV screen: periodic inspection using the built-in screen test. A screen with degraded pixels directly affects print quality.
- Pressure sensors: periodic cleaning of the contact area to ensure correct readings.
Without a peristaltic pump (unlike the M7 Pro), maintenance of the heating system is practically zero beyond thoroughly cleaning the vat between resin changes.
Final Verdict on the Anycubic Photon P1
We reach the final section, and it is time to give our verdict after weeks of use.
The Anycubic Photon P1 is the best resin printer Anycubic has ever released, in our experience. That is not an empty headline: there are engineering decisions in this machine that mark a before and after for the consumer/prosumer segment. The ball screw, milled steel build plate, Wave Release, and heated vat are real, measurable improvements in results.
Build quality is the biggest difference from the M7 Pro. We are not talking only about better materials, but about superior mechanical reliability that translates into fewer failures, more cross-session consistency, and less time troubleshooting and more time printing.
The dual material system is a unique differentiator in this price category that opens up possibilities previously exclusive to production equipment. Not everyone will need it, but those who use it will find it a very powerful tool.
Does it have room for improvement? Yes.
- Heating without active circulation is less uniform than the M7 Pro.
- The cover is not completely sealed and has air leaks, making the use of a filtration system or controlled environment more than advisable.
- Photon Workshop 4.0 still lags behind Lychee in advanced features; additionally, in our experience, we had many problems sending jobs directly to the printer, which was frustrating.
- The resin drain system is great, but has two issues: first, depending on the position, resin can drip outside; second, it prevents the cover from closing completely.
- We have not focused much on the camera system — it is adequate, but again, due to its placement, it rarely provides much useful information.
- The entry price may seem high for some users: this is not the machine for someone who wants to try resin printing for the first time.
But for the demanding maker who already knows the technology and is looking for a machine that will not be obsolete in two years, the P1 is the most complete option on the market in its format.
Ideal for:
- Experienced resin makers who want to step up to a machine with pro-level features
- Jewelry printing, engineering prototypes, and dental production
- High-resolution figures and detailed miniature collections
- Users who regularly work with ABS-Like, technical, or engineering-grade resins
- Two-color or dual-material production (with kit)
Not so ideal if:
- Your use is sporadic and does not justify the investment in a machine of this category
- You need very high production speeds as your primary priority
- You do not have a properly ventilated and safe space to work with resin
Where to buy the Anycubic Photon P1
Anycubic has the Anycubic Photon P1 in their online store, where you can buy the printer directly, along with accessories, spare parts, and consumables. They are currently shipping units as soon as stock becomes available.
Here are some links to their store and other reference retailers:
| Anycubic Photon Mono P1 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we include answers to some of the questions you have asked us on our social media:
Can I use any 405 nm resin?
In theory, yes, any standard 405 nm resin is compatible. The advantage of the P1 is that it also supports resins up to 8,000 cps viscosity, thanks to the vat heating. For standard resins, it works like any MSLA. For technical or engineering-grade resins, the heating makes a real difference.
Is the Anycubic Photon P1 suitable for beginners?
Not the best choice for first-timers. Resin printing requires more care than filament printing, and the P1 is a high-end machine aimed at experienced users. If you are new to resin, we recommend starting with a more accessible Photon Mono and stepping up to the P1 once you have experience.
Can the dual material kit be added after purchase?
Yes. The Dual Material Print Kit is sold separately in the Anycubic store and is compatible with any Photon P1. It does not need to be purchased at the time of buying the printer.
Which slicer do you recommend for the Photon P1?
To get started: Photon Workshop 4.0 (free, includes factory profiles).
For advanced results: Lychee Slicer (paid version, ideally, fully compatible with the P1) is our preferred slicer. Chitubox is also compatible, although we have not been able to verify full profile support at this time.
How long does the Wave Release film last?
Anycubic does not provide a specific number of prints. Durability is greater than conventional FEP and comparable or superior to ACF. Deterioration is detected when permanent marks appear on the film surface or when peel force noticeably increases.
The P1 should include a spare film in the box — something that was not the case with our test unit.
What is the main difference from the Photon Mono M7 Pro?
The key differences are three: the ball screw Z axis (greater precision and durability), the milled steel build plate (better uniform adhesion), and the Wave Release system (lower peel force). To these we add the dual material system, exclusive to the P1.
The M7 Pro remains an excellent machine, but the P1 is clearly a step above in build quality, improvements across almost all areas, and versatility.
Is the vat heating sufficient for very viscous engineering-grade resins?
Heating up to 40 °C and support for up to 8,000 cps are sufficient for the vast majority of technical resins on the market. For particularly viscous resins (some dental or high-rigidity jewelry formulations), we recommend pre-warming the resin bottle before pouring it into the vat.
