Argomenti trattati
The Anycubic Photon P1 positions itself as a prosumer-grade resin printer that blends modern conveniences with advanced hardware. With a quoted build volume of 223 x 126 x 230 mm and a 10.1-inch 14K monochrome LCD, the machine aims to serve hobbyists and small studios who want high-resolution output without an industrial footprint. Important facts to know up front: the unit was offered on Kickstarter December 11, 2026 and carries an MSRP $699. Key headline features include a heated vat, Wave Release film to lower peel forces, and optional dual-material capability via an add-on kit.
Out of the box the P1 arrives mostly assembled and includes standard accessories plus a USB drive with Anycubic’s Photon Workshop slicer. Connectivity options cover USB and Wi‑Fi, and a compact 4.5-inch touch panel controls the printer locally. Practical details — like a vent port for attaching an exhaust hose and a sturdy aluminum vat with a slide-lock system — emphasize everyday usability. While the package is feature-dense, there are a few caveats: no auto-refill for resin, some AI-assisted features that can be finicky, and occasional slicing quirks when using the dual build plate.
Design and core hardware
The P1’s industrial design leans toward durability and workflow improvements. The resin vat is aluminum, offers an integrated drip management solution, and is temperature-controlled up to 40°C, which helps when printing with viscous or cold-climate resins. Anycubic’s Wave Release film on the vat reduces peel force—an important mechanical factor—by roughly 60%, and the machine’s innovative slide-locks replace fiddly screws for both the vat and build plate. Z-axis motion and optical delivery are also modern: a COB LightTurbo 4.0 light source coupled with a Fresnel collimating lens and a 10.1-inch 14K panel create an even light field for curing, while the listed XY resolution (about 16.8 x 24.8 μm) supports fine detail work.
Leveling and motion systems
One standout is the leveling routine. The P1 employs Smart Auto-Leveling 3.0 together with Smart Dynamic Balance 3.0, which uses pressure feedback rather than the traditional paper-and-screw method. During setup the printer guides the user through adjustments and gives live feedback on whether the plate is moving toward level — effectively lowering the barrier for newcomers. The Z-axis precision specification of 0.02 mm and repeatability of ±0.01 mm indicate the mechanical focus on consistent layer placement, contributing to reliable print accuracy across runs.
Workflow, software and post-processing
Anycubic bundles its own Photon Workshop slicer, currently the only software that fully supports the dual-material build plate. For single-plate setups, third-party tools like Lychee have added compatibility, while Chitubox support is expected in time. The touchscreen UI is compact and approachable, and the machine supports wireless job transfer. Post-processing follows standard resin practices: wash printed parts with high-concentration isopropyl, dry completely to avoid whitening from residual solvent, and cure parts in a UV station. Anycubic sells a combined wash-and-cure unit separately; users should handle uncured resin with gloves, eye protection, and good ventilation and should never pour contaminated IPA down drains.
Practical tips
When removing supports, do so before final curing for easier cleanup, use side cutters and tweezers, and follow a 15-minute curing guideline for most parts in a UV station or several hours in bright sunlight. The printer accepts high-viscosity resins (up to 8000 cps) and can heat the vat quickly, which is beneficial for consistent layer adhesion and print success in cool rooms. Keep spare consumables like Wave Release film and consider the optional dual-plate kit only if you plan to print multiple colors or materials in the same job.
Performance, printing examples and verdict
In real-world tests the P1 produced clean results across a variety of objects. A full-length traditional flute printed in white standard resin at 0.05 mm layers finished in about 8 hours 10 minutes and consumed approximately 210 ml of resin — a cost-effective outcome compared with some commercially produced instruments. A decorative figure printed hollow with drainage channels printed in under 11 hours, using 258 ml of resin and demonstrating effective automatic support placement. The optional dual-plate setup allowed for a quick color-switch workflow when printing two small ornamental models in different resins, though arranging models across both halves required manual centering in the slicer at the time of review.
Bottom line: the Anycubic Photon P1 delivers a compelling mix of convenience and advanced features for the asking price of $699. It’s especially attractive for users who value a heated vat, reduced peel forces from Wave Release, and the potential for dual-material printing without buying a second machine. Some software rough edges and the lack of an auto-refill system are worth noting, but overall this printer represents a strong value for prosumers seeking a click-and-print experience with room to grow.