The newest offering from Anycubic is an intelligent, fast, and medium-format 3D printer that boasts 12K worth of pixels. In our Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Review, we will discuss the Photon Mono M5s and all related details.
The M5s is a small but mighty 3D printer. It sports a generous build-plate and a massive 10.1-inch monochrome LCD screen with 12K resolution.
It also provides us with something unique – levelling-free printing – something we have never seen before.
If this 3D printer seems like something you need, continue reading our review. We will discuss its features, design, functions, specs, and how it performed during our tests.
Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Packaging
Our printer arrived in time for this Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Review, and it shipped in a standard-looking cardboard box. There was nothing much to see on it, so we immediately checked its contents.
Everything is nicely and securely packed inside, so nothing got damaged during shipping. What you will find within the package include the following:
- Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
- A Print Platform
- One Resin Vat
- Tool Kits
- Scrapers
- A Pair of Gloves
- One Mask
- An Anti-scratch Film Kit
- USB Flash Drive
- Power Adapter
- A Funnel
- An Instruction Manual
Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Review – Design and Functionality
When the 3D printer arrived for our Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Review, it came in fully-assembled, which was great!
When the 3D printer arrived for our Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Review, it was assembled and ready to use. We only had to remove its LED screen protector used for shipping before applying the new one provided. After, we screwed the vat and build plate, and we were all set for printing.
The M5s is a 3D printer featuring the classic black and gold colour scheme of Anycubic. It sports a prism-shaped hood with a few clean lines along the base.
We love its solid, sturdy feel that blends nicely with the metal vat and dual rails. These are on the z for steadier motion.
The printer is an intelligent product featuring auto features to help during printing activities. It can pinpoint the amount of resin in the vat and determine if there were any printing failures. Another notable aspect of the M5s is its self-levelling print bed.
When switched on, the printer can also run hardware checks to track how many layers and models have been printed. Knowing the number of layers printed is extremely useful. It allows you to monitor the wear-and-tear on plastic release films on the base of its vat.
12K Resolution and More on the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
With the printer, you can enjoy 12K resolution on its 10.1-inch monochrome LCD screen. It has a whopping number of pixels – an excellent feature since it achieves 19 microns of accuracy on its X-axis.
The M5s has a laser-etched build plate that latches onto prints to keep them secure, safe, and in place.
There is enough slope at the top of the plate to allow the resin to drain back into its vat. The latter also features a pour spout to help drain everything back into the bottle. Efficient, clean, and convenient.
Rather than a microSD, the printer can read files via a USB sticker. Its port is situated on the side together with the power switch. You will find it where you will unlikely drip resin. Moreover, it has WiFi via the Anycubic application.
On its touchscreen, it is similar to other resin printers from Anycubic. Simply put, it is well thought-out and user-friendly!
Anycubic Wash & Cure Plus
Wash and clean them with isopropyl alcohol after you print your work. Then, you have to cure them under UV light.
We suggest giving the prints at least a 30-second hand rinse with 95% isopropyl alcohol. Let it have a 2-minute rinse using the Wash and Cure Plus from Anycubic. However, you need to purchase the latter separately.
Wash and Cure is perfect for cleaning and curing resin prints. If you have a spacious cleaning basin and a curing platform, your enlarged works can also receive enough post-processing. The cleaning process is necessary since the resin material properties are better after curing and cleaning.
Washing Resin Models
This solution from Anycubic provides you with an 8.5L washing tank. It needs some IPA or other cleaning fluids of your choice.
On the base of the washing tank, you will find a black propeller made of plastic. Magnets at the bottom set it in motion, allowing the vat to be entirely watertight. It will not require a physical connection to the propeller that mixes the cleaning solution.
Additionally, the washing tank features a convenient cover that clips in place for storage when not in use. It generally stops the IPA from evaporating and prevents the IPA scent from seeping outside.
Once you get the Anycubic Wash and Cure Plus, you will see the differences in your 3D printing experience. Post-processing tasks will become partially automated, so anyone doing resin 3D printing should purchase it.
The Wash and Care Plus notably performed when we used it since it cleaned our model thoroughly. Its curing lights were slightly lower-powered, but that is ok since these are on just one side.
Here are some of the features of the Anycubic Wash and Cure Plus:
360-degree Curing Upgrade UV Lamp
The Wash and Cure Plus features a 360-degree automatic rotating curing platform. It integrates an L-shaped strip light and reflective mirror sticker to let the machine execute thorough curing.
The 360-degree automatic rotating curing table and mirror reflective stickers solve top curing difficulties, making all-around curing possible.
Optimised UV Lamp Beads
The Wash and Cure Plus included optical lenses for its UV lamp beads. Doing so provides more uniform irradiation of the UV light source. It also offers a smoother surface on the cured model.
Large-size Clean & Cure Box
You can enjoy 2-in-1 multi-function features for cleaning and curing. It will effectively and efficiently help complete resin model processing.
With this feature, the Wash and Cure Plus is the best solution for creating the perfect model. It is ideal for all LCD light-curing printers measuring 8.9 inches or lower.
Generally, its hanging cleaning size is 192 x 120 x 235mm (LxWxH). When we speak of curing size, it measures 190 x 245mm (DxH).
Super Cleaning Power
Once you activate its cleaning function, you will find a massive vortex with water flow generated from the rotation. It thoroughly cleans every portion of the resin model while simultaneously supporting the cleaning of water-washed resin models.
The Wash and Cure Plus can accommodate larger-sized models for cleaning, sealing, anti-splash, and volatilisation. Plus, it is safer, more efficient, and more reliable than similar products.
Two Cleaning Methods
Multiple washing processes bring more flexibility in cleaning while avoiding contact with resin. Here are a few options you can follow when cleaning:
- With a cleaning basket, remove the model, then place it in a basket to clean it directly.
- Another option is to hang the printing platform onto the cleaning basket/rack to decrease resin exposure.
- You can adjust its time from 1 to 60 minutes, while the custom knob adjusts the cleaning and curing time. You can further clean and cure each layer of the 3D printer model based on your needs.
Enhanced Safety Features
It incorporates an automatic pause mechanism that activates upon removing the cover.
When operating in the curing mode, the Wash and Cure Plus halts the curing process upon removal of the cover. This precautionary measure ensures that UV light does not emit during such instances.
Advanced Anti-UV Light Hood
The Wash and Cure Plus offers exceptional protection against 405nm wavelength UV light thanks to its anti-UV hood. The hood boasts an impressive blocking rate of 99.95%, accelerating the resin curing process.
Moreover, the hood temporarily suspends the removal process. Specifically, during curing mode, if the hood lifts while the product is in operation, the curing process is promptly halted. It is a necessary process to prevent any discomfort/harm caused by UV light exposure to the human body.
The next section of our Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Review focuses on the features that the 3D printer offers. It has elements that make it a product worth considering, but are these enough for what you need? Let us find out.
Key Features of the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
12K Exquisite Details
The Photon Mono M5s has a 12K resolution of a 10.1-inch screen. It offers a 19-micron X accuracy with precise printing details.
Levelling-Free with Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
Because of its mechanical sensor, you can experience a leap in printing efficiency with the M5s. The latter is on the cantilever arm, determining the fit between the floating levelling module and the printing platform.
It automatically adjusts according to the detection results to eliminate the chances of levelling failure. Moreover, it also optimises printing success rates.
3X Faster
The M5s can reach a 105mm/hr average printing speed since it utilises a high-speed release film that lowers release force. It guarantees increased printing success rates while decreasing release height and increasing lifting speed.
Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Auto Device Check
There are several tests on the connectivity of its exposure screen, motor operation status, and mechanical detection modules. With these, you can immediately spot and troubleshoots hardware concerns, guaranteeing a seamless and non-destructive connection for successful printing.
Resin Detection
This specific feature determines whether the resin in the vat is adequate to decrease printing mistakes due to insufficient resin. Additionally, it minimises printing failures due to resin shortage.
Prints Status Detection
This specific feature offers reminders for usual failures such as bottoming-out printing. It significantly decreases the waste of time and resin. Moreover, it can also analyse the causes of failures while providing efficient suggestions to guarantee printing efficiency.
Anycubic App
The M5s also uses the Anycubic App, which we learned about while writing our Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Review. Here, you get the popular sliced STLs/models available to enjoy 3D printing in just a single touch.
There is also task viewing, guaranteeing that your printing process is in control.
Enhanced Anycubic Photon Workshop 3.1
Smart Mode
We can now utilise this option because of the upgraded version of its slicing software. It lets us align exposure parameters automatically with the model size and intricate details.
The feature efficiently prevents the risk of printing issues because of parameter settings. So, it guarantees a seamless and optimised printing process.
New Support Algorithm
It is a novel support algorithm that upgrades printing success rates and stability. The algorithm lessens damage to the model surface while simplifying the removal of bottom valves and supports.
Moreover, it improves the slicing and punching speed, offering us more user-friendly slicing.
Next, our Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Review will give you a quick list of the specifications of the M5s.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 460 x 270 x 290mm (HxWxD)
- Weight: 8.9kg
- Printing Dimensions: 200 x 218 x 123mm (HxWxD)
- Printing Volume: 5.4L
- Average Printing Speed
– With high-speed resin – 105mm/hr. or 4.13 in./hr.
– With general resin – 70mm/hr. or 2.76 in./hr.
- Light Source: LED matrix UV light source
- Z Axis: Double liners with 10μm
- Resin Vat: Unibody design with scale lines
- Exposure Screen
– 10.1-inch monochrome
– 480:1 Contrast Ratio
– 12K (11,520 x 5,120px) resolution
– 4.7% Light Transmittance
– 2,000hrs Typical Lifespan
- Build Platform: Laser engraving aluminium alloy
- Control Panel: 4.3 inch TFT touch-control
- Oversized Protection Film: Replaceable anti-scratch film
- Data Input: USB Type-A 2.0, WiFi
- Power Supply: 100W rated power
- Removable Cover: Effectively blocks UV radiation
- Software: Anycubic Photon Workshop
Hands-on with the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
Before our Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Review discusses the performance of this printer, let us look into the setup process. We tested it for a week to see if it produced excellent results. Knowing how it works will help you decide if it is a printer for your needs.
The excellent build of the M5s makes it sit comfortably on our shelf. However, when choosing where to set it, ensure its cover has enough room to fit the product.
Our overall process of setting up the printer was paintless since the M5s has a plug-and-play build. We did not require any levelling even after we installed the provided screen protector.
We were ready to start printing after setting up the Photon Workshop Slicer (the Android application).
The Photon Workshop Slicer is user-friendly and straightforward. It allows you to remotely initiate and monitor prints, which is nice, specifically when it features print monitoring. There, it will alert you if something wrong is happening.
The slicer improved significantly, and we had no issues using it. It was able to handle support adequately, whether manually or automatically. Plus, it allows for hollowing models, and its drainage hole helps conserve resin.
We also appreciate the inclusion of the intelligent mode on the slicer. Use it with the standard resin settings to analyse the model size and detail level. From there, it adjusts the print settings to decrease the risk of printing mistakes.
We consider it an incredibly-useful addition, especially for inexperienced users.
Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Performance
The M5s has multiple regular and high-speed resin settings, so we did many tests. We printed the same model for easy comparison between the quality of each.
Let us get into detail on the printing results using each profile:
Our printed model using standard resin at 0.5mm layer thickness had good quality. It allowed the printing of ABS-like resin without issues. Although slow, everything turned out perfectly when printing other samples.
This profile is ideal for slow printing highly-detailed models using standard resin with a thick viscosity. It uses a 0.5mm layer height, 2.8-second exposure, and a Z-lift with 6mm/s retracting speed. As a result, it produces clean, crisp, and high-quality results, especially when using high-definition resin.
This profile is like the previous one but with increased printing speed, but it retains the 0.55mm layer thickness. It provides a perfect balance between quality, speed, and price.
Its printing results were decent but less accurate than the standard profile. It took around two hours to finish, but it delivered crisp results.
Our prints using high-speed resin were successful, and it only took 1 minute and 27 seconds to finish. Its working time was fast, making it perfect for quick models and prototypes that do not require fine details.
Using high-speed resin on this profile immediately delivered the finished product. However, the resin was thin with a 0.1mm layer and lacked details. Plus, we noticed slight peeling underneath the model, probably caused by the speed of the printing process.
We recommend using this profile for prototyping only.
Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Review Summary
The Photon Mono M5s from Anycubic is an excellent resin printer that delivers high-quality prints with a generous build volume. Its 19 microns of resolution offers crisp details that are not highly visible to the native eye.
We enjoyed the unique features during our product tests for this Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Review. Audio levelling and resin detection made things more convenient, especially when detecting failure and stopping printing.
The speed of the M5s significantly improved from most consumer-level resin printers. We also appreciate that this printer allows users to choose from shelf or specialty resin.
Overall, the M5s is an impressive printer with innovative features, allowing for higher-quality prints. It offers a generous build volume, ultra-high resolution, and high levels of convenience, so we highly recommend it.
Learn more about the Photon Mono M5s by visiting the official Anycubic product page.
