Anycubic has announced two new resin 3D printers, each with a familiar-yet-confusing name.
First up is the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6Ks, which seems to be a slightly scaled-down version of the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K. It boasts a 9.1-inch, 6K monochrome screen and build volume of 195.84 x 122.4 x 200 mm — both slightly smaller than its predecessor. It also features an “upgraded” LighTurbo (a claim Anycubic seems to make for many of its new 3D printers) that works to reduce grid lines and achieve light uniformity of more than 90%, while reaching print speeds of 15-60 mm/hour (compared to the Mono X 6K’s claimed max speed of 80 mm/hour).
A dual-linear rail stabilizes the Z-axis “to the micron level” in an effort to reduce visible print layers and create a higher degree of detail, with a laser-engraved build platform that aims to reduce fall-offs and warping.
The Anycubic Photon Mono X 6Ks is available now on Anycubic’s website for $329, where you can also check out full details, as well as optional add-ons such as an air purifier.
Also announced, albeit up for preorder, is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5 – a 12K machine that, at first glance, seems remarkably similar to the just-announced Anycubic Photon Mono M5s. Rather than the M5s being a scaled-down version of the M5, however, it seems the M5 is just missing some of the M5s’ features. While the two printers share a 10.1-inch screen, 19-micron X accuracy, and 200 x 218 x 123 mm build volume, they diverge in print speed and machine leveling.
Anycubic says the Mono M5s hits an average print speed of a blistering 105 mm/hr and features a “leveling-free” design, in which a mechanical sensor on the cantilever arm makes automatic adjustments. The Mono M5, on the other hand, will operate between 20-50 mm/hr, with four-point manual leveling.
That’s all well and good, but it does raise the question of what the “S” in Anycubic’s naming scheme actually means, as it is used across models to varying effects: ostensibly for speed with the M5s, but for budget – or maybe even “second generation”? Whatever the intent, it seems to add only confusion to Anycubic’s ever-growing lineup of machines.
The Anycubic Mono M5 is currently up for preorder on Anycubic’s website, eyeing an estimated September delivery date (exact dates vary depending on your geographical location). A $50 early-bird discount currently brings its price down to $369.
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