The monochrome display with 6K resolution is the highlight of the Photon Mono X 6K. It reduces the pixel size from 0.05 mm in the predecessor, the Photon Mono X (test report) to 0.034 mm. In addition, the model has a stronger light source matrix installed. It enables shorter exposure times and thus 25% faster print times of up to 80 mm/h. In addition, the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K has a slightly larger print space of 245 x 197 x 122 mm – that’s 2 mm more on both horizontal axes. We will show in the test whether the purchase is worthwhile.
Construction
The Photon Photon Mono X 6k is set up very quickly. Unpack, then remove all foam pieces. Small printed stickers explain what should and shouldn’t go. Important: Only remove the film from the screen protector, not the screen protector. This is fixed with black adhesive tape and protects the mono screen. That’s it; it couldn’t be easier.
software
The light intensity on the Mono X 6K should be set to 80%. This puts less strain on the monoscreen and protects it. This is worth it, especially given the relatively short lifespan of 2000 hours for a mono screen.
hardware
The Photon Mono X 6K looks like its predecessor, but the light source matrix is state-of-the-art and allows extremely short exposure times. The detailed 6K resolution is unique in the Anycubic product range. In addition, the Photon Mono X 6K also has the double Z-spindle guide made of two CNC-milled linear rails. This results in a more even layer guidance. The monochrome screen, which reduces the exposure times from 12 to 15 to 2 to 3 seconds, was also available on the predecessor – just with a lower resolution. The high-resolution screen offers a pixel size of just 0.034 mm and enables even more detailed prints than its predecessor. Edges, corners and peaks are impressively fine and precise thanks to the strong contrast ratio of 1:350.
The processing of the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K is solid and of high quality. The simple structure of the acrylic glass dome fulfills its purpose and successfully blocks UV radiation. The lower chassis is cleanly worked. Only the small display could have been bigger. On the other hand, Anycubic has gotten a better handle on the fan noise. While the Mono X still delivered the background noise of a hand vacuum cleaner, the operating volume of the Photon Mono X 6K is significantly lower.
The Photon Mono X 6K is basically the missing link between Photon Mono X (test report) and Photon M3 Plus (test report). According to our research, the light source matrix of the Photon Mono X 6k is a predecessor of the newly introduced Anycubic Lighturbo technology. The values are identical. This more powerful light source matrix consists of 40 LEDs and is enclosed in a transparent matrix of hollow spheres. The Photon Mono X 6K achieves the same light intensity as its successor, the M3 Plus (test report). Both allow exposure times of 1.5 to 1.8 seconds with Anycubic Craftman Resin at moderate temperatures.
Gallery – Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K
print quality
The print quality of SLA printers has increased enormously in recent years. 2K, 4K, 6K, 8K – everything now seems feasible. This is the pixel number of the display that is responsible for the selective exposure of the resin. The higher, the finer the print resolution. However, this high quality is only really needed with a large offset in the horizontal plane. If the print models have levels that recede strongly upwards, 4K is perfectly adequate. Almost no layers can be seen in the lady on one of the test images. The case is different with geometric, flat forms, with reliefs and lithophane. With these models there are minimal surface differences in the levels. The Photon Mono X 6K can fully demonstrate its strengths in the detailed height offset.
Print Quality – Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K
For example, if an inclined surface in space falls away and thus offers a flat slope, a 4K printer as well as a 6K printer prints the same number of layers in the vertical. However, while the 4K printer makes pixel jumps of 0.05 mm in the slant, the 6K printer only jumps 0.034 mm each time. Accordingly, a 6K printer makes more and finer jumps in the slant. A bevel is therefore much smoother when viewed up close than in a print with a lower resolution – arithmetically by around 30 percent.
We printed some functional parts for the test. Was used for this Monoprice Resin Gray provided to us by the manufacturer. The results were accurate as expected. Then it was time to print the classic Notre Dame Cathedral, which has a lot of fine structures. To further increase the difficulty, the model was scaled down to 75%. The Photon Mono X 6k has mastered all of this. Even filigree structures such as latticework and peaks on the roof of the model church and other details were brought into perfect shape, which hardly any other printer can do at this level.
Impressive, but how does it compare to a 4K printer? So another comparison test with the Photon M3 Plus 4k+. A blue sphere was printed with Anycubic Aqua Blue. The differences are so subtle we just couldn’t photograph them. Nevertheless, if you look closely, you can see a minimal difference. Towards the poles of the sphere – hanging from the print bed, i.e. above and below – more individual layers can be seen. With the 6K printer, this starts about 1 cm later. The finish of the curve is almost identical on both, but still a touch better on the 6K printer.
After a few prints we had problems with the print bed adhesion. So it went to troubleshooting and research on the net. We quickly found what we were looking for there. Our firmware version V0.2.2 can produce faulty print images. Good news for everyone who owns a Photon Mono X 6k with an HC motherboard: There is a firmware update. But be careful: If the serial number contains an H7 instead of HC, this update must not be installed!
Price
At the time of publication, the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K is available from around 429 euros at European retailers.
Conclusion
The Anycubic Mono X (test report) hit like a bomb two years ago. Advantages were the large print room, faster print times and the RERF exposure test. This made the model clearly superior to all comparable printers. The Photon Mono X 6K lacks this enormous leap in performance; it is more of a logical further development of the successful model of the time.
Unfortunately, the newer Photon Mono X 6K is not without its teething problems. However, a firmware update and a new FEP film solved the problem. Overall, the new Photon model did not run as smoothly as the Photon M3 Plus (test report). However, it is still relatively expensive at just under 590 euros. The old, very reliable Anycubic Mono X is currently for about 280 euros to have. If you get your first SLA printer, you should better go for the Photon M3 Plus right away or the Photon Mono X for less money.
The situation is different if you primarily want to produce lithophane, relief maps or extremely small print models. Those who prefer to spend such prints can use the Photon Mono X 6K print at an even higher level for 429 euros. Print results were finer with the 6K model than any other 4K SLA printer we tested.
