Photon Mono 4 - Learning the ways
Finally plunged into 3D printing and ended up choosing Resin for its detail and simplicity (in my mind). I don't mind purchasing the Mono 4, and matching Wash/Cure station. Currently using the Water-Wash ABS-like 3.0. Not being familiar with resins, I wouldn't say the smell is at all problematic. I have a power-vented studio office/workshop, which more than handles the smell. Water wash - I opted for a jug of distilled water and will try tap water soon, to see if there is any difference in wash quality. Strength of the prints is impressive, I wouldn't say you need more for smaller models (I did some 1.5mm hollow prints, that worked really well) --- After some successful, hilarious prints (didn't understand how to hollow out at first and made a chonky 350g Totoro print), I've now started printing some small functional parts, which I draw in SketchUp. Still mastering Fusion 360, but I'm definitely getting better. I have printed 4 unsuccessful riser bases for my Nuc9 Sff. I find the OEM airgap hurts the temps, so I wanted to create a better airflow channel. In an effort for "faster" prints, I've mistakenly printed large flat designs parallel to the print plate, and discovered sagging/hammocking... So I spent 8 hours failing 4 times... I now know 45 degrees, and maybe some tilt = longer print time, but really... shorter print time. LOL
AnyCubic Photon Mono 4: Unpacking the Hype, the Highs, and the Costs of 10K Resin Printing #podcast
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 offers groundbreaking 10K resolution at an entry-level price, but its value is undermined by significant durability concerns regarding the LCD screen and a challenging learning curve for new users.
Having trouble choosing a printer...
I started printing with the Mono 4 last week and it was a plug and play experience. No failed prints, no issues. Largest figure was 15cm high and it needed almost 10 hours print time, amazing machine if you can work with the plate size.
✅Top 5 Best 3D Printers Under $200 | Best 3D Printers in 2025
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 resin printer boasts a 105% increase in print precision, achieving 17 micrometers with a 9K resolution, enabling models with exceptional detail. It features a fast 1.5s single-layer exposure time and a generous 2.2L print volume.
My Kid(10yrs) loves 3D printed animals. Got a ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4. Is this a beginner friendly model or should we return it?
Well, I don't think that the ANYCUBIC Photo Mono 4 was such a good choice. Not because of the machine itself but rather of the way it prints.
You bought a resin printer, and that will have a much higher barrier to entry. You can't simply load a model from online, print it and use it. You also won't just need the printer and the material to print with. Then, you also cannot just simply "use it", you will have to use protective equipment with nitrile gloves and a respirator and operate in a well-ventilated room, and all of that while handling the printer and the models until they are fully cured.
Keep in mind, the resin is toxic, so exposure to the skin should be prevented (you won't drop dead from it and can wipe it off and clean the skin easily, but it isn't something you should do all the time). Some people experience allergic reactions from it, and the resin can smell quite bad.
Furthermore, you will need more than just the printer, the printed model will have to be cleaned in an IPA solution (unless you use a water-washable resin) and then it needs to dry completely and run through a final curing process. All of which can be done with a wash and cure station that you would need to buy as well. Including the cleaning medium (IPA) as well.
Personally, I don't think that you really need a resin printer. A filament printer will very likely get what you want already AND it is much easier to handle, especially for a child. The Bambu Lab A1 Mini or the larger A1 is probably a much better choice for that than a Resin printer.
I would recommend a Resin printer if you are actually interested and motivated printing with it. But not something to "play around" or "mess around" with.
So, yeah, I would say to bring the Photon Mono 4 back and get a filament printer instead. This will not require all of that pre- and post-processing and equipment that a Resin printer will need. You will simply need the printer and the filament and you are good to print something.
