Published on Mon Dec 20 2021 10:55:26 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro: A Deep Dive into This Powerhouse Resin Printer

The Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro is making waves in the resin 3D printing community. It’s a machine aimed at users who demand speed, precision, and reliability, and it packs in a lot of features that cater to both hobbyists and professionals. Let’s take a detailed look at what makes this printer tick.

Detailed Specifications

Before we dive into the user experience, let’s lay out the key specifications:

Printing Technology: MSLA (Masked Stereolithography) / Resin
Light Source: Upgraded LED Matrix Light Source
LCD Screen: 10.1-inch 14400 * 5120 (13.3K) Monochrome LCD
XY Resolution: 16.8 * 24.8 μm
Build Volume: 223mm (L) x 126mm (W) x 230mm (H)
Z-Axis: Dual Linear Rails with Ball Screw Mechanism
Printing Speed: Up to 170mm/hr (with high-speed resin)
Resin Vat: Smart Resin Vat with Auto Resin Feeding/Removal
Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi
Leveling: Automatic Leveling
Control Panel: 4.3-inch Touchscreen
Slicing Software: Anycubic Photon Workshop, Chitubox, Lychee Slicer
Materials: Compatible with 405nm UV resins, including standard, high-speed, tough, flexible, and castable resins.
Dimensions: 290mm (L) x 270mm (W) x 475mm (H)
Weight: ~14 kg

Key Features Explained

13.3K LCD Screen: The high-resolution LCD translates to incredibly detailed prints with sharp edges and smooth surfaces. The finer pixel pitch allows for capturing intricate details in your models.
High-Speed Printing: The combination of the powerful light source and optimized firmware enables impressive print speeds. The listed 170mm/hr is achievable with specific resins and print settings. Standard resins will print slower.
Automatic Leveling: Say goodbye to tedious manual bed leveling. The M7 Pro’s automatic leveling system ensures a consistent and even first layer, crucial for successful prints.
Smart Resin Vat: The automated resin handling is a game-changer. It automatically refills the vat during printing, preventing resin shortages, and can even remove excess resin after the print is complete, minimizing waste.
Dual Linear Rails: The sturdy dual linear rails on the Z-axis provide stability and precision, contributing to smoother and more accurate prints, especially at higher Z-axis heights.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: Monitor and control your prints remotely via Wi-Fi, adding convenience to your workflow.
Temperature Control: A built-in temperature control system helps maintain optimal resin temperature, which can improve print quality and consistency, especially in varying ambient conditions.
Air Purifier (Optional): Anycubic has provided a housing for their air purifier to fit onto the printer. This provides you with a safe environment with less fumes.

Usage Tips for the Photon Mono M7 Pro

To get the best results from your Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro, consider these tips:

Resin Selection: Experiment with different resins to find the ones that best suit your specific needs. Consider factors like strength, flexibility, heat resistance, and color when making your choice. Always use a resin designed for 405nm printers.
Print Settings: Optimize your print settings based on the resin you’re using. This includes layer height, exposure time, lift speed, and retract speed. The resin manufacturer often provides recommended settings as a starting point.
Slicing Software: While Anycubic Photon Workshop is a decent slicer, explore other options like Chitubox or Lychee Slicer. These offer more advanced features and customization options.
Support Placement: Proper support placement is essential for successful resin prints. Use the slicer’s automatic support generation feature, but also manually add supports in areas that need extra reinforcement, such as overhangs and bridges.
Post-Processing: After printing, thoroughly clean your prints with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or a dedicated resin cleaner. Then, cure them under UV light to fully harden the resin.
Resin Handling: Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling resin. Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to fumes. Dispose of used resin and IPA properly.
Maintenance: Regularly clean the LCD screen, resin vat, and build plate. Lubricate the Z-axis linear rails as needed.
Temperature: Ambient temperatures can drastically affect the quality of the print. Ensure the printer is in a temperature controlled environment or have an enclosure that can maintain a constant temperature.

Addressing Common Concerns

Resin Odor: Resin printing can produce odors. Using an enclosure with ventilation or a carbon filter can help mitigate this issue.
Print Failures: Print failures can be frustrating. Double-check your settings, resin compatibility, and support placement. Ensure your build plate is properly leveled.
Resin Storage: Store resin in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption.