Anycubic's Photon M3 series has an entry-level machine - Anycubic Photon M3. This article is a buyer guide on comparing Photon M3 to another popular 3D printer - Anycubic Photon Mono. We will provide their differences in LCD screen size, printer resolution, build volume and the building bed.
Overall Comparisons
| Specifications |
 Anycubic Photon M3
|
 Anycubic Photon Mono
|
|---|---|---|
| LCD screen | 7.6-inch monochrome | 6-inch monochrome |
| LCD resolution | 4098 x 2560px (4K+) | 2560 x 1620px (2K) |
| XY resolution | 40μm | 51μm |
| Contrast ratio | 400:1 | 200:1 |
| Build volume | 180 x 163 x 102 mm (2.99L) | 165 x 130 x 80 mm (1.7L) |
| Printing platform | Laser-engraved buildplate | Brushed metal |
| Screen protector | √ | × |
| Machine size | 425 x 269 x 256 mm | 383 x 227 x 222 mm |
| Machine weight | 7 kg | ~4.5kg |
LCD Screen Size
Anycubic Photon M3 features a 7.6-inch monochrome LCD screen, while Photon Mono has a smaller 6-inch LCD screen. This indicates that the Photon M3 has a larger build volume, allowing for the possibility of printing larger objects.
Printer Resolution
Photon M3's screen has a resolution of 4098 x 2560 pixels (4K+), and its XY resolution (also known as horizontal resolution) is 40μm. Generally, a lower XY resolution indicates better detail. As to LCD size and XY resolution, Photon M3 completely outperforms Photon Mono, as the latter has only a 2K LCD screen and a 51μm XY resolution. Therefore, Photon M3 can offer higher dimensional accuracy and create more detailed objects with smooth surfaces.
What's more, Photon M3 has a high contrast ratio of 400:1, while Photon Mono has a contrast ratio of only 200:1. The term "contrast ratio" is an industry term used in the display industry. Since resin 3D printers use LCD screens for printing, these machines have a contrast ratio parameter. And it refers to the difference between the brightest white and the darkest black that a display can produce. The higher the contrast ratio, the higher the quality of the printed objects, and conversely, the lower the contrast ratio, the blurrier the parts will be.
Build Volume
The two machines have a significant difference in build volume. Anycubic Photon M3 has a build volume of 2.99L, which is 76% larger than that of the Photon Mono (1.7L). To give you a more intuitive feeling, the image above shows the printed figurine at the maximum printing size of the two printers, clearly demonstrating the big difference in build volumes between them.
Build Plate
The bed of a 3D printer serves as the foundation and support for printed objects, preventing them from detaching or deforming during printing. Unlike the old brushed plate on Photon Mono, the buildplate of the Photon M3 has been improved to boost success in printing. The upgraded plate features laser-engraved chessboard patterns that help increase bed adhesion, reducing the chances of prints not sticking to the bed.
Which One is Right for You?
When it comes to price and availability, they are excellent value resin 3D printers for beginners, priced below $300 USD. If you are a beginner or transitioning from FDM technology to MSLA technology with a limited budget, Anycubic Photon M3 is your best choice. Compared to Photon Mono, the M3 offers a bigger build size, higher resolution with a 4K+ LCD and a 400:1 contrast ratio for better details.
However, Photon Mono has been discontinued and is no longer available for sale, Anycubic Photon M3 is still available for purchase in various regions globally. Additionally, during promotional campaigns on the official Anycubic website, the M3 can be priced below $250 or even more in the US market. If you're looking for a 3D printer with excellent quality and reasonable price, it's recommended to stay updated on the official website for any news.