askvity

What is a Photon Printer?

Published in 3D Printing Technology 3 mins read

A Photon printer is typically referring to a resin 3D printer, most notably the Anycubic Photon series, that utilizes LCD shadow masking technology to cure resin with a UV-LED light source. It's a type of desktop 3D printer popular for creating highly detailed objects.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  • Resin 3D Printing: Photon printers fall under the category of resin 3D printers. These printers use liquid resin that hardens when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.

  • LCD Shadow Masking (MSLA/SLA): The "Photon" printers, especially the Anycubic Photon line, employ LCD shadow masking, a type of Stereolithography (SLA). In this process, an LCD screen acts as a mask, selectively allowing UV light to pass through and cure specific layers of the resin. This is also sometimes referred to as Masked Stereolithography (MSLA).

  • How it Works:

    1. A build platform is lowered into a vat of liquid resin.
    2. A UV light source shines through an LCD screen. The LCD screen displays a mask, blocking UV light in certain areas and allowing it to pass through in others.
    3. The UV light hardens the exposed resin, creating a single layer of the object.
    4. The build platform lifts slightly, and the process repeats, layer by layer, until the entire object is formed.

  • Anycubic Photon: The Anycubic Photon is a well-known and popular brand of resin 3D printers. It is known for its affordability and relatively ease of use, making it a good entry point for hobbyists and enthusiasts.

  • Key Features (Typically Found on Photon Printers):

    • UV-LED Light Source: Provides the necessary UV light to cure the resin.
    • LCD Screen: Used to create the mask that determines which areas of the resin are cured.
    • Build Platform: A platform that lowers into the resin vat and moves up as each layer is printed.
    • Touchscreen Interface: For controlling the printer and adjusting settings.
    • SD Card Slot: Allows users to load 3D models for printing.
    • Resin Vat: Holds the liquid resin.

In essence, a "Photon printer" is a common name for a specific type of resin 3D printer, especially those similar to or within the Anycubic Photon product line, using LCD-based UV light masking for precise and detailed 3D printing.

Related Articles