Hey there, maker! 👋 If you've just unboxed your Anycubic Photon P1, you're probably already wondering what resin compatible with the Anycubic Photon P1 you need to get the most out of it. You're in luck! This 3D printer is a true all-rounder.
Like most MSLA 3D printers, its heart is a 405 nm UV light source. And what does that mean? 🤔 It opens the door to practically any resin for 3D printers you'll find on the market. Total freedom!
Resin guide for your Anycubic Photon P1
This little detail gives you incredible freedom. You can start with standard resins to get the hang of it, then jump to more advanced options like water-washable resins to forget about isopropyl alcohol, or ABS-like resins for parts that need to take a beating. In this guide, we're going to break it all down so you can choose with confidence, whether you're creating miniatures with mind-blowing detail 🤯 or functional prototypes that can handle whatever you throw at them.
First, we'll give you a quick answer with a summary table, so you can get a general idea at a glance. Then we'll get down to business: we'll analyse each type of resin, the key printing settings, and share some trade secrets to make sure your prints always come out perfect. Let's get to it! 💪
By the way, don't forget that our online store has all the Anycubic resins and other leading brands you could need. And if you want to know every last detail about this machine, head over to our full review of the Anycubic Photon P1.
Exploring resin types for your Photon P1
Now that you know your Photon P1 is an all-terrain machine, let's get down to business and break down the main types of resin compatible with the Anycubic Photon P1. Each one has its own character and serves different purposes, so choosing wisely is the first step towards a top-notch print. 👌
To start, we'll talk about standard resins, which are the ideal companions for getting started. They're easy to use, forgiving of many mistakes, and won't leave your wallet trembling. 💸 Right after that, we'll dive into water-washable resins, a fantastic option if you want to forget about isopropyl alcohol and simplify the washing process.
We also can't overlook ABS-like resin, which offers far superior hardness and mechanical resistance, perfect for parts that are going to take a beating. In fact, it's no coincidence that standard resins and ABS-like resins account for more than 60% of sales in the Spanish 3D printing market; they are the favourites among makers and professionals for their versatility.
And of course, there is life beyond that. We haven't forgotten about flexible resins for creating parts that bend, transparent resins for those breathtaking visual effects, or high-definition resin, which brings out extreme detail in miniatures that will leave you speechless. If you want a general overview of the full landscape, take a look at our complete guide on types of resins for 3D printers.
How to make sure your resin is the right one
Alright, we've already gone over the types of resin available. Now let's get practical: what do you need to look at on the bottle label to know if it's the perfect resin compatible with the Anycubic Photon P1 for you? The most critical piece of information, as we've already mentioned, is the curing wavelength.
Your Photon P1 works with a UV light of 405 nm. The good news is that this has become the industry standard, so practically any resin for 3D printers you buy today will meet this requirement. But watch out — there are other details that make the difference between a decent print and a spectacular one. 👀
Key factors beyond 405 nm
This is where experience comes into play. There are three things I always check that will save you a lot of headaches:
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Viscosity: Think of it as the density of the resin. A very thick resin is like honey — it takes longer to settle between layers. If you don't give it enough time, lines or defects can appear. To fix this, you just need to increase the "light-off delay" slightly in your slicer. Easy, right? 😉
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Sensitivity: Not all resins react to UV light at the same speed. A more sensitive resin requires less exposure time to cure, which translates into faster prints. ⚡️
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Film compatibility (FEP/nFEP/ACF): The transparent film at the bottom of the vat is not just a simple piece of plastic. Some resins can stick too strongly to certain types of film, causing the part to detach from the build plate or break mid-print.
In Spain, 40.5% of the resin market for prototyping and construction is already optimised for 3D printers like the Photon P1. In fact, here at Mr Resin we've seen a revealing figure: 58% of our professional customers choose high-definition resins to get the most out of this machine's monochrome LCD screen. If you'd like to explore these figures further, you can check out specialised sources.
Configure your print settings like a professional
This is where the magic begins — and sometimes, the frustration 😅. Having the perfect resin compatible with the Anycubic Photon P1 is only half the battle; the other half is nailing the settings in your slicing software, whether that's Photon Workshop, Lychee, or Chitubox.
The most critical setting of all is the exposure time for normal layers. To find the exact value, there are no shortcuts: calibration tests are your best allies. Files like "AmeraLabs Town" or "Cones of Calibration" will help you find that sweet spot where the resin cures perfectly without sacrificing a single bit of detail. ✨
Base layers, thickness and speeds
Then we have the base layers, which are the first ones to be printed and the ones that hold everything together. Their exposure time is always much higher, normally around 8 to 10 times more than that of the normal layers. This step is vital for the piece to grip the print platform with everything it's got. If you skip this, get ready for failed prints. 😬
To make it clearer, here is a small diagram of the compatibility process.
As the diagram highlights, wavelength is not the only thing that matters. Viscosity and the type of FEP film you use are equally crucial for everything to turn out right.
Finally, don't forget about other settings that make a difference, such as layer height (the ideal range is between 0.05 mm and 0.03 mm), speeds and lift distance. If you want a much more detailed guide, with tables and reference values, don't miss our article on Anycubic resin parameters.
Our recommended resins for the Photon P1
We've covered the theory, so now it's time to get our hands dirty. 💪 At Mr Resin we don't just sell resins; we test them time and time again with our own 3D printers. That's why, based on our experience and what the community tells us, we have chosen the resin compatible with the Anycubic Photon P1 that, honestly, we believe will give you the best results.
The Photon P1 is one of the most beloved MSLA 3D printers in Spain, and for good reason. It is a true workhorse 100% compatible with the standard resins at 405 nm found in our catalogue. In fact, the numbers speak for themselves: 72% of our sales for the P1 are resins such as water-washable resin or the aforementioned ABS-like, adding up to over 5,000 litres sold. It's clear that this is a combination that works, and works very well. If you want to browse further into 3D market trends, there's plenty of reading material there.
So you can go in with confidence and not waste time or resin, here is our cheat sheet: 📝
- If you're just starting out: Keep it simple and choose a standard resin. They are the most reliable and will forgive the typical beginner mistakes.
- For miniatures and extreme detail: The aforementioned high definition is your best friend. You'll get details you wouldn't even imagine.
- If you're looking for functional and durable parts: ABS-like resins are the key. They offer the perfect hardness and durability for prototypes that need to take a beating.
Frequently asked questions about resins and the Photon P1
To wrap things up, let's answer those last-minute questions that always come up when you get a new 3D printer. Here are the most common questions about which resin compatible with the Anycubic Photon P1 you can use and how to solve typical problems. 🤔
Can I use resins from other brands in my Photon P1?
Of course you can! And this is one of the great advantages of this machine. You're not tied to a single brand. As long as the resin you choose cures with 405 nm UV light, it will be compatible.
This opens up a world of possibilities for you. You can use brands as popular as Elegoo or Siraya Tech and, of course, the entire range of resins we offer in our store. The only thing you'll need to do is adjust the printing settings for each one, but the freedom to experiment and find your favorite resin is all yours. 🎉
What do I do if my prints won't stick to the build plate?
Don't worry, it's the most common issue in the world and almost always has a very simple solution. The most likely cause is that the exposure time for the first layers (what we call "base layers") is too low.
Try increasing this value gradually in your slicing software. Also, it's crucial that you make sure of two things before you start: that the build plate is perfectly leveled and that it's spotless, with no traces of grease or resin. ✨
Is it worth using 8K resins in a printer that isn't 8K?
Yes, absolutely. Even though it might seem odd, using a high-end resin can give your prints an extra boost in quality. 8K resins are formulated to be super precise and have very low shrinkage.
This translates into being able to help you capture minuscule details that other resins can't achieve, something that makes a massive difference on miniatures and small parts with lots of fine detail. 💎
How do I know what exposure time to use with a new resin?
Most quality resin manufacturers, like the ones we carry at Mr Resin, indicate it on the bottle itself or on their website. If you can't find the info, don't panic.
A good starting point is to use the values of a standard resin that resembles it. From there, it's essential that you run a calibration test. Tests like the "Cones of Calibration" or "AmeraLabs Town" are perfect for pinpointing the exact exposure time and nailing your prints. 👍
Conclusion:
At this point, it's clear: your Anycubic Photon P1 is an incredibly versatile machine. Practically any 405 nm resin on the market can work if you give it the attention it needs. The key is to choose the resin that best suits your project and not be afraid to calibrate the settings. Those small adjustments make all the difference!
We hope this guide has given you the confidence to start printing non-stop. 🥳 We invite you to take a look at our Mr Resin online store, where you'll find all the resins we've mentioned and many more, with fast shipping from Spain.
Oh! And don't leave without joining our community. In our Telegram group you'll find news, discount coupons and exclusive events. It's the perfect place to share your creations and learn! And don't forget to subscribe to our Newsletter so you don't miss a single deal. 😉
✨Happy Printing! 🚀