Anycubic Photon Ultra
Where to Buy
Specifications
Build Volume
Layer Height
Screen & light
Speed & layers
Resin tank
Physical
Information
Description
The Anycubic Photon Ultra is a desktop resin 3D printer that swaps the usual LCD screen for a digital DLP projector co-engineered with Texas Instruments. It's one of the first affordable consumer DLP machines, aimed at users who need maximum detail on small models: miniatures, jewelry masters and compact prototypes.
The build area is compact at 102×58×165 mm, with the projector running 1280×720 at an 80 µm pixel size. Thanks to focused light, layer exposure takes about 1.5 seconds and Z-axis speed reaches 60 mm/h. The light wavelength is 405 nm, Z accuracy is 10 µm, and the Photon Workshop slicer offers anti-aliasing. It's controlled via a 2.8-inch touchscreen, with models loaded over USB.
Pros
- High detail: despite a 720p resolution, the DLP projector renders crisp edges with no pixel grid and beats many 2K and 4K LCD printers on fine detail
- Long light-source life: the projector lasts over 20,000 hours versus ~2,000 hours for monochrome LCD panels — saving on screen replacements
- Very low power draw: just 12 W, about a light bulb and five times less than a typical LCD printer
- Quiet operation: the projector barely heats up and runs without a cooling fan, so it's fine to leave printing overnight
- Fast layer exposure — around 1.5 seconds, with Z-axis speed up to 60 mm/h
- Simple setup and a compact body — easy to keep on a desk
Cons
- Small build area of 102×58×165 mm — not suited to large models or batch printing
- The projector shows noticeable blur toward the edges of the plate — best results are in the center
- No Wi-Fi or camera, with models loaded over USB only
- The model is discontinued, so official consumables and spare parts are harder to find
The Photon Ultra fits anyone printing small, highly detailed parts who can live with a modest plate: tabletop and miniature hobbyists, jewelers and model makers. It's a pick for users who value precision and a long-lived light source over build size.
Bottom line: a compact DLP printer with excellent detail, quiet running and a long projector lifespan — in exchange for a small build area and its now-discontinued status.
Reviews
Compatible Materials
Filament and resin types that work with Anycubic Photon Ultra