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When it comes to 3D printers, I like to put the pressure on. I'm the tech's worst nightmare; I like to get stuck in with proper builds as soon as possible, my printing space is colder than ideal, and I always have a million and one tabletop projects on the go at once. Yet the Anycubic Photon P1 has been able to overcome every single challenge I've thrown its way.
I've not yet tried the machine's dual print functionality, but from initial inspection of the Anycubic Photon P1 as is, it's remarkable. If you want the ultimate 3D printer for making D&D models, cosplay items, or wargame terrain, this is a great one-stop shop.
Anycubic Photon P1 features & design
- Dual-print functionality
- Thermal-control vat, greater stability, and wave release
- Ease-of-use design features to reduce mess and stress
This is being positioned as one of Anycubic's most advanced printers in a long while. Besides all the expected benefits present on rivals like the Creality Halot-X1 (such as a 14K resolution for prints) it's packing "Wave Release Technology" that reduces release pressure by up to 60% compared to classic smooth-surface NFEP film… which basically means it provides a superior overall print. There's also a "precision-fitted industrial-grade ball screw" that allows for far greater positioning accuracy and stability. Because model prints can be ruined by a lack of said stability, that's good news. Throw in a thermal-controlled resin vat and smart assist for an attention-grabbing device full of buzzwords.
One of the most notable features in the Anycubic Photon P1's arsenal is the dual-print functionality that allows you to have two separate mini-vats and build plates simultaneously. In other words, you could be printing out minis using standard resin on one side, along with translucent fire effects or something similar on the other, all without the need to swap anything out.
In terms of design, this is very much an evolution rather than a revolution. Mimicking the same cool gray and black color scheme seen on the Anycubic Kobra X, it has a stepless hinged lid, a quick-release vat with latches rather than the traditional screws, and my personal favorite addition – a resin drip hanger so you can sit the build plate down rather than needing to hold it to get rid of excess resin.
Performance
- High-quality prints with no effort
- Easy to use, with results out of the box
- Heated vat and greater stability help avoid issues
This printer sure has a fancy resume, but that counts for nothing if the results aren't any good. I've still to try the dual-print functionality, but everything else gets a proverbial chef's kiss from me. I'm genuinely impressed by how well the Anycubic Photon P1 works. I'm not new to 3D printing and have had my fair share of headaches related to print failures, temperature-related snafus, and general hassle with dialling in the right settings after copious testing. But I had none of that here. It just… works, right out of the box. There's no fuss.
And boy, does it work well. I've had literally no issues so far despite printing a range of complex miniatures that would normally cause my other devices some trouble, be it larger monsters from Malediction or small, incredibly fine-detail D&D models for the best tabletop RPGs. They all look fantastic when finished, and even though it takes perhaps a little longer than it might have done on rival machines, the results have never been anything less than stellar.
Want to try FDM printing? If you're new to the hobby, I'd recommend the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo. It's an excellent, accessible starting point that yields great results.
As I mentioned earlier, my printing environment isn't the easiest either. The temperature is on the lower side thanks to everything being tucked away in a shed, but that's been no problem for the Photon P1. Its heated vat has made short work of that issue (and could explain why it's taken a bit longer to print, as it's compensating for chill).
Is it on the smaller side? Yep. I think you'd struggle if you're hoping to make larger cosplay pieces or massive terrain. But for everything else, you're golden.
Should you buy the Anycubic Photon P1?
If you're new to 3D printing and want to create D&D models, wargaming stuff, or cosplay items to your heart's content, this machine will serve you well. It's an incredibly reliable, easy-to-use device that actually churns out prints at a surprisingly high quality.
As for more experienced users, I'd say it's a great upgrade unless you already have a machine with the same, or similar, features (e.g. it can print at 14K+ resolutions, offers a heated vat, etc). The Anycubic Photon P1 has the essentials covered with minimal effort, and it's a breath of fresh air not to be faffing for successful prints.
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
How we tested the Anycubic Photon P1
I used the Anycubic Photon P1 over the course of several weeks to print a variety of models that were different sizes. This ranged from smaller character miniatures for use in D&D and larger monsters to use in wargames such as Malediction.
For more on our process, see the GamesRadar+ guide to how we test hardware.
