Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer vs Form 4
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer and Form 4 are not direct competitors: very different prices (~6.5×). Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer costs less (~€674) and is the entry-level choice; Form 4 offers more capability at a higher price (~€4349). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer
Anycubic
F2 · Intermediate
|
Form 4
Formlabs
F3 · Advanced
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2026 | 2024 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F3 — Advanced |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~649–699 € | 4349 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 36.6 × 33.8 × 53.9 cm | 39.8 × 36.7 × 55.4 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 13.6 kg | 18.3 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 223 × 126 mm | 200 × 125 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 230 mm | 210 mm |
| Power (W) | 215 W | 480 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 240 V |
| Maximum speed | 0.58 mm/min | 100 |
| Declared precision | 16.8 μm | 50 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 126 mm | 125 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 16.8 µm | 50 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| UV power (mW/cm²) | 5 mW/cm² | 16 mW/cm² |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 35 mm/h | 100 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | Standard FEP | — |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Model preparation for the Photon P1 is primarily handled by Anycubic Photon Workshop, a proprietary slicing software that has evolved significantly, offering an intuitive interface alongside advanced mesh repair and support tools. The printer still maintains an open nature, being fully compatible with popular third-party slicers widely appreciated by the community, such as Chitubox, Lychee Slicer, and Tango. Network connectivity via Wi-Fi and a LAN port, alongside the traditional USB port, allows for seamless remote control, integrating perfectly with the Anycubic mobile app. This flexibility grants users the freedom to choose their preferred software workflow, always ensuring the maximum output quality of the printed file. | The printing process is managed by the proprietary PreForm software, a closed application that automatically optimizes model orientation, support generation, and production time calculations. This software environment is designed to ensure a highly streamlined and standardized workflow, ideal for professional contexts where result predictability is crucial. PreForm integrates seamlessly with the manufacturer's ecosystem, receiving continuous updates that introduce new profiles for proprietary resins. The machine also offers optional access to Fleet Control and the cloud-based Dashboard platform, which are advanced tools that allow users to monitor print queues, manage multiple units in parallel, and track material consumption in real time remotely. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer 674 € vs Form 4 4349 € — Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer wins (+545%)
- Work area: Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer 223×126 mm vs Form 4 200×125 mm — Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer wins (+12%)
Which one to choose
Choose Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer if…
you value price and work area.
Choose Form 4 if…
it shows no measurable advantage over Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer on the available specs: consider it on price or availability.
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.