Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer vs Form 4B
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer and Form 4B are not direct competitors: very different prices (~8.2×). Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer costs less (~€674) and is the entry-level choice; Form 4B offers more capability at a higher price (~€5499). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer
Anycubic
F2 · Intermediate
|
Form 4B
Formlabs
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2026 | 2024 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~649–699 € | 5499 € |
| 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 | — |
| 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. | Print job management is handled by the proprietary PreForm software, which enables automatic model layout, optimized orientation, and guided generation of retention supports. The program integrates preconfigured and validated print profiles for all proprietary materials, reducing the need for manual calibrations by the user. Through the Dashboard cloud platform, users can remotely monitor production progress, manage print queues for multiple devices, and analyze material consumption. The software architecture requires a network connection for advanced monitoring features, but it also allows files to be transferred via local USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi connections, ensuring operational flexibility inside the laboratory. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer 674 € vs Form 4B 5499 € — Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer wins (+716%)
- Work area: Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer 223×126 mm vs Form 4B 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 4B if…
it shows no measurable advantage over Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer on the available specs: consider it on price or availability.
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