Anycubic Photon M3 Max auto resin filling 3D printer [HONEST REVIEW]

[@Infernoblade1010]

I've loved my mono x for the last year and I think when I'm ready to upgrade or expand I think I'm going with the M3 Max!

[@TheEnd]

Thanks for another solid review, made my first resin print last week and things went very well thanks to all the awesome tips you’ve taught us

[@vogman]

Great to hear! Keep printing 😁

[@TheEnd]

@@vogman yes sir

[@vogman]

Would you mind sharing your user experience here vegoilguy.co.uk/3drp I'm collating data on all makes and model of 3D printer to share with the printing community. Good input should give us all useful data 😁

[@stevencrawford7399]

Nice review, I agree with you that Anycubic kept the cost down while still ensuring the important parts were high quality, and that making the whole frame metal isn't really important, plus keeps the weight down which results in a lot better portability and handling. Now if I could just convince myself that I could somehow keep up with support removal + curing on a printer which can put down about 200 minis a day...

[@4k3el]

Is this any good for architectural models?

[@10p6]

I would really like to know where one can buy the Phrozen Mega 8K for $1700.

[@Redline.john1986]

Hi, Great video, We are foundry pattern makers and need one to make small foundry patterns, Which resin printer do you recommend bigger to better build size and print quality so it comes out of the sand easily when being cast in the foundry. Thanks

[@DCifuentesJ]

In your Phrozen Sonic Mega 8k review, you mentioned it was slow. How about this one? Especially compared to that printer. Thanks.

[@vogman]

I think bigger printers are all a little slower as the lift speeds tend to be gentler due to the forces involved. But when you think of the sizes of prints these generate, plus the quality of those prints, it's worth an extra half hour 😁

[@metalmanexetreme]

For a little over 1k this is definitely a tempting large format printer, the mega 8k is still the dreamboat but it kills itself requiring 5-800 $ extra for shipping, Judging by the fact that the m3 and m3 plus are on Amazon I’m gonna assume the Max will also come to Amazon, and if that happens I’ll likely cave and pick it up

[@vogman]

I expect so. I suspect it will be quite popular 😁

[@wanger07]

For me, I picked up my Jupiter for $890 all in, albeit through kickstarter. I’ve had much better luck with elegoo in aftersales support than Anycubic. I hope they change this so I have two vendors to choose from in the future. The Phrozen mega is tempting, but uncle jessy hates cleaning the plate on that thing since the perforated holes clogged with resin easily. Without a large cleaning table I can see how it is a pain to cleanup.

[@TableTopBiker]

There is at least one listing on eBay to pre-order at $1099 with free shipping.

[@JerryTorrey2]

I've replaced 2 of the pumps so far because of hooking the lines up backwards. With a 3rd pump on the way at $50 each. This is painfully expensive to keep replacing. I've been manually adding resin since purchase.

[@shaolinkitsune4705]

I just ordered one, day before this video came out. Glad to hear a good review on it. Prints just as fast as my Mono X and seems like it can fit ~40% larger prints in it. Autofill is definitely a plus for long prints. The only downside I see is theres no dedicated power source for the AirPures and the 20-30 day shipping time.

[@vogman]

Yes, the Airpure's are rechargeable... a USB lead. I agree a plugin would be nice, but of course it does give you the freedom to use them in other places and in other printers 😁

[@shaolinkitsune4705]

@@vogman Can they run while charging? I guess I could just run a USB cable out the port for the Auto fill and plug it into a USB converter if so.

[@vogman]

I haven't tried... 😁

[@vogman]

Would you mind sharing your user experience here vegoilguy.co.uk/3drp I'm collating data on all makes and model of 3D printer to share with the printing community. Good input should give us all useful data 😁

[@peterclegg2609]

Nice to see you've got the fluff and dust on the models sorted 👌spot on review as always.

[@vogman]

The dust was hiding, Peter. Next time it will get me, I've no doubt 😁😁😁

[@ajc4477]

Couple of things I've noticed about this machine that nobody has mentioned - the bloody great big hole at the back of the cover for the resin pump system, I can imagine this letting in a nice focused beam of UV on those rare sunny days. There probably should be some sort of stopper for it. The other thing is that the lid really looks like it was designed to be hinged at the top, wonder why it isn't? Thanks for the review mate!

[@vogman]

That's a fair point. The hole is about 20mm... It exists to allow the piping for the autofeed through. I didn't fit the autofeed on this model, so the hole remained open. I've used this printer dozens of times now and there's no sign of UV coming out (you can usually see purple light on most printers emitting from the fan ducts at the back - print at night, you can't miss it). UV certainly doesn't seem to sneak in either as the resin doesn't go off. So the hole makes no real difference. But I guess you could always place a little duct tape over it 😁

[@kyoukan91]

A nice focused beam of UV? lol. The pump is opaque and UV resistant as is the tubing, as are resin bottles. People haven't mentioned the concern because there is no concern.

[@ajc4477]

Do you know for sure that the screen protector is pre installed (with a spare in the box) or could it be a polarizer? - thanks mate!

[@javiercobain]

i got the max but it doesn't have the option for the air filters unless im missing something i don't see any usb where to plug in

[@BADDERSBETTERDIORAMAHACKS121]

Hi VOG, thanks to excellent reviews like yours, I've jumped straight in the deep end, purchasing my first ever 3D printer, the one you've reviewed here! I figure there's not much point entering at the cheaper end of the market and then ending up having to buy another, and another, until I eventually buy the kind I'm after. I ordered my M3 Max last Friday, along with Anycubic's Wash and Cure Plus. The Wash and Cure arrived the following day, and the M3 Max on Monday. The packing of the M3 Max was, as you say, pretty smart and very effective. Basically, unless the box itself is deeply punctured, or massively dented, the machine inside isn't going to be damaged in any way. By strapping the machine to the 'foam' packing and having the packing packed inside that metal frame, there's next to no risk of the Z pillar being knocked and bent out of alignment. Anyway, I was putting it all together and getting along, fine until I got to the applying of the screen protector. My bad, I made the mistake of placing the machine on the floor, which obviously was covered in dust and errant cat hairs. You can guess the rest. LOL After 5 attempts at applying, removing, cleaning, reapplying, removing..... I screwed it all up into a ball and binned it. However, and here's the point of my comment.... the 'instruction sheet' for the screen protector is a bit confusing. It shows a 'polarized film' (DO NOT tear off) but that APPEARS to be the 'protective film' on the back of the screen protector, and that protective film has a label on it which says 'label for tearing off' or words to that effect. The 'polarized film' is shown in grey, and I'd assume it's not fully transparent (I might be wrong) but I can't see anything that stands out as a 'polarizing film'. Also the diagram shows a 'Shading Sticker' which 'frames' the whole set-up. But that is NOT present in the box. So, where is the 'polarized film' exactly, and does the M3 Max come with a 'Shading sticker' or is this instruction sheet referring to earlier/different models of Anycubic 3D printers? I HAVE looked in forums where users discuss the issues, but even those that give answers don't explain clearly and everyone gets confused again. LOL Cheers. B

[@vogman]

Would you mind sharing your user experience here vegoilguy.co.uk/3drp I'm collating data on all makes and model of 3D printer to share with the printing community. Good input should give us all useful data 😁

[@Mr850man]

But how strong is the wrapping plastic?

[@falz]

i have the saturn. and just orderd a m3 max. because i have a product that is quit big. i almost bought a jupiter but it is 5mm to short on 1 side of the build platte. cant wait until it araves. and i orderd the new wasch and cure station max. im really curios if the 50% less use of alcohol is true. but that will first be deliverd in november, it is only avalibal on back order.

[@RoseKindred]

Yes, Anycubic, if you make an integrable heater I would buy several printers. The temperatures needed are the main reason I do not have a resin printer. Even a little heater inside the enclosure would be enough to keep temps up for 6-8 months a year for printing.

[@vogman]

Exactly. Temperatures less than 20C aren't great for resin, and lots of us have those temperatures for large parts of the year. Enclosure heaters are a big bonus 😁

[@butube555]

@@vogman Hi, whats the white Elegoo Gizmo that you plug in at 6:25 into the video...thanks

[@RoseKindred]

@@butube555 Hi, since I did not see VOG reply I thought to answer. I believe it is the "Mini Air Purifier with Activated Carbon Filter and Universal Adaptor" I put that in quotes so you can easily look for it. That specific one is made for the Elegoo resin printers. I don't know if they are interchangeable, they may be but the size could be an issue under the UV shield hood.

[@Madeinoz1967]

Totally agree on the Chamber Heater, C’mon Anycubic a chamber heater please!

[@vogman]

Fingers crossed 😁

[@butube555]

Hi, whats the elegoo plug at 6.25 into video...? cant seem to find it anywhere.

[@reelclones]

Great review and well timed for me as I’m just looking at moving over to resin printers. Can I ask what you used for parts washing/curing for such a large printer?

[@vogman]

Big prints are twice the trouble when it comes to cleaning, but you can make life much easier for yourself with the large Wash and Cure machine kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWaccqSdhpp_rZo I used mine in this video to wash the models and cure them, then I took off the build plate and placed this in the same washing container. It's such a big plate you have to wash it in two halves (by rotating the plate 180) but it saves so much time and mess. Well worth the investment. If you do toy with one, there's an Amazon link in the description of the mentioned video. Buying through that link will earn me a few pennies from Amazon, and every little helps 😁

[@reelclones]

@@vogman I’ve looked at that but as it’s for smaller printers such as Saturn etc I thought I’d struggle to fit items printed on a larger printer. it seems odd to me that they make a bigger printer, but don’t release the matching size wash and cure station at the same time! I really want to avoid the bucket/toothbrush/UV torch combo!

[@ridwan3533]

So only difference "M3" without "plus" or "max" names don't have auto refill? Is the size anycubic for basic "M3" with workplaces 18.0 x 16.3 x 10.2 cm is compatible for anycubic wash & cure 2.0? Interesting buy some anycubic resin printer i can't decide to buy M3 or mono 4k series maybe I will search your another review for mono 4k Series

[@vogman]

If you can stick with me a few days, I'm hoping to review the M3 very soon 😁

[@ridwan3533]

@@vogman can't wait 🔥🔥🔥

[@adriant1654]

Does the auto fill cap fit other brands of resin bottles?

[@vogman]

Not sure to be honest.

[@andriosz]

1:10 phew, good to hear you're safe from dangers of overworking :P

[@CROW_BH11]

awesome video can you share you slicer settings thanks

[@Mad_Catter_]

Anycubic Photon M3 Max questions for any kind soul please: 1. What frequency is the FEP supposed to be tuned to? 2. Does the FEP spacer still require the "13mm" bottle cap depicted in their official FEP Replacement video or is the M3 Max a different calibration? (I have seen some 19mm spacers from users.) 3. What is the torque setting for the screws on the FEP sheet? 4. Replacing the Glass under the LCD left a gap on one side is there a way to combat this? As the adhesive strip needs to be as far out of the print area, and on the perimeter as possible. 5. Anyone able to fix the touch screen not responding often? Generic Questions: 1. Does anyone consider that the FEP has to be the same temperature as during normal operations while installing the new sheet? I'm sure temperature has some (if negligible) difference?

[@kumarsalib722]

The cost savings from using less metal looks like a huge advantage for this printer over its competitors. It remains to be seen if people will choose that savings over solid doors.

[@vogman]

Very true. If, like me, workspace is precious and you need to regularly move printers around, the weight difference of this printer is massive. Metal shells are cool, but it doubles the weight of the printers 😁

[@חוסיןדראז]

سلام عندي مشكلة بلطابعة الشاشة بتشتغلش شريت شاشة ولوحة تحكم جداد وبشتغلوش ازا ممكن مساعدة

[@harrywind1870]

Anycubic claims 60 mm/h print speed. On my machine it's more like 6 mm/h. Is your printer that slow, too? Has anybody some settings that work faster? I always turn the automatic exposure thing off when starting a print but it's around 6 mm/h anyway.

[@vogman]

All manufacturers seem to make similar claims, which I personally ignore. I mean, what resin are they using, what layer height, etc? If you're printing 0.1 height at 0.5 exposure, you can rocket some amazing speed stats, that's for sure 😁😁😁

[@dogeexchange909]

Nice review. I already own the Photon Mono 4k, I'm adding the M3 Max to my line up. Should be here today. Cheers!

[@vogman]

Have fun!

[@dogeexchange909]

@@vogman Little bit of a learning curve on the settings, but the print quality is amazing! Again, thanks for the review!

[@dwinegardner8251]

Thanks for your review. I have a Photon Mono X, but I am starting to look for a larger volume printer, and was hoping that Anycubic would step up to the plate. I too am somewhat concerned about that two piece lid/top, and the addition of a heater, as you suggested, would have been very welcome.

[@vogman]

You are welcome!

[@workrase1]

Hello, i have an issue and i cannot find any answers on the internet. My printer does not listen to the settings set by the slicer. More specifically the layer exposure time. I set it to 2 seconds and it holds it down for arround 15 seconds. I updated the firmware and i disable the compensation setting but i have no idea how to remedy this. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[@vogman]

Have you contacted Anycubic support? It sounds more a hardware issue than a software issue...

[@workrase1]

@@vogman I have but they sent me an automatic reply with default help options

[@brandonb417]

Does anyone have any comments on the longevity of the printer? I'd hate to get this cheaper printer and then have parts start breaking 6 months in.

[@pedro161977]

How is the Max holding up since the review?

[@vogman]

Very well 😁

[@christiangruening352]

Thanks for the review. I will wait till Phrozen integrates this feature. I have some Anycubic machines as the Photon Mono X and I have nonstop problems with the print quality. Meanwhile the Phrozen machines just deliver

[@Furtuim]

Thanks for the review! Would you be willing to run any AA tests on it? I know we've had some serious issues on the x

[@vogman]

I'm just reviewing the M3, so I'll do some on that 😁

[@Furtuim]

@@vogman thank you so much! It's a big selling point for when I get my next printer

[@anthonyciofalo7005]

Ive been looking at buying one just beacuse of the larger build plate. I currently have a Elegoo Saturn and wanted somthing bigger. Great rebiew and i think i am going to go forward with this purchase!

[@vogman]

Glad I could help 😁

[@lucinawalker3261]

You know, with the back part of the case being fixed now, just makes it easier to stick a heater to the back of it. Also heck it's so big

[@vogman]

Actually yes, much easier to fix things to 😁

[@Black_Haven]

could YOU please do a Review on the basic Anycubic M3? A hug from Brazil 🇧🇷 😜🚀🤝

[@vogman]

I'm working on it now 😁

[@vi683a]

How does this compare to the D2?

[@vogman]

The D2 is not a large printer. It wins on print quality but the print volume of the Max is vast in comparison.

[@vi683a]

@@vogman Thanks for your insight. I will be purchasing my first Printer soon and the d2 intrigues me. That build volume though is concerning. I got a lot of thought to think :)

[@JohnSmith-rt5yq]

So if you had to pick, and they cost the same, jupiter or m3 max? Honest question, as I can only buy 1.

[@vogman]

In terms of printing, the Max is in theory just a tad better. The Jupiter seems to suggest upgrade kits may be available in the future, which would be amazing, though this has not been confirmed. But for me, it's the Max... BUT there's just one reason. My space is limited so moving the printers around is normal. The Jupiter is a two-man lift (the weight plus the size make it awkward), but the Max is comfortably moved by one. The truth is, whichever you buy will give you excellent results 😁

[@JohnSmith-rt5yq]

@@vogman ty for the insight, I appreciate it! I think I'll stick to the jupiter as I got it a tad cheaper and I like their feed system better.... but I did want your opinion to help me see if there was a huge benefit. Ty sir.

[@wanger07]

The auto refill system looks like it would be prone to malfunction, I prefer the simpler setup from elegoo. One suggestion is to keep the aftersales support in mind as that’s a big deciding factor for me when choosing a printer. I’ve had terrible luck with Anycubic support, that seems to be the norm rather the exception. The other question is does the max support anti-aliasing? If not that’s a pretty big miss on their part.

[@EliteMinerZMC]

I love my photon mono x and the points you make of this new printer being lighter than competition and easier to ship is great. But for me the doors on the likes of rival printers are far superior for people with small work spaces. (For example my printer lives inside a cabinet which i have to get out every time.) Until now doors were the answer or in my case with a mono x i have the printer on rails. But the split cover design here is fantastic. Yes it may be brittle or more prone to break it but i love it. My wallet will not though

[@vogman]

I've toyed with the idea of taking the metal strips from the packaging and gluing them inside the front lid, adding strength. But in truth, careful use will be enough 😁

[@lakishakeye]

Just subscribed to your Patreon. Been loving your videos. Have you thought about reviewing the proximal 8.9?

[@vogman]

Thanks for your Patronage - it's truly appreciated 😁 I'm happy enough to review most anything, but I wait for the companies to contact me. A lot of them aren't keen on my honest and open style. FormLabs, for example, won't let me near their printers. I've jumped through hoops for them, agreeing to cover all transport costs, take out insurance, agree to return within X number of days, etc. But in the end, they changed their minds. Freedom of speech put them off I suppose. So now I let companies come to me. That way it's on my terms and fair to all involved.

[@dragonshoarddesign3094]

I have a Formlabs 3, I am not disappointed with the quality of the prints; however, I am pissed off about the vat and cartridge system it makes printing very expensive affair. I really wish this would been available 3 years ago. Based on those facts I am going to be selling the formlabs 3 micro transaction machine which not so micro, buying one of these.

[@alzintan22war25]

Where can I buy this printer or any ayncubic printer?

[@vogman]

Directly from Anycubic always, but commonly from Amazon and other retailers. The M3 and M3 Plus are already on Amazon. Hopefully the Max will be soon 😁

[@johngrant5749]

Many thanks. Nice concise review. Very helpful. 👍

[@vogman]

Many thanks John 😁

[@Vormulac1]

Great review as ever! Did this printer ship with a RERF file on the USB? I'm put off Anycubic by my experience with the 6K, but this does have size advantage over the Jupiter, even though the Jupiter's autofeed resin system is better and we think it may well be a modular system.

[@vogman]

No RERF, sorry. I'm surprised you've had trouble with the 6K. Mine has been great and I'm very taken with it.

[@Travisneedham1]

Thanks for the review! Anycubic, why no network connectivity 😭This thing would have been a lock for me if it had it... now I have hard choices to make, lolol. Looks like it might be the Jupiter for me. The simpler autofeed might pay long term benefits too. Thanks again VOG!

[@vogman]

Thanks Travis 😁

[@guyrigby109]

I want a super high res small printer like the sonic mini 8k or Mars 3. I'll be looking forward to the next big update on small, ultra high res form factor printers.

[@vogman]

We all are 😁

[@FranklyWry]

I suppose the flange around the cover would preclude this, but it seems like a good idea would be to add hinges up top so that it opens almost like the Halot Sky. Why Anycubic doesn’t do that, even if it adds a few bucks to its price, is beyond me.

[@vogman]

I thought that too. But they'd need to beef up the strength of the lid first, and I guess that would increase costs. 😁

[@dr.v645]

I dream of the days when an enclosure heater is included.

[@vogman]

It will come 😁

[@bibo987945]

Nice review, very reasonable price that make me consider to buy this one for printing big dragon.

[@vogman]

Many thanks 😁

[@Sicarius089]

Only downside with this review was the missing "Biff, pow, clunk, clunk" best into ever for a youtube channel. On a serious note, I'm looking at getting a M3 Max but what would you suggest for the wasg and cure, i slready have the Plus but doubt it'll be big enough. I looked into the wash and cure max but it seems to have a few problematic design choices that I'm not particularly keen on.

[@vogman]

"Ouchie." I'm sorry to say I don't have any experience with XL wash stations so I can't really offer any suggestions. However, I have a number of massive boxes in my garage from Phrozen that I'm due to open and play with. I believe this includes the wash station / hot tub Phrozen have developed to sit alongside their Mighty 8KS. I'll be sure to give my opinions on that one if it helps.

[@Sicarius089]

@vogman no worries, yeah I have just watched one of your update videos talking about the Phrozen sonic 8KS from about 2 months back, was super interested in getting that printer before I saw the $4000Aud price tag 😅 but hopefully the wash / cure station for that could be a perfect solution for larger prints. Looking forward to hearing your reviews on Phrozen's latest stuff. Keep up the great work.

[@Apathec3D]

I'm here for the review, and stayed for the asmr of the accent/voice

[@vogman]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@jamesm3268]

love my mega 8k interesting to see this one in the mid ground.

[@vogman]

The Mega 8K still has the tallest prints 😁

[@robertkaczmarczyk6173]

Damn I was going to get the Elegoo Jupiter but now I'm conflicted

[@vogman]

It's all about choices 😁😁😁

[@mlubecke]

I so wanna get one.

[@Cakemagic1]

The half removable lid is the only thing I'm not completely sold on. The fully removable lid from the previous generation makes it easier for me to make a jank contraption to have my mini heater blow hot air in. This would require a bit more hassle. Other than that, it looks a nice printer.

[@Mad_Catter_]

Saw a suggestion on another video to simply tape the top of the lid to the top of the back, so you can fold it up like a car boot/trunk lid. Seemed to work wonders.

[@CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@vogman]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@hiragana78]

Wow, I am so happy to see the airfilter unit :D. So happy I went and bought 4 setts of boxes for me and friends :). Now just to get extra cartridge filters. I'd probably go by the S3Max if I didn't just buy the Mono X in January. Great video on both of the S3 you got from Anycubic. Any update on the average lifetime of the filters?

[@TKs3DPrints]

hello matey another great video from you. hope you are well. we will need to catch up at sometime. :)

[@vogman]

Anytime buddy 😁😁😁

[@elitem3]

Amazing

[@hugoacherrera5998]

The worst problem of Anycubic machines is the antialiasing.

[@kennykd97]

poor wife sounds like she needs more tasks to make her day a real pleasure.. lol

[@vogman]

I keep telling her that... usually very quietly, when she's not around 😉😁😂

[@warshak11]

i find its not the smell of resin , but the smell of clean up resin + alcohol ,i can print all day long no prob but as soon as i start cleaning thats where it comes in

[@vogman]

I agree. Those alcohols stink. You can, of course, use water based resins that clean with ordinary water, reducing the smell issues 😁

[@warshak11]

@@vogman i find with water base i end up having to clean with alcohol any way they just dont wash up as well (ad mech 30k) is what i do and design for so they have to be super clean for pics and paint ,i did find mixing 1 water base and 1 reg bottle of resing gives me the best print , elegoo mars,saturn, and the photon

[@cosmic1969]

what about Antialiasing? Anycubics. Mono X Printers lwere lacking AA support, thats a major issue, I think you should mention it

[@Mr850man]

1:11 LMAO

[@dr.v645]

I can not stand the "3d printing cloud" and stick to using the usb sticks / memory cards for my printers.

[@vogman]

I'm a plug and print guy myself 😁

[@MauricioHernandez-de8is]

Happy wife is a happy life XD

[@juzensari2589]

yesss

[@vogman]

😁😁😁👍👍👍

[@catnamestaken]

Cool

[@vogman]

Thanks 😁

[@nippuckz]

Couldn't they have just made the vat deeper?

[@vogman]

I guess that would mean more material and increase costs. Luckily, it works fine 😁😁😁

[@Skott62]

Why more manufacturers dont add ethernet connectivity in this day and age baffles me. Its not like the tech doesn't exist.

[@vogman]

For me, I'd prefer ethernet over wi-fi and day 😁

[@Skott62]

@@vogman Yeah and its not like a motherboard with ethernet built in would be that much more expensive either. Like what $20 maybe?

[@apratimjha917]

i bought the m3 max recently but felt regret not buy elegoo....the slicing software is like so so dumb ass ...not good at all about printing also .Very very disappointed

[@PossumB182]

FYI Lychee is pronounced Lie-Chee (not Lee Chee). It is named after a fruit.

[@vogman]

Sorry, you're wrong. It's pronounced 'Lee Chee' as it's a Belgian company and that's how THEY pronounce it. It's their product. They're entitled to call it and pronounce how they like - not that they'd be too bothered, they're a decent bunch 😁

[@JohnSmith-rt5yq]

Ouch, seems like you made the mistake of correcting someone while being wrong Mr. Ling...

[@حمیدصحتنژاد]

god