Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K HONEST review - possibly the biggest home level 3D resin printer available

An honest look at the extra large Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K 3D resin printer, evaluating all the pros and cons. Sure it's big, sure it prints well, but what are the downsides that you haven't heard of.
I also make use of the new Phrozen Aqua-Ivory 4K resin and see what it can do.
Possibly the biggest home level 3D resin printer available, this is an early review as I've only had it a little over a week, but it's given me the opportunity to tell you guys early on what to expect. I've even managed to clear up a couple of issues for Phrozen.
🔹 Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K 🔹
▶ bit.ly/3cK4LNd (affiliate link) Use discount code VOG10 at the official store to get 10% off
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0:00 Introduction
0:36 Unboxing
0:48 Dimensions
1:20 Casing
1:45 Build Plate
2:06 Resin Tray
2:39 8K LCD Screen
2:51 Mega 8K vs Sonic 4K
3:04 Dual Rails
3:21 Menu Screen
3:29 USB Ports
3:42 Rear of printer
4:02 Plate Calibration
4:32 Warranty issues
5:23 Tray capacity
5:58 ChiToBox / Slicers
6:39 Speed
6:59 Plate issues
🔹 SAMURAI PRINT 🔹
www.blackforgegames.co.nz
🔹 _DISCLAIMER **
This product was given to me, free of charge and without obligation. No money has changed hands and the only agreement made was that I video an INDEPENDENT review, expressing my own personal and above all honest thoughts on the product.
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#3dprinting
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#vog

[@ImmuneToKnives]

I've been printing almost every day ever since the first Anycubic Photon. Had my eye on this printer for a while and finally pulled the trigger and bought mine back in October. It finally arrived and wow your points are no joke. I understood I would need more supplies but wow did not anticipate all this work compared to the smaller printers. It didn't hit me until I printed the Phrozen test print which took about 9 hours (took almost 4 hours on the Photon). Thought to myself "bigger printer = more costly" since I have to buy more bottles ($49.99 for 1L 8k Resin), more isopropyl alcohol and need a bigger curing station. Overall, super stoked about this printer but now I have to make sure my prints dont fail because I would cry seeing a 24hr print fail halfway... all that resin and time... ouch.

[@macgyvervanschwartzenstall4662]

Great hearing from people that own one

[@Oakbeast]

get mine in October!! i cant wait to be able to print full size concepts of my mechs and bikes.

[@vogman]

Nice!!!

[@judeevans8303]

im so jealous, im desperately trying to justify buying it

[@talknnerdy2u584]

I would cancel that order my transform 13.3” screen stopped working in only a few months and they will not replace it and that screen will cost you $600+ on the transform.

[@claydud271]

@@talknnerdy2u584 and they said they won’t help you when you contacted their customers support?

[@yanhunt]

Bought and built the Samurai after seeing the release vid for this printer and it's absolutely gorgeous! the supports are perfect and it prints like a dream.

[@vogman]

Couldn't agree more! It's very well done. When I saw all the supports I was terrified it would spoil the detail, but most are cleverly positioned so resulting marks can't be seen. My only criticism is the helmet. I lost a lot of detail there. I think the face and helm could be printed separately. 😁👍

[@ClayMann]

This is the video I've been waiting for. I now know I won't be getting one. I am hooked on 3D and its all about large statue prints for me so this should be my dream machine. But I'm put off by the downsides. Also I feel I'm on a journey here. I started with a cheap little resin printer doing tiny mini's. I learned a lot from that and now I'm using my Mono X to print big mini's. I'm glad I started small as I made so many mistakes along the way and that MonoX can get quite expensive if you're losing solid full sized prints. Which I still do, I'm still learning. So I'm probably not ready for something this large anyway. Great review, the honesty is super appreciated. I wouldn't have known about these downsides from the other videos I've watched.

[@vogman]

As long as I'm giving you the information you need to make sound, sensible, informed decisions, then I'm happy. I'm even happier to know you love 3D printing as much as I do 😁😁😁

[@djtopherau]

I foresee this printer being of better use in a creative Business or school environment as opposed to the average con/prosumer. I worked for a company that would regularly get injection moulds made for products, and being able to quickly print a full size product to evaluate the cad model was of great benifit. the small size limitation of resin printers held us back originally, so we would often get professional 3D printing companies to do this for us, but the cost would be hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars per print depending on how much post production or quality was needed, and having join lines didn't help when evaluating draft etc. I think this is where the Cons meet the Pro's I would like to see you do a full size print without any joins ie one continuous print, you could also then cast the item afterwards. Cheers

[@vogman]

I think this printer was always intended for the "serious" user, whether pro or amateur. It certainly has a place, but probably not in every workshop or home 😁

[@etch3130]

@@vogman I second that you should try and do some real large prints. A single part that fills the whole volume is what i want to see. I also believe that the buildplate will be fixed soon with the introduction of a flat plate.

[@Declopse]

I've one coming to my place! Looking forward to print bigger stuff!

[@vogman]

Get plenty of resin in and enjoy the fun 😁😁😁

[@mobscene13]

Nice review, mine is coming in a few months, can't wait to print large format pieces!👍🏻

[@vogman]

You'll love it 😁

[@Aiello_]

The detail in that statue is crazy!

[@vogman]

The quality is there, that's for sure 😁

[@L3X-369]

I don't mind the size and the weight of this machine. I simply love it. I will buy one, thanks god I never brought a little resin printer, the print area was the only reason that stopped me.

[@vogman]

You'll love it 😁

[@shadowstampstatues]

what a bloody awesome review, full of forsight and all info that we are after. not a word wasted. Cheers.

[@vogman]

You're very kind 😁

[@buzzsawstudio2794]

I've been printing with the Phrozen Transform with the perforated build plate for almost 2 years now and have never had a hole get clogged. I prefer the perforated plate to the "standard" plate option for the transform.

[@vogman]

That's good to hear 😁

[@marcuscolello]

You may consider getting yourself a sapid extra thick silicone pastry mat and save some money on paper towels and better protect what ever surface you are removing prints over. Awesome video! Appreciate it!

[@vogman]

Thanks for the tip! 😁

[@Morganistalking]

your comment about this being unsuitable for the less dedicated of us is spot on. as a table top scrub i cant condone the two hour test print time under any circumstances.

[@jessefowell9236]

Is it really that slow? Doesn't it say 70mm an hour on there site?

[@dickmorris6310]

It's a slippery slope my friend. First the mega printer, which must be followed by mega casting flasks, ordering investment and bronze by the pallet, a mega burn out oven, and a mega vacuum caster. And then there is the electricity, time to upgrade to industrial service. Does Siriya Tech supply castable resin by the 55 gallon drum? 🤣

[@vogman]

You're right Dick. I'm already looking at employing a team of foundry workers 😁😄😂🤣

[@Del350K4]

@@vogman So, there's a series of prices to pay for the ability to print and therefore cast large items. But it's terrific news that the option's available, surely.

[@Gocast2]

At that size, I'm guessing you'd exclusively go with the ceramic shell method of casting :D

[@vogman]

I would need to. I considered it a while ago and some kind gent offered to share his ceramic accessories with me as he had too much. Unfortunately I just didn't fancy the idea. Even more mess for the wife to moan at me about 😁

[@3DMoldShop]

Just got one of these today! Very excited, hopefully not too many issues

[@goalie40404040]

you can speed up the z lift/retract in chitubox. Stock might be extremely slow but you can speed it up. I did with my mighty 4k. Add 10mm of speed at a time. I also dry lubed my fep to reduce sticking. A couple small tweaks and you can get that monster running faster.

[@RagingShrimp67]

That's it, the market is ready. It's time to get into the resin printer game.

[@vogman]

You'll love it 😁

[@Patrick_Cooper]

Be prepared for a big mess. The resin will get everywhere. You can be as careful as you want, but for some reason I have everything contaminated within a few feet of my work space for my little 5.5 in printer, and it don't clean up real easy. IPA, and not the beer, I found out the hard way, is needed by the gallons. But it is fun. I have found as a novice that I have run out of things I wanted to print, so now it just sits, until something new tickles my fancy... Also the amount of detailed printable files available for free is limited, and buy the rights to print someone else's design can get expensive. As a hobby be prepared your beer money on resin, and paper towels, and IPA, and gloves, and a lot of patients.

[@MalikShier]

Great review as always VOG! Would love to see some of the so called 'Mega prints' ! :)

[@vogman]

Thanks Matthew. Happy for suggestions on the Community page - kzbin.infocommunity 😁😁😁

[@oliverbrig426]

Thanks for the review. I just received notice mine is shipping.

[@vogman]

You'll love it 😁

[@slamoto2]

I would love to see a printer that has two changeable vats with the same outer dimensions to lock it in place but different inner capacities. 1 Small and 1 full size one. So that you dont need to fill 1,5liter of resin in it to print a small figure. You would need to be able to select small or big vat in the menu to tell the printer to disable the rest of the screen when you are using the small vat.

[@Wittmason]

To get a smaller vat you’d need a smaller build plate as well. Can’t fit that ginormous build-late in the smaller vat. I do agree that would be a cool feature though.

[@FreeTheWorld-]

So right you are

[@W4ABN]

Fantastic detail in the prints. Have fun with it. Look forward to seeing what else you do with it.

[@vogman]

Thanks 👍

[@KrisSchall]

Modify the g code setting so the z step speed is only slow during the phase when your plate is in the resin. Then speeds up after the surface in the resin reduces. If you get really fancy you modify it so it calculates the surface drag and adjusts the speed of the z accordingly.

[@techsavvyhero]

Thanks for an awesome honest review! I was wondering about this unit as soon as I saw the teasers for it. I would totally get one...when the price comes down (after there's more market competition for large 8K resin printers that is) ;-)

[@vogman]

Thanks for watching!

[@ninehundreddollarluxuryyac5958]

This is starting to approach a useful size for my needs. Although some people think its too big, I would like to see something even bigger even if it retains the 8K mono resolution which would mean larger minimum feature sizes. I have a Creality CR-10s5 FDM printer and would like to make larger prints than it can make as well. Some of us want BIG!

[@vogman]

If these printers get bigger than this, you won't need your yacht - you'll be able to sail in the printer 😁🤣😂👍👍👍

[@13lacle]

@@vogman Or just print a bigger yacht

[@ajlbeer]

Great review! As always, very thorough without dragging on, and quite enlightening. Cheers!

[@vogman]

Much appreciated! 😁

[@tylerttinsley]

I would love to see larger terrain pieces printed on this. Hagglethorn hollow has some incredible buildings detailed enough to shine on this printer.

[@vogman]

Thanks for the suggestion 😁

[@thommytabletop1972]

Yes pls O.O

[@TheSwordThain]

I know in extruder slicers, you can set different speeds on different layers. Can you set it to speed up once the plate is out of the vat?

[@kruger12311]

Why use paper towels? Get a silicone mat and after cure resin on the mat with a uv flash light or leave it in the sun :) Good review :)

[@vogman]

Interesting idea.

[@GlaucusBlue]

This, especially one with a lip for spills, getting work flow down with resin printer just makes life so much nicer. Also don't like one use waste like paper towels. Haven't seen a solution for gloves though? Anyone found reusable gloves that still give dexterity. That's the other issue with such a big printer as well as sheer amount of resin, is I would miss putting the whole build plate in a wash and cure station. Silicone dog food matts come in massive sizes and have raised lips, easy to find on amazon and other places.

[@kruger12311]

@@vogman Definitely less wasteful :) I rarely use paper towels. Bucket of IPA, silicone mat and old cloth is all i need :)

[@tonywharton5220]

This is exactly what I do Vog.

[@Pygar2]

Dog bowl mats are cheaper, and have a higher lip around them...

[@user-tm6ue6pf6i]

Just hooked. The difference between 43mm and 35 mm is almost 20 percent, which is quite a lot for a tiny figures. I switched from Photon to Sonic mini 4k and there is a 30 percent difference and it is very noticeable. It is clear that this one is for something larger and maybe someone needs it

[@vogman]

There's always someone that needs it 😁😁😁

[@joshfreitas2198]

I did the Tim Allen grunt when I saw this thing! Its the right tool for someone but not me. Its just too big if you printing minis or competition busts even. That being said inwould live to print some 1 peoce terrain and building in one shot

[@vogman]

MORE POWER!!! 😂🤣😂😁😁😁

[@Henchman1977]

Not even that expensive... Basically what the smallest size resin printers cost a few years ago when hobby grade units first appeared.

[@alerey4363]

for a home user after a pandemic recession $1600 is out of 99.9999% diy enthusiasts budget; and whats the cost of electricity, resin, alcohol and all the other components needed for every print? maybe in 10 years...

[@vogman]

It's amazing how far the printers have come in such a short time 😁

[@evilldead6824]

@@alerey4363 not to mention they want $500 for shipping so the real cost is $2100!!!

[@AnDOnlineify]

@@alerey4363 with shipping, it's closer to 2000 or more. With a printer that size usually requires considerations on your work space so add that as well. This is well over a hobbyist's budget so I agree with you there.

[@bobsmyth8870]

@@evilldead6824 500.00 for Shipping? let me list the things they can suck and kiss

[@rdr6253]

I've used a Transform since release and have yet to have any holes clog.

[@3DomSculpts]

Looking forward to this one. Thanks for the early upload VOG 😊

[@vogman]

No worries 😁

[@Xploit66]

Just out of curiosity, how long would it have taken to print the samurai in batches using the sonic mini 4k? 20hrs on the mega sounds like a lot but i bet its wayyyyy shorter than doing it in many many batches on the mini. just curious as to how much shorter.

[@peterchan9525]

For this size and parts, if using saturn or monox, probably need 3 runs, each run probably 3hrs. so approx 9 hrs. I have printed such size of model with a couple runs. A lot faster compared to 24hrs..

[@vogman]

Some one has already responded that they've already printed it and it took a lot more than 24 hours 😁

[@vogman]

I'm not so sure. I'm doing a much smaller model with far less parts right now and I'm already on my second day. I would be completely finished until tomorrow I'd guess.

[@yomboprime]

A small correction: 43 micrometers is not the resolution, it is the definition. Resolution is number of pixels across the entire display.

[@TansRav4]

43 microns is the resolution in x and y axis.

[@ImaginationToForm]

I'll keep it in mine for sure. Looks to fill up a lot of my workbench but would fit. Two full bottles though. I hope they will offer a slanted build plate later on. I would want a flex bed on this for sure.

[@vogman]

Lot of space for a lot of printer 😁

[@exaltdragon]

For this size really it starts to make more sense to use a top-down system. Basically eliminates the need for an FEP drastically cuts the need for supports and rafts. Don't have to worry about parts breaking off the build plate either.

[@vogman]

I know what you mean. I saw one on "Lost In Space," 😂😄🤣 But I really do know what you mean.

[@royalecrafts6252]

or just get an DLP printer, basically no need for supports and it prints at almost the same quality meaning your eye won't really see the detail differences

[@petramaier9153]

@@royalecrafts6252 Are there any ones out there in this price range? AFAIK large build volume works less well with DLPs, but I'm a noob.

[@noway8233]

Ok, how we eliminate gravity?

[@whiskeyAnimation]

I printed that Tenjin model on my mighty 4k, it was six build plates I think. Everything I print is around the six build plate mark. I'm really thinking of getting this, even 20 hrs is about three times quicker than on the mighty 4k.

[@vogman]

Well said 😁

[@jamesway5036]

Great review. My gosh that printer is big. Looks amazing and works good. I will buy the next size smaller when I get one. Fantastic job 👍

[@vogman]

Thanks for watching! 😁

[@telinoz1975]

Awesome for printer farms. High volume output vs. multiple runs on a smaller platform. More efficient workflow in the end as well.

[@vogman]

Totally agree! That's the crux of it. 😁

[@7miracles71195]

just a thought but once the build plate reaches a z level above the vat couldn't it run at monochrome speeds and be fine depending on the surface area of the print you had running?

[@TheBelrick]

The print speed and flat plate alone were enough for me to say no thanks. All advantages by its size was lost imho

[@catnamestaken]

Cool. I wonder how detailed a small print would be compared to for example the saturn and if you can see the difference. The saturns ppi of 495 vs 587 of the mega, if I calulcated it correctly, should mean the mega is capable of more detail.

[@mrexpendable1232]

I feel like a really good system would be to have a mini4k for all the pieces that will fit that plate for best quality, then using the mighty 4k for bigger pieces too big for a mini4k, and then perhaps a good large fdm printer for the biggest sections. Also, curious if you split the samurai pieces into 2 separate print jobs on the mighty 4k, how much longer would it take? Also. Maybe having 2 mightys is better. Seems like this is really just for those pieces that are too big for other printers.

[@scar6626]

The LCD panel is a consumable. UV light damages LCD's hence 3 months warranty. So be prepared to dissemble printer. 8K = 2 4K put together, (probably) hence resolution close to other the other printer. Film replacement takes about 20 mins (at least on the one I had, Photon). Film clarity degrades quickly, so be prepared to buy many. Cleanup is a pain. Type of resin type/manufacture is vital, had one print that was maximum print height, resin turned to gel at end of print run. Printed in darkness to safe guard curing resin, still gelled. So forget about just topping up and continue printing. If your serious about liquid resin printing and have the cash, dump SLA ang go with SLS. Reasons why I gave it to a relative.

[@Ken-nv2hl]

In order to get a better resolution they could put a stepper/servo motor on the projector so it would change the length between the projector and the mirror with the only downsized being that build volume will decrease proportionally squared to the resolution increase. The main benefit is that you can create precision/ inference fits of parts, better surface finish. Practically it would be great to have that option as you don't always need to create large parts.

[@TheAndyBig]

There is no projector, it uses mask technology. The LCD under the vat is used as a UV mask to form the layer pattern.

[@dennisburns3949]

Was that Samuri file printed at 100% file size ? How big do you think the largest piece of that model can be scaled up to , as to be able to print the smaller pieces to the same scale ? Awesome review ... your voice suthes my nerves.

[@vogman]

The file is scalable and that's what Phrozen did for their promo, I'd guess. There were no large parts so it would print on any resin printer, but there are a lot of parts. Filling the plate was my goal here and it worked. Hopefully I'll do a BIG print soon 😁

[@freakingriddle]

Extreme review, great job as always! Also, I would like to see an one piece full size model with this giant printer.

[@vogman]

Hopefully soon 😁

[@yomboprime]

@@vogman Will you cast it? xDDDD

[@nic.h]

@@yomboprime Can see @VOG might have some difficulty doing a cast of a full sized print from this, I believe his normal flask size wouldn't be close unfortunately. Maybe without a flask and use a slurry mixture instead, but then no vacuum for the pour.

[@kapikoprinted]

As always an excellent review! I will definitely wait for the other 8K printer offerings from other companies before going 8K. Not a fan of speed and that build plate at all!

[@Gocast2]

great review as always! will definitely stick with a small one if I ever get the time :D

[@vogman]

Don't blame you 😁

[@Starganderfish]

Does the stock Phrozen profile take advantage of the new variable lift speed function in Chitubox? I think there's a setting so you can have the plate lift slowly for the first few millimetre's, while it peels from the FEP, and then it can speed up so it lifts and lowers faster? Once the peel is done, as long as those holes are draining the resin, it's only lifting the weight of the plate and the weight of whatever is printed, so assuming they are using powerful enough stepper motors, it should be able to lift faster? If the machine still has to lift so lowly, I would be concerned that they've cheaped out on the motors for the z lift.

[@jeremydemarco8697]

I'd love to have a 8k resolution but with a mini resin tank, I only print jewelry pieces and I suppose a so big tank would be a waste of resin, plus castable resin is very expensive... Do you have any suggestions?? I could not watch your videos for few months and I miss it. Maybe you have the answer in the videos I didn't see yet

[@juzensari2589]

I think I'm waiting for an answer

[@vogman]

This printer is virtually as good as the Sonic 4K which is the best quality printer I've personally used. I hear great stories about FormLabs but they won't let me test their claims, so that worries me. What are they scared of? The fact that I tell the truth? I'm no expert and there's so many printers out there, and things are moving fast. In a few weeks I'm hoping to have the Anycubic Photon Ultra to review. They made this alongside Texas Instruments and it's DLP technology rather than LCD. I think this might really change things. I've seen a couple of test prints and they look incredible. I mentioned it here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH2sZ3WQrLmhrKc So right now I think 4K is about as good as you'll get. However, if you want to print a LOT of rings at once, maybe 50 or 100, this Sonic Mega could save you hours of time and produce details virtually as good as any 4K.

[@JohnAldred]

@@vogman Which Sonic 4K? You mention that a few times in the video. The Sonic Mini 4K or the Sonic Mighty 4K?

[@UNVIRUSLETALE]

@@JohnAldred there is a sonic 4k which is an improved mini 4k afaik, same size and resolution but in a more "pro" package

[@TwistedSisterHaratiofales]

Good video. #1. I thought the Samuri was printed as one piece and was glad to know that it is a model. I am working on plans for a 6.5 foot version of the Star Ship Enterprise. I have been wavering between using this machine or the 4K. I think this one will allow me to make the pieces larger though.

[@Protocol-X]

Thanks for the great video. Have been waiting for your review before purchasing. I'm glad I did, that print time is a killer. I was disappointed to hear this,, as I was so excited for this large format.

[@vogman]

It's probably not as bad as it sounds Shawn. Go back and look at the video again... it printed a LOT of pieces in 24 hours. BUT don't let me turn your head one way or another. My job is to provide the information so you can decide for yourself 😁😁😁

[@MrMikeBaldock]

I have one of these ordered for October shipping. Really looking forward to printing some ideas that struggled on my FDM due to minute details. Im really hoping to create big masters for molds on this thing.

[@profwaldone]

I feel like the large buildplate compensates for the zspeed. Granted it will take a long time but on my printer id have to run it twice 3 times or even 4 times to get something that big printed which then balances out.

[@vogman]

Spot on! You've grasped the crux of it perfectly 😁

[@UNVIRUSLETALE]

Nice video, got my first resin printer today, wanted a mars 3 but didn't want to deal with chitubox so I went for a halot one for half the price (160€ shipped). It's annoying to clean up prints from such a small one (but gives rewarding results), can't imagine dealing with something this big

[@vfxforge]

welcome to the world of large format printers, its not for everyone and the learning curve is not linear but exponential, this is not a beginners printer, beginners should start with a small format one.

[@setaripantheon8801]

Great video! Give a detailed video about the big samurai! And I would like to see more prints of this machine!

[@vogman]

I would imagine it would take a few weeks of printing to make the samurai as big as the one Phrozen showed in their video. Sure it's possible, but there are so many pieces, so once they're scaled up, you're in for many hours and lots of resin. However, I will certainly be looking at something large very soon 😁

[@HunterValleyDan]

Great review again Geoff. It looks like a very good printer for making large (I mean HUGE) prints.

[@vogman]

Good to hear from you Dan. Yes, huge is the word here buddy. If these printers get any bigger, I'll be able to move my family inside 😁

[@HunterValleyDan]

@@vogman 😂

[@medyk3D]

I think that there might be some problem with the Plate - since half of the video is about it... I made an enclosure out of MDF for my Anet A6 Prusified Printer and used similiar design for the doors. Great for accessing the printer, but takes a lot of space around the printer. There is no way you can put it in a corner :)

[@vogman]

The plate is a big part of this machine and I wanted to cover it fully so folks understood. Personally other than cleaning issues I can't see it being a problem - unless it gets dropped. I've done that with smaller plates and they've survived. Something as big as this might not be so lucky 😁

[@mjorr3081]

Could alternative "smaller" plates be available and speed up smaller prints?

[@patrickl9930]

That’s a compelling idea. With that, I could see this as the only printer I’d need. I’ll stick to keeping a smaller one around until such a plate comes out

[@vogman]

Interesting idea 😁

[@christiephillips106]

Hi I recently purchased one of these and the first two prints went perfect. The third failed and the result was two holes in the FEP. I have ordered two additional ones so I’m stalled for now. I haven’t used all of the vat volume of resin at once, but does it alarm or pause when the vat is getting low on resin? Thanks!

[@mdavis3370]

Can u share the chitibox support settings please. Also the arrangement of pieces to fit on plate for a single pass print. Thank you

[@RoofusKit]

The reason they say they're the only company that supports 8k printers is because Chitu makes all the smarts for these machines. Lychee can easily support such a printer as long as the file formats are known and not obfuscated in any way.

[@vogman]

Yes, wrong isn't it. I have a gripe about it in tomorrow's video 😁

[@ondrejnovotny2073]

Good review . But what were your print settings ? Because it's look like over exposure for me. I also have it pre-ordered so it can be helpful for me. Do you really think that someone will buy a large printer and then they will complain that it is too large and needs a lot of space? :D I think people who have more than 1 or 2 3d Printer and lot of experience with 3D printing buy such a printer not somebody who begin ... but I can be wrong ...

[@kvg4790]

What about particles left in the resin from where the raft was supposed to be over one of the holes? I can’t imagine that those holes are accounted for with the raft, so that means mega overhang on parts of the raft. I wouldn’t be surprised if resin particles become a problem after several prints in the same resin.

[@kvg4790]

Not sure if I’m being clear on this and I’m definitely not up to date on lingo, so bear with me on this. Raft positioned over the plate holes. First layers will only partially form due to the overhang/unsupported area of the holes. How many layers will it take to bridge the holes completely? How much of the exposed resin will become particulate either at moment of exposure or when something causes particles to break away?

[@vogman]

I get what you mean. I think it's the sort of printer that you run, taking a day or two with a large print, and then strip down and clean. It's so big, frankly you wouldn't want to risk anything else. Imagine waiting for 30 hours only to find it hadn't printed correctly due to a chunk of support left floating after your last print. Owning this machine will require dedication... big prints, big cleaning 😁

[@PBRJOHN684]

That is one BIG package you have there VOG! 🤣😁🤣 But to be honest I think that would be far to big for what I need! If only they would do the 8K in the size of the 4K 🤔 See you in the next one 👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@vogman]

I think we'll see 8K equivalent in standard sized printers before long. Fingers crossed 😁

[@PheonixKnght]

It should have adjustable feet for non level surfaces. They are cheap and easy just being a hole and a screw with a foot on the end. I would get a flex plate for this as i have on my other printers making the holes worthless right off the bat. I would also set it to be slow at first but after a few layers speed way up instead of taking six hours to print what should be forty minutes.

[@vogman]

Given how important levelling is on this printer, I think you have a very good point. Adjustable feet would have been a very sensible inclusion 😁

[@frediusmaximus1]

Thank you for this detailed, straight to the point and honest review. This is exactly what I have been waiting for. I also have one on order and this helps me decide if I want to keep my order or cancel it. Regarding the doors, the length for the entire machine is 400mm/15.75". Can you please tell us the length of the door when it is open? I wanted to see if it will fit my enclosure. Thanks!

[@boostmobile7092]

This is a great review 👍... Have you considered printing something that would use the entire print space?

[@vogman]

I'm looking for an ideal model 😁

[@stephencostello8792]

Can such a printer be purchased in the UK. I am now able to afford such a machine but i am struggling to find any reputable retailer that can supply any 3d printers that are any good in the UK. Please can you release a video on how we actually buy one if you live in the uk?

[@leonzetsu7324]

love to see a side to side comparison of the 4k and 8k quality

[@vogman]

The 8K produces roughly 4K quality but over a much larger area, so the differences would be minimal.

[@Amipotsophspond]

8K is not what matters Pixels Per Inch that is the measurement for Pixel density is what is going to provide greater detail. www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/technology/ppi-calculator.php that said their might be a upper limit of printing resin that greater PPI is not going to be able to transfer more detail to the resin. 15 inch display at 7680 × 4320 according to the calculator should have a PPI of 587 the Sonic Mini 4K has a stated PPI of 722

[@vogman]

Thanks for the informed share 😁

[@hightde13]

Just to make the numbers work out nicely I kinda want them to release a new version of the Mighty at 6k heh ;) Thank you so much for the review! Glad it worked out. I wish I could afford a large format machine like this!

[@vogman]

I'm sure I've heard a rumour that Anycubics next gen Mono X will be 6K. I guess we'll have to wait and see 😁😁😁

[@klabbyk7315]

20mins on 4k printer and 2 hours on this printer; that's 6x slower (if my math is right). Even if one filled the build plate with small prints and did same with 4k printer. The 4k would be done with printer same number of prints before mega is half way (give or take a little) through printing. So it's not really even useful for large number of small models being done in one print. I see this only good for large model that one needs to be whole in one print. I didn't realize it was this slow. Glad I didn't pre-order.

[@coulterjb22]

Great review! As always. I hope Phrozen comes out with a printer that matches the resolution of the Sonic 4K but with the build plate of the Mighty! = Sonic Mighty 8K??? That would hit my sweet spot and make a great VOG vid!

[@vogman]

That day will come 😁

[@thrrax]

Well, the LCD and the FEP are the consumables. So, 3 months for the LCD.

[@frizzlol]

Great review. Hope to get mine next month.

[@vogman]

You'll love it 😁

[@EmesiS]

I just recently went from the Mars Pro 2 to an Anycubic Mono X 4k and the post processing and clean up is a totally new challenge. The Mega has to be an insane task. I've been resin printing for close to 2 years and I had my first major spill with the Mono X. Let's just say when pouring resin back into the bottle make sure everything is secure and use a solid funnel. I used my normal collapsible rubber funnel that I've used previously with the smaller vats. Well not a good idea! Huge mistake! 😣

[@vogman]

Spills... we all fear those. Accidents happen, no matter how careful you are 😁

[@shadowtheimpure]

It's an excellent printer for those who need large scale prints. For the average hobbyist, it is excess to requirement.

[@pcysneros]

If they didn't charge 500 dollars for shipping I'd buy this... Hopefully a store near me will have it by black Friday

[@vogman]

I tell you Paul, when you see the size and weight of this printer, you can understand the postal costs. But yes, if someone else can absorb those costs for you, all the better 😁

[@FunDumb]

Ok, someone's gotta have a solution for turning the supports back into solution.

[@jonksmodels]

When you mentioned cleaning the plate with IPA did you mean Isopropyl Alcohol or Indian Pale Ale?

[@tiriaqstreasures650]

+1 but I'd much rather seen something close to the max height. I mean 23cm is what I do every day on the Mono X :\ maybe some indication of the price of an 8K screen or maybe I missed it.

[@importsstillsuck]

Finally, something an IPA is good for.

[@markrichards5630]

It looks like those holes in the plate would increase the likelihood of bubbles forming. They also reduce stiction to the plate (less surface area in contact) so the tug of war between FEP and plate just got lopsided. The only reason I can see for the plate not having a sloping top and for the holes is shipping weight. The billet has to be solid for the holes to be drilled so I doubt it's a material savings cost (yes, you can recycle the chips but between cost of recycle and the amount of material I doubt it balances out - its a not wheel rim after al where most of the billet is chips) They should offer a small vat and build plate that lock in for smaller prints (and maybe even a UV mask). I suppose if you can afford this one you can add on a smaller extra printer (which sounds like it would be faster with higher res anyway)

[@vogman]

I guess the slow speed also helps reduce the possibility of bubbles. I can't say that's I've noticed any.

[@Presbiter]

If you want to bring out detail of a light colored print for the camera you can use one drop of black acrylic paint or one drop of black ink mixed with 8-10 drops of water. Now take a brush and wash that print with that. ;)

[@vogman]

A little like Nuln Oil. Great suggestion.

[@Gorb_N_Denn]

So for anyone that has gotten this printer, what's the process for customs in the US? I was thinking about ordering this around Christmas time as a gift for myself. So I wanted to figure out the process before hand. Any insight would be appreciated 😁

[@vogman]

I'm sure someone will come back to you with the info buddy 😁

[@Skott62]

That flat plate design is a no go for me. 8k or not. Just my opinion. They need to revisit it.

[@vogman]

I get the feeling they might eventually. I've no doubt other brands will 😁

[@FriedrichVSS]

With some of these issues, I wonder if having a few smaller 6k or 4k printers would be better?

[@IAmACrab2020]

Hey completely off topic tbh to the actually printer itself where did you get the files for those models because I'd love to get my hands them.

[@flasher2001z]

Excellent thorough review!

[@vogman]

Very kind 😁

[@solidkreate5007]

This one is on my list however I just ordered the new MARS 3 with that new fancy Wash & Cure bundle. This printer will be in my arsenal soon though for large components. The Mars will be the small detail component workhorse.

[@vogman]

Don't blame you 😁

[@tbip2001]

I would like to see a printer with this build volume or more but with a lower resolution and faster print times. Would be good for rough prototyping.

[@Rockdagger]

what was the shipping weigh that dhl or fed-ex listed

[@ragingmando5956]

Great video. Very informative. You have a new subscriber!!!

[@vogman]

Awesome, thank you!

[@dastompa]

The reason why this is slow at raising/lowering is to avoid tearing the gigantic fep

[@vogman]

Exactly!

[@brettturnage533]

I love your reviews.

[@3dtechnik]

Interesting product review, thank you. Did you have a chance to test the network port? I know that you're not a friend of 3D network printing, but if they do it right (buffering and such) it might still be a great improvement of the workflow.