3D printers are a fairly new technology that handles design printing into a solid form that can be used for various purposes. Depending on the application, there are a lot to choose from such as Epax X1 Vs Anycubic Photon resin printers. Both of them are ideal for those who will need a resin model of their products but, being a different model from different companies, there must be differences between these printers as well. To see which may fit you the best, go check them below.
In this article, we are going to give you information about:
- What are 3D Printers
- How to 3D Print
- What are Epax X1 and Anycubic Photon
- What Epax X1 and Anycubic Photon Look Like
- How are the Specification of Epax X1 and Anycubic Photon
- How are the Performance of Epax X1 and Anycubic Photon
- How are the Connectivity in Epax X1 and Anycubic Photon
- Epax X1 Vs Anycubic Photon
3D Printers
Printing is a very common task we have done for various purposes whether it is for school or job and hobbies. It is a very useful technology that lets you turn something digital such as a document or a design into something we can physically touch or edit and alter the quality. Almost everyone is familiar with regular printers but we also have the more advanced one called 3D printer. As the name suggests, it is equipment that creates three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. Read also: Anycubic Mega S vs i3 Mega.
They are also called as additive printers because they use an additive process or when an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created or in order to complete it based on certain design. To put it simply we can see the process as a thin layer being stacked on top of other previous thin layers that have been produced which is stacked horizontal cross-section of the eventual object. It is also the opposite of subtractive which instead of building is hollowing an object.
3D Printers Mechanism
Just like with a regular printer, before processing it out we have to have the digital file first. If a document is typed or a picture is taken and drawn or scanned from another medium, a 3D file can be created with modeling software which some are open source and free to use while the rest are made for professionals and some may even cost thousands a year to get the license. The example of a free to use tool is Tinkercad which many also love as we can use it from the browser for convenience.
After the design is done or obtained, we can start slicing them up. As it has been mentioned above that 3D printers are stacking thin layers above other previously printed layers, the initial design needs to be sliced up into numerous thin layers first. Slicing software usually comes with your printer already and we can use various files as well such as raw. or stl. After the slicing, the file can be fed into the printer via wireless like Wi-Fi or through a USB port.
| Epax X1 | Anycubic Photon | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 16.1 x 16 x 17.8 inches | 17.8 x 15.9 x 16.1 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 21.6 pounds | 20.8 pounds |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
The next process is highly related to the type of 3D printer you have because there are several of them out there based on what material being used in the equipment but, the most popular for hobbyist is probably FDM printer which extrude hot materials and plastics called filament to build the 3D object while other styles like DLP and SLA uses vats of liquid resin. Additionally, there is Selective Laser Sintering or SLS as well that uses powder instead of liquid.
About Epax X1 and Anycubic Photon
There is no one type fit all when it comes to 3D printers and this is because what you need may not be the same with the others. Since in most cases those who use the printer are either hobbyists or someone who need a model for their products, we usually recommend considering the type of material they want to use including the care or typical characteristic they carry so we won’t be surprised when handling them later; in case you have special preferences as well.
If you are here then it means a resin 3D printer is what you need and this type of printer used to cost quite a lot in the past since it is seen as the better version of the rest especially if you need something that can produce better results or details on the objects. Today, they are getting cheaper for more people to enjoy and utilize in their hobby or business such as what Epax and Anycubic have offered in their catalog.
Both of them are popular options in the more affordable price range for resin printers and many have liked their product’s performances as well with various experiences. If you want to keep the budget low, Epax X1 and Anycubic Photon are two amazing options to consider. They are equally below $500 and used to be priced almost similar to each other but, due to some of the issues people experienced with Photon, this model is now probably among the most affordable as well in entry-level resin printers.
Both Epax X1 and Anycubic Photon are very much similar to each other when they first come out by having the same resolution and the same 2K cellphone LCD screen, as well as z-axis lead screw. In action, these printers are actually reliable and many have enjoyed using them for the value as well as performance but, in our opinion, what sets them apart the most is the dual rail system since the Photon is single; Anycubic do have the similar options however, called Photon S.
Epax X1 and Anycubic Photon Design
From the outside, these printers are pretty much the same to any other 3D resin printers out there and for the Photon, we adore its built quality since it is made from metal so you have a good impression when opening the box as it seems robust. But, this is also what you get from X1 since metal housing is a standard for many others. Overall, both models are offering amazing built quality and look like they can last for quite a long time.
You will also get several accessories or tools inside the box with your 3D printer. Epax will pack one extra non-FEP film, one USB stick loaded with manual and ChiTuBox file, power adapter, one shovel, 2 resin filters, but no resin. On the other hand Anycubic gives you quite a lot as well like the resin vat, adapter, tool kit, gloves and mask, USB stick, door handle, screws, scrapper, and manual to get started but similarly, no resin too.
Epax X1 and Anycubic Photon Specification
Running into the specification, as it has been mentioned above, Epax X1 and Anycubic Photon are using the same 2K or 2560 x 1440 LCD masking screen to capture the finer detail of your design. The maximum build volume of these printers is also the same at 115mm in length, 65mm in width, and 155mm in height. In addition, they are versatile for resin option as you can use any 405nm wavelength 3D printing resin from various brands; Photon also offers a package with their resin if you want to start right away.
Epax X1 and Anycubic Photon Performance
Moving into their performance part, this is what seems to be quite different in both models and one of the main reasons is Photon only uses a single lead screw while the X1 is dual system. You can always upgrade it with aftermarket or third-party components but be prepared to spend more as well. When tested, they look very good especially after Photon is being upgraded as it is similar to the Photon S already.
If not upgraded you may find inaccuracies for higher details but this is common in single rail systems as it is mostly used for decoration. With the original Photon, what makes it a bit annoying is leveling the build plate because it is the cause of most printing failures and this may take both time and googling to properly done. For X1, their bedplate is flat and already calibrated by the manufacturer so it is saving the fuss; in case you want the best convenience.
Another difference in experience is their firmware because with Photon you will need to upgrade it first to be able to enjoy some new features especially the anti-aliasing but you can save the time with X1 as it always comes with the newest upgrade.
Epax X1 and Anycubic Photon Connectivity
The last part we want to mention is their connectivity. Both Epax X1 and Anycubic Photon are using regular USB drives to upload your design into the printer and printing directly. What’s surprising is Photon actually has a hidden feature which makes it able to use Ethernet as the board has the port yet, it may be slower in comparison to the USB drive. X1 used to need some tweaks to provide the same feature but now they offer an Ethernet version which is also more expensive.
Epax X1 vs Anycubic Photon
Both of these printers are amazing in terms of performance and price point but also with some differences. From the basic, Photon is much cheaper today so you may cut the end cost of upgrading but note the effort to level your plate as well when deciding to buy this printer. On the other option X1 is saving you the fuss as it comes out ready to use but, it is also more than twice as expensive especially if you go with the Ethernet ready model.
Conclusion
All in all there is no bad option between the two. Their price gap is about convenience and if you want to keep the budget low or willing to put some effort, Photon may have the better value but if you want something that works right out of the box then we recommend to go with Epax X1.