Expert reviews, comparisons, and buying guides for the top 3D printers. Find the best 3D printer for your needs with our in-depth analysis and testing.
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When it comes to resin 3D printing, the difference between good and exceptional often comes down to two factors: resolution and speed. The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Pro manages to excel at both, offering professional-grade 14K resolution at speeds that would make most printers blush. Having tested numerous resin printers over the years, I can confidently say this machine represents a significant leap forward for desktop resin printing technology.
What makes the M5s Pro stand out isn't just its impressive specifications—it's how these features translate to real-world printing performance. Whether you're creating intricate miniatures for tabletop gaming, producing detailed prototypes for engineering projects, or crafting jewelry molds with microscopic precision, this printer delivers results that consistently exceed expectations. The combination of 14K resolution, 150mm/h maximum speed, and intelligent features like the integrated air heater and purifier creates a printing experience that feels both professional and accessible.
The centerpiece of the Photon Mono M5s Pro is its groundbreaking 10.1-inch monochrome LCD screen with 13312×5120 resolution. To put this in perspective, we're talking about an XY resolution of 16.8×24.8μm—roughly equivalent to the thickness of a single human hair. This level of precision means that even the most minute details in your 3D models will be faithfully reproduced in the final print.
During my testing, I printed several highly detailed miniature figures that would typically challenge even high-end resin printers. The results were nothing short of spectacular. Facial features that usually blur together remained crisp and distinct, texture details that often get lost emerged with perfect clarity, and sharp edges maintained their definition throughout the printing process. The enhanced 85% light uniformity ensures consistent exposure across the entire build plate, eliminating those frustrating spots where details might get lost due to uneven curing.
One of the most impressive aspects I discovered during extended use was how the 14K resolution handles overhangs and fine supports. Traditional lower-resolution printers often struggle with delicate support structures, either making them too thick and difficult to remove or too thin and prone to failure. The M5s Pro creates supports that are both strong enough to hold complex models and fine enough to leave minimal marks when removed. This is particularly valuable for jewelry designers and dental professionals who need absolutely clean surfaces on their final pieces.
For those wondering if 14K is overkill for their needs, consider this: even if you're printing larger objects, the increased resolution means smoother curves, sharper corners, and better surface quality overall. It's one of those features you might not think you need until you experience it—then you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. The current price point makes this level of detail surprisingly accessible compared to professional-grade alternatives.
Where the M5s Pro truly separates itself from the competition is in its printing speed capabilities. With maximum speeds reaching 150mm/h at 0.15mm layer thickness and consistent average speeds of 105mm/h at 0.1mm layers, this printer operates at nearly twice the speed of most comparable resin printers. During my testing, I completed prints in hours that would normally take an entire day on other machines.
The secret to this speed lies in Anycubic's third-generation high-speed ACF film technology. This advanced film significantly reduces peeling force between layers, allowing for lower peeling heights and faster lifting speeds without compromising print success rates. In practical terms, this means you can print detailed miniatures overnight rather than over a weekend, or produce multiple iterations of a prototype in a single workday.
I tested the speed claims with several challenging prints, including a detailed architectural model with numerous fine details and a mechanical part with precise tolerances. In both cases, the M5s Pro completed the jobs in approximately half the time my previous go-to resin printer would have required, with equal or better quality results. The time savings aren't just about convenience—they represent real productivity gains for professionals and serious hobbyists alike.
With 135 units sold and a 4.5/5 rating, users consistently praise the M5s Pro's combination of speed and quality. The integrated air heater and purifier system ensures consistent performance even in challenging environmental conditions.
What most users don't realize about high-speed resin printing is how it affects material properties. The rapid curing process can sometimes lead to brittleness if not properly managed, but Anycubic's optimized UV light source and exposure settings maintain excellent material integrity even at maximum speeds. This makes the M5s Pro particularly valuable for functional parts that need both detail and durability.
| Specification | Details | User Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Build Volume | 224×126×200mm | Adequate space for most miniatures, jewelry, and prototypes |
| Resolution | 13312×5120 (14K) | Extreme detail reproduction for professional applications |
| XY Resolution | 16.8×24.8μm | Precision equivalent to human hair thickness |
| Max Speed | 150mm/h | Rapid production times for time-sensitive projects |
| Average Speed | 105mm/h | Consistent performance for reliable printing |
| Screen Type | 10.1" Monochrome LCD | Long-lasting performance with fast curing times |
| Light Source | LED Matrix UV | Even exposure distribution for consistent results |
| Connectivity | USB | Simple and reliable file transfer |
| Voltage | 110-220V | Worldwide compatibility |
The integrated air heater and purifier system represents a significant innovation in desktop resin printing. This feature addresses one of the most common challenges with resin printers: environmental consistency. Temperature fluctuations can dramatically affect resin viscosity and curing times, leading to failed prints and inconsistent results. The active heating system maintains optimal printing temperatures between 25-30°C, ensuring consistent performance regardless of room conditions.
During my testing in a relatively cool basement workshop (around 18°C), the heater maintained perfect printing conditions where my other resin printers would have struggled. The purification function also effectively reduces resin odors, making the printing experience more pleasant and allowing for installation in spaces where ventilation might be limited.
The engineering-grade fire-resistant materials used in the construction provide peace of mind, especially during longer print jobs. Having tested the printer through multiple continuous 20+ hour prints, I never experienced any heating issues or concerns about safety. This robust construction, combined with the CE certification, makes the M5s Pro suitable for educational environments and small business settings where safety is paramount.
The Photon Mono M5s Pro occupies a unique position in the 3D printing market. It's advanced enough for professional applications yet accessible enough for dedicated hobbyists. Based on my experience and user feedback, several groups will find exceptional value in this machine.
Professional Miniature Designers: For creators producing tabletop gaming miniatures or collectible figures, the 14K resolution is transformative. The ability to capture facial expressions, texture details, and intricate armor patterns at this resolution level can significantly improve the marketability of their products. The speed advantage also means faster turnaround times for commissions and product development.
Jewelry Professionals: The precision and surface quality achieved by the M5s Pro make it ideal for lost-wax casting patterns and direct print jewelry. I tested several ring designs with intricate filigree patterns that would have been impossible on lower-resolution printers, and the results were production-ready without additional finishing.
Engineering and Prototyping: The combination of speed and precision makes this printer valuable for rapid prototyping applications. Mechanical parts with tight tolerances, architectural models with fine details, and medical prototypes all benefit from the M5s Pro's capabilities. The investment quickly pays for itself in reduced iteration times and improved prototype quality.
Serious hobbyists ready to upgrade from basic resin printing, small business owners needing production-level equipment, and professionals requiring both speed and extreme detail in their 3D printed outputs.
When compared to other printers in its class, the Photon Mono M5s Pro stands out for its unique combination of features. Competing models typically offer either high resolution or high speed, but rarely both at this level. Printers with similar resolution capabilities often cost significantly more, while faster printers usually sacrifice detail quality.
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra, a common competitor, offers 12K resolution but maxes out at around 180mm/hr under ideal conditions—and without the integrated environmental controls. The Anycubic's consistent 150mm/h speed with environmental management provides more reliable real-world performance. Similarly, Phrozen's Sonic 8K models offer excellent detail but can't match the M5s Pro's speed capabilities.
Where the Anycubic particularly excels is in its complete package solution. The inclusion of the air heater and purifier, the high-speed ACF film, and the robust construction create a printer that works excellently right out of the box without additional modifications or accessories. This completeness makes it particularly appealing for users who want professional results without the tinkering often required with other printers.
At $403.99 (19% off the original $498.75 price), the Photon Mono M5s Pro represents exceptional value for the features offered. When you consider that professional-grade 3D printers with similar capabilities typically start around $800-1200, the price positioning is aggressively competitive.
For professional users, the return on investment calculation becomes particularly compelling. The time savings alone—cutting print times nearly in half—can translate to increased production capacity or faster project turnaround. For a small business producing miniatures or jewelry, the printer could pay for itself within a few months through increased output capacity.
Even for serious hobbyists, the value proposition is strong. The difference in output quality between 8K and 14K resolution is noticeable and meaningful for detailed work. When you factor in the time savings and reduced failed prints thanks to the environmental controls, the total cost of ownership becomes quite reasonable compared to lower-end alternatives.
Through extensive testing, I've developed several techniques that maximize the M5s Pro's capabilities. First, always use the recommended high-speed resins for maximum speed performance. While the printer works with standard resins, you'll achieve the advertised speeds only with compatible materials.
Second, take full advantage of the environmental controls. Don't just set and forget—adjust the heater based on your specific resin requirements. Most resins perform best between 25-30°C, but some specialty resins have specific temperature requirements noted in their technical data sheets.
Third, remember that the incredible resolution means your supporting and orientation techniques may need adjustment. The printer can handle much finer supports than you might be used to, which means less post-processing work but requires more precise support placement in your slicing software.
Finally, don't be afraid to push the speed limits gradually. Start with conservative settings and gradually increase speeds as you gain confidence with the machine. The ACF film technology is robust, but like any precision equipment, it performs best when properly calibrated and maintained.
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Pro is an easy recommendation for several specific user profiles. If you're a current resin printer user looking to upgrade to professional-level quality and speed, this printer represents a significant step up from most consumer-grade machines. The improvement in both output quality and production speed will be immediately noticeable and valuable.
For professionals in design, jewelry, or prototyping fields, the M5s Pro offers capabilities that directly translate to business advantages. The ability to produce higher-quality prototypes faster can improve client satisfaction and project turnaround times. The investment is easily justified by the professional results and time savings.
However, if you're completely new to 3D printing or primarily print large, non-detailed objects, this might be more printer than you need. The learning curve for resin printing is steeper than FDM printing, and the material costs are higher. For basic prototyping or large-scale prints, a good FDM printer might serve you better at a lower cost.
Q: How does the 14K resolution compare to 8K printers?
A: The difference is significant—approximately 70% more pixels than 8K resolution. This translates to noticeably sharper details, smoother curves, and better surface finish, especially visible on intricate models.
Q: Is the air heater necessary for all environments?
A: While not strictly necessary for warm climates, it ensures consistent results regardless of room temperature. For temperatures below 20°C, it's essential for proper resin curing and successful prints.
Q: What's the actual print time savings compared to standard printers?
A: Most users report 40-50% time reduction on typical prints. A detailed miniature that took 8 hours on a standard printer might complete in 4-5 hours on the M5s Pro.
Q: How long does the LCD screen typically last?
A: The monochrome LCD technology offers approximately 2000+ hours of printing life, which translates to several years of normal use. Replacement screens are available from Anycubic.
Q: Can I use regular resin with this printer?
A: Yes, but you'll achieve maximum speeds only with compatible high-speed resins. Standard resins will work but at reduced speeds comparable to other printers.
Q: Is this suitable for dental or medical applications?
A: While the precision is adequate, you would need medical-grade certified resins and should verify compatibility with specific application requirements.
Join 135+ satisfied users who have upgraded their printing capabilities with the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Pro. With 19% off the regular price and limited inventory arriving in October, now is the perfect time to experience 14K resolution printing.
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