Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Ultra User Manual

Introduction

We recommend that you carefully read this manual, even if you have previously purchased an Anycubic machine or are familiar with 3D printing technology. The precautions and usage tips in this document will help you avoid incorrect installation and usage.

To better start your 3D printing journey, you can learn the following information:

1. Anycubic Official Website: http://cn.anycubic.com
   The Anycubic official website includes software, assembly and usage tutorial videos, multi-language manuals, model downloads, and FAQ manuals. If you encounter any questions or problems not covered in this manual during the use of the machine, please contact customer service, and we will do our best to solve your problems.
2. Official Weibo and WeChat Official Account:
   Official Weibo and WeChat official accounts will regularly publish fresh 3D printing industry dynamics, cutting-edge technology information, and common technical guides.

Official QR codes for Anycubic website, Weibo, and WeChat are provided.

Copyright of this manual belongs to "Shenzhen Anycubic Technology Co., Ltd.". Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Precautions

When assembling and using the machine, please always keep the following precautions in mind. Failure to comply with these warnings may cause damage to the machine or even personal injury.

• Upon receipt, if any accessories are missing, please contact customer service for replacement! ?
• In case of emergency, please turn off the Anycubic 3D printer directly. ⚠️
• UV light is harmful to the eyes, avoid direct contact. When operating, wear personal protective equipment such as goggles and gloves. ??
• The Anycubic 3D printer includes high-speed moving parts, beware of hand夹. ✋
• Use the scraper carefully. The machine and tools have sharp parts, use with caution. ?
• Keep the Anycubic 3D printer and its accessories out of the reach of children. ?
• Use the Anycubic 3D printer in a spacious, flat, and well-ventilated environment. ?️
• When the machine is not used for a long time, please pay attention to rain and moisture protection for the Anycubic 3D printer. ☔
• The recommended ambient temperature is 8℃-40℃, and humidity is 20%-50%. Using outside this range may lead to poor printing results. At the same time, avoid direct sunlight. ☀️
• Do not disassemble the Anycubic 3D printer privately. If you have any problems, please contact Anycubic after-sales service. ?

FCC ID: 2AXYK-MONO4ULTRA
CMIIT ID: 24J44VY80436
214-240359

Table of Contents

1. Machine Overview
2. Packing List
3. Machine Parameters
4. Recommended Printing Parameters
5. Touchscreen Function Introduction
6. Print Preparation
7. Slicing Files
8. Start Printing
9. Resin Recycling
10. Resin Exposure Test
11. Machine Maintenance
12. Common Problems

1. Machine Overview

Images are for reference only, please refer to the actual product.

The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Ultra features:

• 1. Print Platform
• 2. Resin Tank
• 3. Touchscreen
• 4. Power Button
• 5. Z-axis
• 6. USB Port
• 7. Power Port

2. Packing List

The package includes:

• Photon Mono 4 Ultra Printer
• Print Platform *1
• Resin Tank *1
• Anti-scratch Film Kit
• Wrench Set
• Protective Gear
• Filter Screen
• Plastic Scraper & Metal Spatula
• Leveling Paper *1
• User Manual *1
• USB Drive *1
• Power Adapter

3. Machine Parameters

Operating System:

• System: Photon Mono 4 Ultra
• Control Screen: 4.3-inch resistive screen
• Slicing Software: Anycubic Slicer (or compatible third-party software)
• Connection Method: USB Drive, WLAN

Technical Specifications:

• LCD Screen: 7-inch 10K
• Light Source Technology: COB Light Source
• XY Resolution: 9024*5120
• Z-axis Precision: 0.01 mm
• Layer Thickness: 0.01 ~ 0.15 mm
• Power Adapter Output: 24V -3A

Physical Parameters:

• Machine Dimensions: 231 mm (L) * 236 mm (W) * 430 mm (H)
• Print Volume: 153.4 mm (L) * 87 mm (W) * 165 mm (H)
• Weight: 5 kg

WLAN:

• Frequency Band: 2.4G (2.400~2.4835 GHz)
• Working Mode: AP, STA, AP+STA Hybrid Mode

4. Recommended Printing Parameters

The following table provides recommended printing parameters for different resin types and printing speeds. These are based on Anycubic lab tests and are for reference only.

Usage Notes:

• For printing high-precision models, use parameter group ① and set anti-aliasing level to 16 and image blur to 3.
• Parameter groups ② and ③ are suitable for hollow models with a wall thickness of ≤2mm.
• Parameter groups ② and ③ can significantly increase printing speed. To ensure printing success and speed, do not modify these parameters arbitrarily.
• Parameter groups ② and ③ must be used with ACF release film. Using other release films may lead to printing failure. This release film can support normal printing for 45,000 layers.
• Parameter group ③ must be used with Anycubic high-speed resin.
• For more information on parameter groups, please refer to pages 16-17.

5. Touchscreen Function Introduction

Note: The current interface is for reference only. Due to continuous functional upgrades, please refer to the latest firmware release for accurate information.

Printing

File List:

Switch to the local/USB/cloud file list.

• Clicking a file enters the file details.
• Options: Enter edit state, page up, page down.

File Details:

• Displays slice file information (layer count, layer thickness, estimated time, resin type).
• Options: Print function settings, start printing.

Tools

Z-axis Movement:

• Move Z-axis up
• Stop Z-axis movement
• Move Z-axis down
• Options: Select Z-axis movement distance, Z-axis homing, enter leveling interface.

Exposure Test:

• Select exposure pattern.
• Set exposure time.
• Start exposure.

Resin Tank Cleaning:

• Set exposure time.
• Start exposure.

Advanced Functions:

• Resin Calibration Test: Perform calibration and check WLAN module status.
• Mechanical Test
• Print Layer Count

Information

Print Log:

• Click to enter print log details.
• Options: Enter edit state, page up, page down.

Device Information:

• Device Name: Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Ultra
• Storage: Used/Total Space
• Factory Reset
• Device ID
• Cumulative Print Count

Version Information:

• Machine System Version
• Application Version
• OTA Upgrade Firmware

Quick Guide:

• Provides a quick overview of the printer's functions.

6. Print Preparation

Place the printer on a stable work surface in a dark, well-ventilated environment. Avoid environments with UV light sources, such as fluorescent lights or UV disinfection lamps, as they may cause abnormal curing and affect printing results.

For first-time use, follow these steps to prepare for printing:

1. Unpack: Remove the machine and accessories from the packaging. Check the equipment and accessories.
2. Apply Anti-scratch Film:
• 01: Tear off the protective film.
• 02: Clean the exposure screen with the tool kit.
• 03: Tear off the No. 1 sub-film of the anti-scratch film and align it with the exposure screen.
• 04: Gently remove air bubbles.
• 05: Tear off the No. 2 sub-film.
3. Connect Power: Press the power button to turn on the machine. To turn off, press and hold the power button for 2 seconds.
4. Set Language and Server Location: Select "China" for mainland China, and "Global" for other countries and regions. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.
5. Install Print Platform: Loosen the four screws on the platform, install the print platform, and tighten the knobs.
6. Leveling:
• Place a dedicated leveling paper on the curing screen (provided with the machine).
• Click the leveling button.
• Start leveling.
• Press down on the platform and loosen the leveling screws.
• When pulling out the leveling paper, if there is significant resistance or it cannot be pulled out, tighten the four screws on the platform.
7. Set Zero Point: The machine will calibrate the Z-axis zero point.
8. Exposure Detection: After the print platform stops lifting, select an exposure pattern for exposure detection. The white area indicates the exposure zone.
9. Install Resin Tank: Insert the resin tank, ensuring the feet align with the corresponding locating holes. Tighten the side knobs to complete the installation.
10. Check Release Film: Inspect the release film for damage, severe indentations, or resin leakage. If any are found, replace the release film promptly to avoid damaging the machine.
11. Pour Resin: Slowly pour resin into the resin tank, ensuring the resin does not exceed the maximum fill line.
12. Prepare Complete: Cover with the transparent hood.

7. Slicing Files

1. Upload your 3D model to Anycubic Slicer, and perform operations such as repair, hollowing, drilling, and adding supports. The software installation package and operation guide are on the USB drive.
2. When setting parameters in the slicing software, you can select the appropriate parameter group in the resin options. The included USB drive also provides test slice files for normal, fast, and high-speed modes. You can choose the appropriate file for printing based on your needs.

Parameter Group Descriptions:

• ① Default Resin_Normal: Printing speed meets normal requirements. Applicable to all Anycubic resins. For high-precision models, set anti-aliasing to level 16 and image blur to 3.
• ② Default Resin_Fast: Improves printing speed by optimizing motion control. Applicable to all Anycubic resins. Layer thickness is set to 0.1mm. Suitable for hollow models with wall thickness ≤2mm. Must be used with ACF release film; other release films may cause printing failure. This release film supports up to 45,000 layers of normal printing.
• ③ High-Speed Resin: Achieves high-speed printing by optimizing motion control. Applicable to Anycubic high-speed resin only. Layer thickness is set to 0.1mm. Suitable for hollow models with wall thickness ≤2mm. Must be used with ACF release film; other release films may cause printing failure. This release film supports up to 45,000 layers of normal printing.

3. After completing the settings, slice the file and save it.

8. Start Printing

Initiating Printing on the Device

1. Copy the sliced file to a USB drive, then insert the USB drive into the USB port on the right side of the printer.
2. USB Drive Recommendations: Use the Anycubic-provided USB drive. If using another USB drive, ensure it is 64GB or less and formatted as FAT/FAT32. Place print files in the root directory of the USB drive to avoid read errors.
3. Select the model file to print on the printer's touchscreen and enter the details page.
4. Copy USB files to internal storage for direct printing next time.
5. After connecting to the network and logging into your Anycubic cloud account, you can download sliced files from your cloud account and initiate printing. Refer to pages 20-21 for network operations.

Setting Print Functions (Optional)

After setting up the functions, return to the details page to start printing.

• Failure Detection: Automatically monitors the printing process for potential failures, preventing resin waste or printer damage. If an abnormality is detected, printing will pause, and an error message will appear. Check the slice file and model based on the error information. Failure detection is enabled by default.
• Bottom Layer Detection: Identifies issues like insufficient exposure in the bottom layers. If model detachment is detected, check the bottom exposure time parameter in the slice file.
• Retract Compensation: When the exposure area is large, resin surface tension and material properties may cause Z-axis homing delays or slow resin return, leading to printing failure. Retract compensation optimizes the retract time to improve printing success rates. Retract compensation is enabled by default.
• Smart Release: Improves printing success rates through optimized algorithms. Enabling Smart Release with the "Default Resin_Normal" parameter group can also increase printing speed. Smart Release is disabled by default.
• Print Completion Lift to Top: After printing is complete, the print platform automatically lifts to the top of the Z-axis.

Intelligent Monitoring Before Printing

Before printing, the printer will perform intelligent monitoring to ensure normal operation. If any anomalies are detected, the machine will automatically report an error. Follow the instructions provided with the error message, or scan the QR code for guidance.

• Residue Detection: Before printing, check the resin tank for solid residues (height ≥3mm, cross-section ≥9mm²). If residue is detected, clean the tank before printing again.
• Resin Detection: Before printing, check if the amount of resin is sufficient for the print. Typically, the standard amount is slightly more than the predicted resin requirement.

Initiating Printing via Anycubic App

1. Connect to Network: Ensure the printer is connected to a network.
2. Download App: Search for "Anycubic" in the App Store or Google Play, or scan the QR code on the printer's cloud platform interface to download the "Anycubic" App. Register and log in after downloading.
3. Add Printer to Anycubic App: Follow the in-app instructions to add your printer. You can scan the QR code to bind the printer.
4. Initiate Printing from Anycubic App: Select your model, adjust settings, and start printing.

Initiating Printing via Anycubic Slicer

Obtain the Anycubic Slicer installation package from the USB drive. After installation, log in and bind the printer to initiate printing from the slicing software. Refer to the Anycubic Workshop user manual on the USB drive for details.

9. Resin Recycling

1. After printing, wait for the residual resin on the platform to stop dripping, then remove the platform. Use the metal scraper to remove the model, and then rinse the model surface with 95% alcohol (or other cleaning agent) to remove residual liquid resin. After cleaning and drying, proceed with post-curing or other post-processing for the model.
2. If there is partially solidified resin in the resin tank, use the resin tank cleaning function. Failure to clean promptly may affect subsequent prints or even damage the release film and exposure screen.
3. Remove the resin tank, pour out the remaining resin from the tilted opening, and filter the resin using the filter screen and funnel. A funnel model file is provided on the included USB drive for printing if needed.
4. If the machine will not be used for an extended period, thoroughly clean the resin tank and store the resin in a dark, sealed container to prevent degradation for future use.

10. Resin Exposure Test

Use the resin calibration function to test the optimal exposure parameters for different resins and ambient temperatures on this device.

1. Import a custom model file into the slicing software or directly enter the calibration interface to use a preset model.
2. In the resin exposure time calibration interface, set the parameters and then click slice.

Partition Quantity: Divide the print platform into the specified number of regions, placing one model in each region.

Exposure Time Increment: Region 1 uses the normal exposure time from the slice parameters. Subsequent regions will have their normal exposure times increased sequentially based on this increment.

Select Model for Calibration: The selected model will be automatically copied to the center of each partition. If the selected model exceeds the partition size, it will be automatically scaled down to fit.

Note: Model exposure times must be in sequential order.

5. After printing, remove and clean the models.

6. Compare the print results of the models and select the appropriate exposure time based on your specific needs. The following shows an example of printing AB models with a preset file.

• Model A (More Holes): With these parameters, the model's details have higher completion, but the risk of printing failure is also higher.
• Model B (Fewer Holes): With these parameters, the model's success rate is higher, but details may be missing. Suitable for models with general printing accuracy requirements.

You can also compare bridge effects and the number of fine pillars to find suitable exposure parameters. If the print results are not satisfactory, it is recommended to adjust the normal exposure parameters again to find a suitable parameter range.

Tip: The preset file "R_E_R_F" is available on the USB drive for resin exposure testing.

11. Machine Maintenance

Resin Tank Maintenance

• Cleaning Resin Residue on Release Film: Use the resin tank cleaning function. In the final step, use the plastic scraper to lift off the solidified resin layer. Do not use sharp objects to scrape the release film, as this may cause damage.
• Replacing Release Film: Users can check the cumulative print layers in the device's self-check interface and replace the release film according to the actual situation and time to avoid affecting print quality or causing resin leakage.
• Storage: If the machine is not used for 48 hours, store the resin in a dark, sealed container.
• Wipe the resin tank clean if resin gets on it.

Z-axis Maintenance

If you hear friction noise during Z-axis operation, apply a small amount of lubricating grease to the Z-axis lead screw.

Firmware Upgrade

• Local Upgrade: Download the latest firmware from the official website and copy it to a USB drive. Ensure other versions of firmware are deleted from the USB drive. Then, insert the USB drive into the printer to complete the upgrade.
• OTA Upgrade: After the printer is connected to the network, you can upgrade the firmware remotely.

Machine Cleaning

• Cleaning Print Platform: Wipe directly with paper towels or clean with alcohol.
• Protecting Curing Screen: If resin is cured on the anti-scratch film, replace the anti-scratch film immediately.
• Cleaning Machine Body: Clean thoroughly with alcohol.

12. Common Problems

Refer to the following solutions for initial troubleshooting, or contact after-sales support for further assistance.

Printing Issues

1. Model Not Sticking to Platform:
• Insufficient bottom exposure time; increase exposure time.
• Small contact area between the model's bottom and the platform; add a raft.
2. Model Layer Separation or Cracking:
• Machine shaking during printing.
• Release film loosened after prolonged use; replace it.
• Print platform or resin tank not tightened properly.
• Excessively fast lift speed.
• Hollow models not drilled.
3. Model Layer Shifting or Deformation:
• Insufficient supports; check supports.
• Excessively fast lift speed; reduce lift speed.
4. Stringy or Fluffy Material in Resin Tank or on Model:
• Over-exposure; reduce bottom exposure time and normal exposure time.

Cloud Connection Issues

1. WLAN Connection Failure:
• Incorrect WLAN name or password. Reset network settings and try reconnecting.
• Poor WLAN signal or no network connection. Ensure the current network environment is normal, reset network settings, and try reconnecting.
2. Unable to Add Printer:
• Check "Server Location." Select "China" for mainland China, and "Global" for other countries and regions.

Electronic Component Disposal

This symbol indicates that this device should not be disposed of with household waste. When the device reaches the end of its service life, please dispose of it properly according to local environmental regulations. You can use electrical and electronic waste collection points for recycling. Proper disposal of the device can avoid environmental and health hazards caused by improper disposal of electronic waste. Recycling also helps protect natural resources. Do not discard this product with unsorted household waste.

Conclusion

Thank you again for choosing Anycubic products! Anycubic offers a one-year warranty for products (and accessories). If you have any questions, please visit the Anycubic official website (https://cn.anycubic.com/question/) to find solutions or contact the store's customer service. Our professional after-sales technical team is dedicated to serving you.