ANYCUBIC Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer vs ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 ACE 2: Spec Comparison
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You are comparing the anycubic photon p1 14k resin 3d printer vs kobra s1 ace 2. Both are ANYCUBIC machines designed for reliable output. The Photon P1 uses resin for high-detail models. The Kobra S1 ACE 2 uses filament for multicolor prints. You need to choose between liquid photopolymer and solid plastic. Each system offers different benefits for your specific making needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer | Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Printing Technology | Resin (14K Mono LCD) | FDM (CoreXY) |
| Color Capability | Single color per print | Native 4-color (expandable to 16) |
| Print Speed | Not listed | Up to 600 mm/s |
| Leveling System | Smart Leveling 3.0 | LeviQ 3.0 auto leveling |
| Dimensions | 24.4 x 16.5 x 16.9 inches | 16.1 x 19.3 x 15.8 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer if
- You need ultra-fine details for miniatures or jewelry
- You prefer resin printing with high precision
- You want a sturdy structure with minimal vibration
Choose Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo if
- You want to print in multiple colors without manual swaps
- You need faster print speeds for everyday objects
- You prefer using filament materials like PLA or ABS
Verdict: Choose the Photon P1 if your priority is maximum resolution and fine detail in resin. Pick the Kobra S1 ACE 2 if you need multicolor capability and faster FDM printing speeds. Your choice depends on whether you value detail or color versatility.
Photon P1 vs Kobra S1 ACE 2
Printing technology
The Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer uses resin technology to create models. This method is ideal for high-detail miniatures and smooth surfaces. In contrast, the Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo uses filament-based printing. This approach is better for functional parts and larger objects. Resin printing requires handling liquid resin and post-processing, while filament printing is generally cleaner and easier to manage for everyday users. You should choose based on whether you prioritize fine detail or material versatility and ease of use.
Color printing
The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo includes the ACE 2 Pro system for native 4-color printing. You can connect up to four ACE 2 Pro units to unlock 16-color printing capabilities. This allows for realistic models and detailed multicolor projects right out of the box. The Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer does not support multicolor printing. It is designed for single-color resin outputs. If you need vibrant, multi-hued models without manual painting, the Kobra S1 ACE 2 is the clear choice for your workflow.
Print speed
The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo features a CoreXY motion structure that supports speeds up to 600 mm/s. This high-speed performance helps produce smooth surfaces and reliable results for everyday printing tasks. The Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer does not list a specific print speed in its specifications. Resin printers typically operate slower than filament printers due to the curing process. If fast output is a priority for your projects, the Kobra S1 ACE 2 offers a significant advantage in production time.
Build structure
The Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer employs a sturdy structure with stable ball screws and precision guide rails. This design minimizes motion vibration, ensuring smoother lifting and lowering for flawless detail accuracy. The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo uses a fully enclosed CoreXY structure. This setup delivers stable motion at high speeds. The Photon P1 focuses on rigidity for precision, while the Kobra S1 ACE 2 emphasizes enclosed stability for speed. Both structures are engineered for reliability, but they achieve it through different mechanical approaches.
Leveling system
The Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer uses Smart Leveling 3.0. It is factory-calibrated and performs automatic self-checks before each print, providing real-time pressure feedback across four corners. The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo features LeviQ 3.0 auto leveling. This system works with resonance compensation for easier operation and greater accuracy. Both machines automate the leveling process to reduce manual setup. The Photon P1 focuses on plate pressure feedback, while the Kobra S1 ACE 2 integrates leveling with motion compensation for consistent results.
Material compatibility
The Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer can handle ultra-high viscosity resins up to 8,000 cps. This allows it to print with advanced industrial resins that are 40 times thicker than standard options. The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo supports PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, and other filament materials. It also includes a 320°C quick-release hotend for broad compatibility. The Photon P1 is specialized for liquid resin, while the Kobra S1 ACE 2 offers versatility across various solid filament types.
Smart features
The Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer includes AI monitoring for worry-free printing. It performs dual verification of build plate installation and bottom layer separation. It also monitors resin levels and detects residue in the vat. The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo features Smart Filament Management with intelligent identification and automatic refill. It also supports Print While Drying Technology at temperatures up to 65°C. Both printers offer advanced automation, but they address different potential issues during the printing process.
Which 3D printer suits your needs?
Miniature modelers wanting high detail
The Photon P1 features a 14K mono LCD with 16.8 x 24.8 micrometer XY pixels. This resolution allows for printing minimum apertures of 0.3 millimeters. You get crisp details on small figures. The Wave Release Technology reduces failure rates by 60%. Auto-leveling and AI monitoring ensure reliable prints without manual calibration.
Creators needing multicolor prototypes
The Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo includes native 4-color printing via the ACE 2 Pro. You can connect up to four units for 16-color projects. It supports PLA, PETG, ABS, and ASA. The enclosed CoreXY structure delivers stable motion at speeds up to 600 mm/s. This setup creates realistic models with sharp details.
Users printing with high viscosity resins
The Photon P1 handles ultra-high viscosity resins up to 8,000 cps. This is 40 times thicker than standard resins. Pre-configured settings let you print industrial materials immediately. The sturdy structure with ball screws minimizes vibration. This stability ensures flawless detail accuracy even when lifting heavy, viscous materials from the resin vat.
Printers wanting automated filament management
The Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo features intelligent filament recognition and automatic refill. It estimates remaining filament to reduce interruptions. The ACE 2 Pro supports Print While Drying at 65°C. This maintains filament quality for consistent performance. LeviQ 3.0 auto leveling and resonance compensation further simplify operation for long, unattended prints.
The products compared
Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer
Best for: High-detail resin printing with automated leveling
- Build Volume
- 8.78x4.96x9.05in
- Printing Technology
- Resin
- Leveling Type
- Smart Leveling 3.0
- Color
- White
- Resolution
- 14K
- Dimensions
- 16.9 × 24.4 × 16.5 inches
View on Amazon: Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer Affiliate link
The ANYCUBIC Photon P1 is a resin 3D printer featuring a 10.1-inch 14K mono LCD screen with 16.8 x 24.8 micrometer XY pixel size. It uses Smart Leveling 3.0 for automatic bed calibration and Wave Release Technology to reduce peel force. This machine handles high-viscosity resins up to 8,000 cps. It suits users who need fine detail reproduction and reliable, automated printing processes without manual leveling adjustments.
Pros
- 10.1-inch 14K LCD with 16.8 x 24.8 micrometer XY resolution
- Smart Leveling 3.0 for automatic self-check and calibration
- Wave Release Technology reduces plate lift force by 60%
- Supports ultra-high viscosity resins up to 8,000 cps
Cons
- No mention of Wi-Fi or network connectivity
- No mention of built-in touchscreen or display interface
- Weight is 29.8 pounds, making it less portable
Good fit if
- You want high-resolution prints with minimal manual setup
- You print with high-viscosity industrial resins
- You prefer automated leveling over manual adjustments
Skip if
- You need a portable or lightweight printer
- You require wireless connectivity for remote monitoring
- You prefer filament-based FDM printing technology
Verdict: ANYCUBIC Photon P1 14K Resin Printer is a solid choice for detail-oriented resin users who value automated leveling and high-resolution output. It fits those who prioritize print quality and resin versatility over portability or remote features.
Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo
Best for: Multicolor FDM prototyping and detailed models
- Print Speed
- 600 mm/s
- Printing Technology
- FDM
- Multicolor Capacity
- 4-color to 16-color
- Leveling Type
- LeviQ 3.0 auto leveling
- Motion Structure
- CoreXY
- Color Printing
- Multi-Color
View on Amazon: Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo Affiliate link
The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro is a CoreXY FDM printer with native 4-color printing. It reaches speeds up to 600 mm/s and includes the ACE 2 Pro unit for automatic filament management. This system supports materials like PLA, PETG, and ABS with a 320°C hotend. You get built-in drying and leveling. It suits users who want multicolor results without manual swaps.
Pros
- Native 4-color printing with ACE 2 Pro included
- CoreXY motion structure supports speeds up to 600 mm/s
- LeviQ 3.0 auto leveling for consistent first layers
- Print While Drying technology maintains filament quality at 65°C
- Broad material compatibility including ABS, ASA, and PETG
Cons
- Heavier build at 39.7 pounds
- Larger footprint at 16.1 x 15.8 x 19.3 inches
- Cannot use ACE Pro and ACE 2 Pro simultaneously
Good fit if
- You want multicolor prints without manual filament changes
- You need high-speed printing for everyday prototypes
- You print with moisture-sensitive materials like ABS
Skip if
- You need a resin printer for high-detail miniatures
- You have limited desk space for a large enclosure
- You only print with single-color PLA
Verdict: Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro delivers fast, multicolor FDM printing with automatic filament handling. It fits makers who prioritize color variety and speed over compact size.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer | Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Build Volume | 8.78x4.96x9.05in | not stated |
| Print Speed | not stated | 600 mm/s |
| Printing Technology | Resin | FDM |
| Multicolor Capacity | not stated | 4-color to 16-color |
| Leveling Type | Smart Leveling 3.0 | LeviQ 3.0 auto leveling |
| Motion Structure | not stated | CoreXY |
| Color Printing | not stated | Multi-Color |
| Leveling | Auto Leveling | not stated |
| Features | not stated | High Speed, Enclosed |
| Target Audience | not stated | Beginners, Kids |
| Color | White | Black |
| Resolution | 14K | not stated |
| Dimensions | 16.9 × 24.4 × 16.5 inches | 15.8 × 16.1 × 19.3 inches |
| Weight | 29.8 pounds | 39.7 pounds |
| Size | Photon P1 | ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo 3D Printer |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Anycubic Photon P1 better for miniatures than the Kobra S1 ACE 2?
Yes, the Photon P1 is better for miniatures. It uses resin technology to achieve high detail. The Kobra S1 ACE 2 uses filament for multicolor prototyping. Resin creates smoother surfaces ideal for small figures. Filament builds are faster but have visible layer lines. Choose the Photon P1 for fine detail work.
Which printer is smaller and lighter to fit on a desk?
The Photon P1 is smaller and lighter. It measures 24.4 by 16.9 by 16.5 inches and weighs 29.8 pounds. The Kobra S1 ACE 2 is larger and heavier. It measures 16.1 by 15.8 by 19.3 inches and weighs 39.7 pounds. If space is limited, the Photon P1 takes up less room.
Does the Kobra S1 ACE 2 support multi-color printing?
Yes, the Kobra S1 ACE 2 supports multi-color printing. It is designed for multicolor FDM prototyping. The Photon P1 does not offer this feature. It focuses on high-resolution resin output. If you need vibrant colors without manual swapping, the Kobra S1 ACE 2 is the correct choice.
Does the Photon P1 require manual leveling?
No, the Photon P1 does not require manual leveling. It features automated leveling. This simplifies the setup process for you. The Kobra S1 ACE 2 data does not list this specific feature. Automated leveling helps ensure consistent print quality from the start of each job.
What is the main difference in printing technology between these two models?
The Photon P1 uses resin technology. The Kobra S1 ACE 2 uses filament technology. Resin prints offer high detail and smooth surfaces. Filament prints are suitable for functional parts and color variety. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize resolution or material versatility.
Which printer is better for users who want automated setup?
The Photon P1 is better for automated setup. It includes auto leveling capabilities. This reduces the time needed to prepare for a print. The Kobra S1 ACE 2 focuses on multicolor handling. It is ideal for users who prioritize color variety over automated bed leveling features.