The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S
We have patiently awaited the opportunity to review the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S, the latest resin 3D printer from the Chinese brand. Priced at $349.99, the Phrozen 8K offers high resolution and a range of features that make it stand out in the market.
One important thing to note is that the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S has a small build plate, making it ideal for tabletop game pieces, jewelry, and decorative objects. However, it's crucial to be aware of this size limitation to avoid any mishaps during your build.
It's worth mentioning that the printer does have a few flaws. One of them is the difficulty in removing models from the build plate. However, this issue has been significantly improved in the latest model, which now supports most popular slicers right out of the box.
Moreover, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S is now compatible with most popular third-party slicers, which is a major improvement. Despite this, there are still some quality control quirks, such as occasional air bubbles that can reduce the print quality.
If you're in the market for a new resin printer, it's worth comparing the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S to other options like the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($230) for a more affordable choice, or the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($499) for faster speeds and higher detail.
Pros
Cons
A Competitive Printer
The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S offers more than just a competitive price tag and robust software. It comes fully assembled, including essential accessories such as scrapers, gloves, and a USB thumb drive for project loading. The printer can run on any standard power source and features a neon yellow plastic cover that adds a unique aesthetic touch.
Given that working with resin printers involves potential hazards from uncured resin and cleaning solvents, safety precautions are necessary. Calibrating the build plate is relatively easy, thanks to the provided instructions. Additionally, loading 3D files and printing is a simple process.
The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S has a sturdy construction, although its build plate and components are somewhat susceptible to resin drips. The yellow color, while visually appealing, easily showcases resin and soluble nylon string, making it more prone to getting stuck. It may also be challenging to determine if the printer is powered off due to the cover light indicator being covered by the cover itself.
This printer is compatible with both ChituBox and Lychee Slicer, which provide features similar to more expensive tabletop Gaming miniature printers, including hollowing models and adding supports. However, printing with UV-cured resin remains a tricky process, especially for models with a large surface area or multiple layers.
A series of test prints, including a Rocket bust, Butterfly Dragon, and miniatures for tabletop gaming, effectively demonstrate the Sonic Mini 8K S's capabilities. These sample prints exhibit fine details and intricate patterns, as shown below:
Verdict
At $350, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable resin printer for small-scale projects. While it may not boast the same wow factor as higher-priced options like the Anycubic Photon P Range Mono 10C ($599), it offers reliability at a significantly lower cost.
Considering its price range, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S provides quality that competes with higher-end tabletop gaming miniature printers. It is comparable to the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($230) in terms of affordability, but with the trade-off being in achievable detail.
In conclusion, there are both cheaper and more expensive options available on the market, making them worthy competitors. It's worth noting that the Phrozen M50 has been on the market for some time now, with a new model in development.
