Phrozen 3D Printer Sonic Mega 8K S Review: Is 8K Printing the Future?

The Sonic Mega 8K S is a higher-end 3D printer residing between consumer and industrial-grade printers. It offers high-quality prints and can handle large production runs. Its massive 15-inch bed and 8K clarity promise to redefine large-format resin printing for hobbyists and professionals.

Countless hours spent tinkering with 3D printers had prepared me to put this colossal machine to the test. I’ve spent weeks testing this 8K printer, from tiny miniatures to massive models, and now I’m ready to give you my honest opinion.

The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S might not be the absolute best resin 3D printer, but it’s a fantastic choice if you need a large-format machine that can produce highly detailed miniatures and substantial models with equal ease.

The future of 3D printing for the enthusiast and small business? So, let’s get into that and see if all the hype has been lived up to.

Unboxing and First Impressions

When the delivery truck pulled up with the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S, I knew I was in for a workout. At 26 kg (about 57 lbs), this isn’t your average desktop printer. Unboxing was a two-person job, but Phrozen has done an excellent job with the packaging. Everything was neatly organized and well-protected.

The first point that I was most surprised with is how BIG this beast really is. With dimensions of 47.2 x 38 x 56.6 cm, it dwarfs many of its competitors. The sleek design with its flip-up lid is a significant improvement over the original Mega 8K’s side-opening door. However, be warned: you’ll need some clearance behind the printer for the lid to open fully.

Setting Up the Phrozen 3D Printer

Setting up the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S was surprisingly straightforward. The build plate comes pre-leveled, which is a nice touch, although I did need to make some minor adjustments. The instructions were explained well and in under 15 minutes the printer was ready to go.

I appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of a pre-installed screen protector. It’s a small detail, but it shows Phrozen’s commitment to user convenience. The massive build plate, measuring 330 x 185 mm, is a real standout. Its perforated surface aids in resin drainage, which is both a benefit and a drawback (we’ll discuss that further later).

The Nitty-Gritty: Specs and Features

Let’s dive into what makes the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S tick:

1. 8K Resolution: The 15-inch mono LCD screen boasts an impressive 8K resolution, translating to a 43 μm XY resolution.
2. Build Volume: 330 x 185 x 300 mm – that’s a lot of printing real estate.
3. Printing Speed: Phrozen claims up to 400 layers per hour, which is blazing fast for a printer this size.
4. Connectivity: USB port for file transfer (no Wi-Fi or Ethernet, unfortunately).
5. Slicer: Comes with a 12-month license for ChituBox Pro.
6. Light Source: 405nm ParaLED Matrix 2.0.
7. Release Film: ACF (Adhesion Compensation Film).

Not having a built-in resin heater is one notable absence and could be a downside for some users in colder climates.

Print Quality: Does 8K Really Make a Difference?

Now, onto the million-dollar question: How good are the prints? I’ve put this Phrozen 3D printer through its paces, printing everything from intricate miniatures to large-scale models.

The 43 μm XY resolution is impressive, especially considering the size of the build plate. While it’s not as sharp as some smaller 8K printers, the difference in quality is negligible for most applications. I printed a series of detailed miniatures, and the results were stunning. Fine details like facial features and armor textures were crisp and clear.

However, where this printer really shines is with larger models. I printed a 25 cm tall figurine, and the surface quality was exceptional. The layer lines were barely visible, and the overall finish was smooth and consistent.

One quirk I noticed was related to the perforated build plate. While it’s great for resin drainage, it can leave small marks on the bottom of prints. For terrain pieces or flat surfaces, this meant some post-processing was needed to smooth things out.

Speed and Efficiency

Phrozen claims the Sonic Mega 8K S can print up to 400 layers per hour, and I found this to be pretty accurate. I ran several tests at different speeds, and the printer performed admirably at moderate speeds. However, pushing it to its limits with fast speeds and standard resins did result in some blooming issues.

For optimal results, I’d recommend sticking to moderate speeds or using high-speed resins. Phrozen’s TR300 resin worked particularly well in my tests.

The Flip Side: What Could Be Better

While the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S is an impressive machine, it’s not without its quirks:

1. No Built-in Heating: In cooler environments, you might need an external heater to maintain consistent print quality.
2. Limited Connectivity: The lack of Wi-Fi or Ethernet feels like a missed opportunity for remote monitoring.
3. Smaller Touch Screen: The 3.5-inch screen is functional but feels cramped compared to some competitors.
4. Perforated Build Plate Marks: As mentioned earlier, the drainage holes can leave marks on flat prints.

Ecosystem: Wash and Cure Stations

Phrozen offers a complete ecosystem for the Sonic Mega 8K S, including the Mega Wash and Mega Cure stations. I had the chance to test these out, and they’re well-designed companions to the printer.

The Mega Wash can hold up to 25 liters of cleaning fluid, making it perfect for large prints. The dual impellers do an excellent job of cleaning, and the chrome basket can accommodate prints up to 300 mm tall.

The Mega Cure station is equally impressive, with UV lights on all sides ensuring thorough curing. The turntable and multiple cycle options make it versatile for different print sizes and resin types.

Print Consistency and Reliability

Throughout my testing period, I was impressed by the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S’s consistency. Over dozens of prints, both large and small, the printer maintained a high level of reliability. Failed prints were rare, occurring only when I purposely pushed the machine beyond its recommended settings.

The consistency extends to print quality across the entire build plate. Unlike some large-format printers that might show variations in quality from the center to the edges, the Sonic Mega 8K S maintained uniform detail and accuracy across the entire 330 x 185 mm surface.

Software Experience

While I touched on the included ChituBox Pro license earlier, it’s worth diving deeper into the software experience. ChituBox Pro is a powerful slicer that offers a wide range of settings for fine-tuning your prints. The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S integrates seamlessly, offering pre-configured profiles for immediate use.

For beginners, there’s a learning curve. The many options might seem confusing at first, but they give you a lot of control once you get used to them. I found the default settings were good enough for most prints, but being able to change things like exposure time, layer height, and support structures helped me get better results for certain models or resins.

Specification Chart

Feature	Specification
Printer Type	LCD Resin 3D Printer
Build Volume	330 x 185 x 300 mm
XY Resolution	43 μm
Z-axis Resolution	0.01-0.30 mm
LCD Screen	15-inch 8K Monochrome
Printing Speed	Up to 400 layers/hour
Light Source	405nm ParaLED Matrix 2.0
Connectivity	USB
Slicer Software	ChituBox Pro (12-month license included)
Dimensions	47.2 x 38 x 56.6 cm
Weight	26 kg
Compatible Materials	405nm UV-curable resins
Power Requirements	AC 100-240V, 50-60Hz
Warranty	1 year

Resin Compatibility

The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S can use many different 405nm UV-curable resins. I tried it with Phrozen’s Aqua-Gray 8K resin and also resins from other companies like Elegoo and Anycubic. All performed well, though I found that Phrozen’s resins were optimized for the printer’s settings and generally gave the best results.

It’s worth noting that the large build volume means you’ll be using a lot of resin for big prints. The vat can hold up to 2.5 liters, which is great for uninterrupted printing but can be a significant investment in resin for large projects.

Noise Levels and Workshop Suitability

One aspect I didn’t fully address earlier is the noise level. The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S is surprisingly quiet for its size. The enclosed design helps muffle much of the operating noise, making it suitable for use in a home office or workshop without being overly disruptive.

The built-in air filtration system does a decent job of managing odors, but for prolonged use or in poorly ventilated areas, I’d still recommend additional ventilation or using the printer in a dedicated space.

Real-World Applications

The Phrozen 3D printer was put to the test with a challenging project: printing a complete army of 28 mm scale miniatures for a tabletop wargame. The results were impressively excellent.

I managed to fit 80 individual models on a single build plate, and the print completed in just over 1.5 hours. The detail on each miniature was crisp, with even the tiniest elements like belt buckles and weapon engravings coming out clear and defined.

Next, I moved on to a more challenging print: a 25 cm tall bust of a fantasy character. This is where the 8K resolution really showed its worth. The gradual transitions in facial features and the intricate textures of hair and clothing were rendered beautifully. Even under close inspection, the layer lines were barely perceptible.

For my final test, I printed a large terrain piece for the same tabletop game. This is where I encountered the only significant issue with the perforated build plate. The flat bottom of the terrain piece showed the marks from the drainage holes. However, a quick pass with some sandpaper resolved the issue, and the overall quality of the print was outstanding.

Comparison with Other Printers

The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S when comparing it to printers I have reviewed, I used the previous Phrozen Mega 8K and even Elegoo Saturn 2.

The Sonic Mega 8K S contains the same great print quality as its forebearer, but in a much friendlier package. The flip-up lid is a significant improvement for workspace efficiency, and the reduced price makes it much more accessible.

Against the Elegoo Saturn 2, the Sonic Mega 8K S offers a significantly larger build volume. While the Saturn 2 produces slightly sharper prints due to its smaller build area and higher XY resolution, the difference is negligible for most applications. The Sonic Mega 8K S pulls ahead when it comes to large-scale printing and production capacity.

Long-Term Use and Maintenance

After several weeks of heavy use, the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S has proven to be a reliable workhorse. The robust construction and quality components give me confidence in its longevity.

Maintenance has been straightforward. The ACF film in the resin vat has held up well, though I anticipate needing to replace it eventually. Cleaning the build plate and vat between prints is simple, thanks to the well-thought-out design.

The printer’s USB port, positioned at the front, is convenient for plugging in devices but can be prone to resin buildup, especially during messy prints.

Cost Considerations

Yes, the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S is quite expensive at $1,579.99, yet it delivers features far beyond its price point. It is priced at a high-end consumer/prosumer level tenant with the amount of volume printing, pretty close to 8K resolution & solid construction.

However, The ecosystem can be costly if you choose the Mega Wash and Mega Cure stations. While these stations aren’t essential, they can significantly improve your workflow’s experience and efficiency.

Who Is This Printer For?

After extensive testing, I can confidently say that the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S is ideal for:

1. Small Businesses: The large build volume and high-quality prints make it perfect for small-scale production runs.
2. Hobbyists with Big Ambitions: If you’re into creating large-scale models or printing entire armies for tabletop games, this is your dream machine.
3. Professionals: Designers and artists requiring high-quality prototypes or final products will value the precise and consistent prints.

However, If you’re new to 3D printing or mostly work on small projects, this might be too much. There are smaller, more affordable options that would better fit your needs.

The Future of 8K Printing

So, is 8K printing the future? The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S is a significant advancement, particularly for large-format printing. I’ve found it capable of producing highly detailed, large-scale prints efficiently, opening up new possibilities for hobbyists and professionals.

However, it’s worth noting that the benefits of 8K resolution become less noticeable on smaller prints. For many applications, a good 4K printer might still be sufficient. The real advantage of the Sonic Mega 8K S lies in its combination of high resolution and large build volume.

Final Thoughts

The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S is offered in a single configuration, with a retail price of $1,579.99. This does place it in the more expensive range of consumer-level resin printers, however its features and solidity justify that price.

Purchased as a standalone unit, the Sonic Mega 8K S offers an excellent experience as a large-format, high-resolution resin printer. However, to fully unlock its potential, you might want to consider additional accessories like the Mega Wash and Mega Cure stations. While these add-ons enhance the overall experience and efficiency, they also significantly increase the total investment.

For people who need the large build volume with high resolution, it is easy to recommend the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S. Still if you’re only printing smaller models or are fresh to the higher-definition, faster prints of dedicated resin printers, check out our picks for the best resin 3D printers instead – for a more wallet-friendly selection that may better meet your needs.

Ultimately, the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S is a powerhouse, capable of stunning results – so long as you know what you’re doing with it. It’s game-changing in terms of what is possible with consumer-grade resin printers, and I’m excited to see if it’ll make an indelible mark on the industry hereafter. For the big-budget, large-format resin-printing enthusiast who wants only a premium product, consider the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S.

ALSO READ
Sovol SV08 review: The budget speedster of 3D printing world
Kidoodle 3D Printer MiniBox A1 Review: Best 3D Printer for Kids
Prusa MK4 Review 2024: The Workhorse Reinvented
Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus Review: Low Cost! Huge 3D Printer

FAQs