We're truly impressed with what Phrozen have accomplished in a sub-$700 machine. Although it lacks some of the niceties of printers like the Anycubic Photon Mono X, the Sonic Mighty 4K gets the job done in spectacular fashion with awesome print results and simple operation. Great for both beginners and veterans alike, we recommend this printer for budget-conscious makers in the know.
In-Depth Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K SLA Printer Review
Here to compete with the Anycubic Photon Mono X and the Elegoo Saturn, the Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K totes big build volume and high resolution prints. How does it compare and should you spend your hard-earned cash? We take a closer look in today’s Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K review.
Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K Specs
This SLA printer wouldn’t be “mighty” without a sizeable build volume. Measuring 7.8” x 4.9” x 8.6”, the Sonic Mighty 4K remains competitive with other large 4K printers. Build height sits shorter than the Photon Mono X but taller than the Saturn.
Like those other printers, the Sonic Mighty 4K also features a UHD monochrome LCD screen for high-detail, fast printing compared to 2K printers. Phrozen uses dual Z-rail stability as well as their patented ParaLED UV arrangement to support highly precise printing. Layer exposure times range from 2-3 seconds with normal resin and even more quickly with fast-cure resins.
The Sonic Mighty 4K ships with a plastic resin vat, which is usually a bad thing. In this case, Phrozen seem to have learned from their past mistakes and upgraded to a better, more lasting plastic and the Sonic Might 4K’s holds up just fine.
Lastly, this printer accepts USB connectivity only and provides a minimalistic touchscreen interface. The included USB stick provides users with a copy of ChituBox and not much else, but we didn’t expect much more from this budget option.
Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K Pros
Good Value
Prices fluctuate, but the Sonic Mighty 4K usually comes in much cheaper than its closest competitor, the Photon Mono X. We love the Photon Mono X, but the fact is that Sonic Mighty 4K produces identical results for much less.
Build quality exceeds or expectations, too. Although Phrozen are known for some QC issues, the Sonic Mighty 4K is a solid printer with quality components and sturdy construction. Light doesn’t leak from the UV array, the linear rail structure is unshakable, there’s proper airflow and nothing comes bent, broken or missing.
Model Quality
We have the same Pros for the Sonic Might 4K’s little brother, the Sonic Mini 4K. That’s because Phrozen really know how to make good printers cheap! The good news is that the Sonic Mighty 4K takes a lot less tinkering than the Sonic Mini 4K to get amazing results. The 4K monocrhrome screen coupled with Phrozen’s awesome UV light array make for models with incredibly fine detail and virtually no artifacts like banding or pixelation.
Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K Cons
Build Plate Issues
A sadist designed the Sonic Might 4K’s build plate. Fit with bulky handles, awkward angles, a loose control knob and four total hexbolts, this printer makes leveling and removing your models a bit of a chore. Not to mention, Phrozen expect you to sand your own build plate and send a very coarse strip of sandpaper along with the printer. For such an expensive purchase, we expect this sort of finishing detail to be included.
These issues don’t effect print quality but they do add more frustration to the general printer maintenance.
Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K Verdict
This is our favorite SLA printer by Phrozen yet. They seem to have found the balance between value and function with the Sonic Mighty 4K, making an affordable and powerful machine that almost anyone can use. Enjoy flawless out-of-the-box results no matter what your skill level and sleep well knowing you made a great investment.
Does it still feel like a budget printer? A bit. Phrozen don’t even include a pair of clippers in the box and there’s no fancy proprietary slicing software or preloaded models. Details like the simple two-screw vat housing or the archaic build plate design also reveal the Sonic Mighty 4K as a cheaper alternative. Still, we feel this printer deserves a lot of praise for what does offer, instead of focusing on what’s missing.
