Anycubic Refreshes Software Ecosystem for FDM and Resin Printing
The 3D printing market continues to see rapid software development as manufacturers aim to simplify complex calibration tasks. Anycubic has released a series of updates for its slicing software and hardware firmware, targeting its Kobra and Photon product lines. These updates introduce new calibration tools and improved compatibility for both Windows and MacOS users.
According to store.anycubic.com, the latest software releases include Photon Workshop V3.6.3 and Anycubic Slicer Next V1.6.1. These tools are central to the company's hardware ecosystem, providing the necessary bridge between digital models and physical prints. The updates arrive as the company expands its support for newer models like the Mono4 Ultra.
New Features for Resin and FDM Systems
The July 2025 update cycle focuses on precision and cross-platform accessibility. Photon Workshop V3.6.3, released on July 8, 2025, is a free utility designed for resin printing. It now includes a resin exposure time calibration function specifically for the Mono4 Ultra. This tool allows users to fine-tune settings for specific materials to improve print success rates.
For FDM users, Anycubic Slicer Next V1.6.1 launched on July 22, 2025. This version is available for Windows and MacOS, including native support for both X86 and ARM architectures. The software is built upon Orcaslicer, a popular open-source project, and features specific optimizations for Anycubic’s filament-based printers.
- Photon Workshop V3.6.3: Features new calibration tools for the Mono4 Ultra resin printer.
- Anycubic Slicer Next V1.6.1: Compatible with Windows and MacOS (X86/ARM).
- AnycubicSlicer V1.4.4: An open-source FDM tool based on PrusaSlicer and Slic3r.
- Firmware 1.5.6.3: Now available for the Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo.
- Firmware 2.9.3/3.0.6: Specific updates for the standard Anycubic Kobra 2 model.
Added resin exposure time calibration function for Mono4 Ultra.
— store.anycubic.com
Hardware Support and Firmware Availability
Beyond slicing software, Anycubic has updated the firmware for its Kobra 2 series. The Kobra 2 Neo receives version 1.5.6.3, while the standard Kobra 2 has two available versions, 2.9.3 and 3.0.6. These updates typically address stability and motion control within the printer's operating system. The Kobra 2 lineup remains broad, encompassing the Neo, Pro, Plus, Max, and standard variants.
For users who prefer third-party tools, Anycubic now provides suggested parameter profiles for PrusaSlicer and Cura. These profiles cover multiple Kobra 2 models, ensuring that users can achieve consistent results without manual configuration. This move mirrors strategies by competitors like Creality and Bambu Lab, who also provide pre-configured profiles for popular open-source slicers.
Anycubic Slicer Next is an open-source slicing software developed based on Orcaslicer.
— store.anycubic.com
Software Strategy and Open Source Integration
The decision to build Anycubic Slicer Next on Orcaslicer and AnycubicSlicer on PrusaSlicer highlights a trend toward open-source foundations. By utilizing established platforms, Anycubic can offer advanced features like pressure advance and flow rate calibration without developing a proprietary engine from scratch. This approach benefits users who are already familiar with the Prusa or Orca interfaces.
In the resin segment, Photon Workshop remains a specialized tool for the Photon series. The addition of the exposure calibration function for the Mono4 Ultra addresses a common pain point in resin printing. Proper exposure is critical for detail retention and preventing print failures, especially with high-speed resins.
AnycubicSlicer is an open-source, easy-to-use slicing software for FDM 3D printing, based on PrusaSlicer.
— store.anycubic.com
Future Availability and Implementation
The new software versions and firmware files are currently available for download on the official Anycubic support portal. Users should verify their specific hardware revision before applying firmware updates to avoid potential compatibility issues. Whether these software refinements significantly improve the daily printing workflow for Kobra and Photon owners will likely be determined by community feedback in the coming months.