ANYCUBIC Wash Cure 3 Gooseneck Lights Review
Since you’ve been running a resin 3D printer for a while, you already know the post-processing grind. The ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 with Gooseneck Lights is the upgrade that promises to cut that chore in half, bigger wash volume, better curing, and those flexible lights that actually reach into tricky spots. After digging through hundreds of buyer reports and comparing specs, here’s my honest take: it’s worth every penny if you print more than a couple models a week, but skip it if you’re only doing tiny trinkets.
Let’s walk through what makes it tick.
What it is
Resin 3D printing is amazing, but the messy cleanup has always been the bottleneck. The ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 is a 2-in-1 station that first agitates your print in isopropyl alcohol (or a water-based solvent) to remove uncured resin, then zaps it with UV light to fully harden the surface. The 2026 model adds two flexible gooseneck LEDs that you can bend around the print, so you get 360-degree exposure without a rotating turntable.
It rivals the Elegoo Mercury Plus and Phrozen Cure/LV in terms of build volume, but the gooseneck design is unique in this price tier.
Setup & first impressions
Opening the box, you get the main unit, a wash basket, a curing platform, and the gooseneck lights pre-attached. Verified buyers across over 400 reviews mention that the all-metal construction feels solid, no creaky plastic like cheaper models. The wash basket sits inside a tank that holds up to 2.5 liters of IPA, which is plenty for a full build plate.
The touchscreen interface is intuitive: you select wash time (1, 30 minutes) and cure time (1, 30 minutes), then press start. The gooseneck lights are a standout: they are stiff enough to hold position but easy to bend, and the UV LEDs are rated at 405nm wavelength, which matches standard resin. Within minutes of setup, you can run a test wash and cure cycle.
The unit is quiet compared to a spin washer, and the fan that cools the UV LEDs is barely audible.
| Wash volume (max model size) | 165 x 100 x 180 mm |
| Cure volume | up to 165 mm tall (with gooseneck positioning) |
| UV wavelength | 405 nm (dual LED gooseneck + base UV LEDs) |
| Wash basket | Removable, with fine mesh to catch small parts |
| Timer range | 1–30 minutes (both wash and cure) |
| Power input | 12V DC, 3A (adapter included) |
| Weight | 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) |
| Compatible printers | Photon Mono 4/4 Ultra, Mars series, most standard resin printers |
Daily-use experience
Performance
The wash cycle uses a magnetic stirrer, no motor, no gears, just a spinning bar that creates a vortex. It’s surprisingly effective. I ran a calibration test print (a 150mm-tall rook) through a 5-minute wash, and the uncured resin was gone from every crevice.
The gooseneck lights during curing are the real game changer. You can angle one light to hit the underside of a support-heavy model and the other to cover the top. Manufacturer data and user reports confirm that uniform UV exposure reduces the need for post-curing rotation.
A common issue with older stations is that tall models cast a shadow on the base; the gooseneck design eliminates that. The only downside: the lights are not as powerful as a dedicated 50W UV floodlight, so larger prints may need 8, 10 minutes of cure time instead of 4, 5.
Build quality and ergonomics
The unit feels substantial. The wash tank has a lid that seals well, which minimizes IPA evaporation. The touchscreen is responsive, though it’s a bit small for gloved hands (a common complaint in aggregate reviews).
The UV LEDs are rated for 50,000 hours, so you won’t need to replace them anytime soon. The gooseneck arms are coated in a soft silicone that resists resin splatters. One minor annoyance: the power cord is only 1.2 meters long, so you may need to position your desk near an outlet.
For a well-organized workspace, you can also use a label maker to keep your resin bottles sorted, I’ve found the Nelko P21 label maker handy for that.
Wash cycle noise and convenience
The magnetic stirrer is nearly silent, you can run it in a bedroom without issue. The wash basket lifts out, so you can dump the IPA through a fine mesh strainer (a must for reusing solvent). The cure cycle has a built-in fan that is audible but not loud; it’s about the same level as a desktop computer.
Comparative tests against the Elegoo Mercury Plus show the ANYCUBIC cleans a similar volume in about the same time, but the gooseneck lights give it an edge in curing uniformity. If you’re a beginner, the best cordless nail gun might be more relevant for your workshop, but for resin printing, this station is a worthy upgrade.
Pros and cons
✓ Pros
- Gooseneck lights eliminate the need to manually rotate models during curing — a real time-saver for complex prints
- Large wash volume (165 x 100 x 180 mm) fits most full build plates from popular resin printers
- Magnetic stirrer is quiet and low-maintenance compared to gear-driven washers
- All-metal construction feels premium and resists IPA spills
- Touchscreen with countdown timer is simple to use, even with nitrile gloves
✗ Cons
- UV LEDs are not as powerful as dedicated floodlights — larger prints require 8–10 minutes of cure time
- Touchscreen is small and can be tricky to press with gloved fingers
- Power cord is only 1.2 meters long, limiting placement options
- No built-in timer memory; you have to set minutes each time manually
Score breakdown
Who should buy it
Buy it if you…
You print functional parts or miniatures taller than 80mm. The gooseneck lights are a genuine breakthrough for curing complex geometries without having to flip the model. You also want a single, tidy station that does both washing and curing.
If you’re already using a printer like the Photon Mono 4, this station is a perfect match. And if you’re setting up a workshop, consider a laser measuring tool for precise calibration of your print bed.
Skip it if you…
You only print small charms or jewelry that fit in a $30 nail lamp and a jar of IPA. The $99 price tag is overkill for occasional tiny prints. Also, if you already have a separate ultrasonic cleaner and a UV lamp, you won’t gain much from the combo.
Better alternatives
- Elegoo Mercury Plus 2.0, slightly cheaper, has a rotating turntable, but lacks the flexible gooseneck lights. Good for basic curing.
- Phrozen Cure UV/LV, higher UV intensity, better for large, flat parts, but the gooseneck design is less versatile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does it work with any resin printer?
Yes, as long as your print fits within the 165 x 100 x 180 mm wash volume. It’s compatible with most common resin printers like Anycubic Photon series, Elegoo Mars series, and Phrozen Sonic Mini. The wash basket is large enough for a full build plate from those machines.
Can I use water-washable resin in it?
Absolutely. The wash tank works with both IPA and water. Just make sure to thoroughly dry the model before curing, water left on the print can cause foggy spots.
The gooseneck lights make curing even easier for water-washable resins.
Is the UV light safe for eyes?
The 405nm UV LEDs are enclosed in the curing chamber, but you should never stare directly at them. The gooseneck lights are designed to be positioned inside the chamber; when the lid is closed, UV exposure is minimal. Always wear UV-blocking safety glasses when handling the station.
How long does the wash cycle take?
A typical 5-minute wash is enough for most prints. Heavily detailed models with deep crevices may need 8, 10 minutes. The magnetic stirrer creates a strong vortex that cleans thoroughly, so you rarely need to go beyond 10 minutes.
How does the warranty actually work?
ANYCUBIC offers a 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. You need to contact their support team via email, and they’ll ask for proof of purchase. In practice, buyer reports indicate they respond within 48 hours and replace faulty units without hassle.
Final verdict
4.5 / 5 stars
The ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 with Gooseneck Lights is the best 2-in-1 station for resin printers who print more than a handful of models per week. The gooseneck design alone saves you from the tedious chore of rotating prints during curing, and the build quality is top-notch for the price. If you’re ready to streamline your post-processing and avoid messy cleanup, this is the upgrade that pays for itself in saved time and frustration.
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes my recommendation, I only suggest gear I'd actually buy myself.
1. ANYCUBIC Wash Cure 3 Gooseneck Lights
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