Elegoo Mars 3 Pro Review: A Deep Dive into Elegoo’s Enhanced Resin 3D Printer
The world of resin 3D printing continues to evolve, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a desktop. Elegoo, a prominent name in the resin printing arena, has consistently impressed with its Mars series. Today, we’ll dissect the Elegoo Mars 3 Pro, an evolution of the well-regarded Mars 3, and explore what makes it a compelling option for hobbyists and creators.
Elegoo Mars 3 Pro: What’s New and Improved?
Building upon the solid foundation of the Mars 3, the Pro version introduces several key enhancements:
Integrated Air Purification: A welcome addition for those sensitive to resin fumes, the Mars 3 Pro incorporates a replaceable air purification module within the printing chamber. While not completely eliminating odors, it significantly improves the printing environment.
Enhanced LCD Screen: The 4K monochrome LCD screen, a staple of the Mars series, receives a durability upgrade. The new scratch-resistant coating provides added peace of mind, especially for those new to resin printing.
Even Light Distribution: A Fresnel lens, strategically positioned beneath the LCD, ensures uniform UV light distribution. This translates to more consistent and reliable curing across the entire print bed, minimizing the risk of unevenly cured models.
Unboxing and First Impressions:
The Elegoo Mars 3 Pro arrives well-protected, encased in robust foam packaging that safeguards it during transit. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- Elegoo Mars 3 Pro printer
- Resin vat with a metal cover
- Build platform
- Power supply and cord
- USB flash drive (containing test prints, slicer software, and the manual)
- Complete toolkit (metal and plastic spatulas, flush cutters, hex keys, spare screws, gloves, masks, and paper funnels)
- Spare PFA Release Liner film sheets
- User manual
The printer itself boasts a sleek and sturdy design, consistent with Elegoo’s Mars lineup. The build volume, while not massive, is respectable for a desktop unit, measuring 5.64″ x 3.52″ x 6.89″. The inclusion of a comprehensive toolkit is a testament to Elegoo’s commitment to providing a user-friendly experience.
Setting Up for Success:
Leveling the print bed is crucial for successful resin printing, ensuring a consistent gap between the LCD screen and the build platform. The Mars 3 Pro retains the straightforward leveling process of its predecessors, utilizing a simple piece of paper for calibration.
Safety First:
Resin printing, while rewarding, demands a cautious approach. Always work in a well-ventilated area, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves and a mask), and avoid skin contact with liquid resin. While the air purifier mitigates fumes, it’s essential to prioritize safety.
Slicing Software: Navigating Chitubox Basic
Elegoo recommends Chitubox Basic for slicing models for the Mars 3 Pro. While the Pro version offered with the Mars 3 is absent here, Chitubox Basic provides all the essential tools for preparing your prints.
The software is intuitive, allowing you to import models, scale, rotate, and add supports with ease. The automatic support generation feature is particularly helpful, streamlining the often-tedious process of manually placing supports.
Putting the Mars 3 Pro to the Test:
To assess the Mars 3 Pro’s capabilities, we printed a range of models, from the included test prints to larger, more intricate designs.
Test Prints: The included rook models printed flawlessly, showcasing the printer’s ability to capture fine details and produce smooth surfaces.
Larger Prints: A model of a spaceship (Fillenium Malcon) highlighted the Mars 3 Pro’s capacity to handle larger prints with ease. The model exhibited excellent dimensional accuracy and a high level of detail.
Detailed Prints: A complex dragon model (Red Dragon) pushed the printer’s resolution to its limits. The results were impressive, with the Mars 3 Pro faithfully reproducing the intricate scales and fine features of the dragon.
Post-Processing: Washing and Curing Your Creations
Once printed, resin models require washing to remove excess uncured resin and curing to harden the material fully. Isopropyl alcohol is commonly used for washing, while a UV curing chamber solidifies the print.
Final Verdict: Is the Elegoo Mars 3 Pro Worth It?
The Elegoo Mars 3 Pro is a compelling option for anyone seeking a high-quality resin 3D printer. It delivers exceptional print quality, boasts user-friendly features, and comes bundled with everything needed to get started. The addition of an air purifier addresses a common concern with resin printing, making it a more pleasant experience.
While the Mars 3 Pro might not entice current Mars 3 owners to upgrade immediately, its combination of refined features, user-friendliness, and competitive price point makes it a strong contender in the desktop resin printing arena.
FAQs:
Q: What types of resin can I use with the Elegoo Mars 3 Pro?
A: The Mars 3 Pro is compatible with most standard 405nm UV-curable resins. Elegoo offers a wide selection of resins, including standard, water-washable, and tough resins.
Q: Can I use third-party slicers with the Mars 3 Pro?
A: While Elegoo recommends Chitubox, the Mars 3 Pro is compatible with other popular slicers like Lychee Slicer and PrusaSlicer.
Q: What is the lifespan of the LCD screen?
A: The lifespan of an LCD screen can vary depending on usage and resin type. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can expect a lifespan of several thousand printing hours.
High-Trust External URLs:
- Elegoo Official Website: https://www.elegoo.com/
- Chitubox Slicer: https://www.chitubox.com/
- All3DP Resin 3D Printing Guide: https://all3dp.com/2/resin-3d-printing-guide/