Not long ago, Elegoo presented a new product, the Elegoo 3D printer called Mars 5 Ultra. It has become a great successor to the previous Elegoo resin printer, Mars 4 Ultra. Resin machines allow hobbyists to achieve excellent quality 3D prints; no wonder they have gained enormous popularity among Gambody enthusiasts and other hobbyists who love breathing life into 3D printing figures from various universes, movies, comics, and video games. Every new product released by Creality, Elegoo, Anycubic, and other prominent companies arouses great interest in the world of three-dimensional printing.
In the past, Gambody has unboxed great machines by Anycubic and Creality. Now is the turn of the Elegoo 3D printer review. The company’s engineers have studied the latest machine, compared it to other resin printers, and offer you the most comprehensive look at all the pros and cons of Mars 5 Ultra.
Read also: Different Types of 3D Printer Resin for Miniatures and Big Models.
Elegoo 3D Printer Mars 5 Ultra
One of the newest Elegoo printers, Mars 5 Ultra, is a resin machine that relies on photopolymerization 3D printing technology. It selectively cures a liquid photopolymer poured into a tank under ultraviolet light and builds high-precision 3D printed figures layer by layer. This particular version has been significantly improved over the previous Mars Elegoo printer generations, offering better performance and functionality.
On the one hand, this Elegoo resin printer looks like the next Mars generation. On the other hand, it reminds us of a very simplified version of the Saturn series.
If you check previous generations’ Mars reviews you’ll notice that the 5 Ultra has the same 7-inch 9K monochrome LCD screen as the 4 Ultra. However, the manufacturer added a tilt release technology, just like in the Saturn 4 Ultra, and an auto-leveling system to create your favorite 3D printing figures faster.
Compared to Mars 5, the Ultra series has a black (not green) lid and a Wi-Fi module to send the STL files to your Elegoo 3D printer via a network connection. The lid also has a sealed compartment designed for the Mini Heater blowing system (not included with Mars Elegoo) that you can install yourself, which is a definite bonus option.
Mars Printer Top Features:
- Advanced inclined release technology (tilt release) makes the build plate incline by approximately 15 degrees to help you gradually peel off the 3D printed figures, obtaining higher quality larger prints with no issues.
- Thanks to the tilted release technology, the high printing speed of 150 mm/h is maintained throughout the process, allowing Elegoo to use classic PFA film instead of high-speed and more expensive ACF film.
- The self-leveling build plate levels itself every time you start your Elegoo 3D printer, as it descends to the LCD screen. You can forget about using a sheet of paper for calibration!
- The built-in AI smart camera lets you monitor the 3D printing process and ensure smooth results.
- The 7-inch LCD screen has an ultra-high resolution of 8520×4320 and an 18µm XY improved light source.
The new Elegoo resin printer’s main advantages are high printing accuracy, incredible speed, reliability, and an improved air filtration system, which makes it an ideal choice for 3D printing hobbyists, enthusiasts, and professionals.
Read also: Over 100 Fun 3D Printer Projects.
Mars Reviews (Specs)
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra resin 3D printer offers many impressive specs. Let’s look at its screen, print speed, tilt release, print volume, automatic calibration, and other great features.
Screen Resolution and Precision
Elegoo 3D Printer Mars 5 Ultra features a 7-inch 9K monochrome screen with a fantastic resolution of 8520×4320 pixels. It provides the most practical details and excellent texture clarity for 3D printing figures, presenting a 3D visual design much better in reality. Thus, you can reveal every model’s details and build fantastic miniatures and complex models.
Print Speed
Mars 5 Ultra can 3D print at impressive speeds of up to 150 mm/h. Tilt release technology introduced with this printer makes it possible. This innovation lowers one side of the build plate by approximately 15 degrees, allowing you to peel off the parts gradually instead of absolutely, preserving the high quality and enabling you to create larger prints without losing quality or experiencing any other issues.
The tilt release allows Elegoo to switch from expensive ACF film to the cheaper classic PFA film, which does not affect the high print speed.
Print Volume
The print area of Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is 6.04 x 3.06 x 6.49 inches (153.36 x 77.76 x 165 mm), which is slightly larger than the one of Mars 5 and way bigger than what the Photon Mono 4K 3D printer offers (Gambody 3D printing workshop loves this machine!). It is the perfect volume for building large models or several small objects simultaneously printed on the same bed.
This extra 10 percent increase in the print volume is the perfect balance for creating incredible 3D prints. Your resin printer is still compact but lets you build more significant projects!
Auto Leveling
Every time you turn your Elegoo 3D printer on, your Mars 5 Ultra calibrates its build plate on your behalf. There is no need for any manual adjustments. You can monitor the process through the built-in camera. You’ll see how the two-layer platform with springs finds its zero point (very similar to the one in Saturn 4). Elegoo added this default auto-leveling system to your resin printer at the manufacturing factory.
Hardware
Your Mars Elegoo is equipped with an advanced processor and various sensors. It has a Wi-Fi module that allows you to transfer STL files over the network, sensors to inform you of excessive resin levels and shortages, and a built-in AI camera that can independently identify 3D printing defects and stop the printing process, according to the manufacturer.
User-Friendly Interface
This Mars resin printer has a user-friendly (intuitive) interface. The touchscreen supports multiple languages, making setting up and controlling your machine faster and easier.
Software and Compatibility
You can use Lychee and Chitubox Slicers with your Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra resin 3D printer. It makes it compatible with various workflows and allows you to fine-tune your 3D print settings.
Additional features include protection from overheating, lamp operation indication, and other specs.
Elegoo Resin Printer Unboxing
Gambody received the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra in a slightly dented box. The machine is packed so well that it arrived in excellent condition. It boasts an elegant design. The bottom part is made of dark gray metal, and the removable lid is made of dark gray plastic (just like in the Photon Mono 4K 3D printer). It’s a definite bonus because it makes it much easier to maintain the machine.
Mars 5 Ultra comes with a standard set of tools and accessories. A special tray is what catches your eye the most. It is designed to prevent resin from getting into the tilt release system. Great decision! If resin floods that mechanism, the consequences would be catastrophic. This tray is attached to the build plate with two bolts (once again, like in the Photon Mono 4K). It is protected by film on both sides.
The glass screen is easy to clean if resin accidentally spots it.
As you turn on your resin 3D printer, it calibrates itself every time, which takes a few seconds. During this process, you will get a screen message that says not to touch your Mars 5 Ultra. You will love the tilt release system if you see it for the first time. The tray tilts itself to let the printer check your resin level and inform you if there is too much of it (you can also see a mark that shows the maximum possible level).
The two-layer build plate has an exclusive pattern on top to help increase the adhesion. It is easy to install on your resin 3D printer and secure in place with special locks.
The feature Gambody likes a lot is calibrating the resin exposure. Your screen is divided into eight zones. You set a particular exposure time for each one, place your test samples in every zone, and perform the calibration.
The built-in camera lets you watch the printing process or record videos (for this, you should keep the lid open or have a good light source).
3D Printing Gambody Figures with Mars 5 Ultra
Gambody is one of the top 3D print websites, and it is well-known for its catalog of highly detailed 3D models for printing, including superheroes and villains from popular comics, video games, and movies. While 3D printing figures like this, you demand a good quality printer. Let’s test Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra and see it in action. Gambody also plans to test Elegoo resin.
Cloud Strife 3D Printing Figure
When making this model with Mars 5 Ultra, we achieved great detail. There are some things to pay close attention to. When you 3D print large thin parts such as Cloud Strife’s sword, you might experience minor defects. If the sword is on the side and supports don’t fix it securely in place, the tilt release system might cause minor issues. However, the Elegoo 3D printer does an excellent job recreating the small details such as armor texture and hair.
Elegoo resin seems to be stronger than Creality, Sunlu, or Anycubic resin. It allows using more minor supports and high speeds. Still, the resin structure is average because it is easily exposed and changes color in the curing machine. It also leaves a gloss.
Alien Birth 3D Printable Figure
When printing large figures, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra resin 3D printer remains steady over long printing sessions. The hand, tail, and stand surfaces look perfect! The Xenomorph miniatures were also printed well (still, the quality is pretty similar to Photon Mono 4K).
Mars 5 Ultra prints well and works fast with Elegoo resin, building the minor details and recreating the significant, heavy parts. Gambody uses the 0.2 mm supports and 1.6 second exposure time in tests.
Standing Xenomorph Figure 3D Model
For this test, Gambody switched to Anycubic grey resin. We worked with it and know it well. Unlike Elegoo resin, this 3D printing material cannot provide the highest speed for Mars 5 Ultra. The 0.2 mm supports also do not withstand the pressure. Thus, you should slow down to achieve pleasing results.
Space Jockey 3D Model
Once again, this model was 3D printed with Anycubic grey resin. Elegoo resin works much better with heavy parts and ensures the supports don’t come off in the middle of the print. The first attempt failed. We achieved a great result after adding slight changes (like slowing down).
Doom Slayer Character 3D Model
We used Sunlu grey resin and Mars 5 Ultra 3D printer to build Doom Slayer. This 3D printing material is a complex ABS-like resin that can help you achieve a fantastic result if you apply more effort than with competitors’ resins. You are advised to reduce the print speed to “delicate” by increasing the number of supports and exposure level (the Slicer or Elegoo resin printer don’t offer this feature as ready-to-use).
Advantages and Disadvantages
Elegoo 3D printer has pros and cons, just like many other machines in the market.
Its advantages are:
- High 3D printing resolution and accuracy;
- Fast print speeds without the loss of quality;
- Intuitive controls;
- Ability to 3D print without a lid;
- Convenient build plate latch system;
- Nice price;
- Great software compatibility.
Its disadvantages are:
- Due to its unique design, the build plate is hard to clean;
- Inability to change print speed;
- Possible interruptions in the file transfer over Wi-Fi;
- The resin printer body is easily spotted (if resin spills on plastic or metal, you can forget about the initial look);
- Tilt release system (if you damage the printer’s film, the resin will most likely get into the system);
- Need to use protective gear when 3D printing with resin, such as gloves and a good ventilation system.
Comparison to Competitors
The latest Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra resin 3D printer stands out among similar class machines by other competitors due to its reasonable price and great specs. For example, let’s compare Mars 5 Ultra to our 4-year-old workhorse Anycubic Photon Mono 4K. Newer Elegoo offers a bigger print volume and better control over the printing process. Besides, it allows you to connect an additional filtration system to make it even more comfortable to use at home.
Hobbyists who are thinking about purchasing their first resin 3D printer can absolutely choose Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra. Gambody confidently recommends it! However, this newer machine might not surprise you if your resin printer is 2 to 4 years old. It’s hard to notice the difference between the 4K and 9K displays. You will get a higher print speed, though.
Conclusion
The latest Elegoo 3D printer is nothing completely new. Mars 5 Ultra reminds us of a reduced Saturn 4 Ultra that offers all technical innovations wrapped in a compact and affordable photopolymer printer. For beginners, it is a great choice. Enthusiasts who plan to make Gambody 3D printing figures will also benefit from this resin printer because it works well with precise details and big parts.
Gambody engineers haven’t found any useful functions in the camera’s artificial intellect. Still, having a built-in AI camera is a great thing. You can monitor your Mars 5 Ultra printing process distantly (ensure enough light is available or choose to 3D print without the lid).
Auto calibration in the Elegoo 3D printer is a big plus. However, to be completely honest with you, we haven’t calibrated our Anycubic Photon Mono 4K for the last two years, and it still 3D prints Gambody models perfectly well.
Mars 5 Ultra’s interface is user-friendly, which is a plus. The default auto-leveling system is terrific and helps a lot. Tilt release is a great but gentle technology. Make sure to use the protective tray (it’s important!). Also, it may take some time to get used to this system. Using standard film is a good thing because it can save you money.
Overall, if you are looking for an affordable but technologically advanced and fast photopolymer 3D printer with contemporary specs but in a compact size and you generally like different Elegoo 3D printer generations, Mars 5 Ultra can be an excellent machine for you!
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