Is The Elegoo Mars 3 Worth It?

[@cfriedalek]

Nice review! For anyone watching this now (Jan 16, 2022) I ordered a Mars 3 a couple of days ago (my first resin printer btw) and noticed the blurb said Lychee slicer files now supported. Also saw this reported on another YT video somewhere. (problem with so many reviews is that they're rarely updated but I know that's an unending job so difficult to do in practice). Thanks also for pointing out the low odour of Siraya Tech resins. I live in a small apartment so these will be something to check out for sure. Cheers.

[@billyw8186]

It's been just over a month now. How do you feel about your purchase? I've just about decided to go with Elegoo Mars 3.

[@cfriedalek]

@@billyw8186 Prints are great. Easy to use. I added a Wham Bam flex plate, a must imo for easy print removal and cleaning. Cleans up easily. Used 500 mL of Elegoo Water Washable grey resin already. Wash in water and follow up with IPA. It's been down for a couple of weeks because I had a hardware failure. Limit switch at the base failed so the print head would not travel down. However Elegoo support was great and I just received a Fedex'd replacement yesterday. They even sent a new motherboard so now I've got a spare. To be honest I felt deflated and considered returning it an dbuying something else. But looking around at other 4K printers I really couldn't see anything better or easier to use and they all had there own hardware problems reported by users. So bottom line is no regrets. Prints are stunning and I haven't even spent much time trying to optimize print settings. Happy printing whichever way you go. Cheers.

[@WhamBamSystems]

Super reveiw, looks like we are going to have to add a Mars 3 to our already long Elegoo lineup! Thanks Daniel

[@Artmesa]

Lychee can output to .ctb format. You don't need Chitubox. Well, unless you need hollowing. Lychee makes you pay for hollowing but its free on Chitu. On my Mars 3, I use both programs.

[@GeekDetour]

Hey! Super complete coverage! About difference in details: it really depends on the model. I printed a few things that, like you said, is very hard to spot any difference (specially if the model is super organic). But there are models that actually have details that print quite differently. Anyway, the biggest difference is in texture/light reflection: all models are affected by that.

[@ModBotArmy]

Thanks for the feedback. It does seem like if you have them side by side there is some difference. I think I just wanted to emphasize that it is not night and day difference because of how good even the 2k looks. I appreciate the info regarding texture and reflection :)

[@GeekDetour]

@@ModBotArmy But you are right: it is NOT night and day as you said; 2k resin printers are already quite good. Did you see my review? I showed a little bit about tiny details (1px can make a difference in certain models) and reflection. I would love to know what you think!

[@ameliabuns4058]

I wish you tested tolerances and dimensional accuracy. I want this for functional parts and molds! Btw XY resolution isn't your LCD screen. Optics/warping and stuff and bleed matters a lot

[@pshaw61]

Love my mars 2 pro and 3 and have not one problem with them and I use them everyday and have been for the last 6 months.

[@itailu]

I have it and I love it!!! (by the way the black color of the bath comes off) I am now trying Siraya Tech cast. I would not say the resin doesn't smell. but I've been using resins by Siraya Tech and I love them.

[@floriandanna2534]

Very happy about this video and comparison. I just ordered a Mars 3 Pro (that has carbon filter and is not locked to chitu) and coming from my "still working and going strong, but slow, Mars 1, I am really looking forward to quicker print times as a 21 hour bust print @0,02 is really a lot of printing time :-)

[@rogermullins7877]

I'm thinking about getting a resin printer but I have heard the mono screens can fail after only a couple of hundred hours. Is this true ? If not, what is the realistic number of hours you can expect from the screen. What is the cost of a replacement screen ?

[@joseph.thejeweler]

not sure if anyone can help but i set up my mars 3 and im using power resins zero. i tried printing twice after leveling and the rook test prints stick to the vat screen both times. any suggestions?

[@itsnotphair]

Random thought regarding your macro images, have a look into focus stacking. It's a bit of work but could really help with showing more of the detail on your macro images :) Appreciate the coverage.

[@ModBotArmy]

This is the first time I have heard about focus stacking. I will have to do some digging! Thank you for the info :)

[@binarybrian]

I really despise the locked down hardware and software path Chitubox took here. I think this printer clearly show their intentions to create a walled garden ecosystem leading to expensive software subscriptions and steady cash flow. I mean they're a business whose intention is to make money. I get it. But it also shows they're afraid of competition. That they're afraid someone will be able to make a better software product for cheaper based on their hardware and that they won't be able to compete. Lack of innovation and competition is not the type of 3D printing future I want to be a part of. I'll have to pass on this one.

[@ModBotArmy]

I think you have valid points. It is to bad that much of the market is using these boards and they really do work damn well. I think Chitu shot themselves in the foot and I really hope they learned their lesson.

[@kcsnow9447]

IBM tried this sort of thing way back in the day with their "Micro Channel" architecture. It failed just as miserably, although at a much greater cost. IBM eventually embraced Linux...as opposed to Microsoft's Windows. AKA "open source."

[@2FiveOne]

Lychee is support now

[@weeeeehhhhh]

The basic Chitu is free and is practically the same as the paid version, just lacking a polished UI and a few advanced features. You can still use a third party like the Prusa slicer and import into Chitu Basic to get the same features.

[@GremPTGamer]

Hey mate, im starting learning about 3d printers....my question is what should i get for start and get good printing mars 3 or enter 3 v2? And you got a new sub

[@RazDesignAB]

Great video!

[@SenileWalrus99]

Great review! Thanks ModBot (:

[@magicjack]

I have a still boxed 2 pro & 3, and have been debating which one to open and which to send back. Thanks to your video, I've decided on the 3. I'm brand new in this and figured that proprietary slicer program will be plenty for my greenhorn self. I'm planning on building small close-up magic props that aren't that complex, and decided to go 4K just because it seems to be the stepping stone most modern technologies are comfortable with and will be the medium for a few years anyway. I did also order the flex plate and spacer per your links. Thanks again!

[@christurner3310]

Gt zs1w3

[@neiswestnij8544]

I’m thinking of getting one to replace my photon s. Time to get on 4K. Mars 3 has 35 micron, Saturn has 50 micron, but it’s bigger… can’t decide

[@ronaldbarrett3112]

Good information. Thanks

[@TheHoboWithAShotgun]

Could take thr time and use program to combine the parts into 1 Complete model than print it. Thsts what I do

[@TheHoboWithAShotgun]

22:41 yau but in that vid and urs not using a 4k resin and using Standard resin which makes difference. Not the printing itself I'm told but when curing. The 4k resin is better and retains more detail. So I've yet to see a comparison/review I'd that uses 4k resin to really see difference

[@FranklyWry]

Not being very familiar with printing multi-piece miniatures, instead of gluing them after printing, couldn’t you use Blender, Fusion 369 or even Mesh Mixer to fuse them together, and remesh and export the result to your slicer? Or maybe they’re encrypted so you can’t modify them?

[@josephwait7384]

I'd think you could. A lot of miniatures will also contain the model complete...or a break down into individual parts as an option.

[@ModBotArmy]

This is possible with something like mesh mixer or even tinkercad I believe. The hardest part would likely be aligning the faces to eachother. Definitely an option though should you really want to make it happen.

[@CookieManCookies]

I own the Saturn 2 8K, I was quickly considering upgrading to the Saturn 3 Ultra, when I realized almost all resin printers are made with chitubox encrypted parts. As you can imagine.. I'll just wait it out until someone else takes over chitubox, as a close source option, it's a piece of crap.

[@silverwaffles]

Something interesting to try with the new wash and cure would be different cleaning solutions, like IPA, water, pine sol and others. It'd be good to see the different results.

[@ModBotArmy]

I played a bit around in the past with at least mr clean and although it worked it seemed to eat away at the wash station much quicker (the rotar on the bottom). Also, I did not feel parts were quite as clean. I think they are viable options but still not as good as IPA. There are some specific resin cleaners that exist but they are even more expensive than IPA.

[@RocktCityTim]

1 Year Later - and the SDK is real and Lychee Slicer supports .CTB files!

[@lsellclumanetsolarenergyll5071]

What is the damage on a MARS 3 and Curing / wash station ?

[@ModBotArmy]

300 for the Mars 3 and the wash and cure I believe is going for around 150 right not for the pair.

[@lakishakeye]

Thanks for the review. I was looking for a 3d printer to make blanks for earrings. I will be joining patreon and maybe the discord

[@ModBotArmy]

You rock! Thank you for supporting the channel 🙏

[@TheLotw]

Well I wont buy a resin printer till that company opens up. I hate these companies that close things out.

[@ModBotArmy]

I think that is fair. I am hoping Chitu learned their lesson. The sooner Lychee is able to slice for these printers the better for everyone.

[@Artmesa]

Lychee supports .ctb export now.

[@walterstarr1588]

The only thing holding me back on this printer is the requirement for a proprietary slicer. I am looking at my first 3D printer purchase and this turns me off to this printer.

[@Artmesa]

This is not true anymore. Lychee can output to .ctb format, which I have been using on my Mars 3.

[@walterstarr1588]

@@Artmesa Thanks, that puts this printer back in the running for my first 3D printer!

[@RobOngrui]

Sometimes I wish some of you reviewers took the time and primed a model. I can't be the only one that couldn't care less about a naked resin print :(

[@davidcarter9322]

There is a Mars 2 monochrome...cheaper and 2k monochrome...but it seemed to be passed over alot...why?

[@TommiHonkonen]

flex plate for the win

[@ModBotArmy]

stay flexin :)

[@Raycefan]

I just refuse to pay for a slicer when there are plenty of great free ones. So, I will also be printing FDM for the foreseeable future.

[@josephwait7384]

I don't like forced pay slicer either. My Mars 2 works fine off free chitubox version though! there are options...I use FDM and MSLA...MSLA has uses FDM doesn't quite pull off...So don't discount it all!

[@reddeaddylan1606]

I feel if I buy a4k now by summer it’s going to be obsolete.

[@redline3090]

Good review. However, I would have liked if you had used Siraya Tech's Navy Blue resin instead- shows details better on camera.

[@ModBotArmy]

I will keep that in mind. I still felt the detail showed up much better than the cream colored I had but definitely appreciate the feedback

[@FarmerJim]

BLUF: Get the 2 Pro

[@petermoore9504]

Bit ironic complaining about propietery software and waxing lyrical about the iphone.

[@ModBotArmy]

I love my iPhone and really the apple ecosystem. Was on Android and windows for much of the last decade. Some things I do not mind proprietary software. 3D printing is different to me. In that I like having the choice.

[@florinbalaican7419]

the software is a scam, one year free subscription, other competitors offers you better deal

[@jaredbaker8453]

,

[@frog222100]

The resin shows very little detail on camera. Poor choice for reviewing the printer. Greys and opaque are best

[@ModBotArmy]

That is disappointing. I felt like quite a bit showed up. Had tan but that seemed to hide quite a bit of detail

[@TheFoodnipple]

@@ModBotArmy Putting the light under the model really helped a lot though.

[@ModBotArmy]

Awesome! I guess I could see how without the light and the transparency some of the detail could be lost by what is behind it. Glad the light did at least help though 😬

[@objection_your_honor]

Is this a sponsored ad?

[@ModBotArmy]

No only the Siraya Tech resin at the intro. I don’t do sponsored reviews.

[@jon9947]

@@ModBotArmy Might want to start saying when you use a sponsored product in a video to keep you on the right side of the law. The FTC has a set of rules for people on social media. Should read "Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers"

[@ModBotArmy]

Do you mean in addition to the sponsor placement? Right after the intro it says that the video in sponsored by siraya tech.

[@jon9947]

@@ModBotArmy Yup, thats my bad. I use a plugin for Firefox that skips over promotions and in video advertisements. Still a good read for anyone who makes KZbin videos, but I do owe you an apology.

[@ModBotArmy]

Not at all I appreciate the info. I have always strived for transparency so if there was something I had missed I would want to know. Hope you had a great week 😬!

[@Presbiter]

Why is every 3d printer tester making a goon of himself fiddeling around with those so called washing maschines made of cheap chinaplastic? I mean there is a superior way of cleaning resin...been there fore years. The industry uses it...its called an industrial ultrasonic cleaner...has a way better built quality since its made for heavy use...it doesnt swirl around your prints damaging intricate parts of them...it also can heat up during cleaning to lets say 95°F (35°C) so that your supports go off smooth like butter. and now the kicker... those things cost even a few bucks less than those "washing maschines" And by the way for safety reasons its mandatory to wear a red class A propeller hat when using the "washing maschines"

[@ModBotArmy]

Ultrasonic cleaners are not recommended for use with ipa due to their flashpoint. You can use alternative cleaners but I have yet to find anything as good as ipa t actually clean the uncured resin.

[@Presbiter]

@@ModBotArmy There are maschines that can, but those are expensive and not the ones I am talking about, So that beside. I never told anyone to put ipa into an ultrasonic cleaner. You dip the model in ipa after the ultrasonic cleansing and place it on a paper towel till its dry...

[@ModBotArmy]

@@Presbiter Interesting, why not just use a wash and cure station then? It seems like an added step. Not saying that is not a viable option just that I do not see why you are against wash and cure stations when many enjoy the ease of using them.

[@Presbiter]

@@ModBotArmy What added step? the 1sec dip in ipa to have them entirely clean of any recesses? And why not use those stations? mmh. because of their built quality in relation to their price, which is pretty damn shit...because intricate parts of your print could be damaged when put into a swirl...because they dont heat up your prints so that your supports glide away like they never were there without hustle and recesses. I dont know man, if those reasons arent enough for ya, hell who am I to tell you what to do with your money. Load up your attic with those for all I care.

[@Imm0rtal49]

@@Presbiter is that what you use for your resin prints?