Tech Breakdown: Elegoo Mars 2 Pro 3D Printer

For most of their existence, resin 3D printers have been large, appliance-sized units with a comparatively small build volume. In recent years, both the size and the price of these unique 3D printers have shrunk quite dramatically while improving on the functionality and speed of the process. The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro takes one of the earliest MSLA resin 3D printers and finely tuned it based on lessons learned through the development and use of previous models, like a monochrome 2K LCD, an improved light source, and several quality of life upgrades to make it even easier to use.

Let's break it down-

Monochrome 2K LCD

Some resin 3D printers use a laser to trace out each layer of the sliced 3D model, in the same way a plastic 3D printer does, commonly referred to as SLA or Stereolithography Apparatus. The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is an MSLA machine (Masked Stereolithography Apparatus), which means it uses a UV lamp in the base to shine light up into the vat above and cure entire layers at a time. Previous MSLA 3D printers utilized regular RGB LCD screens to mask the UV light, by using a newer monochrome LCD, the screen lets more light through into the resin vat and the increased light intensity means each layer cures twice as fast as RGB LCDs. By letting more light through, this also means the LCD itself is  absorbing less light and heat, increasing the lifespan of the LCD four times over.

Sturdy Build Quality and New UV Lamp

As has been standard for every Elegoo resin 3D printer, the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is made of CNC machined aluminum from top to bottom. For motion in the Z axis, a linear guideway keeps things steady and smooth for repeatable lifting-and-lowering of the buildplate. It’s quite a dense machine and that translates to your 3D prints in ensuring that nothing flexes as the suction forces pull on the build plate and that everything dissipates heat well from the powerful COB UV LED. Generally, SMD or Surface Mount Diodes are the most common UV light source for MSLA 3D printers, but COB, chip-on-board, LEDs are finding prominence due to the higher concentration of LEDs you can have in the same footprint, increasing the light intensity, decreasing the likelihood of “hot spots,” and because of their construction, excellent at staying at a cool temperature.

Quality of Life

This isn’t Elegoo’s first rodeo, and they’ve learned some tricks to make the Mars 2 Pro have a sensible workflow and user experience. The responsive touchscreen displays all the information you need to know, now in 13 different languages; the USB drive for your open-source sliced files is conveniently in the front panel, a silicone rubber gasket slips onto the protective light cover to help contain odors and prevent resin residue from sticking the lid shut. There’s even an internal activated carbon filter and a turbo cooling fan to remove as much odor as possible from the working environment. And something that feels so simple and yet so genius is an angled build plate holder, so you can mount the build plate at an angle when not in use to drip most of the resin back into the vat.

If you’re looking to expand your resin 3D printing capabilities and keep the experience right on your desk, the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is the machine to beat. And when you’re looking for a resin to match the price point of the Mars 2 Pro, consider epoxy-free MH Build resin. To learn more and to order your small-format, high speed Elegoo Mars 2 Pro today, check it out here.