ELEGOO Mars UV Photocuring LCD 3D Printer with 3.5'' Smart Touch Color Screen Off-line Print 4.72"(L) x 2.68"(W) x 6.1"(H) Printing Size Black Version

I ordered the Elegoo Mars around the first of the year. My experience has been positive overall. The support is very good, and I found that using the facebook Elegoo Mars group is very helpful as well. Some pros and cons:Pros:-Very easy to set-up and use (software is relatively simple to use). Far fewer settings to adjust vs FDM printers (only 5 or 6 settings really make a difference in the end product)-Less finicky than FDM printers (not as susceptible to print fails from factors like first layer adhesion/settings). It's very forgiving.-Incredible detail and resolution-Good support-Resin is ideal for painting-Relatively low maintenanceCons:-A bit messy-A bit smelly (not as bad as people mention IMO).-A bit slow. Not a true con, because DLP laser resin printers are expensive, commercial grade printers for higher volume application.-Elegoo resin sticks to everything and transfers easily. 99% isopropyl/ethyl are the only readily available solvents to remove resin from surfaces. (Tip: after printing, rinse with 99% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol, then water, then alcohol and water again.)-Quality control: I had to return first 2 units. First one had an issue where the rising and lowering metal plate would not detach from FEP during first several layers. SOLUTION: add a piece of painters tape to corner of LCD screen, under FEP film, but do not cover active pixel area! (Issue is a vacuum is created that cannot detach).....Second printer had to be returned because units are susceptible to a part knocking loose during shipment, which will cause the UV lamp to turn off randomly. I found tapping the side of the unit helps temporarily, but it is shorting out. Support has a solution to fix it yourself. Just wrap it in an insulator that doesn't conduct electricity (I deferred to the amazon exchange process).Some tips:The printer has a relatively easy learning curve. Default settings in Chitubox 1.3 are ok, but not ideal. For Elegoo transparent resin, I use a minimum of 8 seconds per layer at 0.05mm height. For opaque resins, I use 11-12 seconds per layer at 0.05mm. As a default, I use 8 bottom layers at 30 seconds each. I don't change settings for different layer heights. For most models, especially ones with large internal volume, be sure to add a drain hole in the software or manually with a drill bit after printing. If you drill too small a hole, another hole to let air may be necessary.-Always check the resin reservoir after printing and especially after fails for resin that is stuck to the TPE film and loose in the leftover resin. They include filters for this.-When picking models and preparing a print, you should use any empty area of the print bed for additional models. The only thing affecting print speed is the height of your models. You can print as many models simultaneously as you can fit on the bed without affecting print speed as long as you don't add a taller model. (This is not the case with FDM printers).-Get a nail curing lamp or put your models in the sun to cure for 30 min-1 hour for increased strength. Too long will change the color of some resins (like elegoo transparent).-Try the transparent resin at least once. Transparent resin prints the fastest and you can also calibrate and level your bed without having to empty the resin and clean it (you can see through to the LCD screen to align the ballast without removing the resin).--Another reason, is that transparent resin allows you to see the internal structure of your model. You can see the infill grid and see if any resin is trapped. I didn't understand the importance of a drain hole in some models until I used transparent resin and saw liquid resin moving freely in a finished model.Despite needing to make an exchange, my overall experience has been very positive. For $500, I think it is a great deal relative to other resin printers with similar abilities and performance. I would definitely make the purchase again.

This is my first resin printer, but I've been printing with FDM for about 9 years now. This printer is simply awesome. Very solidly built, and the quality is top notch. The instruction manual is not your typical mishmash of english and just like they said within 5 minutes I was printing the sample model.I was very nervous that it wouldn't come out but it printed perfectly!!!!Like someone else said there's a minor learning curve on how to slice models for a SLA printer, but I found a few videos and now I'm printing away.I love this printer, and I also love how it was packed, very well with nice foam and I've kept the box and foam to transport the printer and it protects it great.If you're familiar with FDM printer I highly recommend giving this one a try, you won't be dissappointed. But do remember it takes longer to print but you are getting AMAZING quality parts. Everyone I'm showing the prints too cannot believe it is from a printer.

Loving this printer. The resolution compared to my other filament printers is remarkable. The slicer program it ships with is very easy to use and fast!

. . . I have been sooo happy with this printer. After an initial frustration trying to figure things out and several failed prints, I am getting high-quality, consistent results now almost every time. Their customer support is exceptionally good too with fast replies and a dedicated team. Once you have good settings figured out for whatever particular resin you are using, the results and print quality are amazing. I love it. When you buy it, find the Elegoo Mars owners fb group, a small but good group that has been really helpful for me.

I could only print half of the test object and it failed. Maybe its user error on my part but t seems like it should be able to pring the test that came with the usb, which took 12 hours, should have been something smaller and faster, I will update when the second attempt is done.Edit#1: After emailing the company I was responded to within 6 hours and sent video instructions on how to set up the print settings coorectly, 4 stars for teh printer and the 5th star for good support~Edit#2: Since reworking the slicer settings this baby has been a total dream, not a single failed print so far Ive printed 4 minis and its been easy going, not layer lines or shifts. Good on you Elegoo for giving us a truly consumer grade product!

The printer is really well made and works as advertised. I had a few small issues with build platform adhesion but I think that is related to the ambient temperature being a little cool in my basement where the printer is located. Both the white and clear resins yellowed when post curing in UV light but if you were painting the items that's a non issue.