Published on Sat Feb 10 2024 02:33:22 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra: A Deep Dive into Resolution and Speed

The Elegoo Mars series has long been a favorite in the resin 3D printing community, known for offering excellent value and consistent results. The Mars 4 Ultra is the latest iteration, and it promises to push the boundaries of detail and speed within its price bracket. This article will take a detailed look at the Mars 4 Ultra, examining its specifications, sharing usage tips, and giving you a comprehensive overview of what this printer has to offer.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Mars 4 Ultra comes well-packaged, with ample foam protection to ensure safe transit. Inside the box, you’ll find:

• The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra printer
• A resin tank with FEP film pre-installed
• A build platform
• A USB drive containing the user manual, slicing software, and test print files
• A set of tools, including Allen wrenches, a scraper, gloves, masks, and a paper funnel
• A power adapter

The printer itself feels sturdy and well-built. The orange UV-blocking cover fits securely, and the overall design is clean and professional.

Detailed Specifications

Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications for the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra:

• Technology: MSLA (Masked Stereolithography)
• Light Source: COB Source + Fresnel Lens
• LCD Screen: 7-inch 9K Mono LCD
• Resolution: 8520 x 4320 pixels (18 μm XY resolution)
• Build Volume: 153.36 x 77.76 x 165 mm (6.04 x 3.06 x 6.5 inches)
• Printing Speed: Up to 150 mm/h (with ACF release film)
• Z-Axis: Dual linear rails for stability
• Connectivity: USB
• Slicing Software: CHITUBOX, Lychee Slicer
• Operating System: Linux
• Leveling: Semi-automatic
• Air Purifier: Integrated activated carbon filter
• Dimensions: 227 x 227 x 438 mm (8.94 x 8.94 x 17.24 inches)
• Weight: 5.2 kg (11.46 lbs)
• Power Requirements: 100-240V 50/60Hz, 24V 3A 72W

Key Features and Technologies

The Mars 4 Ultra boasts several notable features that contribute to its performance:

• 9K Resolution: The 9K LCD screen provides incredibly detailed prints, capturing even the most intricate designs. The 18 μm XY resolution allows for extremely fine layers, resulting in smooth surfaces and minimal stepping.
• High-Speed Printing: Thanks to the ACF release film and optimized firmware, the Mars 4 Ultra can reach impressive printing speeds of up to 150 mm/h. This significantly reduces print times compared to older models and competitors.
• Air Purifier: The integrated activated carbon filter helps to minimize resin odors during printing, making it a more pleasant experience, especially in enclosed spaces.
• Dual Linear Rails: The dual linear rails on the Z-axis ensure stable and precise movement, contributing to consistent print quality and reducing the risk of layer shifting.
• Linux Operating System: This enables seamless connectivity, improved processing power, and allows for future software updates and features.

Usage Tips for Optimal Results

To get the most out of your Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra, consider these tips:

• Level the Build Plate Carefully: Even though the printer offers semi-automatic leveling, double-check the level using the paper method to ensure proper adhesion.
• Choose the Right Resin: Experiment with different resin brands and formulations to find what works best for your specific needs. Factors to consider include print detail, strength, color, and curing time.
• Optimize Slicing Settings: Spend time learning how to adjust slicing settings in CHITUBOX or Lychee Slicer. Key parameters to consider include layer height, exposure time, lift speed, and support settings.
• Support Placement is Crucial: Strategically placed supports are essential for successful resin printing. Use auto supports as a starting point, but always manually adjust them to ensure adequate support for overhangs and intricate details. Consider using different support types (light, medium, heavy) depending on the area of the model.
• Clean the Build Plate and Resin Tank Regularly: Keep the build plate and resin tank clean to prevent adhesion issues and ensure consistent print quality. Use isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to clean the build plate and a soft spatula to remove any cured resin from the FEP film.
• Monitor the Printing Process: Keep an eye on the first few layers to ensure proper adhesion. If you notice any issues, stop the print and troubleshoot the problem before wasting resin.
• Post-Processing is Essential: Resin prints require post-processing, including washing in IPA and curing under UV light. Follow the resin manufacturer’s recommendations for optimal results.
• Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves and a mask when handling resin to protect yourself from skin irritation and harmful fumes.

Filament Evaluation (Not Applicable for a Printer)

This section would be filled with an in-depth review of a filament’s properties, including print quality, toughness, flexibility, warping, adhesion, moisture sensitivity, color range, temperature range, odor & fumes, and spool winding quality, resulting in an average score. Since the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is a printer, this section is intentionally left blank.

Overall Performance Evaluation (Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra Printer)

Here’s a rating of the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra’s performance across key areas:

• Print Quality: 10/10 - The 9K resolution delivers exceptional detail and smooth surfaces.
• Build Volume: 8/10 - A decent size for most tabletop gaming miniatures and smaller projects. Larger projects might require splitting.
• Printing Speed: 9/10 - The high-speed printing capability is a significant advantage.
• Material Compatibility: 8/10 - Compatible with a wide range of 405nm UV resins.
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 8/10 - Semi-automatic leveling is helpful, but manual adjustments might be needed. Adhesion is generally good with properly prepared build plates.
• Reliability: 9/10 - Generally reliable with proper maintenance and settings.
• Ease of Use: 8/10 - Relatively easy to use, especially for those familiar with resin printing. The Linux OS and intuitive UI are a plus.
• Firmware and Software: 8/10 - The firmware is stable, and the printer works well with both CHITUBOX and Lychee Slicer.
• Connectivity Options: 6/10 - Only offers USB connectivity, lacking Wi-Fi or Ethernet options which can be inconvenient for some users.
• Build Quality & Durability: 9/10 - Solid construction and high-quality components.
• Noise Level: 7/10 - Resin printers are generally quieter than FDM printers, but the Mars 4 Ultra is not completely silent.
• Maintenance Requirements: 7/10 - Requires regular cleaning and FEP film replacement.
• Customer Support: 7/10 - Elegoo’s customer support is generally responsive but can sometimes be slow.
• Upgradeability: 6/10 - Limited upgrade options are available.
• Price to Performance Ratio: 9/10 - Offers excellent value for the price, delivering high-quality prints at a competitive cost.

Average Score: 8.07/10

Conclusion

The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is a powerful and versatile resin 3D printer that offers excellent print quality and speed at an affordable price. The 9K resolution, high-speed printing capability, and user-friendly interface make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced resin printers. While the lack of Wi-Fi connectivity and limited upgrade options are minor drawbacks, the overall performance and value of the Mars 4 Ultra are undeniable. If you’re looking for a high-resolution resin printer that won’t break the bank, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is definitely worth considering.

Written by Alex