Elegoo 3D Printers Review: High-Quality, Feature-Packed, and Actually Affordable
Hey there, 3D printing fans! Kat here, your resident printing nerd and fashion enthusiast. If you‘re like me, you love exploring the latest in 3D printing tech to create amazing designs. And let me tell you, one brand that has been absolutely killing it lately is Elegoo.
Never heard of them? Well, get ready to have your mind blown. Elegoo is a rising star in the 3D printing world, known for offering high-end features and performance at budget-friendly prices. As someone who‘s used their printers first-hand, I can confidently say they‘ve changed the game.
In this ultimate Elegoo review, I‘ll dish on everything you need to know about the brand and their top printer models. We‘re talking juicy details on print quality, speed, features, materials, software, and more. Plus, I‘ll share some of my personal tips and experiences to help you get the most out of your Elegoo printer.
So grab a snack, get comfy, and let‘s dive in!
Who Is Elegoo?
First, a little background on the brand. Elegoo was founded in 2015 by a team of passionate engineers and STEM enthusiasts in Shenzhen, China. Their mission? Make 3D printing accessible to everyone, from hobbyists to professionals.
And boy, have they delivered! In just a few short years, Elegoo has released a killer lineup of resin and filament printers with drool-worthy specs. I‘m talking 4K and 6K monochrome LCDs, matrix UV LEDs, built-in air filtration – the works. All at prices that won‘t break the bank.
It‘s no wonder Elegoo has quickly gained a cult following among 3D printing enthusiasts. They‘ve racked up thousands of glowing reviews on Amazon and earned praise from top tech publications like Tom‘s Hardware and All3DP.
Elegoo Printer Lineup
Alright, let‘s get into the good stuff – the printers! Elegoo offers a range of resin and filament models to suit different needs and budgets. Here‘s a quick overview of their most popular printers:
Saturn: This beast of a resin printer boasts a huge 7.55" x 4.72" x 7.87" build volume, 4K monochrome LCD, and speedy 1-2s layer cure time. Perfect for printing large, detailed models.
Mars 3: A mid-size resin printer with a 6.66" x 3.70" x 6.30" build volume, 4K mono LCD, and 1.5-2s layer cure time. Offers excellent detail and performance.
Mars Pro: An upgraded version of the original Mars with a larger 5.08" x 3.15" x 6.3" build volume, 2K LCD, and 2-3s layer cure time. Great value for the price.
Mars: The budget-friendly OG that started it all. Has a 4.53" x 2.56" x 5.9" build volume, 2K LCD, and 6-8s layer cure time. Still a solid choice for beginners.
Neptune: Elegoo‘s first FDM printer with a 8.66" x 8.66" x 9.84" build volume and heated bed. A great option if you want to print in filaments like PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.
Jupiter: Go big or go home with this massive 11.8" x 7.8" x 15.75" resin printer. 6K mono LCD, 1.5-2s layer cure, built-in air purifier. Pricey but worth it for the size.
Here‘s a handy chart comparing the key specs of each printer:
| Model | Type | Build Volume (in) | LCD | Cure Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturn | Resin | 7.55 x 4.72 x 7.87 | 4K Mono | 1-2s | $499 |
| Mars 3 | Resin | 6.66 x 3.70 x 6.30 | 4K Mono | 1.5-2s | $299 |
| Mars Pro | Resin | 5.08 x 3.15 x 6.3 | 2K | 2-3s | $209 |
| Mars | Resin | 4.53 x 2.56 x 5.9 | 2K | 6-8s | $149 |
| Neptune | FDM | 8.66 x 8.66 x 9.84 | N/A | N/A | $199 |
| Jupiter | Resin | 11.8 x 7.8 x 15.75 | 6K Mono | 1.5-2s | $1200 |
As you can see, there‘s an Elegoo printer to fit every need and budget! Whether you‘re a beginner looking for an affordable entry point, or a seasoned pro in need of large-scale resin printing, Elegoo has you covered.
Key Features & Performance
Now, let‘s talk features. Elegoo printers are packed with goodies that you typically only find on much pricier models. Here are some of the standout features:
High-Res Monochrome LCDs: Most Elegoo printers use monochrome LCDs with 2K-6K resolution. This means super crisp details and fast cure times.
Matrix UV LEDs: Instead of a single UV light source, Elegoo uses an array of LEDs for even exposure and better print consistency.
Air Filtration: Some models like the Saturn and Jupiter have built-in air purifiers with activated carbon to filter out resin fumes. Your nose will thank you!
Wi-Fi/Ethernet: The Saturn and Jupiter support wireless and wired connectivity for remote printing and monitoring.
Sturdy Aluminum Bodies: Elegoo printers have metal frames and components for added durability and stability.
So how does all this fancy tech translate into actual print performance? In a word – beautifully!
I‘ve printed some truly stunning models on my Elegoo printers, from intricate miniatures to full-sized cosplay props. The level of detail and surface finish is just chef‘s kiss. Even at lower resolutions, prints come out crisp and clean with minimal post-processing needed.
Here are some real numbers to give you an idea of print quality:
| Model | XY Resolution | Layer Height |
|---|---|---|
| Saturn | 28 microns | 10 microns |
| Mars 3 | 35 microns | 10 microns |
| Mars Pro | 47 microns | 10-100 microns |
| Mars | 47 microns | 10-100 microns |
To put that in perspective, a human hair is about 50-100 microns thick. So we‘re talking insanely fine details here!
Print speed is also blazing fast, especially on the mono LCD models. I can churn out a 3-inch mini in about 2 hours on my Mars 3, compared to 6+ hours on my old RGB printer. The Saturn is even speedier, whipping up a 5-inch model in around 4 hours.
Of course, actual print times will vary depending on your settings and the complexity of the model. But in general, Elegoo printers are speed demons that don‘t sacrifice quality.
Materials & Software
Another great thing about Elegoo printers is their material versatility. The resin models work with any 405nm UV resin, which means you can use Elegoo‘s own brand or third-party resins.
I‘ve experimented with tons of different resins on my Elegoo printers, from basic gray to funky metallic colors and even translucent clear. The Jupiter in particular is a resin fiend – that huge build volume just begs for fun, oversized prints!
As for the Neptune FDM printer, it supports all the usual filaments like PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU. The heated bed and enclosure make it easy to print trickier materials like ABS without warping or cracking.
On the software side, Elegoo printers come with ChituBox Slicer for resin and Cura for FDM. Both are powerful, user-friendly programs with tons of handy features like auto-supports, hollowing, and customizable profiles. I‘ll be honest – slicing software can be a bit daunting for beginners. But Elegoo has great tutorials and resources to help you get up to speed quickly.
User Experiences
Alright, storytime! I first got into 3D printing a few years ago with a basic FDM printer. It was a great learning experience, but I quickly got frustrated with the slow speeds, messy supports, and inconsistent quality. I knew I wanted to upgrade to a resin printer, but the price tags on big brand models made my wallet cry.
Then I discovered Elegoo. I took a chance on the Mars Pro, and let me tell you – it was love at first print! The ease of use, speed, and insane detail just blew me away. I‘ve since upgraded to the Mars 3 and Saturn for bigger projects, and they never disappoint.
But don‘t just take my word for it – Elegoo has thousands of glowing reviews from happy customers. Here are a few highlights:
"The Mars 3 is hands down the best 3D printer I‘ve ever used. The detail is incredible, and it‘s so easy to set up and use. I can‘t believe how affordable it is for the quality you get!" – Jen D., Amazon reviewer
"I‘ve had my Saturn for a few months now, and it‘s an absolute workhorse. I use it for printing prototypes and production parts for my small business, and it hasn‘t let me down yet. The build volume is huge, and the print quality is top-notch." – Mike T., small business owner
"As a teacher, I love using my Mars Pro to print educational models for my students. It‘s so much faster and more reliable than our old FDM printer. The kids are always amazed at the detail and realism of the prints!" – Sarah L., educator
Of course, no printer is perfect, and Elegoo has its share of quirks and limitations. Some users have reported issues with the included USB drives, faulty LCD screens, and flimsy resin tanks. Elegoo‘s customer service is generally responsive and helpful, but there can be some language barriers and delays since they‘re based in China.
It‘s also important to note that resin printing does involve some extra steps and precautions compared to FDM. You‘ll need to use gloves and proper ventilation when handling liquid resin, and you‘ll need to do some post-curing of prints for maximum durability. But honestly, the extra effort is so worth it for the stunning results.
Final Thoughts
Phew, that was a lot of info! If you‘re still with me, you‘re a true printing warrior. Give yourself a pat on the back!
So, what‘s the verdict on Elegoo? In my humble (but expert) opinion, they are hands down one of the best value brands in 3D printing right now. Their printers offer an unbeatable combination of quality, performance, and features at a price point that won‘t make your bank account cry.
Whether you‘re a hobbyist looking to level up your printing game, a professional in need of reliable prototyping and production, or an educator seeking to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders, Elegoo has a printer that will fit your needs and exceed your expectations.
Of course, every brand has its pros and cons, and Elegoo is no exception. Their printers may not have all the bells and whistles of super high-end models, and resin printing does come with a bit of a learning curve and some extra safety considerations.
But in my experience, the minor drawbacks are far outweighed by the incredible results and user-friendly features Elegoo printers offer. With a little patience and practice, even total beginners can achieve pro-level prints that will make their friends‘ jaws drop.
So if you‘re ready to take your 3D printing to the next level, I highly recommend giving Elegoo a try. And if you do decide to join the Elegoo fan club, be sure to use one of their discount codes to save a little extra dough. Your wallet will thank you!
I hope this epic Elegoo review has been helpful and inspiring for your 3D printing journey. If you have any other questions or just want to geek out about printing, feel free to drop me a line. I‘m always happy to chat with fellow makers and creators.
Now if you‘ll excuse me, I have a life-size Baby Yoda model that‘s calling my name. Until next time, happy printing!
Kat
