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It’s been a busy couple of weeks for resin 3D printing, with announcements from Anycubic and Phrozen adding life to the entry-level space. Now, Elegoo has entered the mix.

The OEM’s latest offering, the Mars 4, is an affordable 2K resin 3D printer with a DLP projector. It’s not quite a surprise – the Mars 4 appears to have leaked in February, accidentally posted to Elegoo’s website about a month back, taken down, then recently reposted for (what we assume to be) the final time.

Because it leverages a DLP chip (the same as those present in the Anycubic Photon D2), the Mars 4’s projector will ostensibly last longer – a claimed 20,000 hours – than an average LCD screen’s lifetime of about 2,000 hours. Also beneficial is the tempered glass – also in lieu of an LCD screen – that sits between the printer’s internals and the resin tank, which Elegoo says helps the Mars 4 achieve up to 95% light uniformity.

Elegoo’s longevity comparison between the Mars 4 and LCD 3D printers (Source: Elegoo)

The Mars 4 features a print volume of 132.8 x 74.7 x 150 mm, an XY resolution of 80 microns, and a sandblasted build platform for better print adhesion. Additionally, Elegoo says it can reach print speeds of up to 70 mm per hour and achieve dimensional accuracy of approximately .05 mm. A thickened Z-axis linear rail, meanwhile, is said to reduce vibration amplitude, with a 12W operating power resulting in quieter printing – a benefit aided by the printer’s fanless design.

Software-wise, the Mars 4 arrives with a new slicing software, Voxeldance Tango Slicer, that leverages a “.GOO” slicing format, which is also compatible with third-party slicing software, such as Chitubox and Lychee Slicer.

Finally, while the printer’s 2K resolution may be a mark against the Mars 4 for some, especially when compared to the 4K LCD Mars 3, those looking for a resin printer with DLP technology will be hard-pressed to find a higher-res machine at this price point.

The Mars 4 is now available at an MSRP of $500, although it is currently sold out for everyone but Australia-based buyers (at least on Elegoo’s official website). For full specs – or to make a purchase – check out its product page.

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