Elegoo Mars 2 Pro review | Resin 3D printing introduction | Elegoo Mercury Plus

The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is a compact 3D resin printer that produces incredibly detailed 3D prints that almost look injection moulded. And despite its impressive build quality it is reasonably priced at around £250 or $250.

It almost magically turns liquid resin into 3D models using UV light. But I’ll try and demystify the process with an introduction to resin printing. Then after covering the basics of the machine itself and the optional Mercury Plus wash and cure station, I’ll print a variety of models to see just how well the printer performs and how easy it is to use.

I will compare resin printing to filament-based printing, so you might want to check out my earlier videos that introduce that technology if this is new to you - see links down below.

If you want to skip forward or back at any time in this video, please use the chapter markers YouTube creates from the timestamps down below and in the pinned comment.
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As an Amazon affiliate, I get a small commission from purchases made via any Amazon links.

Amazon links:
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro: https://geni.us/nfvD1sE
Elegoo Mercury Plus 2 in 1 wash and curing machine: https://geni.us/OQ0sJ
Elegoo Mercury Plus 2 in 1 wash and curing machine V2.0: https://geni.us/NmnwP9
Elegoo Mars 3: https://geni.us/YBhoR9

Elegoo ABS-Like resin: https://geni.us/a7G6n8
Siraya Tech Tenacious resin: https://geni.us/eI7N1b

Elegoo spare resin tanks (2): https://geni.us/ubJTx (alumnium) https://geni.us/KdOPto (plastic)
Elegoo FEP sheets (5): https://geni.us/Pit7
Elegoo replacement screen: https://geni.us/AhxCZlA

IPA 5L: https://geni.us/xmowy
Silicon mats (2): https://geni.us/F3MZSCi
Funnel and filters: https://geni.us/8Hxja
Nitrile gloves: https://geni.us/hwFsvo (I've found these cheaper locally - in the UK: Toolstation). These are the ones I use for cycling repairs so are probably tougher than you really need.
Heavy duty wipes: https://geni.us/1ALgwoY
Soft paper towels: https://geni.us/0BN28rX

Written article: http://thetechnologyman.com
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You can find most of the recent tech I've reviewed recently all in one place on my Amazon page. I also have a list some of my recommended tech and my current camera equipment for filming:
UK: http://amazon.co.uk/shop/thetechnolog...
US: http://amazon.com/shop/thetechnologyman
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Music in video from:
Epidemic Sound:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/referra... (FREE 30 day trial with this link)
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Timestamps:
0:00 Intro*
0:54 Introduction to resin printing*
4:03 Printer overview*. Unboxing
4:14 Initial printer setup, weight, size, spec
5:19 Setting up first print
5:32 Levelling the bed
6:29 Filling the resin tank with resin
6:37 Printing Rook test print
7:10 Cleaning and curing (post processing)*, drip attachment
7:33 Elegoo Mercury Plus wash and cure station intro, alternatives discussion
7:53 Cleaning excess resin off print - how to use wash cycle of the Mercury Plus
8:42 Removing test print from build plate, brief supports discussion
9:09 Drying or curing prints with UV light - using the Mercury Plus cure cycle
9:40 Finishing off post processing with sand paper (optional)
9:50 Printing results & slicing your own models*. Rook test print in Elegoo ABS-Like resin. Cost of resin compared to filament
10:11 Designing and printing shower rail bracket, using a slicer to convert model for 3D printing
10:34 Using bundled Chitubox slicer. Basic setup, exposure times: https://geni.us/exptimes
11:03 Understanding how the printer prints - key to successful prints and failed prints causes
11:37 How to add supports to shower bracket model with flat base (suction, Elephants foot, hard to release
11:51 Angling model 30-45° before adding supports in Chitubox and slicing. Show isolated islands
12:59 Checking resin tank after a print
13:09 Cleaning the resin tank in running "tank clean"
14:31 Using PTFE lube to improve release of FEP sheet: Bluebrain's video    • Make every resin print stick to the p...  
15:39 Over supporting for best results
15:49 Finished shower rail bracket - testing strength of Elegoo ABS-Like
16:06 Ameralabs calibration print
16:20 Exposure test prints: https://geni.us/expvalid
16:43 Lychee slicer - alterative to Chitubox
16:58 3D Benchy test print, hollowing prints
17:26 Barbarian minature print
17:38 Garmin replacement power button print
17:50 Lego minifigure, belt buckle to test flex of Elegoo ABS-Like
18:11 Using PrusaSlicer to print Bernie Sanders meme from Chaos Core Tech
18:34 Removing supports
18:44 Mixing resins for stronger prints - adding Siraya Tech Tenacious resin to print RC card bumper, no resin empty sensor. Discussion of other tough resins
20:03 Scanning my face with Bellus3D and printing at 25%
20:16 Noise from printer, printer odour, active carbon filter, no hinged lids
21:06 Consumables and replacement parts for resin printing
22:04 Conclusions*
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#elegoo #elegoomars2pro #3dresinprinting