3D printers vary based on the printing method and the machine’s ability. Still, resin printers like Elegoo Saturn 2 Vs Mars 3 are ideal for making highly detailed items like character models. These printers have the exact 8K resolution for the best details in the same price range but differ from the other specs. Today we will see what you can get from the two, the differences, and which you may like better.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are the Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3?
- How is the Design of Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3?
- How is the Build Volume of Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3?
- How is the Resolution of Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3?
- How is the Light Assembly of Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3?
- How is the Performance of Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3?
- Elegoo Saturn 2 Vs Mars 3
- Which Elegoo 3D Printer to Buy?
| Elegoo Saturn 2 | Elegoo Mars 3 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 9.8 x 8.6 x 4.8 inches | 22.44 x 11.02 x 11.81 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 24.2 pounds | 13.67 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About the Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3
Resin printing is a method to make an object from liquid resin cured by UV light. The process uses resin printers like Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3 or similar options and your choice of software to make the design. These printers have the exact working mechanism and are equally capable of creating highly detailed items, but they also vary because they come from different lineups. The Saturn 2 is generally the more popular and easier to find. Read also: Elegoo Neptune 2S Vs Ender 3 Pro.
These printers were selling for around $400 for Saturn 2 and about $200 for Mars 2. The price difference is prominent but also different because the Saturn 2 is a higher model with a higher resolution, so it is crucial if you want the better option. However, the Mars 3 is a good option because it is still a reliable and better option if you are a beginner who wants to start a hobby. Other differences may affect your decision and performance.
The other difference is build volume which is critical in deciding which printer to buy, depending on the application. The choice is yours, and the Mars 3 is an excellent option for the compact form factor and all its essential features. Performance is similar as they are equally reliable so you will be happy with either. Still, we recommend the Saturn 2 if you want the better choice and need a very high-resolution printer to work on more professional results.
Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3 Design
The printer is also more compact because the Mars 3 has a smaller build volume. As you can see, the design or shape is identical, but Mars 3 is only 8.93 x 8.93 x 17.28 inches, while Saturn 2 is approximately 12.04 x 10.75 x 22.33 inches. The base is made of plastic that houses its component, including UV LED assembly and a transparent surface to hold the VAT for the liquid resin. The top area has the building plate and a dome to cover the fume so it doesn’t go out.
Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3 Build Volume
The first point to consider in your printer is the capacity because deciding which machine to match the application is crucial. The Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3 have different build volumes, with Saturn 2 being the bigger machine, with 219 x 123 x 250 mm versus the 143 x 90 x 165 mm, meaning the former has a much bigger capacity. It doesn’t mean Mars 3 is inferior because we can have different goals depending on your project, and Mars 3 should be adequate for most people.
If you don’t have an issue with the budget, we still recommend the Saturn 2 because it gives you more freedom, and while you may not use the capacity to its fullest now, you may need to upgrade. There is no way to boost the capacity of these printers unless you buy another model.
Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3 Resolution
The second part we want to see in Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3 is the resolution, also the most notable difference between the two. In general, the Saturn 2 is still the better model because it leaped the 4K printers to the 8K resolution, making it more capable of producing detailed objects. The resolution decides how well they create the model, and Saturn 2 is best for those who want to create highly-detailed items.
On the other hand, the Mars 3 may be less detailed, but it should be decent for most people, especially if this is your first printer. Because the build volume is different, the masking LCD is also different, with the Saturn 2 having a 10-inch LCD and Mars 3 having a 6.6-inch LCD screen.
Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3 Light Assembly
The Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3 also come with a new light source because they are an upgrade from the older model. The Saturn 2 has the Fresnel Collimating Light Source, which is claimed to have 92% light uniformity for better print quality. On the other hand, Mars 3 has the COB light source underneath the monochrome screen. This system generates a good amount of heat, but Elegoo fixes this issue by improving the heating system, making it more reliable. Still, the Saturn 2 is the higher model with a better UV LED assembly. Read also: Elegoo Neptune 2S Vs Ender 3 V2.
Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3 Performance
Lastly, we want to see the performance of Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3. Like most Elegoo printers, these two are reliable and easy to assemble. The machines are not ready-to-use but require a quick assembly to put everything together before you put the resin on the vat and, more importantly, set the build plate. Setting the build plate is crucial for a successful print, and you can find numerous guides to level the plate for the best printing experience.
The print result depends on your settings and material so it may vary, but these printers are easy to use and produce good results. The details are not identical because Saturn 2 is a higher model and visibly makes sharper details than Mars 3. Overall, the performance is satisfying and should satisfy most people.
Elegoo Saturn 2 Vs Mars 3
The Elegoo Saturn 2 and Mars 3 are some of the best printers you can buy today. The main difference will be in the build volume, UV LED, and resolution. These differences are crucial since they affect your printing experience. The Saturn 2 has a higher build volume and a stronger UV LED lamp for a better printing experience. This printer also has a higher resolution to produce more details, which is handy if you need more professional results.
Conclusion
The decision is yours because we may have a different experience. We recommend the Saturn 2 as it is the better choice with higher print volume, stronger UV LED, and higher resolution for the best performance. The Mars 3 is more suitable for beginners and budget shoppers because it is more compact and affordable for starters.