Resin printers like Voxelab Proxima Vs Elegoo Mars 2 are ideal for users who will build items with high-quality details and smooth finish. These resin printers are easy to operate, reliable, and affordable for beginners and enthusiasts. They share many similarities and are equally high-performing. If you wonder which printer to buy, let’s see what they can offer here.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- How to Improve Resin Printing
- What are Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2
- How are the Units of Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2
- How to Setup the Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2
- How is the Resolution in Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2
- What are the Specs of Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2
- How is the Performance of Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2
- Voxelab Proxima Vs Elegoo Mars 2
Improving Resin Printing
3D printing is getting the hype, and since more machines are widely available, the hobby is growing rapidly. 3D printing can also involve professional purposes such as making a model of a product or finished item that we create for customers. While the more common type of 3D printer is still FDM, resin-based machines have enjoyed some popularity. This type of printer is ideal for users who want to get the smoothest surface because the machine is best for this quality.
Printing with resin can be more complicated than using solid filament, but it is possible to get great results on the first try. The first step is designing the print because you will need support for liquid resin. The typical recommendation is supported walls should be at least 0.4mm thick, and unsupported walls should be at least 6 mm thick with the base fileted. If you print without supports, the unsupported parts or overhangs must be less than 1mm in length and at least 19 degrees from level.
Preparing the printer is equally crucial to creating successful prints. Because resin printers have higher resolution than FDM, the smallest details can prevent your model sticking to the build plate. The resin tank must be clean and within the temperature range. In addition, you may have to learn to slice the model for the resin printer. They use the same idea, but some parts are very different. For example, honeycomb is great in FDM but not ideal for resin infill because the material is liquid, so that it will get trapped inside.
| Voxelab Proxima | Elegoo Mars 2 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 22.05 x 11.73 x 10.79 inches | 15.75 x 16.54 x 7.87 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 18.43 Pounds | 16.46 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2
The printer itself varies, just like an FDM printer. Back then, resin printers were a bit difficult to find and expensive, but nowadays, you can buy a good resin printer starting in the $200 range. The best machine is the one that works best for your application. Things like capacity, speed, and budget will help you decide which resin printer to buy. If you have a favorite brand, we can check their collection first to see whether they carry an attractive printer you may want.
We prefer to stick with entry-level options depending on what you want to achieve. Budget resin printers like Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2 are ideal for most people interested in trying printing with resin. Resin printing can be more complicated even if you are already used to the FDM machine, so it may not be for everyone. These printers are affordable, work well, and produce beautiful prints. They carry the newest technology that helps achieve prints at a faster rate.
Printing is a long process, and usually, you will spend hours on a single item because the machine works layer by layer. The Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2 are not the fastest resin printers, but the Mono display can improve print time. Overall the two share most of the features or abilities, making them equally reliable and easy to use. However, the Proxima is more exciting because it is cheaper than many similar printers, including the Mars 2.
You also don’t need to worry about performance because most people find both printers reliable and produce good results. The main difference between Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2 is the capacity because Proxima has a slightly bigger print. But, if you aim to own a printer that can go as fine as 10 microns, the Mars 2 is ideal. Read also: Anycubic Photon Mono 4K VS Mars 3 here.
Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2 Units
Most entry-level resin printers look the same. If you don’t read the logo, it can come from any brand since no specific design separates the two. Mars 2 has a green cover, while Proxima has a brown cover. The printer dimension is also similar at 9 x 7.8 x 16 inches compared to 7.8 x 7.8 x 16.4 inches. Both printers have a decent build quality and touch-screen to control the printing process. The screen is only 3.5 inches, so it can be challenging to read.
We like that their USB port is at the side and front for easy access. One of the best things about resin printers is that you don’t have to assemble the machine. They are not ready to use like some box FDM printers, but there is very little we need to do before starting printing. The build plate and resin vat are not yet attached, so we must install these parts manually. However, the main construction is below the vat where the light comes from, and we don’t need to tweak this area.
Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2 Setup
Before starting printing, we have to assemble and set up the machine first. This process is necessary for all new printers and later for maintenance. One of the essential steps is leveling the build plate to the bottom of the vat. This process is before we install the resin vat. You can put the build platform and lower the platform until reaching the bottom. Make sure that the platform is flat and close enough to the bottom without touching it. The leveling paper method is the most convenient.
Installing the build plate is also easy. Users need to attach it to the holder and tighten the screw to hold the position. We love the top of this build plate because they are not flat, so the excess resin will flow down the vat after the plate comes out of it. However, we still find tilting the plate necessary to remove any excess resin that may lay on top of it.
Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2 Capacity
Like FDM printers, the resin printer also relies on the same build volume forever. The capacity is crucial for every printer because not everyone has the same purpose and plans to build the same items. The Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2 are coming with decent build volume for budget printers. They can create an item up to 130 x 76 x 155 mm compared to 129 x 80 x 150 mm. The Proxima is slightly larger, but the difference may not be obvious in real life.
Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2 Resolution
These printers have very similar technology, which is the mono screen. Mono screen was previously a benchmark feature, but it is a standard that comes with most resin printers, including Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2. Mono printers are long-lasting and faster, so many people love the movement of the mono screen. The resolution of this screen affects the resolution of your printer too. Both printers have the exact resolution at 50 microns because they use the same 2K screen.
Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2 Specs
The layer height is quite different because your Mars 2 can go as fine as 0.01 mm or 10 microns, while the Proxima is 25 microns or slightly thicker than Mars 2. Layer height is better when smaller because it improves the look or finishes, so if you aim for a smooth surface, the low layer setting will yield a great result. However, to sustain the process, Mars 2 can print from 20 to 500mm/h, which is quite fast for a resin printer; Proxima is slower at 25mm/h.
Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2 Performance
Lastly is for the performance of Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2. They are as expected of budget printers but in a good way. Both options don’t have many features that make them exciting. But, the main market for these printers is a beginner who wants to try printing with resin, and they did a great job. You can expect fine details and beautiful prints from these machines. We don’t see any meaningful difference in resolution or speed.
Designing the model in a slicer is the most complicated thing with resin printers. The print will turn out great as long as the build plate is level and the vat is clean. If your model doesn’t stick well to the plate, we may have to check the plate and vat level. Some people sand the plate to improve adhesion, but these printers work well out of the box.
Voxelab Proxima Vs Elegoo Mars 2
There are many good resin printers to try, and these two are equally promising. The main difference between Voxelab Proxima and Elegoo Mars 2 is the print volume, layer height, and speed because Mars 2 is smaller but has a smaller layer height and prints faster. The machine is also slightly narrower if space is a concern. They have a standard filter to reduce toxic fumes, but you will still need to use them in a well-ventilated room.
Conclusion
There is no wrong option because we love both printers. They do what they are supposed to do, not more and not less. We recommend spending slightly more for Mars 2 because of the layer height and speed. We also like the small build volume and the build plate bearing.