Elegoo Mars 5 MSLA 3D Printer vs Formlabs Form 3B+
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Mars 5 MSLA 3D Printer and Form 3B+ are not direct competitors: very different prices (~26.4×). Mars 5 MSLA 3D Printer costs less (~€184) and is the entry-level choice; Form 3B+ offers more capability at a higher price (~€4849). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Mars 5 MSLA 3D Printer
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
Form 3B+
Formlabs
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2022 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~169–199 € | 4849 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 23 × 23 × 43.35 cm | 40.5 × 37.5 × 53 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 5.2 kg | 17.5 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 143.43 × 89.6 mm | 145 × 145 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 150 mm | 185 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 220 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 240 V |
| Declared precision | 35 μm | 25 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 89.6 mm | 145 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 35 µm | 25 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Laser |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 70 mm/h | — |
| Tilt / peel system | Standard FEP | — |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The device supports the leading slicing programs on the market, including Chitubox and Voxeldance Tango, ensuring high flexibility in print file preparation. Integration with these software tools allows optimal management of resin exposure parameters, support generation, and production time optimization. Since there is no mandatory dependence on proprietary cloud platforms, users retain full local control over their workflows via USB file transfer. This feature ensures maximum project confidentiality and operational continuity even without a stable internet connection, making file management simple, secure, and immediate for any level of experience. | Printer control is managed by PreForm, Formlabs' proprietary print preparation software. This application automatically optimizes model orientation, support generation, and layout arrangement, integrating specific algorithms to maximize the yield of medical resins. The system supports standard file formats such as STL and OBJ. Through the Dashboard cloud platform, users can monitor print status, track material consumption, and manage job queues remotely for entire fleets of machines. Although network connectivity (Wi-Fi and Ethernet) facilitates advanced management, the printer retains the ability to operate in local mode via data transfer via USB. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Mars 5 MSLA 3D Printer 184 € vs Form 3B+ 4849 € — Mars 5 MSLA 3D Printer wins (+2535%)
- Work area: Mars 5 MSLA 3D Printer 143.43×89.6 mm vs Form 3B+ 145×145 mm — Form 3B+ wins (+64%)
Which one to choose
Choose Mars 5 MSLA 3D Printer if…
you value price. It is the cheapest in its class.
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