Elegoo Mars 5 MSLA 3D Printer vs Formlabs Form 4
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Mars 5 MSLA 3D Printer and Form 4 are not direct competitors: very different prices (~23.6×). Mars 5 MSLA 3D Printer costs less (~€184) and is the entry-level choice; Form 4 offers more capability at a higher price (~€4349). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Mars 5 MSLA 3D Printer
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
Form 4
Formlabs
F3 · Advanced
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F3 — Advanced |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~169–199 € | 4349 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 23 × 23 × 43.35 cm | 39.8 × 36.7 × 55.4 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 5.2 kg | 18.3 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 143.43 × 89.6 mm | 200 × 125 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 150 mm | 210 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 480 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 240 V |
| Maximum speed | — | 100 |
| Declared precision | 35 μm | 50 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 89.6 mm | 125 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 35 µm | 50 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| UV power (mW/cm²) | — | 16 mW/cm² |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 70 mm/h | 100 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. | The printing process is managed by the proprietary PreForm software, a closed application that automatically optimizes model orientation, support generation, and production time calculations. This software environment is designed to ensure a highly streamlined and standardized workflow, ideal for professional contexts where result predictability is crucial. PreForm integrates seamlessly with the manufacturer's ecosystem, receiving continuous updates that introduce new profiles for proprietary resins. The machine also offers optional access to Fleet Control and the cloud-based Dashboard platform, which are advanced tools that allow users to monitor print queues, manage multiple units in parallel, and track material consumption in real time remotely. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Mars 5 MSLA 3D Printer 184 € vs Form 4 4349 € — Mars 5 MSLA 3D Printer wins (+2264%)
- Work area: Mars 5 MSLA 3D Printer 143.43×89.6 mm vs Form 4 200×125 mm — Form 4 wins (+95%)
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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