ELEGOO Mars 4 Series 3D Printer User Manual

Important Safety Information

Attention:

For technical support, please contact us at 3dp@elegoo.com.

• Keep the Mars 4 series 3D printer and its accessories out of the reach of children.
• When using the 3D printer for the first time, you must level the print bed. Refer to the tutorial for leveling before printing. (Open the package and perform the test)
• If the print fails, you must clean the resin vat and change the resin, otherwise the printer may be damaged.
• Fill the resin vat with no less than 1/3 of the maximum capacity, but do not exceed the level indicated by MAX.
• To wash the model, use only 95% (or higher) ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, unless you are using water-washable resin.
• Use the printer indoors only and avoid dusty environments and direct sunlight exposure.
• Keep the printer away from water or humid environments.
• Always wear a mask and gloves before use and avoid direct contact of the resin with the skin.
• Do not disassemble the Mars 4 series 3D printer on your own, as this will void the warranty.
• If the FEP of the resin vat is whitish, scratched, or rigid, or if the number of failures increases, replace the FEP immediately.
• In case of emergency, immediately cut off the power supply to the printer.
• If you encounter any problems with the printer, please contact us at 3dp@elegoo.com.
• Keep the box for 30 days in case of replacement/return (only original Elegoo boxes will be accepted).

Technical Specifications of the Mars 4 DLP Printer

System Parameters

• System: EL3D-3.0.2
• Interface: 3.5-inch touch screen
• Slicer Software: Voxeldance Tango
• Connectivity: USB

Printing Characteristics

• Technology: DLP photopolymerization
• Light Source: Imported wick (Wavelength 405nm)
• XY Resolution: 0.05mm (2560*1440 pixels)
• Z-axis Accuracy: 0.01mm
• Layer Thickness: 0.01-0.2mm
• Printing Speed: 30-70 mm/h
• Power Supply: 100-240V 50/60Hz 12V 1.5A 18W

Hardware Characteristics

• Dimensions: 24.6cm(L)*23cm(W)*45.3cm(H)
• Printing Volume: 13.28cm(L)*7.47cm(W)*15cm(H)
• Weight: 6.8 kg

List of Components

• 3D Mars 4 Series Printer
• Print Platform
• Resin Vat
• Mask
• USB Drive
• Gloves
• Spatula
• Manual
• Funnel
• Tool Kit
• Spare Screws
• Adapter
• Air Purifier

Printer Components

1. Knob

2. Z-axis

3. Print Platform

4. Knob Screw

5. Resin Vat

6. Touch Screen

7. Anti-UV Cover

8. Ventilation Port

Leveling

1. Gently remove the printer from the packaging and remove the plastic film.
2. Turn on the printer.
3. Position the print platform, screw in the knob, and loosen the screws. (See Image 1)
4. Remove the resin vat and place a leveling sheet between the print platform and the tempered glass; then click "Move Z axis to zero" (See Image 2). When the print platform stops, gently hold it with one hand and ensure that the four corners of the print platform are centered with respect to the glass. Finally, tighten the screws (02) using the provided Allen wrench. (See Image 3)
5. The distance between the print platform and the glass may change as the screws are tightened, follow the steps below. If the leveling sheet slides out without resistance, click the "down" button (set the displacement value to 0.1mm) until you feel slight resistance when sliding the sheet out. (See Image 4) Conversely, if the resistance when sliding the sheet to level the MARS 4 DLP is too high, click the "up" button (set the displacement value to 0.1mm) until you feel slight resistance when sliding the sheet out. (See Image 5)
6. After completing the leveling steps, set the current Z-axis position as the initial height of the first print layer. The operation is as follows: return to the previous screen and click "Set Z = 0”. A message will appear on the screen (as shown in Image 6). Then click "confirm" to complete the process. (Note: "Set Z = 0" only takes effect during file printing.)
7. Press "10mm" and then "up" 10 times: this way, the Z-axis will rise about 100mm. (See Image 7)
8. Press "Tool" - "Exposure" - "Next" in sequence to test the projector. (See Image 8) On the tempered glass of the MARS 4 DLP printer, you can choose to project three different images: the first image is the text "ELEGOO TECHNOLOGY www.elegoo.com"; the second image is a rectangular frame; the third and final image is a full-screen exposure (it can be used to clean the resin vat). If the previous images are projected correctly, the projector is functioning perfectly.
9. A slight difference in brightness in different screen positions during exposure is normal and will not affect the print results.

Attention: Do not look directly at the tempered glass or the screen during exposure, as it may damage your eyesight.

Test Print

1. Printing the Model

Replace the resin vat and tighten the screws. Wear the mask and gloves (to avoid direct contact of the resin with the skin) and slowly add resin to the resin vat until it is more than 1/3 full, but do not exceed the maximum level indicated by MAX. Insert the air filter by connecting it to the internal USB port, with the front facing outwards: at this point, the green light will turn on, indicating that the air filter is functioning correctly. Cover the printer with the anti-UV cover and ensure that the printer is placed on a perfectly horizontal and stable surface. Now, connect the USB drive to the printer, select the model file "test model.goo" and start printing.

If the resin is insufficient to complete the entire model, press the "pause" button, add more resin to the resin vat, and finally press the "print" button to resume printing.

2. Washing the Print and Cleaning the Resin Vat

Once the print is finished, wait until the resin stops dripping from the print platform; at this point, remove the print platform by loosening the knob. Use the spatula to remove the model and wash it with 95% ethyl alcohol (or higher) if you are using standard or ABS-like resin. (See Image 10)

1. Install Voxeldance Tango

The ELEGOO Voxeldance Tango software is provided on the USB drive: choose the correct version and install it on your computer. Alternatively, you can download the latest version from the website www.elegoo.com/pages/3d-printing-user-support.

2. How to Use Voxeldance Tango

2.1 After completing the installation, open the Voxeldance Tango software. Click on “Activate your license” – “Activate with printer hardware code” (See Image 12). Press “Settings” – “System” on the printer to view its ID (See Image 11); subsequently, fill in the “Printer Hardware Code” field within the software with the 10-character ID shown on the printer's screen. Finally, fill in the other relevant information to complete the software installation.

2.2 Click on “File” – “Open File” and choose the 3D models to open (only .stl file type). You can position the model in a different spot on the print platform by selecting the model and holding down the left mouse button.

Program Settings (Taking MARS 4 DLP as an example)

Elegoo Voxeldance Tango

Other operations:

1. Select the model and hold down the left mouse button to position the model in a different spot on the print platform.
2. Use the mouse wheel to zoom in or out on the model.
3. Click on the model, hold down, and move the mouse to view the model from different perspectives.

3. Voxeldance Tango Settings

3.1 Click on “Parameter settings” and choose ELEGOO MARS 4 DLP as the default printer. (See Image 13)

3.1 Printing Volume

The images above show the default parameter values, and there is no need to change them (See Image 14). If the model is larger than the machine's printing volume, the model's dimensions must be adapted accordingly (by changing the X, Y, and Z axis values).

3.3 Resin Parameters (See Image 15)

• Resin Density: 1.1g/ml
• Resin Cost: You can enter the unit price of the resin you own, and after slicing, the estimated cost of the model will be displayed.

3.4 Parameters (See Image 15)

• Layer Height: The thickness of each printed layer; the recommended height is 0.05mm, but it can be set in the range of 0.01mm - 0.2mm. The higher the thickness, the longer the exposure time for each layer will be.
• Bottom Layer Count: The number of initial printed layers, called base layers. If the number of base layers is n, the exposure time for the first n layers coincides with the value indicated by the Bottom Exposure Time parameter. The default value is 5.
• Exposure Time: The exposure time for a normal layer to be printed. The default value is 2.3s. The thicker the layer, the more exposure time will be needed.
• Transition Layers: The number of transition layers from the base layer exposure time to the normal one, implemented after the base layers to improve adhesion between layers. Except for the exposure time, the other parameters for the transition layers are the same as for normal layers. The default value is 5.
• Bottom Exposure Time: The exposure time for the base layers. Appropriately increasing the exposure time of the base layers will help improve the adhesion between the printed model and the print platform. The default value is 35s; the longer the time, the better the adhesion between the model and the print platform.
• Wait After Lift: The time interval between the end of the print platform's upward movement and the start of its descent; during this period, the platform will remain suspended mid-air. The default value is 0s.
• Rest Before Cure: The time interval between the end of the print platform's descent and the start of resin exposure to UV light. The default value is 1s.
• Wait After Cure: The time interval between the end of UV light exposure and the start of the print platform's upward movement. The default value is 0s.
• Bottom Lift Distance: The upward movement distance of the platform during the printing of the base layers. The default values are 2 + 3 mm.
• Lifting Distance: The upward movement distance of the platform during the printing of a normal layer. The default values are 2 + 3 mm.
• Bottom Retract Distance: The downward movement distance of the platform during the printing of the base layers. The default values are 3.5 + 1.5 mm; do not modify unless strictly necessary.
• Retract Distance: The downward movement distance of the platform during the printing of a normal layer. The default values are 3.5 + 1.5 mm; do not modify unless strictly necessary.
• Bottom Lift Speed: The movement speed of the print platform during the upward movement of the base layers. The default value is 75+230 mm/min.
• Lifting Speed: The movement speed of the print platform during the upward movement of a normal layer. The default value is 75+230 mm/min.
• Bottom Retract Speed: The movement speed of the print platform during the downward movement of the base layers. The default value is 230+75 mm/min.
• Retract Speed: The movement speed of the print platform during the downward movement of a normal layer. The default value is 230+75 mm/min.
• Parameter Mode: The default 'static mode' allows the printer to print following the parameters set in the slicing software. Alternatively, you can choose the 'dynamic mode' setting, where the printer dynamically selects the parameters to use based on the model's complexity, to speed up the printing process.

4. Saving the Model

After setting all parameters, press "slice"; once this process is complete, press "export sliced file to U disk or SD Card" to save the file ready for printing onto the drive. Then connect the USB drive to the printer and start printing. (See Image 16)

FAQ

1. Model does not adhere to the print platform

• The exposure time for the base layers is too short: increase it.
• The base of the model has little contact surface with the print platform: add a raft to the base.
• Leveling was not performed correctly, causing the first layer to be too thick or one side to be thicker than the other.

2. Separation of model layers

• The printer vibrates during the printing process.
• The FEP is not sufficiently taut due to prolonged use and needs to be replaced.
• The print platform or the resin vat are not tightened correctly.

3. Print Failure

If the model was not completely printed or the print failed, there may be solid residues in the resin within the vat. These residues should be filtered using one of the provided funnels, and the remaining resin can be reused.

If solid residues are not filtered from the resin, they could damage the tempered glass or screen during the next print. If residues remain stuck to the platform or FEP, clean them with a cloth.

4. Maintenance

1. If the Z-axis emits sounds indicative of excessive friction, lubrication is required.
2. Do not use sharp or pointed objects to remove solid residues attached to the FEP or in the vat, as they may damage the components.
3. Be careful when removing the print platform to avoid damaging the tempered glass or screen.
4. Remember to pour the residual resin in the vat back into its sealed bottle if the printer will not be used for the next 48 hours. Filter the resin with the provided funnels to remove any solid residues.
5. Clean the print platform and the printer using a cloth and ethyl alcohol once printing is complete.
6. Clean the resin vat before using a different color of resin.

Warranty Statement

1. ELEGOO offers a one-year free warranty service from the date of purchase, except for the LCD screen, consumables, and release film (FEP).
2. The LCD screen has a 6-month free warranty service; DLP printers have a one-year free warranty service.
3. The free warranty does NOT cover issues caused by improper use, self-disassembly, wear and tear, or external body breakage, etc.

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