TESTING METHODOLOGY

    Although this might change later on for now, I decided on using CHITUBOX when testing SLA 3D printers since it supports most models out there and comes recommended by most manufacturers. As for models I will be using 3 different ones, a small Star Trek model provided to me by a good friend of mine and the Deadpool Bust (downloaded from Cults3D / member Eastman) I’ve already been using with FDM 3D printers in two sizes, medium (86x68x122mm) and large (142x112x200mm) to record completion time at 100% speed (the large model might not be compatible with all SLA 3D printers to arrive in the lab in which case only the other 2 will be used). Second thing to test are noise levels and so once again I’ll be using my ExTech HD600 decibel meter placed roughly 30cm away to record the maximum noise coming from the 3D printer while printing. As for the 3rd test with the help of an UPS and two power meters I decided to also record not only the lowest and highest but also the average instant power consumption of the SLA 3D printer in my hands (separate charts with FDM models).

For my tests I used the 8K white smoke resin by ELEGOO as seen above.

Even though I really liked the model quality produced by the Mars 4 Ultra the truth of the matter is that models like the Anycubic Photon Mono M5S can build much larger ones as seen above. This isn't an issue if you don't plan on 3D printing anything as large but if you do the Mars 4 Ultra is clearly not suitable.

Again, print quality is very good and as you can see the model is also slightly smoother compared to those i printed with the Photon Mono M5S (also resin related).