It’s been a while since I last sat down to write a blog post. Truth be told, I fell out of love with blogging. Life got busy, and I drifted away, unsure if I’d ever feel that creative spark again. But something amazing happened—I got back into Warhammer and the tabletop gaming world, and suddenly, the passion for writing came flooding back.
It Is, Just That Easy
Now, I’m beyond excited to share my journey, starting with the incredible experience I’ve had using the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra. This 3D printer has completely transformed my approach to creating miniatures, and I can’t wait to dive into the details and hopefully inspire you to take your hobby to the next level too.
Starting Out with the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Starting a new hobby, especially one as complex as 3D resin printing, can be nerve-wracking. I remember vividly how I felt when I first unboxed my Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra. My palms were sweaty with anticipation and anxiety. I had no prior experience with 3D printing, and the thought of managing complicated settings and facing a steep learning curve was intimidating. Would I be able to get it right? Would my first prints fail spectacularly, leaving me frustrated and overwhelmed?
But as it turns out, my fears were entirely misplaced. Before diving in, I decided to take the wise step of doing some research. I spent a few hours watching YouTube tutorials, where seasoned 3D printing enthusiasts broke down the basics. These videos demystified the world of resin printing, giving me a clearer understanding of how things worked and what to expect. Armed with this newfound knowledge, I took a deep breath and got ready to set up my printer.
I did encounter one small hurdle before starting my first print—the firmware update. Following the setup instructions, I noticed an available update for the printer’s firmware. So I connected it to WiFi, and it updated automatically within minutes. With that out of the way, I was finally ready to print. I levelled the build plate as instructed, poured in the resin, and started my first model.
Surprisingly, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra worked beautifully right out of the box after the firmware update. I didn’t have to tweak a single setting or make any complicated adjustments. The setup was incredibly straightforward. I was prepared for a more challenging experience, but all it took was that quick update, and I was ready to go.
My First Print: A Perfect Start
The printer seemed straightforward enough, but I was worried about all the extra equipment I’d need to handle resin printing safely. I made sure to gather everything in advance—rubber gloves, face masks, 99.9% isopropyl alcohol—and I spent time watching YouTube videos to understand the process.
I followed all the instructions carefully and used the Elegoo Mercury Plus wash and cure station for post-processing. I’ll admit, I might have gone a bit overboard with the safety precautions—I wore gloves and a mask throughout, ensured proper ventilation, and double-checked everything. But in my opinion, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when starting out.
When I finally started my first print, all the preparation paid off. The result was a detailed Warhammer miniature, and it came out perfectly. Every fine detail, from the etched armour to the sharp edges, was captured flawlessly. The post-processing was smooth, and after washing and curing, the final product looked incredible.
Taking the extra precautions made the whole experience less stressful, and knowing I’d done everything safely gave me confidence. The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra exceeded my expectations, delivering amazing results straight out of the box. My first print couldn’t have gone better—it made me fall in love with resin printing immediately.
Printing and Experimenting
Since that first print, I’ve been on a roll, printing numerous items with the Mars 5 Ultra. From small Warhammer miniatures—like an archer—to larger models like a Daemon Prince, this printer has handled everything with ease. I’ve even printed larger scenery pieces and some useful gadgets for around the house. I’ve just been searching for random free STL files online and finding loads of cool things to try. It’s been so much fun exploring what’s out there and seeing it all come to life!
One aspect I wanted to get right from the start was temperature control, as resin can be sensitive to colder environments. I set up the printer in a dedicated, insulated, and well-ventilated space with a built-in heater. This setup keeps the resin at an optimal temperature, ensuring the best results for every print.
Another factor that made my experience even more seamless was the Elegoo Mercury Plus. This 2-in-1 washing and curing station was the perfect companion for handling resin models. Once my print was done, the Mercury Plus made the post-processing easy and efficient. I could wash and cure my models in one compact, user-friendly device. This minimized the mess and hassle, making the entire workflow more streamlined and less stressful. The combination of these two devices—the Mars 5 Ultra and the Mercury Plus—took the complexity out of resin printing, making it feel accessible and enjoyable.
Let’s Take A Close Look At Some Of Its Features
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is appealing to a variety of users, especially because of its accessible specs at a great price. Firstly, we have speed and quality. With the Mars 5 being faster than its predecessor, it’s ideal for those who want a quick home solution. The print quality is great. With the 7″ Mono LCD with 9k True-To-Life resolution, it is ideal for model and miniature printing. This printer is amazing at getting projects done without compromising on quality.
Secondly, its compatibility across the 3D printing software makes this a great choice for those who already dabble. I have been using CHITUBOX but its also compatible with the likes of Lychee Slicer, making it easy to switch over to. Alongside this, it has an amazing interface which makes setting the printer up so much easier. There is nothing worse than having new tech and it either having awful software or a painful set-up process.
Thirdly, we have the AI camera. Now I am new to all of this. But having my setup externally means I can’t always keep an eye on it. However, with the built-in AI Camera, I can check on my print at any time to ensure it’s printing as expected. Not only that the inbuilt AI also detects errors when printing. As a newbie to this area of the hobby, this is an amazing feature.
Tips for Warhammer Miniature Printing
For anyone interested in printing Warhammer miniatures, here are a few beginner tips for the Mars 5 Ultra that have really helped me get going. Don’t worry if you get it wrong either its all about experimenting and taking your time.
1. Layer Height – Stick to a layer height of 0.02–0.03 mm for fine details.
2. Supports – Use light supports strategically, especially under extended arms, weapons, or horizontal parts.
3. Exposure Time – Start with a recommended time for your resin and adjust as needed for detail.
4. Orientation – Tilt models at a 30–45 degree angle to minimize layer lines and improve print success.
5. Curing Time – Clean and cure your miniatures carefully to avoid over-curing, which can reduce detail.
Using the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra and Mercury Plus has completely revitalized my wargaming hobby, and the whole experience has been fantastic. With the help of CHITUBOX Basic, the slicer software included with the printer, I’ve managed to print countless miniatures and small terrain pieces with ease. CHITUBOX Basic made everything from print placement and auto supports to slicing and sending prints via WiFi to the printer straightforward and user-friendly. The software has been perfect for my needs, and although it comes with a free trial of CHITUBOX Pro, I haven’t had to use it yet.
Final Thoughts
For anyone nervous about diving into the world of resin printing, don’t let that hold you back. The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra, paired with the Mercury Plus, made everything so approachable. All it took was a bit of preparation, a dash of courage, and the willingness to learn. I highly recommend this setup to any newcomer. It’s proof that even with zero experience, you can achieve amazing results and enjoy every moment of the process.
I’m excited to see what more I can produce in the future! If you’re new to 3D printing, check out these products, explore the Elegoo range, and start creating.
Thanks for reading and don’t forget to drop me a follow on social media, Links are below!
Tabletop gamer since a young age, Warhammer addict and experienced coffee drinker!