To complement its resin 3D printers such as the Mars 2 Pro, Mars 3, and Saturn, Elegoo debuted the Mercury Plus washing & curing machine. A device performing double duty as a washing station and ultraviolet (UV) curing station in one machine, the Mercury Plus 2 is a convenient clean-up option for resin printing. However, the Mercury X bundle washing and curing machine comes with a separate washer along with a UV curing chamber. Additionally, the Mercury X wash and cure station features larger volumes for the washer as well as curing machine. But should you get one? Find out why the Elegoo Mercury X wash & cure station is a must-have 3D printing accessory in our hands-on review!
Elegoo Mercury X Wash & Cure Station Overview
The Elegoo Mercury X bundle includes a pair of devices to simplify resin 3D printing post-processing. Since stereolithography (SLA) prints must be washed off, then completely cured after printing finishes, a washing station and UV curing chamber are essential items. Elegoo’s Mercury X bundle includes a curing machine alongside a washing station.
Its washer features a large 8000ML capacity. The lid snaps on securely with rubber sealing. A large wave wheel generates water during cleaning and is engineered to clean models from all directions. Aside from the cleaning bucket, the washer features a cleaning basket and cleaning basket bracket that can hold two Elegoo Mars/Mars 2/Mars 2 Pro/Mars 3 print plates or a single Elegoo Saturn build plate.
The UV curing machine sports a 360-degree automatically rotating base plate with a curing size of up to 200 x 260mm. A pair of UV light columns stick up from the back of the unit while an ultraviolet light embedded in the base under the rotating platform ensures that even the bottom of prints cures completely. Its transparent yellow acrylic shade blocks up to 99.9% of UV light for safety.
Elegoo’s Mercury X wash & cure bundle includes a single power supply with two barrel jack connectors. That way, you can operate both devices simultaneously while only taking up one wall socket. Single-knob operation of the curing chamber and washing station makes for simple use. Merely long-press the solitary button for three seconds to turn the device on, then rotate the knob to set your desired curing or washing time.
Elegoo Mercury X Bundle Washing and Curing Machine Specs
- Includes a washing station and UV curing chamber
- 8000ML capacity sealed water tank with snap-on lid and rubber sealing strips
- Washing machine includes water tank, washing basket, and washing bracket
- Bracket can hold 2 x Elegoo Mars/Mars 2/Mars 2 Pro/Mars 3 build plates or 1 x Elegoo Saturn build plate
- UV curing chamber with a 360-degree automatically rotating curing platform and a curing size of up to 200 x 260mm
- Transparent yellow acrylic shade on the ultraviolet curing chamber blocks up to 99.9% of UV light
- Dual power connector power adaptor that lets both devices operate simultaneously while only taking up a single wall socket
- Single-knob operaiton
Elegoo Mercury X Washing and Curing Station Review
The Elegoo Mercury X bundle is a terrific set that makes resin 3D printing post-processing a breeze. Previously, I would save plastic take-out containers when I’d order food. I’d re-purpose the plastic containers for rinsing prints off, then use the lids to set prints on while leaving them in the sun on my balcony or on the window sill to cure. But curing times were slow and washing was a bit messy.
Enter the Elegoo Mercury X wash & cure station. Instead of having to mess with takeout containers filled with dirty resin water, now I can simply use a sealed water tank. Its large volume lets me rinse off even big prints with ease. What’s more, the washing bracket offers the opportunity to clean prints before removing them from the build platform. Additionally, it’s a good way to clean resin off of the build plate itself. And with a wide mouth, the Mercury X bundle’s water tank can fit even the massive Elegoo Saturn’s build plate inside.
The curing chamber does a great job. After washing a set of rook chess piece prints off in the Mercury X washer, I waited for them to air dry. Then, throwing them in the UV curing chamber for a few minutes, they emerged flawlessly cured. Its rotating platform features two ultraviolet light columns that harden any uncured resin while a UV light under the base ensures 360-degree curing.
While curing prints is the most obvious use case, you can also throw in any paper towels or used latex gloves that have excess resin on them into the curing chamber. Then, simply fire it up. After that, any clean-up items will be completely safe to throw in the trash bin. Post-processing is a lot easier with the Mercury X bundle and it shows – I’ve actually been printing with resin more frequently now that clean up is less of a hassle.
Although the Mercury X bundle comes with two completely separate devices in a standalone washing station and curing chamber, I liked the dual power connector power adaptor. Rather than plugging in two different power supplies, I only needed one wall socket or plug on a surge protector. The single-knob design is intuitive and easy to use. I appreciated its simplicity as well as the streamlined look of both units.
Since you’re getting two high-capacity devices, you’ll need ample desk space. Provided that you have the room, the Elegoo Mercury X bundle is a solid choice. Still, you may consider the Elegoo Mercury Plus 2-in-1 washing and curing station if you’re tight on space. You get a great UV curing chamber and washing station, but in one convenient device. Of course, you sacrifice some capacity, so you can’t wash or cure prints as large as with the Mercury X bundle. Similarly, while the Mercury Plus does fit the Elegoo Mars print plate, it can’t hold the Elegoo Saturn’s large build plate.
Elegoo Mercury X Wash & Cure Station Review – Final Thoughts
The Elegoo Mercury X bundle is a fantastic setup that includes a UV curing chamber as well as a washing station. Prints emerged from the washer looking pristine, and the curing chamber did a phenomenal job making sure no resin was left unhardened. Since upgrading my maker space with the Elegoo Mercury X bundle, I’ve found myself printing more with resin. Because post-processing is a lot easier, I’ve been printing with my Elegoo Mars 3 and Elegoo Saturn resin 3D printers more often. For any makers working with resin 3D printers, the Mercury X wash & cure station is an absolutely essential accessory.
Your turn: What must-have 3D printing accessories are you using?
Elegoo Mercury X Bundle Wash & Cure Station
150.00
Pros
- Includes a UV curing chamber and washing station
- Large-capacity sealed water tank
- 360-degree curing
- Single-knob operation and dual connector power adaptor for simple operation
- Excellent washing and curing capabilities
Cons
- Large footprint - two separate devices
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