As passionate 3D printing enthusiasts, we’ve explored countless post-processing tools, but the ELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle with Separate Wash and Cure Station has revolutionized our resin printing experience. Tailored for large resin 3D printed models and compatible with ELEGOO Saturn and Mars series printers, this bundle streamlines cleaning and curing, delivering professional-quality results. In this detailed review, we share our hands-on experience with the Mercury XS Bundle to guide hobbyists toward the ideal post-processing solution.
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Related: Elevate your resin printing with the ELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle on Amazon.
Is ELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle the Best Resin Wash and Cure Station
The Mercury XS Bundle is a standout for resin printing, particularly for crafting large, intricate models. Its 7.5-liter wash tank, 360° curing technology, and handheld UV lamp make it perfect for processing sizable prints from printers like the ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra or Mars 4. With separate washing and curing stations, we’ve found it saves time and ensures consistent, high-quality finishes, whether we’re creating 3D printed decor or detailed miniatures.
Key Features of the ELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle
- Spacious 7,000ml Wash Tank
The large-capacity sealed tank effortlessly handles models from Saturn and Mars printers. We’ve used it for both basket washing (batch cleaning smaller parts) and suspension washing (cleaning directly on the build plate). The powerful turbine blade and rubber sealing prevent messes, though we learned water-washable resins are better cleaned with running water. - Advanced 360° Curing
The curing station features 2 L-shaped UV light bars (14 LEDs each), 4 additional LEDs under the 360° rotating turntable, and a handheld UV lamp for thorough curing. The Fresnel lens delivers uniform 405nm UV light, smoothing surfaces and enhancing details. We’ve used the handheld lamp to cure intricate interiors, achieving flawless results. - Intuitive Operation
A single knob simplifies operation: press and hold to power on, rotate to set times (0-30 minutes), and press to start. The UV-protective cover blocks 99.9% of UV rays, and the auto-shutoff feature when the cover is removed adds safety. We found the interface user-friendly, though restarting a cycle requires powering off, which can be slightly inconvenient. - Broad Compatibility
The bundle supports ELEGOO Saturn and Mars series (e.g., Saturn 2, Mars 4 Ultra) and other LCD/DLP/SLA printers with similar build volumes. The maximum cleaning volume is 201 x 124 x 255 mm (without platform), and curing size is Φ 200 x 260 mm, ideal for large projects. - Extra Accessories
Unlike the Mercury X Bundle, the XS includes a handheld UV lamp and protective glasses, which we’ve found essential for detailed curing and safety.
Our Experience: Benefits for Resin Printing
- Time Efficiency: Separate stations enable simultaneous washing and curing, significantly reducing our post-processing time.
- Professional Finishes: The thorough curing and powerful rinse produce smooth, clean models, perfect for custom 3D printed kitchen organizers or 3D printed vases.
- Cost-Effective: At $159.99 (29% off on Amazon), it’s a budget-friendly investment for its robust features.
- Scalability: The large tank supports batch cleaning, boosting productivity for selling 3D printed decor online.
Our Hands-On Experience with the Mercury XS Bundle
We’ve been using the Mercury XS Bundle for months, and it’s become a cornerstone of our resin printing setup. The wash station easily cleans large Saturn 2 prints, though we ensure models are dry before curing to avoid a white film. The curing station’s handheld lamp is a highlight, allowing us to target tricky areas like hollow model interiors. Minor drawbacks include the wire basket and holder in the wash station not fitting perfectly, requiring slight adjustments, and the jog wheel feeling a bit cheap. Still, the bundle’s 4.7-star rating from 3,925 reviews reflects its reliability and ease of use.
For optimal results, we follow these steps:
- Wash: Clean models using basket or suspension methods with a suitable solvent.
- Dry: Air-dry or blow-dry to remove residue.
- Cure: Use the turntable for general curing and the handheld lamp for details, setting 2-minute cycles for models under 30mm.
- Safety: Operate in a ventilated area (0-40°C, 20-50% humidity) and avoid curing over 40 minutes to prevent overheating.
For more tips, see our ultimate resin printer maintenance guide.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
We faced a few challenges:
- Yellowing Models: Over-curing caused slight yellowing, resolved by reducing curing time to 2-3 minutes for smaller models.
- White Film: Wet models before curing left a pasty film, fixed by thorough drying.
- Basket Fit: The wash station’s basket and holder misalignment was minor but noticeable. We adjusted placement for better results.
Explore our guide on hidden reasons resin 3D prints fail for more solutions.
Comparison: ELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle vs. Other Models
To help you choose, we’ve compared the Mercury XS Bundle with other ELEGOO wash and cure stations.
| Feature | Mercury XS Bundle | Mercury X Bundle | Mercury Plus 2.0 | Mercury Plus V3.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |  |  |
| Price | $159.99 | $159.99 | $99.99 | $179.99 |
| Max Cleaning Volume | 201 x 124 x 255 mm | 201 x 124 x 255 mm | 131 x 90 x 220 mm | 230 x 135 x 260 mm |
| Max Curing Size | Φ 200 x 260 mm | Φ 200 x 260 mm | Φ 140 x 165 mm | Φ 250 x 290 mm |
| Rated Power | 12W | 12W | 48W | 60W |
| Time Setting | 0-30 mins | 0-30 mins | 0-30 mins | 0-30 mins |
| Compatibility (Wash with Build Plate) | Mars, Mars Pro, Mars 2, Mars 2 Pro, Mars 3, Mars 3 Pro, Mars 4, Mars 4 Ultra, Mars 4 DLP, Mars 4 Max, Mars 5, Mars 5 Ultra, Saturn, Saturn S, Saturn 8k, Saturn 2, Saturn 3, Saturn 3 Ultra | Same as XS | Mars, Mars Pro, Mars 2, Mars 2 Pro, Mars 4 DLP | Mars, Mars Pro, Mars 2, Mars 2 Pro, Mars 3, Mars 3 Pro, Mars 4, Mars 4 Ultra, Mars 4 DLP, Mars 4 Max, Mars 5, Mars 5 Ultra, Saturn, Saturn S, Saturn 8k, Saturn 2, Saturn 3, Saturn 3 Ultra, Saturn 4, Saturn 4 Ultra |
| Handheld UV Lamp | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7/5 (3,925) | 4.7/5 (3,925) | 4.7/5 (3,925) | 4.7/5 (3,925) |
| Buy Now |
The Mercury XS Bundle is our top choice for large prints, offering a spacious tank and handheld lamp, surpassing the Mercury X’s lack of accessories. The Mercury Plus 2.0 is budget-friendly but limited to smaller models, while the V3.0 provides a larger curing size at a higher cost. For Saturn users, the XS Bundle delivers unmatched value.
Enhancing Your Resin Printing Setup
To get the most from the Mercury XS Bundle, we recommend:
- Filament Dryers: Pair with a Creality Space Pi Plus Filament Dryer for consistent resin quality.
- Safety Gear: Use 3D printing safety gear like gloves and respirators.
- Post-Processing Tools: Explore top post-processing tools for polishing prints.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a wash and cure station for resin?
Yes, a wash and cure station is highly recommended for resin 3D printing. It simplifies post-processing by efficiently cleaning excess resin from prints and curing them to achieve full strength and durability. While manual washing and UV curing (e.g., with a UV lamp or sunlight) are possible, a dedicated station like the Mercury XS Bundle saves time and ensures consistent, professional results, especially for large or intricate models.
What is a resin curing station?
A resin curing station is a device that uses UV light to harden and strengthen resin 3D prints after they are cleaned. It typically features UV LEDs arranged to provide 360° exposure, ensuring all parts of the model are fully cured. The ELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle, for example, includes a curing station with a rotating turntable, L-shaped UV light bars, and a handheld UV lamp to cure intricate details, resulting in smooth, durable prints.
How to use a resin wash and cure station?
To use a resin wash and cure station like the Mercury XS Bundle:
Wash: Place the printed model in the wash tank using the basket for small parts or the suspension rack for build plate cleaning. Use a compatible solvent (not water for standard resins) and set the washing time (typically 2-5 minutes).
Dry: Remove the model and dry it thoroughly using air-drying or a blower to prevent residue.
Cure: Place the model on the curing station’s turntable, set the curing time (e.g., 2-3 minutes for small models), and use the handheld UV lamp for detailed areas if needed.
Safety: Work in a ventilated area, wear protective gloves, and avoid prolonged UV exposure.
Do you wash resin after curing?
No, you should not wash resin prints after curing. Washing removes uncured resin from the print’s surface, which must be done before curing. Once the model is cured, the resin hardens, and washing is unnecessary and ineffective. Always wash and dry the print thoroughly before curing to avoid issues like a white film or uneven curing.
Conclusion: Is the Mercury XS Bundle Worth It?
The ELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle has transformed our resin printing, offering unmatched capacity and curing precision for large models. Priced at $159.99, its 4.7-star rating, and extras like the handheld UV lamp make it a stellar investment. Despite minor quirks, it’s our go-to for professional post-processing.
Upgrade your setup with the ELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle on Amazon. For more inspiration, explore cool things to 3D print or best resin 3D printers for miniatures.
