The Elegoo Saturn 3 is Elegoo’s latest addition to the Saturn lineup of resin printers. It presents nice features that help contribute to a wonderful printing experience.
This will be a simple review of the Elegoo Saturn 3 resin 3D printer. We will be going through its features, specifications, unboxing, and assembly process, leveling process, benefits, downsides, print results, and more. So, stay tuned to figure out whether this machine is the one for you.
First, we’ll start with the features.
Features of the Elegoo Saturn 3
10-inch 12K Mono LCD
Laser-Carved Build Plate
5″ Resistive Touchscreen
9H Hardness Tempered Glass Protector
Plug-in Air Purifier
Voxeldance Tango Software
Fresnel Collimating Light Source
Upgraded Heat Dissipation System
Double Linear Z-Axis Rails
10-inch 12K Mono LCD
The Elegoo Saturn 3 has a 10-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 11520 x 5120. It is one of the few 12K resin printers currently on the market.
It has an XY resolution of 19×24 microns which allows you to print highly detailed models even at printing speeds up to 70mm/hr. This level of resolution will provide your models with plenty of sharp details that can be seen and appreciated.
It is paired with a 9H hardness tempered glass which protects it from scratches and damage caused by resin dripping or penetration. This ultimately prolongs its lifespan.
Laser-Carved Build Plate
The build plate on the Elegoo Saturn 3 spots a new laser-engraved pattern that improves adhesion. The build plate has a rough surface that allows the first layer of your model to stick properly. It ensures that your prints stick to the build plate for a higher print success rate even if you print large models.
Although your prints are likely to stick to the build plate, you need to use optimal bottom exposure settings to get the best out of its adhesion qualities.
3.5″ Resistive Touchscreen
Another great feature of the Elegoo Saturn 3 is that it has a 3.5″ responsive touchscreen that is easy to operate. Its user interface is very intuitive and beginner friendly. The screen grants the user total control of the printer by allowing the user to tweak various print settings as they wish.
The touchscreen is accurate to the touch and provides you with plenty of information that you’ll want to know about things like the progress of your print, tools to move the machine, as well as giving you access to exposure settings, and much more.
9H Hardness Tempered Glass Protector
The LCD screen has 9H tempered glass which protects it from scratch. In the long run, this simple device will help to prolong the life span of the LCD screen. Also, due to the type of material it’s made of, it would last longer than regular FEP protective films.
Plug-in Air Purifier
Resin printers are known to emit toxic fumes when printing and the Saturn 3 is not left out. However, you shouldn’t be worried because it has a USB plug-in air purifier that traps the toxic fumes from the printer.
The air purifier has a built-in activated carbon filter and plastic protective case ensuring that harmful odor is purified during printing. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use a mask while the printer is in operation. This is because the air filter will only make sure that the smell of the fumes does not last long in the room.
In addition, you can also purchase the ELEGOO Mars MATE air purifier, which can remove up to 95% of fumes for a safer environment to work in. It is very easy to use as it simply plugs into the back of the enclosure and filters the air even more effectively.
Voxeldance Tango Software
Another addition to the Elegoo Saturn 3 is the Voxeldance Tango slicer software. The Voxeldance Tango slicer is designed to improve your printing efficiency. The Voxeldance Tango software has very important features like Autorepair, 2D Nesting, support enhancements, isolated island detection, and so on.
It offers three printing modes that cater to various printing experiences. This includes static, smooth, and high-speed modes. The Elegoo Saturn 3 grants you lifetime access to the Voxeldance slicer.
Aside from the Voxeldance slicer, you can use third-party slicing software, like the Chitubox and Lychee Slicer, for added flexibility and convenience.
Fresnel Collimating Light Source
The Elegoo Saturn 3 has a Chip-on-Board (COB) light source that is paired with a Fresnel collimating lens that helps to emit uniform light rays on the screen. It ensures a uniform exposure (over 90%) on the screen. This allows you to consistently print impressive models with smooth surfaces, exceptional clarity, and high detail.
Upgraded Heat Dissipation System
The Saturn 3 has an upgraded heat dissipation system when compared to its predecessor. This includes 6 double heat-conducting copper tubes and 4 cooling fans on both sides of the light source.
This ensures faster ventilation and better heat dissipation to ensure that your printer is working at its best, prolonging its lifespan. Even with the number of fans, the Saturn 3 is pretty silent while in operation.
Double Linear Z-Axis Rails
Like most modern-day resin printers, the Elegoo Saturn 3 has a dual linear guide rail design. The length of the Saturn 3’s Z-axis means it is important to ensure it has great stability throughout the printing process.
It uses two linear rails on its Z-axis, with the lead screw in between them. This ensures that the Z-axis movement is quieter, more stable, and more precise, which ultimately helps to reduce artifacts on final prints.
Also, as a result, the Saturn 3 can print without bending the build platform bracket during lift moves.
It has a plug-in air filter that absorbs up to 95% of toxic fumes emitted by the printer.
The base of the Elegoo Saturn 3 is fitted with little rubber feet for extra stability while printing.
The assembly process is very quick, usually in a few minutes.
Even with the increased number of fans, it runs pretty quietly so you aren’t disturbed while it’s operating.
Consistently prints high-quality models due to the improved LCD screen installed.
The touchscreen has a user-friendly interface, making it easy to use, even for beginners.
Improved build plate adhesion when printing large models.
The LCD screen is made from tempered glass which protects it from scratches.
Dual linear rails on the Z-axis for increased stability.
It comes with a user manual that explains the operation of the 3D printer in simple language and with illustrations.
The non-slip hexagon socket leveling screws are designed for easy handling, making leveling fast and easy.
The printer’s mid-plate is designed with a raised step to prevent resin from flowing inside the printer, keeping your machine components safe and clean.
Downsides of the Elegoo Saturn 3
No Wi-Fi support.
No automatic bed leveling, it needs to be manually leveled.
Its maximum print speed is a little low when compared to other resin printers.
While the touchscreen UI is very easy to navigate, it looks outdated.
Unboxing & Assembly of the Elegoo Saturn 3
The Elegoo Saturn 3 comes nicely packed in a sturdy box. On opening the box, you are greeted with the foam inserts used to secure the printer and other accessories in place while in transit. Still, on the top layer, you get some user manuals and other documentation about the printer.
On removing the Styrofoam, you gain access to the printer, already preassembled in the box with the base of the printer already coupled with the Z-axis. In the box, you’ll find the build plate and the resin vat, which be installed unto the printer later on. Elegoo also includes a tool kit that contains the following:
Gloves
Toolkit
Scraper
Masks
USB flash drive
Power adapter and connector cable
Funnel
USB Air-purifier
Screws
Leveling card
Allen Keys
The assembly process is also very straightforward and pretty easy:
Step 1: Peel off the plastic film covering the monochrome screen.
Step 2: Peel off the plastic film under the resin vat and place it on the monochrome screen.
Step 3: Secure the resin vat in place using the knob screws provided (one on either side).
Step 4: Peel off the plastic film on the printing build plate and mount it on the Z-axis knob. Tighten the knob to secure the printing platform in place.
Step 5: Cover the printer with its Anti-UV lid.
At this point, you’re done with the assembly process.
Check out this video from Hellstorm Wargaming for the unboxing and assembly of the Elegoo Saturn 3.
Leveling of the Elegoo Saturn 3
Since the Elegoo Saturn 3 does not have an automatic bed leveling mechanism, you’ll need to level the bed once you attach it to the Z-axis.
Here’s how to level your bed on the Elegoo Saturn 3:
First, you need to loosen the two screws holding the build plate to the Z-axis screw knob with an Allen key until the bed can move freely.
Place a leveling card between the build plate and the LCD screen.
On the touchscreen, click on “Move Z-axis to 0”.
Once the build plate reaches the home position, place one hand on the build plate while you use the other hand to fasten the screws.
Slightly pull the leveling card and ensure there is enough resistance that prevents the leveling card from moving.
On the touchscreen, return to the “Manual” page and click on the Z-axis “up” button to raise the Z-axis by a certain distance.
You can now remove the leveling card from the LCD.
On the LCD screen, click on the “Tool” icon and select “Exposure” to test the LCD screen and LED light source. If it displays “ELEGOO TECHNOLOGY www.elegoo.com”, then the printer works perfectly.
At this point, you can now install the resin vat since you’ve completed the bed leveling process.
One thing to note is that, in a situation where you pull the leveling card and there is no resistance after you’ve lowered the buildplate, you’ll need to lower the Z-axis even more.
You can lower the Z-axis in steps of 0.1mm using the “down” icon until you can feel a slight resistance when you pull the leveling card. Then, return to the previous menu and click “Set Z=0”.
This generates a pop-up menu asking you if you want to reset the Z -zero. Select “Confirm” and this automatically saves this position as a Z-zero position.
Customer Reviews of the Elegoo Saturn 3
Various users have given the Elegoo Saturn 3 favorable reviews. However, as of this writing, only a small number of users have been able to obtain it. The majority of those who have not yet purchased the printer are caught up by the latest features it offers and cannot wait to try it out.
The print quality and the easy assembly of the machine are seen quite easily in these reviews so you can see how great the machine is.
One user stated that you can’t go wrong with Elegoo products. He said this is his 3rd from them and he’s had little to no issues working with them. The Saturn 3 is a great machine with easy setup and great quality. He highly recommends Elegoo products.
Another user said that he’s added the Saturn 3 to his workflow flow and he’s very pleased. He said it is a well-designed and well-constructed machine, making it a fine companion for his Mars Pro.
I came across some great reviews such from Faux Hammer and 3D Jake which you can check out below.
Faux Hammer
3D Jake
Print Quality of the Elegoo Saturn 3
Yoda
Elegoo Rook
Sauron
Verdict – Worth Buying or Not?
If you’re looking to get into resin printing and do not know what printer to get, the Elegoo Saturn 3 is a great choice that many users are happy with. It has the basic features that contribute to a smooth printing experience. Its major selling point is the 10-inch 12K (11,520 x 5,120) Mono LCD that allows it to consistently print crisp and highly detailed models.
However, if you already have the Elegoo Saturn 2 and you’re wondering if you should get this printer, I’d probably stick with the Saturn 2. While the Saturn 3 has newer features, it’s not as much of an upgrade to the Saturn 2.
At $399, it hits a sweet spot for competitive pricing when compared to other similar resin printers.
Michael Dwamena is the founder of 3D Printerly, a platform dedicated to simplifying 3D printing for hobbyists and professionals alike. Owns over 20 3D printers (filament and resin) and has plenty experience 3D printing. Michael has authored over 900 articles, helping millions navigate the exciting world of 3D printing.
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