The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra really is a gamechanger, not because of some crazy improvement in resolution, but because Elegoo has taken their time to listen to their consumers and make real changes.
It’s the easiest resin 3D printer I’ve ever used.
Pretty much plug and play. No need to mess with settings, calibration, just normal and bottom exposure.
This will be a simple review of the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra, going through the features, specifications, unboxing and assembly process, leveling process, along with benefits and downsides and of course the print quality.
Let’s start off with the features!
Features of the Saturn 4 Ultra
Innovative Tilting Resin Vat Technology
One-Click Auto-Leveling System
Real Time Monitoring & Timelapses
AI Camera Intelligent Detection
12K Mono LCD (10-Inch)
Smart Mechanical Sensor & Resin Volume Sensor
Resin Heat Detection System
High & Low Printing Mode
WiFi Connectivity
Quick-Release Build Plate
Resin Vat Pouring Spouts
Capacitive Touch Screen
COB + Fresnel Collimating Lens
PFA Release Film
Plastic Resin Drip Tray Attachment
Innovative Tilting Resin Vat Technology
So I thought the resin printer was broken at first and even sent an email over. After I turned it on though, I saw it was an in-built feature.
The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra revolutionizes resin 3D printing with its tilting resin vat technology. This cool feature enables faster peeling of prints from the release film, thanks to the tilting motion of the resin tank.
As a result, the Saturn 4 Ultra achieves remarkable printing speeds of up to 150mm/h, significantly reducing your print times.
Despite its advanced tilting mechanism, the Saturn 4 Ultra’s resin vat maintains the same impressive resin capacity as its predecessor, the Saturn 3. This means you can enjoy the benefits of faster printing without compromising on the size of your creations.
Also, the Saturn 4 doesn’t have the tilting mechanism, just the Ultra model.
One-Click Auto-Leveling System & Self Checks
It offers a hassle-free experience with its smart self-check and automatic leveling functions. Simply unbox the printer, power it on, and start printing – it’s the ultimate printing experience.
With a single click, the Saturn 4 Ultra performs a quick self-check to ensure components are working properly before your print begins. With the intelligent mechanical sensor, the build plate automatically levels itself every time you hit the on button, saving you time and effort.
It even levels with resin inside which is huge.
No more having to clean up the whole vat and build plate just to re-level your 3D printer since some of your 3D prints keep failing.
Here’s a list of the device self-test:
Release Film Usage Count
Status of LCD Screen Connection
Z-Axis Motor Status
X-Axis Motor Status
Status of LED Light Source
Status of the Fan
LED Temperature Detection
Mechanical Sensor
Real Time Monitoring & Timelapses
Along with the AI camera, it also includes real time monitoring so you can keep an eye on the progress of your 3D prints.
The camera quality is surprisingly clear as well, not those cheap grainy cameras. You’ll just want to have some good lighting to capture the details better unlike the one I did above.
It also enables you to finally do resin timelapses directly from the 3D printer which is a gamechanger!
To enable timelapses on this 3D printer, you’ll need to use the ChituBox software and download an app through the software called ChituManager.
Once you download this app, you simply add your printer and it will connect, then you click it and toggle the timelapse option to on.
ChituManager even has this cool historical record to see the prints you created and even a place to download the timelapses.
AI Camera Intelligent Detection
A cool feature that many will enjoy is the AI camera along with intelligent failure detection.
The AI camera will help with detecting an empty build plate along with model warps so you can resolve these issues. It won’t detect all failures though. I did have a failure with a gap in one of the models. Not sure what happened but it hasn’t happened since.
I upped the normal exposure from 2.5 to 2.8 seconds.
My AI camera has updates coming through the WiFi, so I’m sure when there are improvements in the detection technology, we’ll get to experience that as well.
This is similar to the AI detection we see in the BambuLab 3D printers.
12K Mono LCD (10-Inch)
We have a 12K Mono LCD on the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra, similar to previous models so this is a nice feature to have. You won’t be getting an upgrade in the resolution, though this level of resolution is still incredible!
It does have an excellent resolution of 11,520 * 5120 and an XY resolution of 19×24μm keeping you with the same level of beautiful detail and model accuracy.
Smart Mechanical Sensor & Resin Volume Sensor
A feature that I can really appreciate is the resin volume sensor – a resin volume detection system. There have been times where you might run a 3D print and the volume of resin is too low, but the machine will start anyway.
With this 3D printer, it will detect the level of resin in the vat and let you know if it needs a refill depending on how much resin you need.
The Saturn 4 Ultra’s mechanical sensor supports residue detection, preventing potential damage to the LCD screen. It also features resin shortage and leveling failure alarms, further enhancing safety and reliability during printing.
Resin Heat Detection System
An interesting thing I saw on this machine compared to other machines is a temperature reading on the monitor.
If you have been resin printing for some time, you’ve probably heard that the temperature of your resin can have a negative impact on your printing results.
The introduction of this built-in heat reader means that we can accurately tell whether we have an optimal printing temperature, usually being above 20°C.
While it’s printing, I see the values go up to around 40°C.
I heard people mention that they will launch a universal resin heating system for around $50. I found the link to the Elegoo Resin Heater, it’s around $60.
An interesting thing in the description is it says the heat will switch on when the resin chamber is below 25°C, then turn off when it reaches 25°C.
High & Low Speed Printing Mode
The Saturn 4 Ultra offers two distinct printing modes to cater to your specific needs. The high-speed mode allows you to quickly produce prints without compromising on quality, perfect for when you need your models in a hurry. On the other hand, the low-speed mode prioritizes exceptional detail and surface finish, ideal for intricate designs or showcase pieces.
You can switch between the fast and slow print modes seamlessly as needed, enjoying a flexible and efficient printing experience. Whether you’re working on a tight deadline or aiming for the highest level of precision, the Saturn 4 Ultra has you covered.
WiFi Connectivity
You’ll be able to appreciate WiFi connectivity with this 3D printer, enabling you to have automatic updates pushed to the printer.
This includes firmware updates and AI camera updates.
It’s connected through the ChituBox app and requires some basic setup attaching the WiFi antenna then entering your WiFi details into the 3D printer.
Another cool thing is that there’s support for WiFi cluster printing, which lets you send sliced models to more than 1 Saturn 4 Ultra 3D printer.
Quick-Release Build Plate
The Saturn 4 Ultra’s innovative quick-release build plate features a hinged lid design, allowing you to easily latch and release the plate without getting your hands messy with liquid resin.
No more screws or spills – simply unlock the hinge, and the build plate slides out effortlessly. This thoughtful design saves time and ensures a tidy workspace, revolutionizing your 3D printing experience with the Saturn 4 Ultra.
Resin Vat Pouring Spouts
The Saturn 4 Ultra’s resin vat features two large pouring spouts on opposite corners, allowing you to easily pour out excess resin from either end without having to twist the build plate.
This thoughtful design minimizes mess and ensures that resin is collected precisely where you want it, preventing unwanted drips and spills. With these convenient pouring spouts, clearing resin out is easier.
An interesting thing to note is there is no longer a USB slot for the air filter or an filter at all. This could potentially mean they don’t serve much of a function.
Capacitive Touch Screen
Enjoy a seamless and user-friendly 3D printing experience with the Saturn 4 Ultra’s 4-inch capacitive touch screen. The vertically-oriented layout and intuitive interface make navigation effortless, putting all the essential controls and information at your fingertips.
The responsive touch controls and high-resolution display ensure a smooth and efficient workflow, allowing you to easily adjust print settings, monitor progress, and access advanced features. With the Saturn 4 Ultra’s capacitive touch screen, controlling your 3D printer has never been more intuitive or enjoyable.
COB + Fresnel Collimating Lens
The Saturn 4 Ultra’s COB light source, which emits at 405nm, is paired with a Fresnel collimating lens to deliver exceptional performance. This combination results in an ultra-low astigmatism coefficient of just 0.5%, ensuring that your prints have crisp, clean edges.
The printer also boasts an impressive field uniformity of 92%, guaranteeing consistent exposure throughout the entire build volume.
With angle deviation control below 5° on the forming surface, the Saturn 4 Ultra produces prints with intricate details and delicate features, making it an excellent choice for demanding 3D printing enthusiasts
PFA Release Film
The Saturn 4 Ultra’s PFA release film simplifies print removal, thanks to its non-stick surface that prevents resin adhesion. Say goodbye to stubborn prints as creations peel off effortlessly, saving you time and effort in post-processing.
This innovative film not only streamlines the removal process but also enhances your 3D printer’s longevity. The non-stick properties maintain the film’s integrity, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ensuring consistent performance print after print.
With the Saturn 4 Ultra’s PFA release film, you can enjoy a hassle-free 3D printing experience that delivers superior results every time.
Plastic Resin Drip Tray Attachment
There’s a plastic resin drip tray attachment keeps your 3D printing area mess-free. This durable accessory easily attaches to the vat, catching any excess resin as you remove the build plate.
The tray can collect every drop, ensuring a clean and organized workspace. It’s easy to clean and let’s you focus on creating 3D prints rather than worrying about too much mess.
Easy to reprint previous models with the in-built model history
Downsides of the Saturn 4 Ultra
Hinged lid means you need more of a clearance at the back of the printer
Test model has a 35 second bottom exposure too high so it’s very hard to remove from the bed. 25 seconds works a lot better.
Unboxing & Assembly
The unboxing process for the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is one of the simplest for resin 3D printers.
You get the 3D printer very well packaged in the main box, along with a box of accessories.
Simply remove the packaging from the 3D printer and inside, then put the build plate in the platform and press the handle down.
Plug in and power on the 3D printer, then add resin into the tank, ensuring it’s not above the MAX line. The 3D printer will perform a self-check before printing, make sure not to touch the printer during this check process.
Now you just close the lid, insert the USB and select the Elegoo Rook test model on the screen.
There’s also a WiFi connecting process that you can do.
To slice your own models, you’ll want to download the latest version of ChituBox, an easy-to-use resin slicing software that works with the Saturn 4 Ultra.
This is where you can also download ChituManager to enable resin timelapses directly from the 3D printer.
Print Quality of the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
The quality of the models are great, similar to what you can expect from other resin 3D printers. These are all 3D printed at a 0.05mm layer height.
The models are created by Fotis Mint except for the Elegoo rook.
Elegoo Rook
Test print at 35 seconds bottom exposure was very hard to remove. I had to use my Xacto knife to get underneath the base of the rook and get it off the build plate.
Walter White
Glossu Rabban
Venom Snake
Kratos
It’s a great 3D printer that I’d highly recommend to all beginners and experienced 3D printer hobbyists.
I’m excited for how the 3D printing industry will continue to improve in the future!
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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