New resin 3D printer called ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K that today we will see in our analysis or review. A very interesting machine for demanding users in 3D printing.
The new ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K offers an evolution of its previous version at 12K and reminds us in its design to the popular ELEGOO Mars 5 Ultra that we saw recently. This machine is very easy to use and is almost plug and play, as it does not require manual calibration thanks to its integrated self-leveling system. As usual with this brand, we have resin tray tilting mechanism that improves printing speed. It has good screen control features, as well as integration with ChituBox software or the new ELEGOO SatelLite 3D Slicer.
Let’s put this machine to the test and see how it performs in common use.
Details of ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K
Unboxing and first contact
The new ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K resin 3D printer is very easy to assemble. The system comes perfectly protected in foams. We only have to mount the upper head by fitting it, lifting the front rotating cover.
As accessories with the main parts of the printer we have several screwdriver tools, silicone gloves, masks, paper funnels, manual and two scraping spatulas. We recommend reading the manual before starting to operate the printer.
Assembly, adjustment and connection
Setting up the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K printer in a few seconds. In the documentation provided by the ELEGOO brand, some specific functions are not very well explained, but they are secondary things such as multi-calibration.
At the top of the Z axis we have a socket for the construction platform, we just have to slide it and lock it with the lever.
Axes and leveling
By means of the self-leveling system that includes the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K we can have the operating system directly without complications. The board has screws with internal springs in the columns that put pressure on the printing area, thus eliminating the leveling system.
Components, control and 3D software
Structure and base
The ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K printer has an attractive and robust design. We have a vertical axis controlled by a spindle and skids that rotates thanks to an internal servo motor. In the upper area we have the locking system of the build plate.
On one side we have a USB 2.0 port and power button. We can insert 3D models or update the firmware directly via USB or Wifi. You also have a DC connector and a power switch.
The ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K 3D printer also stands out for its integrated video camera. The quality is only 720p, but it is enough to capture time-lapse videos, if the part exceeds 50 mm in height.
We have a creation platform with screen-printed patterned surface and it is quite solid. As we will see in the tests, the pieces adhere strongly, we will have to be careful when separating them, we can use a hot water bath to make it easier to detach them. The columns make cleaning the internal part somewhat complex.
Resin tank and projector
In the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K printer we have an effective tilt trough system, thanks to this movement at an angle we get a higher printing speed. The tray has a PFA resin release film that we have to change every 60.000 movements, we can buy replacements for the PFA film and install them easily.
To unload the parts made it is essential to use the drop collector that comes with the printer. The tilt system causes the printer to have a slot where the liquid can fall and damage the system.
We have the 10″ monochrome screen with a 19×24μm resolution of 11520×5120 px, the Z axis allows us a layer thickness of 0.01-0.2 mm. The back light is a 405nm UV COB which gives us a very defined image.
Controls on the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K
The ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K printer offers a 4″ touch screen that allows you to control all its functions. A hardware calibration and check is always performed at start-up. The system is automatically updated by OTA and connects seamlessly via Wifi.
Control software
The Chitubox software is the one that works perfectly with this printer, although we can use others. We only have to select our printer in the configuration process. To load the model it is only necessary to load the STL file and create the necessary supports.
- To connect with printer in Wifi network we have to run ChituManager (top right).
- We can also use the new ELEGOO SatelLite 3D Slicer.
By default we have a printing profile with some values that have worked very well with our resins. As we can see we have an exposure speed of only 2.5 s, thanks to its resin tray tilting system. The first layers do have a long exposure of 32 s.
To calibrate the resin we are going to use we have an auto test printing system. With it we can print at the same time up to 8 pieces with different exposures, something quite practical.
Real time management and camera
To manage the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K printing we can use ChituManager and see the printing process from the internal video camera. We can also see the % progress, estimated time, number of uses of the FEP foil and manage the internal files The AI functions of the camera for our part have not brought us much.
- Time-Lapse recordings: To download them, click on the clock icon and then click on the movie icon in the completed print tab. Video is only captured on pieces larger than 50 mm.
Test Bench
Print quality
We tested with the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K, the system behaves perfectly, especially when using a suitable and calibrated resin.
- ELEGOO ABS-Like gray resin: Very resistant resin to wash with alcohol, low odor, easy to work with.
During the tests the printing failures have been few and due to lack of supports. The creation plate as we say has a high adhesion and it is difficult to remove the piece.
- Washing and Curing: Using the ELEGOO Mercury Plus 3.0 pack
We made a print of the ELEGOO test model which gives us very good results. As we can see, the definition is very good and all details are reflected.
It can be appreciated in the letters with excellent detail, allowing them to be read perfectly. We must be careful with the piece in the lower area because we can damage it when removing it from the plate.
We have printed a high detail figure from Loot Studios, with this print we have been able to see how the layer height of 0.05 mm has given us excellent results.
After removing the printing supports, the figure is perfectly defined. We only need to sand some points to remove the remains and leave it perfect.
Thermal and noise
We checked the thermals of the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K printer, the system heats up perfectly and we did not notice any abnormal temperature zones in its components. Noise is very low at all times. We have heaters available to control the temperature and carbon filters to avoid odors.
Review conclusions and purchase link
Review
The ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K printer as we have seen offers fantastic results in its range. Through its tilt system of the tray we get a very high working speed, offering optimal printing results and definition in a large volume.
This printer comes with Chitubox software and also with ELEGOOL SatelLite that will facilitate its use. We have Wifi communication and as an extra we have a video camera to observe the work process. The definition of 19×24μm with the 10″ 11520×5120 screen gives us magnificent results in all parts.
Undoubtedly the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K is a highly recommended printer for advanced users. For the price it has we will have high quality parts with good output volume.
Rating
- High printing speed
- 12K resolution
- Self-centering plate
- Chitubox and SatelLite
- Wifi and integrated video camera
- Robust construction
- Documentation could be improved
Where to buy ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K