Product Review: Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra

Today we take a look at the brand new Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra. Elegoo's new flagship device comes in a 670 x 460 x 460 mm box, while the printer itself measures 327 x 329 x 548 mm.

After unpacking you will find the usual suspects in the delivery:

What’s in the box?

1 x Saturn 4 Ultra
1 x WiFi antenna
1 x Print platform
1 x Resin tank
1 x AI camera
2 x Masks
2 x Gloves
1 x metal and 1 x plastic spatula
1 x network cable with EU plug
1 x Service card
1 x USB stick
Filter funnel
Replacement screws
User Guide
Various Allen keys

Technical data

Printing technology	MSLA
Printer size	327.4x329.2x548mm
Printer weight	14.5kg
Construction volume	218.88x122.88x220mm
Display	10-inch 12K monochrome LCD
XY resolution	19 x 24 µm (11520 x 5120 pixels)
Light source	COB + Fresnell collimation lens, 405 nm
Z-axis accuracy	0.02mm
max. print speed	150mm/h
Device display	4-inch capacitive touchscreen
Interfaces	USB, WiFi
Slicers	CHITUBOX
Voltage, power	100-240V 50/60Hz 24V 6A

USB stick contents

If you have owned an Elegoo printer before, this content should also be familiar. The main folder contains:

A sliced file, as a test print file,
The typical 3D files from Elegoo,
The Chitubox Slicer software in the basic and pro versions,
The user manual in different languages.

Slicer settings

In the slicer (Chitubox Basic V2.1) I selected the pre-made profile of the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra and worked with the standard settings. I only increased the exposure time per layer a little because I used a high-temperature resin.

Settings:

First impression

As far as the interfaces are concerned, you will find the usual connections. The antenna is screwed onto the WiFi socket, the USB slot is for the stick, the power cable is connected, and the printer is ready to go.

After removing the remaining packaging inside the printer, I was initially negatively surprised because the LCD display had come loose from the printer and fallen into the housing.

However, the shock did not last long, as the printer performed a self-test after switching on and the LCD display calibrated itself automatically.

The printer offers a language selection that includes the following languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, Dutch, Korean, French, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Turkish and Portuguese.

First steps

The exposure test went as expected without any problems.

After connecting to the WiFi, an available update was immediately displayed, which was automatically downloaded and installed. After rebooting, the printer was up to date and ready to use.

Points for improvement and praise

Kudos to Elegoo for the new cover design. It no longer has to be removed completely, but can be folded back, making it easier to work with resin-smeared gloves.

However, there are also points of criticism: The bars between the print platform and the fastening make cleaning difficult, as it is difficult to reach the slot with your hand.

A positive point is the improvement of the screws on the tank, which can now be removed after just a few turns.

However, a clip system like the UniFormation GKtwo would be desirable.

The first print

For the first print, I used ecoResin Tough. The tank holds exactly one litre of resin until the "MAX" line is reached.

As soon as the file is selected from the USB stick, it is copied to the internal memory. If a file with the same name already exists, the printer will display a corresponding message.

During printing you still have the opportunity to make a few fine adjustments. For example, you could add a few more bottom layers or change the exposure time.

The printer status and information about the print time are displayed. In addition, you can now view the print progress in 3D by tapping on the live view.

After 3 ½ hours the 67 mm were (successfully) printed.

To come back to the print plate for a moment: Due to the newly added longer rods on the print plate and the longer print time, I unfortunately had the problem that it was almost impossible not to spill resin on the printer. Cleaning the print platform is also difficult because it is almost impossible to get under it with the cleaning utensils.

Finally, the printer fits perfectly into the Elegoo Mercury XS Bundle, even if the isopropanol inside is a bit dirty for testing purposes.

Functions not yet tested

Since no faulty print has occurred so far, we have not yet been able to test the following functions:

► Intelligent mechanical sensor: To detect possible damage to the LCD screen (e.g. caused by foreign objects), as well as resin deficiencies and levelling errors, the printer is equipped with a special mechanical sensor that supports the residue detection function. The reliable detection system ensures greater safety and better printing results.

► AI Camera Intelligent Detection: With an integrated AI camera, you always have an eye on error detection and real-time printing status. The smart camera detects both empty build plates and printing errors such as model distortions. Nothing stands in the way of smooth and high-quality printing. In addition, it offers the option of making time-lapse videos of your creations and sharing them with the 3D printing world if desired.

Conclusion

The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is the new flagship model that impresses with a wide range of functions and well thought-out features. The scope of delivery is extensive and offers everything you need to get started with 3D printing. Thanks to the clear user guidance and automatic calibration, setup is quick and easy.

Positive features include the improved screws on the resin tank and the new cover design, which makes it easier to handle. The ability to make fine adjustments during printing and to track the printing status in 3D are also useful features that make the printing process more efficient and user-friendly.

A small downside are the bars between the platform and the mounting, which make cleaning a bit more difficult.

Particularly interesting, but still untested, are the functions of the intelligent mechanical sensor and the AI camera. These offer additional security and control during the printing process and promise high-quality printing results.

Overall, the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra offers excellent value for money and is a clear recommendation for both beginners and advanced users. The combination of easy handling, extensive functions and high print quality makes it an outstanding device in the world of 3D printers.