We are back after a few days of rest and vacation!!
We start our tour by analyzing the excellent Elegoo Saturn 4, the big sister of our beloved Elegoo Mars 5 recently reviewed and which gave us such a good performance.
Elegoo is a benchmark in 3D printing both FDM (filament) and SLA (resin), this Saturn 4 Series introduces improvements over the previous generation Saturn 3 improving some aspects of these, especially the simplicity of handling thanks to its new intelligent functions …
in addition, in its Ultra version, revolutionizing the mechanical part and providing more management and remote monitoring options.
As always before continuing with the article, remind you that you can join 3DWork on our Telegram channel full of 3D printing deranged, or on our social networks Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
We also recommend the Telegram channel of Elegoo Spain where normally together with other colleagues we help and share experiences with these printers.
Elegoo Saturn 4 Series
The new Saturn 4 series, just like we saw in the Mars 5, comes with two models…
the normal version and the Ultra version, the latter being the one with the greatest number of new features.
Aesthetically on the outside both machines are very similar with the only difference being the color of the bell that protects the printing area, being dark for the Ultra model and green in the case of the normal version.
One of the attractions of this Saturn 4 series, and common to both models, is the automation of verification processes to ensure perfect operation of the machine, making that we practically only worry about putting resin, obviously adjusting the appropriate exposure times for these obtained through tests, and that’s it.
Among these tests we can find depending on the version we have a counter of uses/layers of the film which will notify us when it is time to replace it, every 60,000 layers, we also have checks when starting the machine of the different components and sensors of the machine.
Also interesting is the inclusion of a temperature protection system that will stop the machine safely if it exceeds 80ºC, in any case the machine has a powerful and efficient ventilation system to ensure optimal working temperatures.
Switching to the optical part we do not find major changes between the different versions of Saturn 4, and even with the previous generation, where we have a 10″ monochrome screen with a 12K high contrast resolution (500:1), which gives us an XY resolution of 19×24μm (11520×5120) and a UV source with COB + Fresnel lens that will improve the uniformity of the beam and precision of this.
With regard to the printing platform, it has a base with a laser-engraved pattern to improve adherence as well as a new design of a more robust platform specially designed for the leveling system implemented in these machines that we will detail later.
We have to say that this new system is, by far and in our opinion, the one we like the most for resin printers.
Another of the main novelties introduced in this Saturn 4 Series, also common to both models, is its “automatic leveling” system and we indicate it in quotation marks because it can be something that leads to confusion as to how it really works.
The Saturn 4 has a mechanical intelligent sensor that will allow detecting when the platform comes into contact with the base.
In this way we avoid the tedious and manual Z=0 adjustment system.
On the other hand, the printing platform, which is level and adjusted from the factory, still has mechanical adjustment screws that we must continue to use in case of adhesion problems, it has a spring system that allows us to have certain degrees of misalignment without significantly affecting our prints.
With respect to the VAT or metal resin tank for greater durability, it has a new design of easily replaceable fixing screws and finallywe have two resin emptying areas to improve the emptying process.
We also have an opening in the housing for the use of the Mars Mate Air Purifier purifier, in our opinion a more suitable solution in the management of gases generated by this type of printer.
Finally, another of the significant improvements in this Saturn 4 Series, and that we personally love for its comfort, is the new folding enclosure/hood system.
It is a robust, comfortable system and depending on where we place our machine it allows us to save some space.
Once we have reviewed the common features/functions we are going to review the differences, which are not few, between both models.
Perhaps the biggest novelty in the Saturn 4 Ultra model, which we also show you in the Mars 5 Ultra, is its new Tilt mechanical system.
This
mechanical system allows the screen/VAT assembly to be “balanced” and synchronized with the movement of the Z axis to “peel off” the model from the film/VAT in a fast way…
thus reducing the tensions generated during the process.
In the previous animation the process is probably clearer in a visual way.
This Tilt system will allow us maximum speeds of up to 150 mm/H and 5.5s per layer (counting the total processing time of this) with the use of an nFEP/PFA film without needing the controversial and expensive ACF commonly used lately.
The benefits of the system are going to be very fast prints, up to X2 compared to the Saturn 3 Ultra, without compromising detail, definition, precision or reliability in our prints.
Another benefit of this system is that the user forgets about a set of settings such as distances or speeds in the retracting/lifting movements, substantially simplifying the configuration.
Finally, other differentiating functions between both models to highlight…
we find them in the electronics/software part.
We will start with the “AI” camera, it is fashionable now to put this tagline to everything, which will give us some very interesting intelligent functions on paper.
This camera will allow us, theoretically, todetect errors in real time during our printing, such as that our part is not printed correctly because the camera and the analysis of the captures promises to detect errors.
It also promises to detect adhesion problems of the prints by producing partial adhesion failures of our parts, although we anticipate that due to the position of the camera and taking into account the part and where the problem occurs it will be complicated.
In addition to these functions, the camera will allow us to monitor our print in real time and, on the other hand, to be able to make time-lapse videos of our prints.
In both cases later we will make some clarifications about both functions that we believe are, today, important and to be taken into account.
Continuing with the electronics/software part on the Saturn 4 Ultra we have a WiFi connection that will allow us to manage this model remotely through Chitubox Manager, be able to manage prints, control a printer farm and other functions that can be really useful for some users.
Another notable change is the management screen, which although in both cases seems similar, the interface and options vary significantly.
In the Saturn 4 Ultra we have a larger capacitive 4″ screen and we find a friendly and fast interface that will guide us easily through all the complete settings it incorporates.
On the Saturn 4 we find a resistive 3.5″ screen and a more traditional interface as well as a smaller number of supported languages.
We also have options to be able to perform multi-exposure tests quickly and easily, being able to do multiple tests at once saves us time and allows it to be a less cumbersome process.
In any case, we will give you more details later.
Another feature that may be interesting for some users is the power failure recovery option that we also have available on this Saturn 4 Ultra.
We also have OTA firmware updates, we can apply them directly from the machine options, which are always appreciated to keep the machine up to date with updates in a simple and comfortable way.
To make it easier for you to compare the different versions of Saturn 4 you have all the data of both in the following table, as well as those of its sister Saturn 3 Ultra, where we have highlighted the most notable differences between the different versions:
| Saturn 4 Ultra | Saturn 4 | Saturn 3 Ultra | |
 |  |  | |
| Build Volume | 218.88 x 122.88 x 220 mm³ | 218.88 x 122.88 x 220 mm³ | 218.88 x 122.88 x 260 mm³ |
| Printing Speed | MAX 150 mm/h | MAX 70 mm/h | MAX 150 mm/h |
| Layer Thickness | 0.01-0.2mm | 0.01-0.2mm | 0.01-0.2mm |
| XY Resolution | 19×24μm(11520×5120) | 19×24μm(11520×5120) | 19×24μm(11520×5120) |
| Z-Axis Accuracy | 0.02mm | 0.02mm | 0.01mm |
| Light Source | COB light source + Fresnel collimating lens | COB light source + Fresnel collimating lens | COB + refractive light source |
| LCD Screen Size | 10-Inch 12K Mono LCD | 10-Inch 12K Mono LCD | 10-Inch 12K Mono LCD |
| LCD Screen Protector | 9H hardness tempered glass | 9H hardness tempered glass | 9H hardness tempered glass |
| Connection Method | USB offline printing & WiFi | USB offline printing | USB offline printing & WiFi |
| OS System | EL3D-4.0 | EL3D-3.0.1 | EL3D-4.0 |
| Slicers (at launch) | Chitubox | Chitubox & Voxeldance Tango | Chitubox & Voxeldance Tango |
| Operating Screen | 4.0-inch Capacitive Touch Screen | 3.5-inch Resistive Touch Screen | 4.0-inch IPS Touch Screen |
| Air Purifier | USB connection unavailable, compatible with Mars Mate air purifier | USB connection unavailable, compatible with Mars Mate air purifier | Plug-in |
| Other Functions | Tilt Release Technology, One-Click Automatic Leveling, Self-Check & Overheat Protection, AI Camera (Empty Build Plate Detection/Warp Detection/Real-Time Monitoring & Time-Lapse Recording), Smart Mechanical Sensor (Resin Shortage Alarm/Residue Detection Alarm/Leveling Failure Alarm), Power-Loss Resume Printing | One-Click Automatic Leveling, Self-Check & Overheat Protection, Smart Mechanical Sensor (Resin Shortage Alarm/Residue Detection Alarm/Leveling Failure Alarm) | N.A. |
| Dimensions | 327.4 x 329.2 x 548 mm³ | 327.4 x 329.2 x 548 mm³ | 305.9 x 273 x 562.5 mm³ |
| Net Weight | 14.5kg | 13.5kg | 12kg |
| Gross Weight | 19.3kg | 18.3kg | 16.2kg |
Elegoo Saturn 4 Series Commissioning
Once the review of all the features of this Saturn 4 series is finished, it is time to start it, a very simple process following the steps that we find in the physical manual on paper included in the kit that we also have in electronic format on the USB also included in the kit.
We are going to briefly explain the steps to follow to launch our Elegoo Saturn 4 Series:
- The first step will be the removal of the printer and its accessories.
Here we would like to make an aside…
Elegoo has modified the packaging of these new printers (Saturn 4 and Mars 5 series) reducing in some parts the typical protection with which they used to come, we highlight this because the appearance of the box looks less robust and “crushed” by transport in addition to the fact that in our case both units came with a small damage to the domes both in the same area and in a similar way.
that on the other hand we have been able to see similar cases in other users.
- The kit includes everything you need for commissioning, maintenance and accessories.
In this case as “extras” in the Saturn 4 Ultra version we have the WiFi antenna, the AI camera and the protection tray to use when manipulating the machine that we will talk about later.
- The next step will be to remove all the protections and install the VAT or resin tank, remember to remove the protection films before, and the printing platform.
In the case of the Saturn 4 Ultra we will have to connect the WiFi antenna.
Now we have everything ready to connect the power and use our Saturn 4!!
- When we turn on our Saturn 4 we find the self-check or test to check the status of the machine where it is verified…
the applications of film, LCD, motors, UV and ventilation, sensors, etc…
all to ensure that the machine is operating optimally.
Depending on the model, the next steps will be to choose the language or configure our WiFi connection. - Also within the tools menu we have the typical screen tests that we advise you to do, of course without having resin in the VAT/tank, to verify that the screen works correctly.
If everything has gone well, we can start printing our first tests:
- We will carefully fill the VAT/tank with resin where we have a mark which we must not exceed, in the case of the Saturn 4 Ultra remember to use the accessory to protect from splashes/spills it is important to use it also when removing our parts or in general when we handle the printer…
It costs nothing and can prevent accidents.
Then we will use the included USB where we will find the typical Elegoo tower test to see that everything works correctly.
- The next step we advise you is to carry out the exposure tests to adjust the times of our resin for our Elegoo Saturn 4.
First we will install the slicer software that we like the most, and that supports our Saturn 4, we suggest Lychee or Chitubox…
in our case if you follow us we prefer the first one.
In this aspect as we already anticipated, in the Saturn 4 Ultra, we have an option within the screen options that will allow us to perform a test with multiple exposures.
Basically from the laminating software we will place our favorite test by dividing the platform into 4/6/8 sections, placing copies of our test piece in each section…
we will leave the default options and generate the laminate that we will copy to the USB.
From the printer we will go to the Tools/Resin Calibration menu and adjust the times for each quadrant and from the + icon we will select the test file previously generated and copied to USB.
- If everything has gone well, we will have our multi-exposure test and we will only have to decide what is the optimal time for our machine/resin and printing conditions, which we will adjust in our laminating software.
In our case we usually use our own 3Dwork exposure test created based on the best tests, from our point of view, to adjust exposure times…
But this time we use the v3 of the cone test although we are still not entirely convinced for our use.
Initially we do not advise you to make further adjustments to your laminator profile, in the case of being an advanced user and knowing the resin printers moderately you can try to adjust the speeds.
Basically, these print speed adjustments will result in a reduction in printing time, between 5% and 20% depending on the settings.
In case you want to make these advanced settings, always try to make small changes to your settings and verify that they do not affect anything.
Normally with very fast speeds it can affect the resin flow and affect the level of detail of our parts.
Another factor we can play with is antialiasing to disguise that staggered effect between layers.
Personally, and taking into account the resolution/accuracy of the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra, use the minimum antialiasing value to keep the details as high as possible.
In any case, we advise you to review our SLA calibration guide for more detailed information on parameters, options and tricks with our printers.
Below you can see a video with the whole process:
Saturn 4 Series print quality
Once the first basic adjustments were finished, we started to print some projects for some colleagues and be able to see how this Elegoo Saturn 4 Series behaves.
Considering the volume of printing of the Saturn 4 Series we can carry out projects of all kinds from small scales to considerable scales.
On the other hand, adding the great definition of its optical part we will obtain figures with an excellent level of detail.
As we did during the analysis of the Mars 5 Ultra and to test these Saturn 4 Series we use both figures with supports included, we are not a big fan normally since they are not always optimized for the machine we use, without making changes in addition to figures supported by us always trying to use the maximum print volume.
Both versions of the Saturn 4 Series performed excellently, perhaps highlighting the Saturn 4 Ultra in terms of speed and reliability that we detail below.
We also carried out several speed comparison tests between both models where we could observe that the Saturn 4 Ultra took us practically half the time to print the same figure using the default settings…
and all this while maintaining quality and reliability!!
The tilt system is a great success.
In fact, in the Saturn 4 Ultra, and from our tests, we did not get any impression with failures that we did see in the Saturn 4.
And clarify that they were failures in parts of figures that probably with a better use of supports and rolling mill would have been avoided.
In this aspect it is a joy to take parts with the Saturn 4 Ultra in just under 4 hours than in other printers or the Saturn 4 itself take almost twice as long.
The new Tilt system helps speed up printing, simplify laminator settings and obtain a higher % of prints without failure.
Elegoo Saturn 4 Series review and experience
We have been analyzing the Elegoo Saturn since its first versions being always a great machine that for quality/volume/price has been a benchmark in its segment.
The old model, Saturn 3, already had an excellent construction and finishes that we continue to see in this Saturn 4 Series in which we have some significant changes such as its new folding dome or its new platform that we love, its “smart” functions and in the case of the Saturn 4 Ultra its new Tilt system that we already fell in love with in the Mars 5 Ultra and that continues to look excellent in this one.
Speaking of the printing platform and the automatic leveling system, we do not really have an automatic leveling system as such but a system that establishes the homing or Z=0 automatically that together with the design of the platform that allows with the use of springs to adapt the deviations that we may have in the adjustment of this.
To do this, the printing platform has to be mechanically level, although it comes from the factory, since we have 4 adjustment screws mounted the entire platform on spring-loaded pillars to allow certain leveling deviations without affecting our prints excessively during the first layers
With respect to the optical part and comparing with the old generation, there are no big, or rather few, changes since we have practically identical resolutions/sizes/characteristics, perhaps highlighting a subtle improvement of the UV system that in practice probably does not affect the final result of our prints.
We like to perform UV power tests on the machines to verify the quality of UV dispersion by the screen.
As you can see in the screenshot above, we found differences in the readings obtained in the center vs. the sides, although in practice we did not see that it affected the final quality.
One aspect that some may miss is that the connections for the installation of a “USB” air purifier are no longer available (we put it in quotation marks because despite having a USB connector, the power it provides is not that of a normal USB, which can damage unprepared devices or the printer itself).
From our point of view it is not a loss that produces a drama for us…
The first thing, because normally those purifiers do not really do much although they help better than nothing…
secondly, we have an opening for the installation of the Mars Mate Air Purifying system…
this being a suitable solution if we work with resin printers in work/passage areas and fair ventilation.
At the beginning of the review, when explaining in broad strokes the improvements of this Saturn 4 Series, we show you the great novelty in the Saturn 4 Ultra version…
its Tilt system. A novel system that delivers what it promises… Fast, reliable and quality prints.
The Tilt system looks very robust… It has a large size/power motor along with its mechanical balancing system of the screen/resin tank assembly, also very robust…
very much in line with what we already saw in the Mars 5 Ultra.
As we already indicated in the review of the Mars 5 Ultra, in contrast to this system we have extra components and mechanisms that may be a point of failure in the future but at least initially with respect to construction and components of the system it seems that Elegoo has done a great job.
Another aspect that usually worries people are the dreaded resin leaks, more so with this Tilt system that so that it can do its job leaves an opening that allows the rocking movement and can spill resin around.
To prevent this we have an accessory as a tray that we have found very useful and comfortable, and we are talking not only for these printers with Tilt but for any printer since it can help us save unwanted parts of the printer from staining.
We have to say that if we go with a minimum care it is difficult for debris to fall, in any case of falling we can remove the front of the Saturn 4 Ultra with a few screws from the top and bottom of it to have access to the interior and clean it…
in any case, Elegoo has already designed the system so that if some resin falls, such as a few drops, it is difficult for it to affect any critical component.
If you like mods/upgrades we have some interesting ones to use/improve this resin tray…
You can see them here.
Related to resin, we always like to suggest using supports to drain the resin from the platform once we finish our prints.
To avoid this we got down to work and designed a stand to be able to do it in the traditional way that you can find here and here for the Saturn 4 Series in case it is of help to you…
by the way, Elegoo would be great if this type of accessories were included in all printers!!
An issue that we did not like with reference to the Tilt is that when the machine is turned off, the engine runs out of power and causes the system to drop abruptly that could cause a scare.
Perhaps leaving the Tilt system at the end of printing in the angled resting position could prevent that sudden movement or some mechanical anchoring system that fixes the system in the normal position when the printer is not in use.
Among the smart functions we have one that we have found, especially in line with the above with the leaks in the case of the Tilt system, extremely useful…
resin detection.
In one of our tests we passed the resin level of the maximum being a potential risk for the Tilt swing movements during printing the resin overflows, when starting the printing the system detected that extra level and stopped the printing to avoid a probable accident.
We also tried to leave a rest of support in the tank and the system warned us that we could have debris in it, saving us a more than likely serious accident.
We will move on to another function in which at the marketing level a lot of emphasis is placed, its AI camera in the Saturn 4 Ultra version.
Although having a camera in this type of printer can be very useful to monitor the status of the print or make time-lapses of these.
As happened to us during the review of the Mars 5 Ultra, the system is managed through Chitubox Manager only, which, among other things, does not have an application for mobile devices or is incompatible, as in our case, with our version of the operating system of our computer.
The results of the time-lapse generated and well…
Although they are results, the quality of them will depend on the external lighting we have in the area where we have placed the printer.
As for the printing failure detection wizards, such as platform adhesion problems, resin level detection, etc…
In the first case, due to the location of the camera and the operation of this type of printer, it will not “detect” anything until well into the printing…
In any case, it saves us some printing time and wear and tear on the machine.
The intelligent mechanical sensor also seems to act as a support/aid and gives a better result.
In the case of problems of partial adhesion of our print, well, more of the same, it has not always detected problems…
which by the way we simulated manually because our prints did not fail us once…
either because of how difficult it is to detect it or at other times and againbecause of the location of the camera it is physically impossible for you to see the opposite angle of printing if there are objects in between.
In the case of the Saturn 4 Ultra, we have the option to connect to our network/Internet that will allow us to have a very useful OTA firmware update function so that we always have our printer updated with the latest improvements and corrections.
As we explained in more detail in previous points, Elegoo finally implemented a way to be able to carry out multiple exposure tests in a simple way, which we already showed you in previous sections, something that will undoubtedly make it easier for people to carry out this important process…
a 10 for Elegoo!!
Final Review of the Elegoo Saturn 4 Series
With this new generation Saturn has a solid machine in quality, speed and perfect for both advanced and novice users thanks to its calibration/monitoring options and assistants.
In addition to all of the above, it comes with a sensational price considering the features and quality offered by the Saturn 4 series.
During our tests both models behaved in a sensational way and, according to our preferences, if we hesitate between one model or the other we would recommend the Ultra version for the advantages and extra improvements it has.
On the improvement side, we believe that Elegoo has to work more on its remote management ecosystem to be more accessible and at the level of its competitors, since the machine has the functionalities to be able to offer them.
The Tilt system, available in the Saturn 4 Ultra version, has worked sensationally for us but as always time will tell if it leads to problems or extra failures.
The inclusion in this Saturn 4 Ultra of the accessory to prevent the resin from falling in sensitive areas, due to the Tilt mechanism, is great…
But it would be nice if brands started to include this and other basic accessories such as the support of the printing platform to drain the remains of resin at the end of printing…
would provide great added value.
Elegoo has improved its Saturn 4 model, which although we do not have great new features at the optical/resolution level, the improvements introduced in the design of the S… Printing aid assistants and connectivity (depending on the Saturn 4 version) have allowed an evolutionary leap compared to the previous generation.
These printing aid assistants make these Saturn 4 machines highly recommended for people who are starting out in 3D printing, and also for advanced people not having to be so on top of certain tasks, where the machine will help us throughout the process and protect us sometimes from certain incidents.
Perhaps certain users seeing that in the optical level/resolution they do not see great razolinea to make the leap to these new models, it is totally understandable given that the previous generation Saturn 3 behaves excellently, but if we look at the improvements introduced especially in the Saturn 4 Ultra version we believe that making the leap will bring us great benefits.
Where to buy the Saturn 4 Series
Elegoo has the Saturn 4 Series in its online store where you can directly buy the printer, accessories, spare parts and consumables… although they are currently still on pre-order but they are already shipping the units as soon as they have them available.
In any case, we provide you with some links to their and other reference stores:
| Saturn 4 Ultra |  | |
| Saturn 4 | |  |
Mars Mate Air Purifier | | |
