ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K Review – A resin 3D printer tested with CHITUBOX slicer and ChituManager software
ELEGOO sent us the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K Resin 3D printer for review. As its name implies, the 3D printer features a 10-inch LCD with a resolution of up to 16K (14112×7936 pixels) to print sharper and more detailed workpieces. The printer also offers WiFi and Ethernet connectivity, and an automatic print base detection and leveling system to increase accuracy and reduce errors while printing.
We were also provided with the ELEGOO Mercury Plus 3.0 wash and cure station for the review. It is designed to be easy to use, supports both water and alcohol washing, and is equipped with a 405nm UV light to increase strength and reduce the stickiness of the workpiece.
Unboxing and Key features of the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K resin 3D printer
Smart Tank Heating System
The ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K resin 3D printer features a “smart tank heating system” that enables high-quality printing by controlling the resin temperature at a constant 30°C to improve the fluidity of the resin and the adhesion of each layer. It is designed to reduce problems such as air bubbles and separation, resulting in successful and high-quality prints.
Safety system and precautions
The ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K 3D printer comes with a safety system that can automatically stop printing when the temperature exceeds 80°C. It can also resume the print in case of a power outage, and the resin 3D printer also has a self-check feature to make sure everything is normal before starting a print. More on that later. The resin can be poured through two channels to make removing the model from the printer base easier, and the drip tray helps prevent spills.
The following precautions should be followed when operating the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K resin 3D printer:
Resin handling – You should wear gloves and a mask every time because chemicals can irritate the skin and respiratory system.
Avoid direct contact – If you end up getting into contact with the resin by accident, wash it off immediately with soap and clean water.
Ventilation – The printer should be operated in a well-ventilated area or used with an air filter to reduce the accumulation of harmful resin vapors.
Resin filling – Do not fill the resin beyond the MAX line specified on the resin tank to reduce the risk of overflow or leakage while printing.
Maintenance – The resin tank and the printing plate should be cleaned after use to prevent the accumulation of resin particles that may affect the quality of the print.
Resin storage – The remaining resin should be stored in an opaque bottle with a tight lid to avoid sunlight and heat exposure.
LCD and PFA film safety – Do not use sharp objects or apply excessive pressure to the LCD and PFA film to prevent scratches or damage.
Power Supply – Use the power adapter provided with the machine (or compatible) and avoid using the 3D printer in areas with frequent power outages or surges.
As a side note, Karl previously reviewed the Anycubic Photon Mono X resin 3D printer, but had to cut short the second part of the review due to alcohol and resin vapors. So ventilation is key and so is making sure all bottles are tightly closed after use. Note that alcohol was not used in this review, since we used resin that does not require it.
Advanced features and package contact
The Saturn 4 Ultra 16K supports advanced features such as Wi-Fi Cluster Printing to manage multiple printers over a network, Section-Based Exposure to automatically adjust the exposure to various sections of the model for maximum resolution and Seamless Print Speed Switch to make it easier to adjust the print speed.
The printer also comes with a laser-engraved build plate, a PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy alkane) release film to ease the model’s removal from the plate, and a tempered glass LCD protector to prevent scratches on the display.
List of items included in the box of the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K 3D printer:
A build plate where the model will be attached
A resin tank to store the resin
A funnel for filtering resin back into the bottle
A resin tray for collecting the resin that may drip from the resin tank
USB flash drive with sample files and printing guides
Gloves and a mask for protection when handling the resin
Backup screws
A scraper to detach parts from the print bed
A 24V/6A power adapter
A set of tools for assembly and maintenance
A user manual
The print ships with a 24V/6A (144W) power adapter suitable with 100-240V 50/60Hz/3.0A input.
Important technical data of ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K 3D printer can be found on a plate on the device:
Product Name: UV Photocuring 3D Printer
Model No: Saturn 4 Ultra 16K
Machine Size – 327.4 x 329.2 x 548 mm
Rated Input – 24V DC, 6A
&t;li>Weight – 16.1 kg
Certifications – CE, FCC, UKCA and RoHS
It’s always important to check power information, as we’ve previously been sent 3D printers, laser engravers, or related accessories designed for 110V AC input and that would just blow up when connected to 220V. It’s not an issue here with a 100-220V external power adapter. Also, the machine is fairly heavy at 16.1kg. It might not be an issue if you are tall and strong, but it’s probably safer to carry it with two people when installing it or transporting it to another location.
Resin
The machine did not come with resin, and ELEGOO told us that “for review purpose, we are not able to ship resin to Thailand”. So we had to purchase the resin locally instead. We purchased the “8K Space Grey” water washable photopolymer resin that eliminates the need for alcohol or chemical cleaning solutions after printing. This resin is designed for the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K and other UV 405nm resin 3D printers. Choosing the right resin can make printing easier and more environmentally friendly than traditional resins that require specific cleaning solutions.
The resin tray provided with the kit is designed to collect the resin that may drip from the print bed after printing, preventing spills on the worktable surface. The material is strong and easy to clean.
Features and ports of the 3D printer
The ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K resin 3D printer features a dual linear rail system and a ball screw mechanism that provides precise Z-axis movement.
The printer is equipped with a USB port to connect a drive or a computer to transfer print files, a SWITCH button to turn the machine on/off, and a DC jack for the power supply.
The build plate features a laser-engraved texture that increases resin adhesion, keeping the model firmly attached to the build plate while printing, and reducing the chance of the print falling off or becoming distorted.
The locking mechanism has a quick-release & non-slip design to ease the installation/removal of the build plate. Just hold the top handle, lift it to unlock it, and press it down to lock it. The lock is strong and stable, reducing the movement of the build plate for more accurate prints.
The resin tank has MAX and MIN lines to indicate the resin filling level and a PFA film underneath that reduces the adhesion of the workpiece and prevents damage during printing. A warning message emphasizes the importance of reading the user manual and taking care of the device properly to prolong its useful life and avoid possible damage from misuse.
Before using the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K 3D printer for the first time, you’ll want to peel off the film on the LCD screen to allow full UV light to pass through, and do the same for the films on the build plate, and the PFA sheet of the resin tank as shown in the photos below. It must be done carefully to prevent damage to the LCD screen and PFA sheet. Also, ensure that the protective film is completely removed before starting printing.
The printer embeds an AI camera to monitor and analyze the printing process in real time.
Key features of the AI camera:
Real-time monitoring to track the print progress and resolve issues promptly.
Empty plate detection – An alert will be sent if there is no workpiece attached to the base
Warp detection – The camera can automatically detect distortion or deformation of the workpiece during printing
Time-lapse photography
AI error analysis – The company says the AI camera can leverage artificial intelligence to analyze problems such as workpieces falling off the base or resin layers hardening abnormally.
AI printing – This feature leverages the AI camera to improve printing accuracy and reduce errors.
When you first turn on the device, you will be presented with the “Select Language” menu on the touchscreen display allowing you to select between English, Chinese (), Spanish (Español), French (Français), German (Deutsch), Korean (), Japanese ()., and others languages.
The next step is to connect to WiFi. That’s optional and can be skipped. Just select the SSID and type the password with the soft keyboard before tapping the Confirm button. A WiFi connection will allow the printer to receive files from the network, control it via software, and update firmware conveniently without using an Ethernet cable.
The next step will allow you to rename the 3D printer which can be especially useful when there multiple printers on the local network.
The ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K 3D printer will check for new firmware after the printer’s configuration is complete. If there’s a new firmware a “Network upgrade” window will pop up indicating “New version detected”, in our case V01.02.06. After we tap the “Update now”, the system will start the System Update process with a bar showing the progress. Once the update is complete, we’ll be asked to reboot the machine.
The Device self-test menu of the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K 3D printer will check the connection and status of the machine. This includes LCD screen connection, LED status, Resin tank status, Z-axis and X-axis motors, AI Camera status, cooling fans, and various sensors. The green status light indicates that the device is working normally. This function helps with the maintenance of the printer over time.
The main menu of the touchscreen display has four settings: Print to initiate a print from a saved file, Tool for customization and maintenance tools, Settings to set various settings such as network and language, and Device Info to view information about the printer and firmware.
Entering into the Print menu will allow the user to select files for 3D printing from the “USB File” or “Local file” sections, or even the History section if you’ve already printed samples.
The Tool menu has more options:
Manual – For manual control. You can control the movement of the Z-axis as needed
Screen Exposure – Adjust the LCD for print clarity
Tank Cleaning – The resin tank should be cleaned after used
Emergency Stop – To immediately stop the printer in case of emergency (using a touchscreen for that is not ideal…)
Device Self-test – As described above
Resin Calibration – Used to calibrate the resin usage to ensure that the amount of resin and exposure are appropriate for printing.
The Settings menu has options for the language, WiFi, app settings, accessibility, print mode, firmware upgrade, and a Service icon to get technical support from the company.
Finally, the Device info section displays information about the printer namely the printer name, ID, model (Saturn 4 Ultra 16K), serial number, system version, firmware version, AI camera firmware version, and IP address.
CHITUBOX slicer software for resin 3D printers
CHITUBOX is a Slicer software for resin 3D printers that supports a wide range of models, including the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K reviewed here. The program allows you to scale the model, position it, add support, and adjust the lighting and printing resolution before sending the file to the 3D printer.
CHITUBOX has an easy-to-use interface with features that help increase printing accuracy, such as hollowing the model (reducing the amount of resin), cutting the model, calculating the volume of resin used, and a layer preview mode. It can also export files directly to formats that support resin printers, such as CTB, STL, and OBJ
Let’s start by installing the software. We will download CHITUBOX Basic V2 (free) for this review, but the Pro version ($169) has more options.
The installation is straightforward, so let’s jump to the configuration wizard:
You’ll first need to select the language,
then the interface theme,
before selecting the resin 3D printer brand (ELEGOO),
and the specific model (ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K).
Simply click on the Finish button once done.
We can now go to the Machine tab in the interface to configure/check the printer’s settings. The resolution of the LCD screen used for UV exposure is set to 15120 x 6320 (16K) and the build volume to 211.80 x 118.70 x 220.00 mm. At the bottom, the Resin Type and Resin Name options are set to normal by default. Other resin types include water-washable and ABS-Like. Selecting the correct settings will ensure printing without errors and optimal quality with the selected material.
The Print tab defines important parameters for resin printing, notably the layer height (0.050mm), the bottom layer count (5 layers) used for adhesion, the exposure time per layer (2.300s), and the bottom exposure time (32.000s) for the bottom layer adhering to the print plate.
Other parameters are the transition layer count, transition type, and transition layer internal time difference, as well as the waiting mode during printing, the rest times before and after release, and the rest time after retract (1.200s) to control the rest time between Z-axis movements to reduce resin tension. These settings must be adjusted appropriately for the materials used and the resolution of the workpiece. We’ll only change a few of the parameters in our test prints below.
The main interface of CHITUBOX shows a 3D model of the build plate of the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K. We can adjust the view, rotate, zoom level, and position the model on the platform. The top toolbar offers several options: Open, Save, Copy, Auto Layout, Hollow, Dig Hole, and Repair. The Cavity Detector and Collision Detector on the right are smart features that help detect cavities within the model and check for collisions between objects to reduce errors before printing. Clicking on the Slice button on the bottom right corner will process the file and send it to the printer to start the print job.
Let’s now open the ROOK.stl file and place four models on the corners of the build platform. The right side of the interface shows the File List section with four ROOK.stl files, and both the Cavity Detector and Collision Detector and enabled. The Slice button converts the models into a file compatible with the printer.
Using the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K Resin 3D Printer with ChituManager
While CHITUBOX generates 3D files for resin/LCD 3D printers, ChituManager is a separate software program – part of CHITUBOX Basic V2.1 or greater – that manages and monitors 3D printers remotely over USB, WiFi, or Ethernet. The program allows us to update the firmware, check the printer status, manage print files, connect via network, and print files directly to the printer without using a flash drive.
It also allows us to monitor the operation of the device in real-time to ensure smooth printing. The software interface is designed to be user-friendly and the printer settings are easy to set up. The software can also be installed separately and be found on the USB flash drive provided with the machine.
Once the installation is complete, click on “Add Printer” to connect the printer via Wi-Fi.
We can also add the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K printer on the CHITUBOX Basic v2.3 using ChituManager to add and manage printers over Wi-Fi network. The printer’s name and IP address will be displayed on the interface. Simply click on “Add Printer”.
The ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K printer is now connected via ChituManager and we can enable/disable the Time-Lapse function to record accelerated videos during the 3D printing process. After activation, the software will start recording images at set intervals eventually combined into a video. This function is useful for analyzing potential problems during printing and sharing the results (See video at the end of the review).
You can also check the printer status and view images from the AI camera in real-time to monitor the printing process remotely.
First prints with the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K machine
Wear gloves when pouring the resin into the tank of the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K printer to prevent direct contact with chemicals. Do not fill the resin beyond the MAX line, which may cause the resin to overflow during printing. Filling the resin should be done in a well-ventilated area to reduce inhalation of vapors.
The first print is a four-piece chessboard model (towers). It is a standard model used to test the details and accuracy of the resin printer. The resulting workpiece has sharp details.
Like with traditional filament printing, resin printing may require adding support structures. CHITUBOX has an “Auto Support” function which we tested with the ROOK.stl model. The top bar has a “Detection Accuracy” which can be set to Low, Middle, or High. The Auto Support button, found on the bottom right corner, automatically adds support structures to the model to reduce the risk of the workpiece falling or failing to print correctly.
The Print Status menu allows us to monitor the print from start to finish. The first screen shows the process of heating the resin tank to bring the resin to the right temperature for printing. The next screen shows the print progress with a preview of the model and important information such as exposure time and height of the workpiece. There’s also a progress bar showing how much of the model has been printed in percent and the estimated remaining time for the print. Upon completion, the total print time (2 hours and 33 minutes) and the Confirm button are shown on the display.
The printed parts are firmly attached to the build plate as part of the printing process without the risk of falling off or being deformed. The laser-engraved build plate system helps increase the adhesion of the model as well.
ELEGOO Mercury Plus 3 wash and cure station
ELEGOO Mercury Plus 3.0 2-in-1 wash and cure station helps clean and cure (dry) resin parts after printing. This system makes the post-processing process more convenient and efficient with the following features:
2-in-1 UV washing and curing system – Supports cleaning parts with liquids such as water or IPA (isopropyl alcohol) and curing with 405nm UV light.
Large washing tank – The machine comes with a transparent washing tank with a water level indicator, which you can optionally use with a washing basket (see below on the right)
Magnetic rotating plate to distribute UV light evenly resulting in higher quality curing.
UV protection cover – The yellow acrylic cover reduces UV radiation and increases safety.
Digital control screen – Use to set the time and operating mode
Power adapter and accessories – 24V/2.5A 60W power adapter, rotating plate, and cleaning equipment.
This 2-in-1 machine is suitable for resin printer users who need a fast and efficient cleaning and curing process, reducing the problem of sticky resin, and making the parts stronger and more durable.
The Mercury Plus 3.0 resin part washer has a 7.5-liter water tank with a level indicator. A washing basket can be placed into the tank to dip the parts and easily remove them. The front panel has a display and a few buttons to set the time and adjust the operating mode. We cleaned the pieces for 5 minutes.
Wear gloves and the scraper to carefully remove the model from the build plate. Since we purchased water-washable resin, we filled the tank with water (instead of alcohol) and dropped the part in the tank for cleaning.
Once a piece is clean, we can cure it to increase the strength of the model and reduce the stickiness of the workpiece. This is done with the UV curing process on the machine with the following highlights:
All-round UV light – The machine has two 405nm UV LED strips that distribute the light evenly to make every part of the workpiece harden equally evenly.
Magnetic turntable – It allows the workpiece to rotate around so that all sides of the pieces receive an equal amount of UV light.
UV filter cover – It helps prevent the UV light from spreading outside for improved safety
Digital control panel – Just like for the wash function, it’s used to set the UV curing time according to the size and type of resin. The display shows the remaining curing time.
Like for washing, we set the curing time to 5 minutes.
ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K tested with various samples
Since we’ve already explained the process of printing parts with the resin 3D printer, we’ll now showcase various samples tested with the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K printer so you can judge by yourself.
The ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K is a professional resin 3D printer with a high resolution of up to 16K, an AI camera for real-time printing monitoring, and an intelligent resin tank heating system that helps ensure stable and accurate printing.
With dual linear rails and ball screws, printing is smooth with few vibrations, and the printer produces sharp models. The resin 3D printer is suitable for creating highly detailed models, such as figurines, industrial prototypes, or even jewelry.
ELEGOO Mercury Plus 3.0 2-in-1 UV washer and dryer is a useful complement to the 3D printer that helps clean and cure resin parts after printing. It comes with a large 7.5-liter washing tank, a magnetic rotating plate for consistent UV curing, and a digital control system that allows for easy settings.
The ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K and Mercury Plus 3.0 are great tools to have for 3D designers, professional resin printers, modelers, engineers, and those requiring high-precision printing. It was our first experience with resin/LCD printing, and the printing, washing, and curing processes were relatively easy and straightforward.
We would like to thank ELEGOO for sending the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K resin 3D printer and the Mercury Plus 3.0 UV washer and dryer for review. The Saturn 4 Ultra 16K is priced at $499.99 on the ELEGOO store, and may soon become available on Amazon where only the 12K model is sold right now. The Mercury Plus 3.0 is available for pre-order for $129.99 on ELEGOO.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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