Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra: Experience 12K Brilliance!

The Saturn 4 Ultra is my third reviewed Elegoo resin 3D printer and the second of the series. I can confess that, from the very beginning, there has been a significant evolution in features and design from the first-generation Saturn to the fourth generation.

With an impressive XY resolution of 11520*5120 (19*24um pixel size), the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra achieves impressive printing speeds, averaging 10cm (at 0.1mm layer thickness) per hour and reaching a top speed of 15cm (at 0.15mm layer thickness) per hour. The beauty of MSLA printers is that the horizontal size and complexity of the model do not affect printing speed. Equipped with advanced features such as auto-leveling, tilt release technology, failure detection sensors, and an exhaust vent port, it ensures reliable and consistent printing performance.

I personally use filament printers more because they are better suited to my needs, but when fine-detail prints are required, a 12K LCD 3D printer like this Saturn 4 Ultra makes all the difference. You must also use the appropriate materials to print at such high resolutions. Elegoo has standard and water-washable 8K resins in multiple colors for these jobs.

Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra review

Disclosure: I received this 12K 3D printer for a product review collaboration with Elegoo. Although the product was free, all the opinions in this article remain my own!

Elegoo was founded nine years ago in Shenzhen, China’s Silicon Valley, with a mission to provide makers worldwide with practical electronic and structural toolkits that cater to students, enthusiasts, and experienced tech lovers at various stages of their projects. Elegoo’s product range includes FDM and Resin 3D printers, printing materials (filaments and resins), and STEM kits.

Shortly after I published my Phecda Laser Engraver review, ELEGOO contacted me about their latest and most versatile resin 3D printer, the Saturn 4 Ultra. I received the package two weeks later. They included a bottle of 8K test resin, which was unfortunately lost or stolen during shipping, as I received only an empty box. A few days later, they resent it; this time, it arrived without any issues.

The S4 Ultra is well-packed to protect the machine’s plastic cover during shipping—it includes shock-absorbing foam on both the inside and outside. In addition to the 3D printer, the package includes a toolbox with small accessories and another box with the drip tray. A one-year Chitubox Pro subscription license is also provided, giving you access to all the slicing tool’s features.

Toolbox content

• 24V AC/DC power adapter with power cord;
• Disposable resin funnels;
• Two face masks and two pairs of nitrile gloves;
• Two scrapers (plastic and metal);
• Wi-Fi antenna;
• USB stick;
• User manual;
• A couple of hex wrenches and tank thumb screws;
• Backup screws.

The provided USB drive includes a PDF user manual, CHITUBOX Basic and CHITUBOX Pro slicing software, and a couple of test models —the iconic chess rook figure is already sliced and optimized for the Saturn 4 Ultra.

At a glance

If you are transitioning from a filament (FDM) 3D printer, the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra will surprise you with its compact, clean, and futuristic design—no exposed moving parts, cables, or connectors. It comes fully assembled—you just need to install the build plate and load the resin. It won’t occupy half of your desk, measuring just 33 * 33 * 55cm (13 x 13 x 22 inches). Remember to leave space behind the unit to allow room to fold the cover.

The base unit is made from metal, giving it a sturdy feel. On the back, there is an extension port to connect an external heating unit or exhaust fan/air purifier system such as the Mars Mate. While the UV shield on most resin 3D printers needs to be completely removed to access the printed model or load the resin, the Saturn 4 has a Vader helmet-like hinged cover that can be easily flipped open.

Inside is a full HD (1920×1080) AI camera that allows monitoring of the print process and creates cool time-lapse videos. The build platform is nicely textured and has a 218.88 * 122.88 mm work area. It is attached to the Z-axis through a quick-release system.

The resin tank (VAT) can hold 1 kg of resin and is installed on an elevator mechanism (named “Tilt Release Technology”) that raises and lowers the VAT during the build process. According to Elegoo, this feature not only accelerates the printing process—achieving speeds up to 150mm per hour—but also minimizes the potential for damage to the model, ensuring that even the most delicate designs are preserved during removal.

On the right side, a 4-inch capacitive touchscreen provides full control over the machine. By comparison, the non-Ultra has a 3.5″ resistive touchscreen. The machine runs on EL3D-4.0 software and is compatible with ChituBox and Autodesk Fusion slicers.

The Saturn 4 series has not been upgraded in all respects. Apparently, it uses the same 10″ 12K Mono LCD and COB light as its predecessor, the Saturn 3.

Pricing, availability, and options

Now available at a special discounted price! Don’t miss your chance to get this high-performance 3D resin printer at $399 (originally $524). The Saturn 4 Ultra can also be ordered from Elegoo’s official Amazon store. If you don’t need all the advanced features, the non-ULTRA Saturn 4 (scroll down for an in-depth comparison of these two 3d machines) is also on sale now and can be ordered for only $299. Combo kits with Air Purifier or Mercury XS bundles (Washing and Curing boxes) are also available. One KG of compatible 8K resin is priced between 21.99-34.99$ on Elegoo’s website.

Saturn 4 Ultra Key features

• [Unmatched Details] With a 10-inch 12K mono LCD, the Saturn 4 Ultra boasts an incredible resolution of 11520×5120 and an XY resolution of 19×24μm, allowing stunning clarity and precision.
• [COB & Fresnel Lens] When the COB light source emits light at 405nm with the combination of Fresnel collimating lens, it can achieve an ultra-low astigmatism coefficient of 0.5%, an exceptional field uniformity of 92%, and a precise angle deviation control below 5° on the forming surface, realizing accurate and even printing results with delicate finishing and intricate details.
• [Print Right Out Of The Box] The Saturn 4 Ultra brings a hassle-free experience with its smart self-check and automatic leveling function. Simply unbox, power on, and print—making it the ultimate printing experience. With one single click, the Saturn 4 Ultra will perform a quick self-check to verify whether its components are working properly before your printing starts. Thanks to its intelligent mechanical sensor, the build plate will be automatically leveled every time you click the button, saving you time and effort.
• [AI camera for monitoring and Failure detection] Get an alarm in real-time when detecting an empty build plate, saving time and effort and ensuring an efficient and seamless printing experience. The AI camera can effectively detect model warps, enabling you to promptly resolve issues, minimize resin waste, and ensure high-quality prints. It also allows keeping you updated on the print progress, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Capture captivating time-lapse videos of your creations and share the excitement with others.
• [Tilt Release Technology, Ultra Fast Printing] The Saturn 4 Ultra adopts Elegoo’s new tilt release technology. This technology enables the model to be peeled off from the release film quickly by tilting the resin tank, achieving a fast printing speed of up to 150mm/h.
• [User-Friendly Design] ELEGOO is committed to providing users with a convenient printing experience. From the quick-release design of the build plate to the dual pour spouts design of the resin tank, along with the drip tray design to prevent resin drips, the replaceable tank lock, and the flip-up cover design for effortless access, every detail has been carefully considered making your operation easier and more comfortable.

Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra: User experience

As mentioned at the beginning of my review, the S4Ultra comes ready to use; you just need to remove the protective films from the LCD, resin tank, and the build platform.

Once connected to the wireless network, it prompted the discovery of new firmware. The update was made straightforward and directly from the machine. During the two weeks of testing, I received two software updates, reassuring as it shows that Elegoo continuously works to improve this machine. The included one-year Chitobox Pro license also makes this machine a great deal

Its user-friendly interface includes a four-inch touchscreen panel for easy operation, while connectivity options like USB and Wi-Fi offer file transfer and management flexibility. You can even print directly from the machine’s internal memory or a USB drive.

The drip tray protects the screen from being smeared with resin that can drip on the edges accidentally when the build plate is removed. That plastic plate costs only a few bucks but can save you nearly two hundred the price of a new 12K LCD.

I have mixed feelings about the utility of the built-in time-lapse camera. Without an integrated light source, the quality of the footage is very poor (dark). If you want to install it inside your self-powered LED light, you need to look for one with zero UV radiation; otherwise, it will compromise the prints by curing the resin prematurely. Due to the camera’s position, the build process’s first 3-4 cm is not visible. If the print begins with issues, you can only detect them remotely once the build plate reaches the camera’s field of view. Another problem with the AI camera is the lack of a mobile app allowing remote monitoring of the printing process.

Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra: Test results

My first two test prints failed. The first was for an unknown reason, and the second was due to my mistake: I forgot to remove the previous failed print from the resin vat. The third and fourth ones were successful. The print quality is impressive, down to the tiniest detail.

Next weekend, when I tried to print more test models, they stuck again due to resin vat release film. What’s more annoying is that I punctured the film while removing the failed resin residue. Luckily, I noticed the tiny hole and the resin didn’t leak onto the LCD or into the machine because it could have been fatal. The resin tank films are easily replaceable and don’t cost too much. I ordered five NFEP (PFA) 10.1 inch (280x200x0.127mm) films for just twenty bucks.

Even with a closed lid, the room had a strong resin smell. Liquid resins emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the printing and curing processes, which can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, and long-term health issues if exposure is prolonged. I recommend using professional respiratory masks with the appropriate filter cartridges.

One problem that could cause the model to stick to the VAT instead of the build plate is the low room temperature. To evacuate the pungent smell, I left the door and the window open, and the room’s temperature dropped to 10-12° Celsius. Most resins perform best above 25°C and will begin to fail below 20°C. I read that increasing exposure time can improve printing results at low temperatures, so after replacing the VAT film, I will continue testing the Saturn 4 Ultra.

Comparison of the Saturn 4 series

I’ve compared the key specs and features of these two four-gen Saturn 4. As you can see in the table below, except for the lower price, the Ultra surpasses the standard Saturn 4 in many aspects, but it does not differ in print quality, using the same 12K mono LCD and COB UV light.

⚠️🚨Safety guideline 🚨⚠️

Safety is crucial when using a resin 3D printer due to the potentially harmful chemicals and emissions. Here are some key safety recommendations to enjoy the benefits of resin 3D printing without putting yourself or your loved ones at risk:

• [Use only in Well-Ventilated Areas] Resin emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful if inhaled over time. Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated, or use a fume extractor to reduce exposure. Avoid operating resin printers in the living or bedrooms. Keep all food and drinks away from your 3D printing area to avoid accidental contamination with resin particles or fumes.
• [Always Wear Protective Gear] Use nitrile gloves (not latex) to avoid skin contact with uncured resin and safety goggles to protect your eyes from splashes.
• [Handle Resin Like Toxic Materials] Uncured resin is harmful and can cause skin irritation. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for handling and avoid touching the resin directly. If you spill resin on your skin, wash immediately with soap and water. Store in secure, enclosed spaces out of children’s reach.
• [Keep Away from Direct Sunlight] Resin can start curing if exposed to UV light. Store it in a cool, dark place and ensure your workspace is free from direct sunlight to prevent accidental curing.
• [Clean Surfaces and Tools] Use isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or other recommended cleaning agents to clean tools and surfaces that come into contact with resin. Avoid pouring resin or cleaning agents down the drain.

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