The world of resin 3D printing is evolving rapidly, with companies competing to release machines with ever-higher resolutions and faster print speeds. One of the latest entrants into this space is the Elegoo Saturn 2 – an upgraded version of the popular original Saturn. With double the resolution of its predecessor and a host of other improvements, it aims to be one of the best resin printers in its price range.
In this hands-on review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Saturn 2’s features, print quality, software, and overall performance. We’ll also discuss common issues reported by users and examine whether this machine lives up to the hype.
Overview and Specs of Elegoo Saturn 2
The Elegoo Saturn 2 is a resin-based UV photolithography 3D printer. It uses an 8K monochrome LCD screen to achieve extremely high XY resolution of 7680 x 4320 pixels. This works out to 35 microns per pixel, enabling the printer to produce fine details and smooth surfaces.
Some key specs of the Elegoo Saturn 2 include:
- Build volume: 165 x 165 x 250 mm
- Layer resolution: 0.01 – 0.15mm
- Light source: UV integrated light (LED matrix)
- Mono LCD resolution: 7680 x 4320 pixels
- XY resolution: 35 microns
- Z axis precision: 2.5 microns
- Print speed: 30-120mm/hour
- Compatible materials: 405nm standard and water-washable resins
- Connectivity: USB, WiFi
- Dimensions: 406 x 412 x 626mm
- Weight: ~11kg
On paper, the Saturn 2 improves on the original Saturn in several areas. The higher 8K resolution allows for more precision and details. Elegoo has also upgraded to a quieter cooling system, added a carbon filter to reduce smells, and redesigned parts of the body.
The build volume remains the same, which is ample for most hobbyist needs. Under the hood, the printer uses an all-new mainboard and updated UV module for faster curing. WiFi connectivity is now built-in too.
Overall, the Saturn 2 is positioned as an incremental but meaningful upgrade over the first-gen model. The resolution bump is the headline new feature, but Elegoo has taken the chance to refine many other aspects of the printer as well.
Unboxing and Setup
The Elegoo Saturn 2 arrives neatly packed in a cardboard box with molded foam inserts. Removing all the parts, you get:
- The main printer unit
- Build plate
- Resin vat
- Accessory box with tools, gloves, filters, paper, and more
- Power and USB cables
- Quick start guide
Elegoo provides almost everything you need besides the resin itself. Setup consists of just 4 main steps:
- Attaching the build plate to the plate holder
- Inserting the resin vat and screen protector
- Loading the resin
- Leveling the build plate
The quick start guide walks you through each step with clear instructions and photos. The whole process takes under 30 minutes even for someone new to resin printing.
Compared to the original Saturn, the upgraded vat design is a nice improvement. It features a sliding cover to easily pour resin in while minimizing messes. The FEP film also sits perfectly flush, allowing for more consistent print quality.
Leveling the build plate can take some trial and error. But the Saturn 2 now displays a live readout of the plate height on the screen, which makes dialing it in much easier. Overall, setup is straightforward and Elegoo’s guide needs little improvement.
Print Quality
Now onto the main event – examining the actual print quality produced by the Elegoo Saturn 2. With its high 8K resolution, the expectation is extremely detailed prints with smooth surfaces and intricate geometries.
In testing, the Saturn 2 generally lives up to that promise. We sliced some sample models with support structures in Chitubox and hit print. The results were impressive:
Fine Details
Models with lots of small features printed perfectly. Fine text came out crisp and legible down to 1mm size. Intricate shapes and curves had no visible pixelation. The high XY resolution enables remarkable reproduction of details.
Smooth Surfaces
On sloping curves and rounded surfaces, the Saturn 2 produced a smooth finish with barely visible layer lines. Post-processing was quick since little sanding was required. The stepping between layers is minimal thanks to the 0.01mm resolution.
Great Dimensional Accuracy
Test models with specific dimensions printed true-to-size within a tenth of a millimeter. There was no noticeable shrinkage or warping during curing. With dialed-in exposure settings, dimensions can be relied on.
Minimal Supports
Overhangs and bridges printed cleanly with very thin supports. The excellent resolution means less aggressive supports are needed. Supported surfaces finished smoothly with barely any gouging or marks.
Overall, the print quality is simply outstanding for the price. The Saturn 2 can match or exceed printers costing twice as much. Fine details come out remarkably clean and sharp. The excellent surface finish minimizes the need for post-processing too.
Print Speed
In terms of print speed, Elegoo rates the Saturn 2 at 30-120mm per hour. This is moderately fast but not blazing – newer models like the Anycubic Photon Mono X can go even faster.
However, keep in mind that ultra-fast speeds can come at the cost of quality. The Saturn 2 strikes a good balance between speed and accuracy. Models print quickly but with great precision.
The monochrome LCD contributes to the brisk speeds by curing resin faster than a regular RGB screen. Elegoo has also optimized the Z-axis movement algorithms for greater efficiency.
If you want to print faster, layer height can be increased at the cost of resolution. But for most applications, the Saturn 2 prints quickly enough. Larger batches of miniatures or terrain pieces can be produced overnight.
Software
The Elegoo Saturn 2 runs on ChiTuBox slicing software like most resin printers. ChiTuBox is free and user friendly, making it great for beginners.
It has a simple process of importing models, orienting, adding supports, and slicing. The latest version adds profiles specifically customized for the Saturn 2’s 8K resolution.
ChiTuBox also makes it easy to customize exposure times, layer heights, infill, and more. While not as full-featured as something like Lychee, it provides ample controls for dialing in prints.
The printer itself has a responsive 2.6” touchscreen interface. You can load files via USB or WiFi, adjust build plate leveling, change resin profiles, and monitor printing status. New firmware updates have also improved the user experience.
For basic printing, the software works smoothly. More advanced users may want added controls, but ChiTuBox covers fundamentals very well. Elegoo provides good documentation and tutorials too.
Resin Options
The Elegoo Saturn 2 works with any standard 405nm UV resin. Water-washable resins are also compatible if you want to avoid IPA.
Elegoo has its own line of branded resins dialed in for the Saturn 2. The ABS-like, standard, and water-washable resins provide good results at reasonable prices.
Third party options from Anycubic, Siraya Tech and others also work well. Just match the curing wavelength and adjust exposure times based on resin viscosity.
Make sure to get 8K-optimized resins for maximum detail. Overall resin compatibility is excellent.
Filter and Smell
A common issue with resin printers is the strong smell emitted by the photopolymers. Elegoo has tried improving this on the Saturn 2 with a built-in carbon filter.
The filter noticeably cuts down on odors during printing. It’s not perfect, but a major improvement over machines without any filtration. Having it integrated rather than hanging off the back is convenient too.
For best results, ventilate the room well, keep the printer elevated, and run the filter at max. The fumes are still present but dissipate faster. Proper respirator use is still advised.
Common Problems Reported
While the Saturn 2 has been generally well-received, some issues have cropped up:
Screen Failures
The most concerning problem is screens arriving cracked or developing dead pixels. This seems to stem from inadequate packing and impacts print quality. Elegoo has issued packaging improvements and warranty replacements.
Resin Leaks
A few users have experienced leaks between the VAT film and LCD, especially with thicker resins. Applying additional tape can help, along with careful leveling and tightening.
Print Adhesion Issues
Some owners report prints not sticking well to the build plate and popping off mid-print. Proper plate leveling, orientation, and supports can usually resolve it.
Power Failures
In rare cases, the printer may freeze up or stop mid-print. This seems tied to faulty power supplies. Elegoo support can help troubleshoot wiring issues.
WiFi Connectivity
The onboard WiFi has been glitchy for some, with trouble connecting. Ethernet or USB sticks work more reliably if the WiFi gives problems.
Most issues appear to be isolated cases rather than systemic flaws. As with any new 3D printer release, minor defects will make it past QA. Elegoo’s customer service has generally been responsive about replacements.
Should You Buy It?
Considering its impressive print quality and reasonable price, the Elegoo Saturn 2 is undoubtedly an enticing machine for resin newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Pros
- Stunning print detail with 8K resolution
- Excellent surface smoothness and accuracy
- Straightforward setup and calibration
- Durable industrial design and rigid metal frame
- Large community and accessory ecosystem
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Minor quality control issues on initial units
- Resin smell still present despite filtration
- WiFi connectivity can be spotty
If you don’t mind tweaking some settings, the Saturn 2 delivers exceptional value. There are few other resin printers that can match its resolution and precision in this price range.
For designers, jewelers, tabletop gamers, and modelers who need high-fidelity miniatures, the superior prints from the Saturn 2 make it a leading choice. Just be ready for the additional cleanup and post-processing that resin printing requires.
All in all, Elegoo has achieved an impressive evolution of the original Saturn. The Saturn 2 fixes many of its predecessor’s shortcomings while upgrading to game-changing 8K resolution. It deserves strong consideration as one of the top mid-range resin 3D printers currently available.
