The Ultimate Guide to the Elegoo Saturn S Large Format 4K 3D Printer

The Elegoo Saturn S is a new large format resin 3D printer that offers high resolution 4K printing at an affordable price point. With a build volume of 165 x 165 x 400mm, the Saturn S can print much larger objects than typical resin printers. Its 4K mono LCD screen provides outstanding print quality and precision down to 35 microns.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Elegoo Saturn S, including its key features and specifications, print quality and speed, pros and cons, and how it compares to other large format resin 3D printers on the market. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started with resin printing or an experienced user wanting to upgrade to a bigger build volume, this review will help you determine if the Saturn S is the right 3D printer for you.

Key Features and Specifications of Elegoo Saturn S

• Build volume: 165 x 165 x 400mm, allows printing of large models
• 4K mono LCD with 3840 x 2400 pixel resolution for precision prints
• UV LED light source for fast curing times
• Dual linear rails and precision ball screws for stable Z-axis movement
• Removable 8.9 inch 4K screen compatible with ChiTu 3.5 firmware
• Compatible with resins like Anycubic, Elegoo, Siraya Tech, and more
• Print resolution of 35 microns, equivalent to 1440p
• Max print speed of 80mm/hr for efficient prints
• XY resolution of 0.01mm for detailed prints
• New sliced resin vat design and FEP film for easy resin refilling
• Compatible with ChiTuBox slicer and other common slicers like Lychee
• Quiet printing around 45db noise level
• Weighs 22lbs and dimensions are 18 x 18 x 24in

The Saturn S combines a large build area, high 4K resolution, and affordable price. With dimensions of 18 x 18 x 24in and weighing just 22lbs, it has a relatively compact footprint for a large format printer. TheEstimated

Print Quality and Speed

The Elegoo Saturn S utilizes an 8.9” 4K mono LCD screen with a 3840 x 2400 pixel resolution to deliver outstanding print quality and precision down to 35 microns. This allows it to produce fine details accurately. The higher 4K resolution means denser pixels than a typical 2K screen, resulting in smoother surfaces.

Many users report the Saturn S can print models with intricate details rivaling that of more expensive printers like the Phrozen Sonic 8K. Fine features like wrinkles, textures, and small text come out clean and defined. The precision XY resolution of 0.01mm also contributes to accuracy in details.

Standard resin prints have a matte finish with a slight graininess to them. The Saturn S excels at printing large terrain pieces, props, and miniatures with sharp edges and details. With some post-processing like sanding and priming, the surface can be smoothed out.

Using specialized resins like Siraya Tech Fast can boost print speeds up to 80mm/hr. Even with standard grey resin, prints are relatively quick at 50-70mm/hr speeds. Larger prints will be on the longer side due to the increased layer count, but are still faster than equivalent FDM prints. The printer’s quiet 45db operation means you can print overnight without disruption.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of the Elegoo Saturn S 3D printer:

Pros:

• Large 165x165x400mm build volume for bigger prints
• Great value for a large format 4K printer
• Excellent print quality and fine details
• Fast print speeds around 50-80mm/hr
• User-friendly with intuitive touch screen
• Quiet operation at 45db
• Removable vat and FEP film for easy resin refills
• Compatible with many resins and slicers

Cons:

• No WiFi or wireless connectivity
• No internal air filter, requires external ventilation
• Resin is messy and requires safety gear
• Screen protector prone to damage if not careful
• May need stabilization mods for tall narrow prints

Overall, the Saturn S hits a sweet spot of build volume, print quality, and affordability. The large build area allows you to print props, cosplay pieces, and miniatures at higher resolution than similarly priced options. While the printer lacks conveniences like WiFi, it makes up for it with stunning print results.

Comparisons to Other Large Format Printers

The Elegoo Saturn S competes with several other large format resin 3D printers that have build volumes over 6 liters. Here’s how it stacks up against some of the leading alternatives:

Anycubic Photon Mono X – The Mono X has a similar build volume of 192 x 120 x 245mm and also uses a 4K mono screen. But it has a higher price point of $619. The Saturn S edges it out in XY resolution and maximum print speed.

Peopoly Phenom Noir – With a build area of 298 x 165 x 300mm, the Phenom Noir has a larger Z-height for taller prints. But it comes at a steeper $1,599 price. The Phenom print quality is excellent but Saturn S gets close for much cheaper.

Phrozen Sonic 8K – The Sonic 8K is one of the top competitors with 8K resolution and a build volume of 223 x 124 x 300mm. It produces incredible detail but costs $1,099. The Saturn S offers 4K quality for hundreds less.

Anycubic Vyper – As an FDM printer, the Vyper has a smaller build volume of 245 x 245 x 260mm. At $499 it’s cheaper but can’t match resin print quality. It may be preferred by some for filament printing.

The Elegoo Saturn S holds its own against printers costing twice as much or more. If you don’t need the very largest build volumes, it provides an unbeatable combination of print quality, speed, and value.

Recommended Uses

With its large build platform and 4K resolution, the Elegoo Saturn S is a versatile printer suitable for:

• Miniatures – Print assembled squads of miniatures up to roughly 170mm tall. Excellent detail reproduction.
• Props and Cosplay – Build life-size or oversized props like helmets, weapons, masks, and armor pieces.
• Terrain – Create large set pieces like cliffs, walls, buildings for tabletop gaming.
• Figurines – Print collectible figures, statues, busts up to 400mm tall.
• Mechanical/Engineering – Prototype engineering components like housings, brackets, connectors.
• Architecture – Model architectural designs with high precision.
• Jewelry – Resin’s resolution is ideal for jewelry like rings, pendants, earrings.
• Dental – Suitable for dental applications like splints, models, surgical guides.

From miniatures to cosplay armor, the Saturn S can handle a wide variety of applications needing a print envelope from 165mm to 400mm. Just keep in mind that very thin/narrow objects may require additional supports or stabilization modifications.

Getting Started with the Elegoo Saturn S

Getting great prints with the Saturn S involves following some basic best practices:

1. Fully assemble the printer and calibrate according to the instruction manual. Take particular care tramming the build plate.
2. Position the printer in a well-ventilated area away from living spaces to avoid resin fumes. Use PPE like nitrile gloves and an N95 mask when handling resin.
3. Level the build plate while the resin vat is partially filled according to Elegoo’s instructions. Re-level any time the plate is removed.
4. Use a validated slicer profile like the official Elegoo Saturn settings for ChiTuBox. Dial in your exposure times with an exposure test print.
5. Carefully remove supports and wash prints in isopropyl alcohol for 3-5 minutes. Cure under UV light for 1-5 minutes depending on the resin used.
6. Store resin upright and away from sunlight to prolong its shelf life. FEP films will wear over time and need replacing after 30-50 prints.
7. Consider third-party accessories like a flex plate, resin tank foam, and silicone covers for modding and customization.

With some dialing in of settings and following resin printing best practices, the Saturn S can produce stunning prints that take full advantage of its large build volume and 4K resolution.

Should You Buy the Elegoo Saturn S?

If you’re looking for an affordable large format resin printer with high print quality and speed, the Elegoo Saturn S is an excellent choice. Models printed on the Saturn S look comparable to more expensive printers thanks to the precise 4K mono screen.

The generous 165 x 165 x 400mm build volume enables printing of really large props, miniatures, or terrain that other printers simply can’t accommodate. And it does so at a reasonable price point of just $429.

Just keep in mind the Saturn S does not have convenience features like WiFi, onboard filtration, or a touch screen. The print process requires handling messy resin while wearing proper safety gear. For many makers and hobbyists, the Saturn S’s stellar print quality is well worth the tradeoff.

For its combination of build volume, print resolution, and value, the Elegoo Saturn S stands out as a top large format resin 3D printer. If you need to print big while preserving intricate details, it delivers an exceptional printing experience.