Suppose you want more details than you can achieve with a “regular” 3D printer? Then you need a resin printer. It does not lay spaghetti lines of plastic on a hot plate, but hardens liquid into hard plastic in a bath. We unpacked the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra to see what it comes with.
Resin printing. To some it may sound like an obscure corner of the tech world; for others as the way to create complex, detailed objects that are impossible to print with traditional FDM printers. But how do you start? And is the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra the right printer to take your first steps with? Let’s dive into the world of liquid resin, pixel perfection and ultraviolet rays.
Why resin printing?
Let’s be honest: if you’re looking for a 3D printer, a classic FDM printer is a safe choice. They are simple to use and good for almost anything you want to print. But if you need finesse and detail – think miniatures for your Dungeons & Dragons sessions, scale models or even jewelry – then resin printing on paper is the better option.
Resin printers work differently than their filament-feeding cousins. They use a light-sensitive liquid that hardens when exposed to UV light. This gives you unparalleled precision and smoothness. The downside? Resin printing is more difficult in terms of preparation, safety and cleaning. Is it worth it?
Getting started with resin printing: the basics
1. Safety first. Resin is toxic and irritates the skin and respiratory tract. Always work in a well-ventilated area, wear nitrile gloves and use safety glasses. There are people online who, for example, slept in the room where their Resin printer was located and had blisters on their backs.
2. Preparation is everything. Choose a sturdy table, ensure a flat surface and have everything ready: the printer, resin, an alcohol solution (isopropanol 99%) and, if necessary, filters.
3. Software. You use different slicers to create your designs than for FDM printing; such as Lychee or Chitubox. This software prepares your 3D model, including settings such as supports and exposure times.
4. Post-processing. After printing, rinse the object in isopropanol and harden it under UV light (usually a special UV lamp or a nail dryer).
5. Extras are a must. Ideally, you need a curing station and cleaning station for the post-processing of your projects. You have to purchase it and store it somewhere.
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra: well-tested resin printer
Now let’s take a look at the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra. This is a printer that markets itself as a semi-professional device, suitable for both hobbyists and serious makers. Recommended by the necessary reviewers with resin experience. The question is: does he deliver on that promise?
Specifications
• Construction volume: 218 x 123 x 210 mm
• Screen: mono LCD
• Light source: COB UV LED array for even lighting
• Interface: Touchscreen with an intuitive interface
• Price: Around €700 (depending on offers)
First impression and experience
The Saturn 4 exudes premium quality. The aluminum chassis feels sturdy, and assembly involves about three steps, one of which is: plug it in.
Setting up the Elegoo is surprisingly easy. The manual guides you through the process of leveling, filling resin and starting. The touchscreen menu is clear and the operation feels logical. The Saturn 4 is relatively quiet while printing, although you can hear the fans working.
As for speed: it’s not lightning fast (certainly not compared to the latest Bambu and Prusa printers), but the result makes up for that. I printed a miniature of 10 cm high with countless details in about six hours.
And then the most important thing: the quality. This is where the Saturn 4 really shines. The layers are barely visible and fine details, such as facial expressions on a figure of 3 cm high, emerge razor sharp. Larger models also retain their structure and consistency.
What could be better?
No device is perfect, and that includes the Saturn 4 Ultra. The resin reservoir could have felt a little more stable. In addition, the price – although justified by the specifications – is a serious investment for beginners. But if you know what you’re doing (or are willing to learn), you get a ton of bang for your buck here.
Tips for beginners
1. Start with standard resin. Elegoo has its own good line. Avoid exotic resins such as ABS-like or flexibles until you’ve mastered the basics.
2. Use supports. Your first instinct may be to minimize supports, but they are essential to prevent your print from “floating” or collapsing.
3. Cleaning is an art. Invest in a washing and curing station. It saves time and consistently gives better results.
4. Test, test, test. Each resin brand and print requires subtle adjustments in settings. Keep a log of your experiments.
Conclusion: Is Resin printing (with the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra) for you?
If you’re serious about getting into resin printing and aren’t afraid to invest, the Elegoo Saturn 4 is a phenomenal choice. It offers quality and reliability that rises above entry-level models. For those who are still unsure whether resin printing is something for them, I would recommend trying a cheaper model such as the Elegoo Mars series first. If you want to start 3D printing and detailed small figures are not your main goal for purchasing a 3D printer, then a “regular” FDM printer is a better choice.
But are you convinced that resin printing will be your new hobby? Then the Saturn 4 Ultra is a device that will last you for years to come. Detailed miniatures, complex prototypes or just the perfect D&D figure – this printer does it all.
And yes, you will swear occasionally while cleaning or fine-tuning. And hopefully you keep the gloves on and the resin where it belongs. But when you hold that first perfect print in your hands, you forget all that. Resin printing is not a plug-and-play experience, but it is a learning process that pays off time and time again.
Source: www.bright.nl
