Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 3D Printer Review: Precision Printing at an Accessible Price
Discover why the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 3D printer delivers exceptional detail, faster printing times, and user-friendly features that make it perfect for both beginners and experienced makers.
My Six-Month Journey with the Saturn 4 Ultra
When I first unpacked my Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra last fall, I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the hype. After spending years with my trusty (but aging) Mars 2 Pro, I finally decided to upgrade after seeing some incredible prints from a friend’s workshop. Six months and countless prints later, I can confidently say this machine has transformed my hobby into something much more exciting.
The Saturn 4 Ultra sits in that sweet spot between hobbyist and professional-grade equipment. It’s priced reasonably enough that serious enthusiasts can justify the purchase, but powerful enough that the quality rivals what you’d see from machines costing twice as much.
Key Specs That Actually Matter
Let’s cut through the marketing jargon and focus on what makes this printer special:
- 12K+ Monochrome LCD Screen – The 12800 × 5120 resolution translates to incredible fine detail, especially noticeable in miniatures and intricate mechanical parts
- 12.8-inch Build Volume – Significantly larger than most resin printers in this price range, allowing for bigger single-piece prints
- 0.01mm XY Resolution – This isn’t just a number; it’s visible in the crisp edges and smooth surfaces of finished prints
- Improved UV Matrix Light Source – Results in more consistent curing and fewer failed prints compared to older systems
- Built-in Air Purification System – A feature I didn’t think I’d care about until I realized how much it reduced the resin smell in my workspace
Real-World Performance: What It’s Actually Like to Use
Setting up the Saturn 4 Ultra took about 30 minutes, which included reading through the manual (something I usually skip, but Elegoo’s instructions are surprisingly clear). The machine comes mostly assembled, requiring only basic attachment of the build plate and vat.
The first test print—a benchmark model from Elegoo—came out perfect on the first try, which isn’t always guaranteed with resin printers. The touchscreen interface feels responsive and logically laid out, making it easy to navigate even when wearing gloves.
What impressed me most during daily use:
Print Speed Without Sacrificing Quality
The Saturn 4 Ultra prints significantly faster than my previous printer. A detailed miniature that used to take 6 hours now finishes in about 3.5 hours. This isn’t just because of faster hardware—Elegoo’s slicing software has intelligent layer detection that varies exposure times based on the complexity of each layer.
Reliability That Builds Confidence
In six months of regular use (2-3 prints per week), I’ve experienced only two failed prints, both due to my own errors in support placement. The consistent performance means I can confidently start prints before bed without worrying about waking up to a mess.
The Washing and Curing Workflow
While not included with the printer, I highly recommend pairing the Saturn 4 Ultra with Elegoo’s Mercury X washing and curing station. The two machines were designed to work together, with the build plate from the Saturn fitting perfectly into the washing station.
Where It Could Be Better
No printer is perfect, and the Saturn 4 Ultra does have some drawbacks worth mentioning:
- Resin Consumption – The larger build volume means it uses more resin, even for smaller prints, as the vat needs to maintain a minimum level
- Weight and Size – At 37 pounds, this isn’t a printer you’ll move around frequently
- Initial Learning Curve – While user-friendly, first-time resin printer users will still face a steeper learning curve than with FDM printers
- Fan Noise – The cooling and air purification systems create a constant hum that might be noticeable in quiet environments
Real Projects That Showcase Its Capabilities
Over the past months, I’ve pushed this printer with various projects:
- Tabletop Gaming Terrain – Created a modular dungeon set with incredible stone texture detail that my gaming group couldn’t believe came from a home printer
- Custom Mechanical Keyboard Case – Printed a translucent case with embedded channels for LED lighting that required precision tolerances
- Functional Prototypes – Designed and printed working prototypes for a small electronics housing with threaded inserts
- Artistic Sculptures – Produced several detailed figurines with smooth gradients and fine features that show almost no layer lines
Price-to-Performance Perspective
At around $600 (prices vary by retailer and sales), the Saturn 4 Ultra represents an excellent value proposition. While not cheap, it delivers capabilities that would have cost well over $1,000 just a few years ago.
When factoring in ongoing costs, plan to budget for:
- Resin ($30-50 per liter)
- Replacement FEP films ($10-15 each, replacing every 20-30 prints)
- Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning ($15-20 per gallon)
- Disposable gloves and masks
Who Should Consider This Printer?
The Saturn 4 Ultra makes the most sense for:
- Experienced hobbyists looking to upgrade from smaller resin printers
- Detail-oriented creators who need professional-quality output for figurines, jewelry prototypes, or dental models
- Small business owners creating custom products or prototypes who can’t justify industrial printers
- Patient beginners with some extra budget who want to start with a capable system they won’t outgrow quickly
It’s probably overkill for casual users who print occasionally or those primarily interested in functional rather than aesthetic parts.
Setup and Workspace Considerations
Before purchasing, consider your workspace:
- You’ll need adequate ventilation despite the built-in air purification
- A dedicated space away from direct sunlight and dramatic temperature changes
- A sturdy table or workbench (remember, it weighs 37 pounds)
- Access to water for cleaning parts and proper disposal methods for resin waste
Comparing With Similar Options
The Saturn 4 Ultra competes primarily with the Anycubic Photon M3 Premium and the Phrozen Sonic Mighty 8K. Here’s how it stacks up:
- The Photon M3 Premium costs slightly less but has a smaller build volume and lower resolution
- The Phrozen Sonic Mighty 8K offers similar resolution but costs about $150 more and has less reliable software
- Both competitors lack the integrated air purification system
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
After six months of regular use, I can honestly say the Saturn 4 Ultra has exceeded my expectations. The combination of large build volume, exceptional detail, and reliability makes it easy to recommend for serious hobbyists and professionals alike.
What initially seemed like an expensive indulgence has proven to be a worthwhile investment that has expanded what I can create at home. If you’re on the fence about upgrading from a smaller resin printer or entering the resin printing world with a capable system, the Saturn 4 Ultra deserves a spot at the top of your consideration list.
Bottom line: The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra delivers professional-quality results at a price that, while not cheap, represents excellent value for what you get. Just be prepared for the learning curve and additional workspace requirements that come with any resin printing setup.
Elegoo Saturn 4 3D Printer on Amazon – Buy Now!
[This review is based on personal experience with the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra purchased at retail price. Some links may be affiliate links that support our testing and review process.]
