ELEGOO’s Saturn 3 Ultra: easy, high-quality resin 3D printing

In the realm of desktop resin 3D printing, ELEGOO’s $449 Saturn 3 Ultra is proving to be a noteworthy contender. Over the past few weeks, VoxelMatters has put it to the test with multiple different forms and figures – including a fairly complicated 19cm action figure from contemporary South African artist Samurai Farai. This system underscores a harmonious blend of high-tech features and user-friendly design. Let’s dive in.

ELEGOO, the Chinese 3D printer manufacturer, has ensured that the Saturn 3 Ultra is as user-friendly as it is powerful. The printer is practically ready to go out of the box – a mere 15 minutes from unboxing to the first print. The printer’s recommended leveling process suggests removing the FEP sheet, however, we opted for leveling with the FEP in place with the belief that it would protect the LCD from dust and prolong its life.

Technical details and print quality

The standout feature of the Saturn 3 Ultra is its 10-inch 12K Mono LCD – the component responsible for the high-quality precision and clarity of the prints. The monochromatic display boasts an impressive 11,520 x 5,120-pixel resolution, and the fraction-of-a-millimeter XY resolution of 19×24μm enables the system to capture high levels of detail – making it an ideal choice for producing intricate designs.

Under the hood, Saturn 3 Ultra runs on a Linux OS, paired with 4GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth operation and efficient handling of complex 3D models. The open-source nature of Linux also hints at a potential for customization. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those looking to integrate the printer into more complex workflows, such as print farm management.

The system’s build volume of 218.88 × 122.88 × 260mm³ is substantial and offers flexibility for printing larger objects or multiple smaller ones in a single job. The textured build plate enhances print adhesion without unwanted marks on the print’s underside, especially with the use of a raft.

User experience and features

Adding to its modernity, the printer’s Wi-Fi capability, with transfer speeds of 6-10Mbps, allows for seamless communication with other devices. This wireless capability, though not unique in the world of 3D printers, is executed efficiently in the Saturn 3 Ultra – ensuring a hassle-free experience similar to that of the Neptune 4 Max. Users that prefer a more traditional approach are still free to use the USB port.

The system also comes with a USB air filter. This is a really thoughtful touch, considering the potential negative health effects associated with resin 3D printing when ventilation and air filtration are not optimal. However, it would be helpful if this filter also came with a USB plug point, or if the printer had an additional port, as the one located on the printer is often occupied by a USB stick.

During our testing, we only had one print failure, which was entirely user-induced – for example, not topping up the resin vat. Although this was completely our fault, a simple yet effective improvement would be to include volume markings for better resin management. Even better, ELEGOO could take a note from its Neptune 4 Max and include a material run-out feature as simple as a sound notification.

Conclusion

When it comes to resin printing, the role of good-quality resins and good-quality slicing should not be overlooked. For all our prints we used Anycubic’s High Speed Resin – and it certainly had a positive effect on the quality of the end products. The system also came with a license for Voxeldance Tango 4.0 – ELEGOO edition slicing software, which was well-suited for the system – however, we opted for using Chitubox instead, which proved to work very well.

ELEGOO’s Saturn 3 Ultra embodies the concept of ‘plug-and-play’. Its large build volume, robust build, precise LCD, and efficient operating system make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from hobbyist projects to more professional endeavors – delivers high-resolution prints consistently, with minimal fuss. This hassle-free experience is a significant draw, particularly for those who find resin printing to typically be a messy and complicated process.

Overall, it’s a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to delve into the world of detailed 3D resin printing, and the system embodies Kevin Wang’s, the company’s Co-founder, words: “ELEGOO is committed to lowering the entry barriers for consumers and making 3D printing accessible and user-friendly. Our unwavering dedication to reliable quality control ensures that customers can trust in the performance and durability of our products, fostering strong customer loyalty. Moreover, we prioritize continuous upgrades and improvements to our product features, constantly striving to meet the evolving needs of our users.”