Elegoo Saturn 4 16k Ultra

[wunwinglow]

Elegoo Saturn 4 16k Ultra just purchased to replace retired Formlabs 2, so familiar with some aspects of resin printing, but less so with this type of printer.

 

Any hints or tips from anyone already using this machine? Thanks in advance!

 

Tim

[Anthony in NZ]

2 hours ago, wunwinglow said:

Elegoo Saturn 4 16k Ultra just purchased to replace retired Formlabs 2, so familiar with some aspects of resin printing, but less so with this type of printer.

 

Any hints or tips from anyone already using this machine? Thanks in advance!

 

Tim

Oooh that's what I just brought too!

[LSP_Kevin]

I've been toying with upgrading to one of these myself, as I currently have an OG Saturn. But I just don't do enough 3D printing to justify it, sadly. Word on the street (Internet) seems to provide mixed reports about this machine. I know our own Thai Pham has had his fair share of problems with them, but others say the've had no issues, and think they're fantastic.

 

Kev

[gunpowder]

Ive got the saturn 4 ultra but not the newer 16k version. They are good printers. The only thing ive seen mentioned about them is a potentially warped build plate. Im assuming thats what they meant , they did say they couldnt get prints to stick to the build plate on one side. It was on a review on youtube.

[wunwinglow]

13 hours ago, gunpowder said:

Ive got the saturn 4 ultra but not the newer 16k version. They are good printers. The only thing ive seen mentioned about them is a potentially warped build plate. Im assuming thats what they meant , they did say they couldnt get prints to stick to the build plate on one side. It was on a review on youtube.

Thanks for the pointer, I'll look that up!

[wunwinglow]

Right, after a string of distractions, a cruise, a week with the grandkids, another week wearing out someone else's Triumph Tiger's tyres in Andalucía, (tough gig, this retirement lark, but someone has to do it!!) I finally got around to setting up and calibrating the 16k Ultra, and so far, very impressed! I have some proper parts just finishing, so once I have washed and cured these and checked them out, I will report back. But the printer is well made, and was easy to unbox and get set up. I am using the Elegoo software, just to be perverse, and while I have some issues with the interface, that may well be self inflicted Old Dog New Tricks problems, it seems to be doing the trick. Slicing takes a while, but then it is dealing with billions of pixels! Billions!! The test prints have been completely smooth and sharp, a whiff or primer and they will be ready to use. I will post some pics shortly.

[geedubelyer]

Eager to see the results .

[Hagar]

I've got 2 of the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K and these are the first of all my printers that I could print out of the box. I still did some test prints to dial in the resin settings though. I tried it right out of the box because supposedly it could do that and by golly it could. The detail is even more spectacular than past printers. I use about 6 different AnyZ switch, coupling files on every upgrade and they keep getting crisper and better. I thik you're safe to just fire her up and try a file. The Sirya Tech settings from their web site were pretty well bang on and I only needed to do a couple of validation prints to get great results. One annoyance though is the counter for layers before you have to change the film. I looks like you have to change it fairly often. Overall quite pleased with them though.

James

[Ali62]

12 hours ago, Hagar said:

I've got 2 of the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K and these are the first of all my printers that I could print out of the box. I still did some test prints to dial in the resin settings though. I tried it right out of the box because supposedly it could do that and by golly it could. The detail is even more spectacular than past printers. I use about 6 different AnyZ switch, coupling files on every upgrade and they keep getting crisper and better. I thik you're safe to just fire her up and try a file. The Sirya Tech settings from their web site were pretty well bang on and I only needed to do a couple of validation prints to get great results. One annoyance though is the counter for layers before you have to change the film. I looks like you have to change it fairly often. Overall quite pleased with them though.

James

Hi James

tried sending you message but would not allow me to. Do you or have you had experience with the ultra 3 before now. Why I ask I have 5 ultra 3’s, well had six one recently died. I am trying to decide if I start upgrading, but want to know first hand peoples experience if possible.

 

thanks for your time, regards Alistair (Ali)

[Hagar]

Hi Alistair, yes I did have a Saturn 3 Ultra. Fantastic machine. I didnt bother with the Saturn 4 Ultra as I was quite happy with the 3 Ultra and didnt see much difference. Then they came out with the 4 Ultra 16 K and I picked it up with the help of some birthday money and I was quite happy with it. So I gave the 3U to a friend and got another 4U16K. Much easier to set up and the heated vat is nice to have. So far only one failed print, because it ran out of resin during the night and I didnt realize my mistake until after I'd removed the plate before looking. The only thing I'm not sure if I like or not is the snap lock. I'm used to holding the plate by the tightening knob and the new plate attachment feels a bit off. I'm sure I'll get over it though as I print away.

James

[Ali62]

Thank you for the reply James. Perhaps a difficult question, but do you think that you get a better quality print? 

[Madelf75]

I have the 2# SU4 12k and I absolutely love them  . One of the issues I did have with one is that the laser etch build plate was too smooth and I had a hard time getting anything to stick so I use 80grit sand paper to rough it it and ever since then I have had no issues 

[Hagar]

On 10/25/2025 at 3:08 PM, Ali62 said:

Thank you for the reply James. Perhaps a difficult question, but do you think that you get a better quality print? 

Definitely better looking prints and much finer detail.

James

[Iain]

Mine's just arrived...  😁

 

Can't wait to have a play - should be a step up from my Phrozen Mini 4k: most importantly as we live in a old barn that can get cold in winter - a heated vat!

 

Iain

[Anthony in NZ]

3 hours ago, Iain said:

Mine's just arrived...  😁

 

Can't wait to have a play - should be a step up from my Phrozen Mini 4k: most importantly as we live in a old barn that can get cold in winter - a heated vat!

 

Iain

Lol you will love it Iain, I totally love my one.  I must touch base about where you find some of your files to print