ELEGOO Saturn Series Update: Saturn 2 & Saturn 8K 3D Printers Review

ELEGOO is a Chinese manufacturer of MSLA and FDM 3D printers, auxiliary equipment, accessories, and materials. Their products generally aim for high accuracy, speed, and stability of printing.

With four series of devices designed for various personal and professional applications, the company has something to offer for all categories of users. The Saturn series is a cross between the compact Mars and large-scale Jupiter lineups. It offers decent build volume and top-grade performance with high-quality outputs at an affordable price.

Let’s now look at the major changes brought by the third generation of the ELEGOO Saturn 3D printers featured by the Saturn 2 and Saturn 8K models.

Overview

Saturn 2

The ELEGOO Saturn 2 is a professional 8K MSLA 3D printer for extremely detailed creative projects. Being a successor to the original Saturn model, it almost doubles the advantages of the predecessor. Thus, the device comes not only with the 10" 8K mono LCD screen (7680 x 4320) compared to the 8.9" 4K one of the Saturn (3840 x 2400), but is also equipped with a fairly improved light source, 43% larger build volume, FEP2.0, and USB-powered air purifier along with some other quality-of-life features that we are going to cover below.

• The main characteristics of the Saturn 2 are the following:
• Fresnel collimating light source providing increased light uniformity and model accuracy with a really smooth surface finish;
• Ultra-fine XY resolution of 28.5 microns (50 microns for the original Saturn model);
• Capacious build area of 219 x 123 x 250 mm that lets you print a single large model or a wide variety of small-to-medium sized prints in batches without splitting them into several parts;
• Advanced screen protection and increased adhesion;
• Built-in air filter for fresh working environment that comes for free;
• Reliable components making moving mechanisms extra-steady and accurate;
• Great for multiple applications like modeling, prototyping, low volume production, design, cosplay, and more.

Credit: @badulake3d / Instagram

Saturn 8K

The Saturn 8K is an upgraded version of the Saturn 4K model that brings high-resolution printing to the whole new level. Compared to the Saturn 2, it is more budget-friendly and slightly lower in height. 

The device is engineered with a high-grade matrix light source providing powerful light contrast for impressive accuracy, robust structure for better stability of printing, and decent build volume to satisfy demands of both miniature makers and serial producers.

Here is the list of essential properties of the Saturn 8K:

• Superior matrix light source reducing tolerances for prototype print dimensions;
• 10" 8K mono LCD screen (7680 x 4320) with an XY resolution of 28.5 microns allows one to print sharper models with ultra-fine detail;
• Scratch-resistant tempered glass for reliable screen protection and improved light transmission;
• Print volume of 219 x 123 x 210 mm provides more space for a wider range of models;
• Robust structure with top-quality components making for stable 3D printing and extended life span of the device;
• Compatibility with the popular Chitubox slicer offering a free version for better accessibility;
• A number of user-friendly features for convenient user experience;
• Like the previously described Saturn 2, the model is perfect for high-resolution modeling, prototyping, low volume production, design, and more.

Credit: @shosh.bosh / Instagram

Specifications

Highlights

Now, let’s take a closer look at the prominent updates of the ELEGOO Saturn series.

Ultra-high resolution

Both printers boast 10" 8K LCD screens with a resolution of 7680 x 4320, which enables them to produce incredibly detailed models like those in the photo below:

With a cure time of only 1–3 seconds per layer, this makes for a time-saving production without any loss of quality. Plus, the screens are now engineered with a special scratch-resistant tempered glass with 9H hardness ensuring better light transmission and sturdy protection that significantly extends the service life of the screen.

Proprietary light source technology

As for the light source for the third generation and particularly Saturn 2, ELEGOO decided to create a unique mechanism consisting of 48 highly integrated UV LED lights and a Fresnel lens to emit a uniform light beam of 405nm wavelength. This system called Fresnel collimating light source (or FCLS) demonstrates enhanced print accuracy important for the 8K device and provides a smoother surface finish compared to its analogues.

In turn, the Saturn 8K is equipped with the advanced matrix UV light source comprising 28 LEDs and a unique double convex lens design to reduce light scattering. Due to these construction peculiarities, the light is vertically projected on the LCD screen at a smaller angle of 5 degrees, which further improves accuracy and reduces tolerances.

These two innovations are a perfect example of a professional 8K printing approach.

Extra sturdy build

Being highly professional devices, both Saturn 2 and Saturn 8K introduce engineering-grade hardware components for smooth and consistent printing. Specifically, the Z-axis of the machines is designed with dual linear rails and non-slip hexagon socket leveling screws for more stable and accurate motion, which results in superior output quality.

Capacious print volume

Another step forward for the series is the increased build volume due to the outer dimensions and large LCD screen that make the prototype size larger and the curing efficiency higher. Thus, printing large models and multiple parts in one go will not be a problem. Plus, it is always great to get more creative freedom, right?

Built-in mini air purifier

One of the most important innovations also brought to other ELEGOO products is a USB-powered air purifier with an active carbon filter that effectively absorbs and eliminates unpleasant fumes and odors that come with resin 3D printing. The device operates directly inside the printer and is indispensable for a fresh working environment. Luckily, it is supplied with the Saturn 2 and Saturn 8K models by default.

Ensured reliability of printing

The last but not least is the adhesion aspect, which is taken care of properly. Namely, the build plate comes with a sandblasted surface that provides much stronger adherence, while PFA release liner, or FEP 2.0, ensures easier model removal and less release tension. Thanks to this perfect balance, printing with the Saturn series is easy and rewarding. 

Print samples

The ELEGOO Saturn 3D printers are well suited for a number of tasks mentioned above. Here are some examples of what they are capable of.

Starting with the Saturn 8K, a user published on Instagram a model of Master Chief from the Halo franchise printed with the machine and subsequently painted. The detailing here easily creates the impression of real textures.

Credit: @_jack_of_all_hobbies_ / Instagram

Another enthusiast introduced their recreation of Captain America printed on the same device and equally boasting a high level of detail.

Credit: @danko_creates / Instagram

The Saturn 2 is also great for intricate models, such as this realistic bust of Davy Jones brimming with fine features.

Credit: @chefmaker3d / Instagram

And this is how the same user continued the project by painting the hat. Thanks to this photo, we can see the result up close.

Credit: @chefmaker3d / Instagram

Finally, there is a Black Panther mask printed on the Saturn 2. After some post-processing, this item will serve as a great element of cosplay.

Credit: @doom.peddler / Instagram

Bottom line

As the new step in the development of the ELEGOO Saturn series, the Saturn 2 and Saturn 8K models offer some meaningful changes in the build, basic mechanisms, and technical characteristics. Both machines are major improvements in comparison with the previous generation and feature traditional accessibility alongside professional print quality in the field of ultra-high resolution. Due to thoughtful functionality enabling hassle-free printing experience, creating miniatures with incredible detailing will be as easy as admiring them afterwards.