Notes on Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K Presentation

Introduction

• CJ from Elevated Systems discusses the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K after over a month of testing.
• Key focus: Can pre-release reviews accurately reflect customer experience?
• Overview of printer features, issues, and implications for the 3D printing industry.

Key Upgrades vs. Issues

• Impressive Upgrades:
  • Transition from 12K to 16K screen resolution.
  • Addition of plastic wings on the build plate for easier handling.
  • Internal lighting for webcam functionality even with the lid closed.
  • Built-in Vat Heater:
    • Maintains resin at 30 degrees Celsius.
    • Effective in unheated environments (e.g., winter garage temperatures).
    • Preheat function can hold temperature for 24 hours.

Screen Resolution

• 16K Screen Specs:
  • Resolution: 15,120 x 6,232 pixels, pixel size of 14 x 19 microns.
  • Improved over the 12K screen's pixel size of 19 x 24 microns.
  • Questionable availability of consumer resins to utilize sub-18 micron detail.
  • Notable brands: Anycubic Craftsman, Frozen Aqua Hyperfine, but still limited in detail reproduction.

Comparison with Other Printers

• Mars 5 Ultra (9K Screen) Comparison:
  • Similar print quality despite lower resolution.
  • Mars 5 has faster exposure times due to smaller screen size.
  • Indicates that print quality is not solely dependent on resolution.

Problems Encountered

• Calibration and Leveling Issues:
  • Initial auto leveling concerns; no clear instructions for manual leveling.
  • Found potential warping in the build plate.
  • Software updates from Elegoo made adjustments but led to issues with overexposure and quick validations.
• Slicer Issues:
  • Original slicer: Chitubox Basic with known bugs.
  • Lack of pre-loaded profiles in new slicer (Satellite).
• Hardware Problems:
  • Touchscreen glitches; required tape for cable securing.
  • Freezing mid-print due to Wi-Fi connection drops.

Overall Experience

• Significant issues with precision, calibration, and overall performance.
• Despite problems, some successful prints were achieved by avoiding specific trouble spots.
• Concerns about rushing the product to market and the quality of pre-release testing.

Industry Implications

• Increasing trend of marketing overshadowing engineering quality.
• Need for better focus on screen quality and innovative tech in printers.
• Concerns about companies using reviewers as beta testers.

Conclusion

• CJ will no longer review pre-release products, focusing instead on retail versions for reliability.
• Calls for better quality control and product readiness from manufacturers.