Medium resin printers are ideal for those that need that bit of extra printing volume. The printers function exactly the same as the smaller ones and they have a similar level of reliability.
We recommend going with the Saturn S to save money, unless you absolutely need the additional build volume or resolution of the Saturn 2.
If you desire the resolution bump but are on a budget, then going with a printer like the Photon Mono 4K, Photon M3, or Mars 3 could be more applicable.
Elegoo Saturn S
$230
(phasing out)
Resolution: 0.048mm (XY) 0.01mm (Z)
9.1" 4k Screen
Print Volume: 196mm (L) 122mm (W) 210mm (H)
Saturn S vs Saturn
Elegoo Saturn 2
$300
($10 Off)
Resolution: 0.028mm (XY) 0.01mm (Z)
10" 8k Screen
Print Volume: 219mm (L) 123mm (W) 250mm (H)
Saturn S vs Saturn 2
Saturn S and Saturn 2
- Both printers have aluminum vats by default.
- Both printers use PFA (nFEP/FEP 2.0) in the vat.
- Antialiasing works on both printers and can be verified through UVTools.
- The Saturn S and Saturn 2 can be used with the Chitubox or Lychee slicers.
- Both Saturns' LCD screens have a pre-installed tempered glass protector.
- Both printers come with Elegoo's "air purifier", which is just a small brick of compressed carbon. This unit is inconsequential since carbon will only filter ~40-60% of VOCs (in a 1-2" thick layer). For a primary defense, resin printers should always be placed outside the residence or vented out a window.
Saturn S
- The Saturn S gains a ≈3.8% increase in the printing area and an extra 10mm in build height over the original Saturn. Also, there is the small bump in XY resolution - 0.05 mm to 0.048 mm.
- The Saturn S is ~$200 cheaper than the Saturn 2.
Photo credits: Elegoo
Specifications
- Release Year: 2022
- Release Price: $450-500
- Assembly: Fully
- Build Volume: 196 x 122 x 210 mm
- XY Resolution: 0.048 mm
- Screen: 9.1" 4K (4098 x 2560)
- LED Intensity: ~2.07 mW/cm
- Compatible Slicers: Lychee, Chitubox, PrusaSlicer (UVtools)
- Power Requirement: 96 W
- Dimensions: 280 x 240 x 446 mm
- Weight: 24 lbs (11 kg)
Elegoo Saturn 2
- The Saturn 2 has an additional ≈12.6% printing area over the S - 196x122 to 219x123 mm.
- The Saturn 2 also has an additional 40 mm in build height over the Saturn S.
- The Saturn 2 has a bump in XY resolution, from 0.048 to 0.028 mm.
Photo credits: Elegoo
Specifications
- Release Year: 2022
- Release Price: $550
- Assembly: Fully
- Build Volume: 219 x 123 x 250 mm
- XY Resolution: 0.0285 mm
- Screen: 10" 8K (7680 x 4320)
- LED Intensity: n/a mW/cm
- Compatible Slicers: Lychee, Chitubox, PrusaSlicer (UVtools)
- Power Requirement: 96 W
- Dimensions: 306 x 273 x 567 mm
- Weight: 24 lbs (11 kg)
Final Thoughts
As you can tell, the Saturn S and Saturn 2 are pretty similar. The main difference between the two is the XY-resolution increase by the Saturn 2. It also gains a fair amount of build volume but not enough to launch it out of the medium range.
The resolution and build volume increases of the Saturn 2 does not justify the extra ~$200 for casual users. The Saturn S is will provide the best bang for your buck.
Resin Printer Setup Example
Beyond the printer, you will need to budget for resin and additional supplies. Ideally, the printer will be outside the residence (ie: garage/shed/balcony) but it can be indoors in a separate room if vented out a window.
A grow tent is an affordable enclosure that can both assist in venting the printer and helping to keep the resin warm during winter. Small heaters and a temperature controller can be used to keep the resin at its recommended level.
Photo credits: 4D Filtration
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