ELEGOO Saturn 4 3D Printer User Manual
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing ELEGOO brand products.
V3
After receiving the product, please confirm whether the equipment is intact and the accessories are complete. If there is any damage or missing, please contact ELEGOO at 3dp@elegoo.com. Each product undergoes strict printing tests before leaving the factory. Minor scratches may be present, which is normal and does not affect use.
Notice
- Please keep the 3D printer and its accessories out of the reach of children.
- Fill the resin tank no less than 1/3 of its volume, but do not exceed the MAX line position.
- Place the printer in a dry environment and protect it from rain and moisture.
- If you run into an emergency during use, please turn off the power supply of the 3D printer first.
- Use the printer indoors and avoid direct sunlight and a dusty environment.
- Keep the original packaging box for 30 days for return/exchange (only ELEGOO original packaging boxes are accepted).
- If printing fails, clean excess cured resin from the resin tank and change the resin, otherwise, it may cause damage to your printer.
- When operating the 3D printer, wear a mask and gloves to avoid direct skin contact with the photopolymer resin.
- If the release film in the resin tank is whitened, scratched, or has no elasticity, the printing failure rate is high; replace the release film in time.
- Use 95% (or higher) ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol to wash your model unless you are using water-washable resin.
- For any problems with the printer, contact ELEGOO at 3dp@elegoo.com. Do not disassemble or modify ELEGOO 3D printers yourself, as this will void the warranty, and damage from personal operating errors will require payment for repairs.
Packing List
Illustration of the ELEGOO Saturn 4 3D Printer and its included accessories.
- Saturn 4 3D Printer
- Build Plate
- Resin Tank
- USB Flash Disk
- Mask
- Gloves
- Funnel
- Backup Screws
- User Manual
- Adapter
- Tool Kit
- Scraper
Printer Introduction
Diagram showing the main components of the ELEGOO Saturn 4 3D Printer.
- 1. Z Axis: The vertical movement system of the printer.
- 2. Handle: Used for securing or releasing the build plate.
- 3. Build Plate: The surface onto which the 3D model is printed.
- 4. LCD Display Screen: Shows printer status and settings.
- 5. Resin Tank: Holds the liquid photopolymer resin.
- 6. Screw Knob: Used for adjusting or securing components.
- 7. Touch Screen: The primary interface for controlling the printer.
Diagram showing external ports and covers of the ELEGOO Saturn 4 3D Printer.
- 1. Anti-UV Cover: Protects the resin and internal components from UV light.
- 2. USB Interface: For connecting a USB flash drive.
- 3. Switch: Power on/off button.
- 4. DC Socket: Power input port.
- 5. Extension Port: For connecting peripherals, such as a mini heater and other compatible printer accessories.
3D Printer Tech Specs
Printing Parameter
- System: EL3D-3.0.1
- Operation: 3.5-inch Resistive Touch Screen
- Slicer Software: Voxeldance Tango & CHITUBOX
- Connectivity: USB Interface
Hardware Specification
- Dimension: 327.4mm(L) × 329.2mm(W) × 548mm(H)
- Build Volume: 218.88mm(L) × 122.88mm(W) × 220mm(H)
- Package Size: 620mm(L) × 400mm(W) × 400mm(H)
- Gross Weight: 16.5KG
- Net Weight: 13.5KG
Printing Specification
- Technology: MSLA Stereolithography
- Light Source: COB Light Source + Fresnel Collimating Lens (wavelength 405nm)
- XY Resolution: 19 × 24µm (11520 × 5120 pixels)
- Z-axis Accuracy: 0.02mm
- Layer Thickness: 0.01-0.2mm
- Printing Speed (Max): 70mm/h
- Power Requirements: 100-240V 50/60 Hz 24V 6A
Device Self-Check
Upon startup, the printer conducts a self-check on key hardware components to prevent printing failures due to hardware malfunctions. Refer to the error prompts on the machine to troubleshoot. Do not touch the printer during the self-check process.
Screenshot of the printer's self-check interface, showing status of various components and release film usage count.
- Release film usage count: [current count]
- Status of LCD screen connection: [status]
- Status of the motor: [status]
- Status of the fan: [status]
- Status of LED light source: [status]
- LED temperature detection: [status]
- Mechanical sensor: [status]
- Re-detection option available.
- The interface indicates accumulated release film usage and prompts for printer status.
When the accumulated usage of the release film approaches 60,000 times, the device will issue a reminder to replace the release film. Click the refresh button on the device self-check page to reset the counter manually.
Screenshots of the printer's touch screen interface showing navigation options like Tool, Settings, Device self-test, and Print.
Test Printing
After inserting the build plate into the connecting block, press down the handle to secure the build plate. The build plate is capable of self-leveling and ready to use.
1. Model Printing
Slowly add resin into the resin tank (ensure the resin level is not less than 1/3 of the tank volume and does not exceed the MAX line). The machine will perform a self-check before printing; do not touch the machine during this process. Cover the printer's anti-UV cover and then select the sliced test model for printing.
2. Model Processing
After printing is completed, wait until the resin on the build plate stops dripping. Lift the handle to take out the build plate, and use a scraper to remove the model. ELEGOO's cleaning and curing machine can be used for post-processing the model.
Diagram illustrating the process of securing the build plate and removing a printed model using a scraper.
Software Installation and Setup
The printer can install and use the Voxeldance Tango or CHITUBOX slicing software from the USB flash drive. This guide uses Voxeldance Tango as an example.
1. Install Voxeldance Tango
Select the software from the USB flash drive or go to Voxeldance's official website (www.voxeldance.com/Tango) to download the correct slicing software version and install it on your computer.
2. How to use Voxeldance Tango
2.1 Software Activation
After installation, run the software and select "Activate your license" -> "Activate with printer hardware code". Press "Settings" -> "Information" on the printer's screen to view the machine "ID". Enter the 10-digit "ID" into the "Printer Hardware Code" column in the software and fill in other relevant information to complete the activation.
Screenshot of the Voxeldance Tango software's "Information" screen showing printer ID.
Screenshots of the Voxeldance Tango software's license activation interface.
2.2 Loading and Manipulating Models
Click "File -> Open File" and select your 3D model file (.stl type). Left-click on the model and use the on-screen options to control and change the viewing angle, size, and position of the model.
Other Operations:
- Long press the left button and drag the model to the desired position.
- Scroll the mouse wheel to zoom in or out on the model.
- Long press the right mouse button to view the model from different perspectives.
3. Voxeldance Tango Setting
3.1 Printer Selection
Click "Platform Definitions" and select ELEGOO Saturn 4 as the default printer.
Screenshot showing the "Select a machine to add" dialog in Voxeldance Tango, with ELEGOO Saturn 4 selected.
Screenshot showing the detailed settings for ELEGOO Saturn 4 in Voxeldance Tango.
3.2 Build Volume
The default parameters for build volume do not need to be changed. 'X' indicates the maximum print size in the X-axis direction, and so on.
3.3 Resin Parameter
- Resin Density: 1.1g/ml
- Resin Cost: Input the actual price of the resin purchased; the slicing software can calculate the resin costs for each model printed.
3.4 Parameters
- Layer Height: The thickness of each printed layer. Recommended height is 0.05mm, adjustable from 0.01-0.2mm. Higher thickness requires longer exposure time per layer.
- Bottom Layer Count: The number of initial printing layers. The default is 5 layers.
- Exposure Time: Exposure time for normal printing layers. Default is 2.5 seconds. Thicker layers require longer exposure.
- Transition Layer Count: Number of transition layers after bottom layers for better bonding. Other parameters are the same as normal layers, except for exposure time.
- Bottom Exposure Time: Exposure time for bottom layers. Increasing this can improve stickiness to the printing platform. Default is 35 seconds.
- Wait After Cure: Time between end of exposure and build platform leaving surface. Default: 0 seconds.
- Wait Before Cure: Time between build platform moving to printing surface and starting exposure. Default: 0.5 seconds.
- Wait After Lift: Time between printing platform lifting, becoming stationary, and starting to return. Default: 0 seconds.
- Bottom Wait After Cure: Time between end of exposure and build platform moving away from surface for bottom layers. Default: 0 seconds.
- Bottom Wait Before Cure: Time between build platform moving to printing surface and starting exposure for bottom layers. Default: 0.5 seconds.
- Bottom Wait After Lift: Time between build platform lifting, becoming stationary, and starting to return for bottom layers. Default: 0 seconds.
- Bottom Lift Distance: Distance build platform leaves printing surface each time during bottom printing. Default: 3+4mm.
- Lifting Distance: Distance build platform leaves printing surface each time during normal layer printing. Default: 3+4mm.
- Bottom Retract Distance: Retract distance of the build platform during bottom printing. Do not change if not necessary.
- Retract Distance: Retract distance of the build platform during normal layer printing. Do not change if not necessary.
- Bottom Lift Speed: Moving speed of build platform away from printing surface during bottom printing. Default: 65+180mm/min.
- Lifting Speed: Moving speed of build platform away from printing surface during normal layer printing. Default: 60+180mm/min.
- Bottom Retract Speed: Moving speed of build platform close to printing surface during bottom printing. Default: 180+65mm/min.
- Retract Speed: Moving speed of build platform close to printing surface during normal layer printing. Default: 180+65mm/min.
- Parameter mode: Default is static mode. Options include high-speed mode or smooth mode. The printer dynamically adjusts parameters based on model complexity to improve print quality and speed.
Note: Printing parameters listed are for reference only. For actual applications, contact official after-sales technical support for confirmation based on factors like machine model and resin type/color.
FAQ
1. Model doesn't stick to the build plate
Bottom layer exposure time might be too short; please add more time. Ensure the model bottom has sufficient contact with the build plate and add more bottom layers.
2. Model layer breakage
Check if the printer is shaking during printing. The release liner film may be too loose due to long-time usage and needs changing. Ensure the build plate or resin tank is securely fastened.
3. Abnormal Screen Exposure
If your printer is not working correctly, contact ELEGOO at 3dp@elegoo.com. Please include your order ID in your email to help resolve the issue faster.
4. Printing failure
If a model was not completely printed or failed, there might be residues left in the resin. Filter the resin using a funnel when saving it back into its bottle. Failure to filter residues can damage the LCD screen on subsequent prints. Clean residual resin on the build plate and tank with tissues.
5. Error message for residue detection when starting a print
First, check if the resin tank and build plate are properly secured. Try printing again. Avoid touching or causing vibrations to the machine during the self-check process to prevent sensor calibration issues. If the error persists, clean the resin tank or filter the resin for any tiny foreign objects.
6. Resin insufficient or exceeding maximum volume error when starting a print
The mechanical sensor detects the remaining resin. Ensure the resin level is above one-third of the tank volume and does not exceed the MAX line to prevent leakage. If the required resin amount exceeds the current level, a prompt for resin refilling will appear. Recalibrate the device through the self-check process if abnormal errors occur. Do not touch or vibrate the machine during self-check.
7. How to adjust the printing speed
The release speed is fixed (fast/slow modes available). The first 50 layers are always printed at a slower speed for higher success rates. Actual printing speed per layer depends on slicing parameters like layer thickness, exposure time, and wait time.
8. Resin leaks into the machine
Due to the nature of tilted release motion, a completely sealed printing area is not possible. Protective measures are in place. When the sensor detects resin exceeding the MAX line, the print stops with a warning. A groove below the build plate collects minor leaks. For significant spills, disconnect power promptly and open the front panel for cleaning.
Machine Maintenance
- Do not use sharp or pointy tools to scrape the resin tank to avoid damaging the release liner film.
- Clean the resin tank before changing the resin to another color.
- Before and after printing, clean the build plate with paper towels or alcohol to ensure there are no bumps or burrs.
- Before each printing, perform a daily check of the machine's exterior and all mechanical parts for obvious damage, defects, or abnormalities.
- Maintain the printing environment at 25-30 degrees Celsius and ventilate the room to facilitate heat dissipation and resin odor volatilization.
- If the Z-axis makes friction noise, add lubricant to the lead screw. Apply lubricant grease at least every 2-3 months, increasing frequency with printing usage.
- If the printer is not used for 48 hours, pour the remaining resin from the resin tank back into the resin bottle and seal it well. Filter any residue.
- The release film is a wearing part; replace it regularly according to machine prompts to ensure printing success.
- Be careful when removing the printing platform to avoid damaging the LCD screen. The screen's service life is approximately 2000+ hours, decreasing with increased printing frequency. Clean the screen daily and unplug the machine after printing. Replace the screen if there is an exposure problem or if its service life affects print quality.
Warranty Statement
- From the date of purchase, ELEGOO printers are entitled to a 1-year free warranty service, excluding consumables such as the LCD screen and release film.
- The LCD screen has a 6-month free warranty service.
- The free warranty does NOT cover problems caused by self-disassembly, improper use, or normal wear and tear of the machine housing.
Contact Information
- Telephone: 0755-21005141
- Mailbox: 3dp@elegoo.com
- Website: www.ELEGOO.com
- Address: 101, No.30 Dahe Industrial Park, Guancheng Community, Guanhu Street, Longhua District, Shenzhen, China
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