Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra vs Formlabs Form 4
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Saturn 3 Ultra and Form 4 are not direct competitors: very different prices (~7.9×). Saturn 3 Ultra costs less (~€549) and is the entry-level choice; Form 4 offers more capability at a higher price (~€4349). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Saturn 3 Ultra
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
Form 4
Formlabs
F3 · Advanced
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2024 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F3 — Advanced |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 549 € | 4349 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 31.24 × 31.24 × 52.74 cm | 39.8 × 36.7 × 55.4 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 12 kg | 18.3 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 218.88 × 122.88 mm | 200 × 125 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 260 mm | 210 mm |
| Power (W) | 150 W | 480 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 240 V |
| Maximum speed | 2.5 mm/min | 100 |
| Declared precision | 19 µm | 50 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 122.88 mm | 125 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 19 µm | 50 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| UV power (mW/cm²) | — | 16 mW/cm² |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 150 mm/h | 100 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | Film ACF | — |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The device offers flexible connectivity manageable via integrated wireless network or standard USB port, facilitating the transfer of print files without physical proximity constraints. It natively supports the main formats generated by the most popular slicing software in the resin 3D printing landscape, such as CHITUBOX and Voxeldance Tango, ensuring full compatibility and flexibility in the digital workflow. The proprietary firmware ensures smooth management of settings directly from the touch screen interface integrated on the machine. Since no mandatory dependencies on closed cloud platforms are found, the user maintains total control over their files and local print preparation, guaranteeing maximum data privacy and operational continuity even without an internet connection. | The printing process is managed by the proprietary PreForm software, a closed application that automatically optimizes model orientation, support generation, and production time calculations. This software environment is designed to ensure a highly streamlined and standardized workflow, ideal for professional contexts where result predictability is crucial. PreForm integrates seamlessly with the manufacturer's ecosystem, receiving continuous updates that introduce new profiles for proprietary resins. The machine also offers optional access to Fleet Control and the cloud-based Dashboard platform, which are advanced tools that allow users to monitor print queues, manage multiple units in parallel, and track material consumption in real time remotely. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Saturn 3 Ultra 549 € vs Form 4 4349 € — Saturn 3 Ultra wins (+692%)
- Work area: Saturn 3 Ultra 218.88×122.88 mm vs Form 4 200×125 mm — Saturn 3 Ultra wins (+8%)
Which one to choose
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.