Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K vs Formlabs Form 4
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
The Saturn 4 Ultra 16K costs €399, the Form 4 almost eleven times as much (€4349), yet the build plate is nearly identical (218.88×122.88 mm vs 200×125 mm). Here price doesn't buy volume: it buys a closed ecosystem built for professional work.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F3 — Advanced |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 399 € | 4349 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 32.74 × 32.92 × 54.8 cm | 39.8 × 36.7 × 55.4 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 14.5 kg | 18.3 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 218.88 × 122.88 mm | 200 × 125 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 220 mm | 210 mm |
| Power (W) | 144 W | 480 W |
| Voltage (V) | 110 V | 240 V |
| Maximum speed | 150 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 | Tilt | — |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The system natively supports ChituBox proprietary slicing software, widely adopted in the resin printing industry, ensuring smooth management of supports and exposure parameters. The machine integrates Wi-Fi connection modules that enable remote management and workflow monitoring. Compatibility with open formats ensures operational flexibility with leading third-party programs, allowing users to optimize printing profiles based on the specific resins used, whether standard or engineering-grade. | 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 4 Ultra 16K €399 vs Form 4 €4349 — Saturn 4 Ultra 16K wins (+990%)
- XY resolution: Saturn 4 Ultra 16K 19 μm vs Form 4 50 μm — Saturn 4 Ultra 16K wins
- Work area: Saturn 4 Ultra 16K 218.88×122.88 mm vs Form 4 200×125 mm — practically tied
Which one to choose
Choose Saturn 4 Ultra 16K if…
Pick the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K if you want the same print footprint at a tenth of the price, with finer XY resolution (19 μm vs 50 μm) and faster speed (150 vs 100 mm/h): for hobby use or small batches, the numbers speak for themselves.
Choose Form 4 if…
Pick the Form 4 only if you need Formlabs' closed pipeline: resins validated for dental and biocompatible use, PreForm's automatic support generation, Fleet Control for managing multiple printers in a lab. It's that ecosystem, not raw specs, that justifies the price.
Where to buy
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