ELEGOO Mars vs Saturn – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

ELEGOO Saturn 4 & ELEGOO Mars 5 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the ELEGOO Saturn 4 rather than the ELEGOO Mars 5. 

Why Do I Recommend The ELEGOO Saturn 4

  • The Elegoo Saturn 4 has a significantly larger build volume for printing bigger single-piece models and higher batch counts in one job, while the Elegoo Mars 5 has a much smaller build volume.
  • Elegoo Saturn 4 features a 12K monochrome LCD for producing finer surface detail and smoother gradients on complex prints, whereas the Elegoo Mars 5 uses a 4K monochrome LCD.
  • It comes with a larger 10-inch LCD panel for maintaining high resolution across a wider print area, while the Elegoo Mars 5 uses a smaller 6.6-inch LCD panel.
  • The Elegoo Saturn 4 supports finer XY resolution for sharper edges, clearer text, and more precise miniature details, while the Elegoo Mars 5 has a coarser XY resolution.
  • Elegoo Saturn 4 includes a taller Z-axis height to accommodate longer and vertically oriented models without splitting parts, whereas the Elegoo Mars 5 has a shorter maximum Z height.
  • It uses a more advanced light collimation system for improved exposure consistency across the entire build plate, while the Elegoo Mars 5 relies on a simpler COB light configuration.
  • The Elegoo Saturn 4 comes with a higher-capacity power system to support stable operation during large and long-duration prints, whereas the Elegoo Mars 5 uses a lower-rated power supply.
  • Elegoo Saturn 4 has a heavier and more rigid chassis for increased stability when printing large or dense resin models, while the Elegoo Mars 5 has a lighter frame optimized for compact desktop use.

Maybe the ELEGOO Mars 5 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the ELEGOO Saturn 4. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureELEGOO Saturn 4ELEGOO Mars 5
LCD screen size10-inch mono LCD6.6-inch mono LCD
LCD resolution class12K4K
LCD pixel resolution11520 × 51204098 × 2560
XY resolution19 × 24 μm35 μm
Build volume (L × W × H)218.88 × 122.88 × 220 mm143.43 × 89.6 × 150 mm
Max Z height220 mm150 mm
Print footprint capacityMuch larger plate area for bigger parts/batchesSmaller plate area for miniatures/small parts
Light source designCOB light source + Fresnel collimating lensCOB light source
Light beam control (as positioned)Emphasizes collimation lens for tighter beam controlMore basic COB setup emphasis
Release film type (as marketed)PFA release filmFEP release film
Cooling management (as described)“Advanced cooling system”3 copper heat pipes + single fan
Supported slicer software listVoxeldance Tango, ChituBox, Autodesk FusionChituBox, Voxeldance Tango
Power adapter rating24V 6A24V 3A
Printer dimensions327.4 × 329.2 × 548 mm230 × 230 × 433.5 mm
Net weight13.5 kg6.6 kg
Gross weight18.3 kg8.6 kg
PriceCheck ELEGOO Saturn 4 PriceCheck ELEGOO Mars 5 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Resin printing technology: Both printers use MSLA resin printing, which combines masked LCD exposure with UV light to cure entire layers at once. This allows for fast print times and consistent detail across the build plate.
  • Monochrome LCD screen: Each model uses a monochrome LCD, which transmits more UV light than RGB panels and lasts significantly longer. This improves exposure efficiency and reduces long-term maintenance costs.
  • UV light wavelength: Both printers operate at 405 nm, the standard wavelength for consumer resin printers. This ensures wide compatibility with third-party and specialty resins.
  • COB LED light source: A COB LED array is used in both machines to provide even and stable light output. This helps maintain consistent curing across the entire build area.
  • Layer-based printing: Saturn 4 and Mars 5 both print objects layer by layer from the bottom up. This method enables precise control over surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
  • Z-axis linear rail system: Each printer uses a linear rail for the Z-axis, improving stability during layer changes. This reduces wobble and helps prevent layer shifting or surface artifacts.
  • Metal build plate: Both printers include a rigid metal build plate that provides strong adhesion during printing. Reliable plate rigidity is important for maintaining print accuracy on taller models.
  • UV-resistant resin vat: The resin vats on both machines are designed to withstand prolonged UV exposure. This improves durability and keeps resin handling predictable over time.
  • Bottom-up printing method: Both printers lift prints upward during the curing process. This approach is standard for desktop resin printers and allows for compact machine designs.
  • Touchscreen interface: Saturn 4 and Mars 5 use touchscreen controls for printer setup and operation. This makes navigation intuitive and reduces reliance on physical buttons.
  • USB file transfer: Each printer supports USB drives for transferring sliced print files. This allows offline operation without requiring a constant PC connection.
  • Supports common 405 nm resins: Both models are compatible with standard, ABS-like, water-washable, and specialty 405 nm resins. This flexibility lets users choose materials based on strength, detail, or ease of cleanup.
  • Compatible with ChituBox: ChituBox support ensures access to a widely used slicing ecosystem. This simplifies workflow and provides extensive control over exposure and support settings.
  • Compatible with Voxeldance Tango: Voxeldance Tango compatibility gives users an alternative slicer with advanced control options. Having multiple slicer choices increases workflow flexibility.
  • Adjustable layer height: Both printers allow users to adjust layer height for speed or detail. This makes them suitable for both quick prototypes and high-resolution display models.
  • Power supply type: Each model uses an external power adapter rather than an internal PSU. This helps reduce internal heat buildup and simplifies replacement if needed.
  • Desktop form factor: Saturn 4 and Mars 5 are both designed for desktop use. They are suitable for home workshops, studios, and small professional environments.

Common Features

FeatureELEGOO Saturn 4ELEGOO Mars 5
Resin printing technologyMSLAMSLA
Monochrome LCD screenYesYes
UV light wavelength405 nm405 nm
COB LED light sourceYesYes
Layer-based printingYesYes
Z-axis linear rail systemYesYes
Metal build plateYesYes
UV-resistant resin vatYesYes
Bottom-up printing methodYesYes
Touchscreen interfaceYesYes
USB file transferYesYes
Supports common 405 nm resinsYesYes
Compatible with ChituBoxYesYes
Compatible with Voxeldance TangoYesYes
Adjustable layer heightYesYes
Power supply typeExternal adapterExternal adapter
Desktop form factorYesYes
Price Check ELEGOO Saturn 4 Price Check ELEGOO Mars 5 Price

FAQ

What type of printing technology do the Elegoo Saturn 4 and Elegoo Mars 5 use?
Both the Elegoo Saturn 4 and Elegoo Mars 5 use MSLA resin printing technology, which cures liquid resin layer by layer using a UV light masked by an LCD screen. This method allows for faster print times and higher consistency compared to older SLA systems that rely on laser tracing.

Are the Elegoo Saturn 4 and Mars 5 compatible with the same resins?
Yes, both printers are compatible with standard 405 nm UV-curable resins. This includes common resin types such as standard resin, ABS-like resin, water-washable resin, and specialty engineering resins.

Do both printers use monochrome LCD screens?
Yes, both the Elegoo Saturn 4 and Elegoo Mars 5 are equipped with monochrome LCD screens. Monochrome panels allow more UV light to pass through, which improves curing efficiency and extends screen lifespan.

Can the same slicer software be used for both models?
Both printers support popular slicer software such as ChituBox and Voxeldance Tango. This allows users to switch between the two machines without learning a completely new workflow.

Do the Saturn 4 and Mars 5 support adjustable layer heights?
Yes, both models allow users to adjust layer height settings in the slicer. This makes it possible to prioritize faster prints with thicker layers or higher detail with thinner layers.

Are both printers suitable for beginners?
Both printers are beginner-friendly, but the Mars 5 is generally easier for first-time users due to its smaller build volume and lower resin consumption. The Saturn 4 is still approachable for beginners but is better suited to users who want to print larger objects.

Do both printers use a bottom-up printing method?
Yes, both the Saturn 4 and Mars 5 print using a bottom-up approach where each layer is cured against the release film and then lifted. This is the standard method for desktop resin printers and enables compact machine designs.

Is a touchscreen interface included on both models?
Both printers feature a built-in touchscreen interface. The touchscreen allows for easy navigation of menus, print monitoring, and basic printer controls without external devices.

Can files be transferred to both printers via USB?
Yes, USB file transfer is supported on both the Elegoo Saturn 4 and Mars 5. This allows fully offline printing once files are sliced and saved to a USB drive.

Do both printers include a metal build plate?
Both models come with a rigid metal build plate designed for strong first-layer adhesion. A stable build plate helps prevent print failures, especially on taller or heavier models.

Are the resin vats UV-resistant on both printers?
Yes, both printers use resin vats designed to resist degradation from UV exposure. This improves durability and helps maintain consistent printing performance over time.

Do both printers use a COB LED light source?
Both the Saturn 4 and Mars 5 use a COB LED light source for resin curing. COB lighting provides stable illumination and contributes to consistent layer exposure.

Is the Z-axis design similar on both printers?
Yes, both printers use a linear rail-based Z-axis system. This design improves vertical stability and reduces layer shifting or banding during printing.

Do both models require external power adapters?
Yes, both printers rely on external power adapters rather than internal power supplies. This helps manage internal heat and simplifies power-related maintenance.

Are both printers designed for desktop use?
Both the Elegoo Saturn 4 and Elegoo Mars 5 are designed as desktop resin printers. They are suitable for home workshops, studios, and small professional environments where compact, high-detail printing is needed.