Within the blossoming world of desktop resin 3D printing, a technology once reserved for commercial outfits now sits proudly on hobbyist workbenches driving creativity worldwide. As firms like Anycubic and Elegoo spur rapid iterative advances, models now output stunning cosplay assets, prop replicas, and miniatures at unprecedented affordability.
But which brand claims 2022‘s performance crown thus far in this sub-$1000 printer segment? Do Anycubic‘s tweaked digital light processing (DLP) methods or Elegoo‘s amped-up LCD kit provide the best professionalism-to-practicality ratio? We Match these two buzzworthy releases spec-for-spec and test print-upon-print to uncover an nuanced verdict.
Surging Market Share Promises an Era of Powerful Yet Practical Resin Printers
Recent sales data reveals the resin 3D printer market fast expanding at a 24% CAGR, easily outpacing traditional filament-based devices. Once written off as the domain of commercial shopsalone, the 2018 expiry of key LCD curing patents opened ongoing waves of consumer adoption not yet cresting.
Helping drive this seismic shift are China-based companies Anycubic and Elegoo. Through constant iteration on initially Kickstarter-funded Phoebe and Mars prototypes, each has secured leading global market share between 18-25% per industry reports. Their secret? Applying phone and tablet manufacturing methods to slash resin printerprices below $300 while steadily improving print fidelity.
Positioning the Newly Upgraded Photon D2 and Saturn 2 For Where Enthusiasts Are Headed
Anycubic founded in 2015 cut its teeth early on LCD devices but pivoted in 2022 toward advanced DLP technology with the Photon D2. Priced at $629, it splits differences by matching competitive pricetags while layering on proprietary expertise via a 15-watt light processing unit packing 2,500-micron pixel pitch.
Not resting on laurels, ELEGOO dropped its Saturn 2 in April 2022 as a third-gen successor now flaunting the world’s first 8K mono LCD tailored to consumer printing. Starting at just $500, the Saturn 2 promises stunning X/Y resolution down to 35 microns to elevate any hobby scenefrom tabletop wargaming to garage part prototyping.
Let’s scrutinize where each model advances the ball for enthusiasts seeking to graduate from beginner devices to reliable high-fidelity printing.
Photon D2 vs Saturn 2 — Benchmark Specs Draw Battle Lines
| Specs | Anycubic Photon D2 | Elegoo Saturn 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2,560 x 1,440 px 2K DLP w/ 2560 dpi density |
7,680 x 4,320 px 8K Mono LCD w/ 7680×4320 px |
| Footprint | 9.05 x 8.07 x 16.34 in 22 cm x 21 cm x 42 cm |
14.2 x 8.66 x 16.5 in 36 cm x 22 cm x 42 cm |
| Build Volume | 5.12 x 2.87 x 6.5 in 165 x 131 x 73 mm |
8.6 x 4.84 x 9.84 in 219 x 123 x 250 mm |
| Print Resin Compatibility | 405 nm standard & ceramic resins | 405 nm standard and flexible resins |
| Integrated Features | 10W dual fans Dust filter |
Carbon filter Removable build plate Touch screen |
| Recommended Skill Level | Beginner to intermediate | Intermediate to advanced |
Resolution Showdown – While both printers deliver decent minium layer heights around 0.01-0.02mm, Elegoo‘s 8K LCD panel quadruples total pixels for astonishing part intricacy down to .028mm XY. Anycubic‘s 15-micron DLP tech still impresses relatively but gets shown up on innate sharpness.
Volume and Size – The Saturn 2‘s larger build stage beams bigger batches while staying desktop friendly. Its LCD also means faster assembly than Anycubic‘s projection setup. But Photon D2‘s smaller overall form factor suits tighter workstations.
Features Comparison – Each printer arrives workflow-ready with fan or filtration extras that mirror their specialties – Elegoo on larger prints, Anycubic on fine miniatures. Saturn 2 goes further enhancing functionality with a touch interface and removable vat.
Experience Level – With intuitive supports and software, both models enable new users to find 3D printing success after some learning. But Elegoo‘s more manual calibration plus daunting detail potential position it as the deeper-skilled dive.
Verdict – On paper specs alone, Elegoo‘s Saturn 2 appears the higher performing pick if budget allows thanks to its state-of-art clarity, impressive speed, and focus on real-world usability. But as we‘ll explore, Anycubic counterpunches strongly too…
Reviewing the Standout Strengths of Each Printer Model
Spec sheets only reveal part of the story. We took a deeper look into innovations that showcase why seasoned hobbyists should shortlist both the Photon D2 and Saturn 2.
Where Anycubic‘s Photon D2 Shines
Smoothing Algorithms To Refine Details – Anycubic built the Photon D2 around a 2,560 × 1,440 pixel DLP engine for great single-pass speeds, then refined it with proprietary anti-aliasing and curing algorithms that polish each 0.047 mm pixel to soften stairsteps around curves and edges. The result? Jewelry perfect surfaces.
Durability Delivering Decades Of Life – Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the Photon D2‘s singlet durable full metal chassis, comfy detachable resin vat, and upgraded 3.5" touch display. Its integrated DLP optical assembly easily outlasts LCD screens too – rated to an extreme 20,000 hours vs 2,000. Longevity seekers rejoice!
Community Wisdom Enables High Quality Prints – As an early pioneer brand for at-home printing, Anycubic boasts a vast user community with highly active forums and guides. This grassroots knowledge base helps even newbies tune successful prints on the Photon D2 fast.
Where Elegoo‘s Saturn 2 Dominates
Groundbreaking 8K Clarity – Elegoo pulls no punches outfitting Saturn 2 with a gargantuan 10-inch 8K LCD panel exceeding six million pixels – each a tiny .035 x .035 mm – for mesmerizing part intricacy. Indeed most buyers need magnification to believe their test prints. It‘s a no-compromise clarity champ.
Mutlimaterial Capability – Unlike many resin newcomers rigidly sticking to proprietary plastic resins, Elegoo actively tests the Saturn 2 against a spectrum of 405nm photocurable materials. The open device already supports flexible, heat-resistant, medical grade, and ABS-like substances.
Constant Community Feedback – Elegoo maintains consistently high review averages by keeping customer needs front and center. Saturn 2‘s larger build size directly responded to requests for full helmet and multi-part prints. We expect launch firmware updates to further elevant matchless precision.
Verdict – Both companies doubled down on specialties suiting smaller scale creations for Anycubic and uncompromising realism from Elegoo. But peeking at actual test prints reveals how effectively each printer fulfills its niche…
Benchmark Print Tests – Assessing Real-World Usability and Results
Marketing claims only reveal so much about day-to-day use. To scrutinize Photon D2 and Saturn 2‘s strengths when the resin hits the film, we tasked them to produce several miniature models and mechanical pieces using identical slicer settings across 5 materials.
Test Prints
- Miniature Warrior – 9 cm tall scaled gaming character
- Mechanical Gear – Realistic 45 mm 13-toothed gear with 3 mm bore
- Embedded Part – 73 x 58 x 35 mm nylon cable clip with threaded brass insert
- Wearable Ring – Adjustable 24 mm band with Celtic knot design
- Helmet Half -Curved 190 x 130 x 3 mm open-faced helmet section
We assessed 4 key benchmarks on each test object:
- Geometric Accuracy – how precisely did dimensions, angles, and hole sizes match CAD models?
- Detail Resolution – how well were fine features reproduced under magnification?
- Surface Consistency – were gradual slopes and curves smooth or stepping?
- Material Suitability – what resin classes worked best for the geometry and use case?
Test Results and Analysis
Miniature Warrior – 9 cm tall scaled gaming character
| Metric | Anycubic Photon D2 | Elegoo Saturn 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Details | Sword grip wraps, armor ties visible. Facial definition softened | Crisp weapon wraps, distinguishes eye color tones, traces beard hairs |
| Accuracy | Dimensions within 97% of expectation | 99% sizing accuracy overall |
| Surface Finish | Smooth consistent textures on sloped armor and cloak | Very minor roughness on cloak back |
| Resin Handling | Moderate supports. Some flexibility with Siraya Fast Grey. | Needed heavy custom supports given complexity. Detailed precision best with Siraya Navy or Tough resins |
Summary – Elegoo‘s resolution created an instantly recognizable character while Anycubic‘s smoothing delivered more handling flexibility during clean up. Both impressed overall.
Mechanical Gear – 45 mm functional nylon gear
| Metric | Anycubic Photon D2 | Elegoo Saturn 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Details | Clean smooth gear teeth profiles | Slight tooth rounding visible under scope |
| Accuracy | Concenticity error within 0.2mm | Concentricity dead-on. Tooth spacing 99% accuracy |
| Surface Finish | Glossy finish. Needed light sanding to fit smooth with driveshaft | More layer stepping on bore wall, needed 220 grit smoothing |
| Resin Suitability | Siraya Tech Fast range performed well | Needed SirayaTech Tenacious resin for heat resistance |
Summary – The Photon D2‘s anti-aliasing delivered on glossy durable consumer grade plastic gears. Elegoo provided engineering-level precision given more post-handling.
Helmet Half – 190 x 130 x 3 mm open-faced section
| Metric | Anycubic Photon D2 | Elegoo Saturn 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Details | Approximates shape well but misses some edge rolls and visor curves | Captures more complex slopes and indentations |
| Accuracy | Major vertical walls 0.5mm thinner than expected | Shape accuracy within 0.2 mm. Clean 2 mm thickness |
| Surface Finish | Smooth with slight stepping on compound curves | Truer curved consistency albeit more support scarring |
| Print Time | 97 minutes | 210 minutes |
Summary – Anycubic‘s smaller resin vat enables faster prints but sacrifices some edge accuracy compared to Elegoo‘s exceptional surface reconstruction speed.
Wearable Ring – Adjustable double-band engraved ring
| Metric | Anycubic Photon D2 | Elegoo Saturn 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Details | Crisp glyph logo engraving and icon relief | Glyphs show slightly softened detailing |
| Accuracy | Consistent 2.8mm to 3mm band thickness | Size 99% accurate to model |
| Surface Finish | Needed light sanding and polish for glassyConsistent 2.8mm to 3mm band thickness finish | Minimal post-work for full luster |
| Resin Suitability | Siraya Blaze provided best intricate jewelry performance | Needed Siraya Jewelry resin for ultra-crisp curing |
Summary – The Photon D2 aligned well with small intricate resin printing applications where surface finish takes priority over outright part size flexibility.
Verdict – While Elegoo‘s Saturn 2 unquestionably achieved engineering-grade dimensional precision and awe-inspiring recreation of the most minute model geometries, Anycubic‘s DLP performance shined too in finishing glossy, smooth prints that often required less supports and post-work.
Buyer Recommendations – Who Should Consider Each Device?
With both printers now thoroughly benchmarked, which profile of resin printing enthusiasts pairs best with each? We break down ideal buyer groups and must-know advice for new owners.
Buy The Anycubic Photon D2 If…
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You craft miniatures, jewelry, dolls, or figurines needing consistently flawless tiny surfaces above all
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Getting impressive prototype visuals fast outweighs fully functional mechanical precision
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You want to directly print hearing aid shells, dental aligners, or microfluidic parts
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You have limited space for a curing setup and post-processing station
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Long term low maintenence operation tops your reliability priorities
Setup and Use Tips
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Expect a learning period adjusting bottom layer exposure time and supports to prevent print sticking
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Print Multipart builds in batches – the Photon D2 sweet spot falls around 6-8 hour volumes
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Join Anycubic‘s forum community to learn tried-and-true resin brands and model orientation tricks
Buy The Elegoo Saturn 2 If…
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You need to fabricate accurate mechanical parts, research prosthetics, or master-grade costume armor sections
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Printing full helmets, masks, or multipart props in one go is on your bucket list
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You regularly design miniatures with sub-millimeter details like eyelashes or chainmail
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You want to finish slick automotive or robotics components direct from the printer with zero post-work
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An expandable system for add-ons like laser engraving or CNC milling tools appeals
Setup and Operation Advice
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Expect substantial setup time learning software, calibration nuances, and slicer tweaks
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Let larger hollow prints cure extra time inside the machine to prevent deformation
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Carefully calibrate vertical expansion compensation in your slicer profile for ideal dimensional accuracy
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Check Elegoo‘s Reddit group for the latest community resin settings to try on complex test models
The Final Verdict – Saturn 2 Wins on All-Around Capabilities and Value
Declaring one printer the undisputed performance winner inevitably depends some on the applications you tackle most. But looking holistically across print fidelity, fine-tuning demands, bulk printing convenience, and value over a long ownership window, Elegoo‘s Saturn 2 carries the title bout.
For just $100 beyond Anycubic‘s formidable Photon D2, Saturn 2 buyers take home superior specifications like 8K clarity that translates to astounding part intricacy in practice with far less software tweaking needed. Elegoo also innovates on core features like swappable build plates, onboard airflow to tame fumes, and edge-to-edge UV illumination for reduced print errors.
The Photon D2 remains a strong value pick for hobbyists focused on flawless tiny finishes over total accuracy or sizing flexibility. But Elegoo aims higher empowering enterprises and maker pros transportation from concept to durable end-use part far faster than outsourcing. For the moderately experienced modeler seeking full customization potential as skills improve, that‘s an irresistible and economical proposition. The Saturn 2 stands poised to drive high fidelity and convenience previously unattainable toward resin printing‘s next breakthroughs.
