Elegoo Jupiter 2 review: Is this 16K monster the ultimate large-format resin printer?
The Elegoo Jupiter 2: An imposing large-format resin printer designed to bring high-resolution precision to large print volumes. Picture: Elegoo
When it comes to the world of resin 3D printing, the primary draw has always been the incredible level of detail achievable. Unlike filament-based printing, which relies on extruding plastic through a nozzle, resin printing uses light to cure a liquid polymer, layer by layer, in extremely thin layers. This allows for microscopic details, such as pores on a character's skin, the fine etchings on a sword, or the intricate lace of a jewellery piece, that are simply impossible in other formats. The Elegoo Jupiter 2 aims to push this boundary even further. Boasting a staggering 16K resolution, it offers a level of clarity and surface smoothness that pushes the limits of what we thought possible in a large-format resin printer.
The Jupiter 2 feels far more imposing than the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra, which I reviewed last year. With a print volume of 302 × 162 × 300mm, it’s clearly designed for users who need volume without sacrificing precision. I haven’t tested the maximum height with an exceptionally tall print yet, but the larger area makes it easy to fit multiple models or parts onto the build plate at once.One of my favourite features is the side-opening doors. Unlike the Saturn 4 Ultra, which featured a top-loading mechanism that felt somewhat cumbersome, the Jupiter 2 double doors swing sideways with ease. This makes accessing the vat and the build plate significantly more manageable. There is, however, a trade-off to this expansive design. Because the doors swing outwards rather than upwards, you must account for extra lateral space in your workspace. If you are planning to place the Jupiter 2 on a crowded workbench, ensure there is enough clearance on either side of the printer for the doors to function properly.Resin printing is notorious for unpleasant odours. To combat this, I connected the Elegoo Marsmate Air Purifier system to the back of the printer, which helps to neutralise toxic fumes. While working with uncured pieces, I still use a gas mask and keep windows open to ensure airflow.Another big upgrade from the Saturn 4 Ultra is the build plate. The Jupiter 2 features a double-handled build plate equipped with an incredibly easy-to-use release latch system. If you have used older-generation resin printers, you know the struggle of wrestling an awkward, resin-coated plate off a metal bracket. This new system is a total pleasure to use, making handling and cleaning the plate effortless. It’s a significant upgrade in terms of user experience compared to the Saturn 4 Ultra, turning a potentially messy chore into a streamlined process.Although I don’t have first-hand experience, Elegoo has made maintenance easier on the Jupiter 2. A modular design allows for a quick, damage-free LCD replacement. Swapping the FEP film is even faster, taking only minutes thanks to a new clip-in design, compared to the myriad screws used in the older Jupiter SE.
The Jupiter 2 features several high-tech features, most notably its integrated pump. This system is designed for resin management, allowing you to keep the vat topped up via a refill mechanism and even sucking excess resin back into the bottle at the rear of the machine. It is a brilliant way to minimise waste and reduce the risk of running out of resin during a large print project. The 2-litre bottle reservoir is neatly tucked away at the back, and while it is slightly awkward to access, the convenience of the automated system far outweighs the minor struggle of reaching it.The multi-point auto-levelling makes this printer much more accessible for beginners. I didn't encounter any issues with an unlevel build plate, but you can still run a manual levelling procedure if you prefer more control.The integrated heated resin feature is a massive bonus, particularly for those of us living in colder climates. During the winter months, maintaining a consistent temperature is critical because if the resin is too cold, its viscosity changes, which can lead to failed prints or poor layer adhesion. The Jupiter 2 pre-heats resin and maintains a steady 30°C, so you get consistent results regardless of the weather outside.However, the feature set is not without its flaws. The integrated camera, designed for remote monitoring via the Elegoo Matrix app and for capturing time-lapse videos, is unfortunately quite disappointing. The internal LED light is far too dim, making it difficult to see clearly when the printer is closed. More frustratingly, the camera is positioned too high within the chassis. As a result, during much of the printing process, the view of the model's progress is obscured by the build plate itself. It makes remote monitoring much less effective than it should be.The user interface (UI) also leaves something to be desired. While the colour display is sharp, it’s quite small and can be difficult to read at a glance. The screen often feels overcrowded with information, with tiny text that requires squinting to decipher.
My experience with print quality has been a rollercoaster of incredible successes and frustrating setbacks. To begin testing, I used a 2K bottle of water-washable resin that was provided with the printer. The results were nothing short of spectacular. I used this resin to print an entire Lord of the Rings chess set, and the level of detail on the tiny faces and intricate armour was exceptional. Every piece emerged from the vat with crisp edges and smooth surfaces. Other models I’ve printed show just how much detail is achievable thanks to the 16K resolution.
The Elegoo Jupiter 2 is a powerhouse of a printer with undeniably impressive hardware. The 16K resolution delivers breathtaking detail, and the build quality, specifically the side-opening doors and the double-handled build plate, makes the physical act of printing far more enjoyable than previous iterations. The heated resin feature is a game-changer for seasonal reliability, and the automated resin management system is a significant step forward for large-format workflow efficiency.
If you are an experienced resin printer looking for a large-format machine that can handle complex, high-detail models and you have the space to accommodate its design, the Jupiter 2 is a formidable contender. It provides professional-level detail and much-needed automation.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
