Published on Fri Oct 25 2024 01:42:56 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Elegoo Jupiter: A Deep Dive into This Massive Resin 3D Printer

The Elegoo Jupiter has been making waves in the resin 3D printing community, and for good reason. It’s a large-format machine designed for printing sizable models or multiple smaller prints simultaneously, offering impressive detail and a relatively user-friendly experience. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Jupiter stand out.

Elegoo Jupiter: Detailed Specifications

Before diving into its performance, let’s break down the Jupiter’s core specifications:

• Technology: MSLA (Masked Stereolithography)
• Build Volume: 277.84mm (L) x 156.38mm (W) x 300mm (H)
• XY Resolution: 51 μm
• Z Resolution: 10 μm (layer thickness)
• Light Source: COB UV LED
• Wavelength: 405nm
• LCD Screen: 12.8-inch 6K Monochrome LCD
• Release Film: nFEP Film
• Operating System: Linux
• Connectivity: USB, Ethernet
• Slicer Software: Chitubox, Lychee Slicer
• Power Requirements: 100-240V, 50/60Hz
• Printer Size: 49cm (L) x 42.5cm (W) x 65.5cm (H)
• Weight: Approximately 26kg
• Price: Varies, but generally positioned in the mid-range price bracket for large-format resin printers.

Getting Started: Usage Tips and Tricks

The Jupiter, like all resin printers, requires some careful setup and maintenance. Here are some tips to get the most out of your machine:

• Leveling is Key: Ensuring a perfectly leveled build plate is crucial for successful prints. The Jupiter features an auto-leveling system, but it’s still wise to double-check after the initial setup. Use a leveling card or a sheet of paper and make minor adjustments to the plate screws if needed.
• Resin Settings are Critical: Don’t blindly accept default resin settings. Test and adjust exposure times, lift speeds, and other parameters to find the optimal settings for each resin you use. Consider running exposure tests (like the XP2 validation matrix) for each new resin.
• Support Strategies: Proper support placement is essential, especially with larger prints. Experiment with different support types (light, medium, heavy) and densities. Angle your models strategically to minimize the need for supports on critical surfaces. Lychee Slicer and Chitubox both offer excellent support generation tools.
• Post-Processing is Essential: Resin prints require washing and curing after printing. Invest in a good washing station (ideally ultrasonic) and a UV curing station. Proper post-processing dramatically improves the final quality and strength of your prints.
• Resin Handling: Resin is a potentially hazardous material. Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling it. Work in a well-ventilated area. Dispose of resin and cleaning solutions responsibly, following local regulations.
• nFEP Film Care: The nFEP film on the resin vat is susceptible to scratches and damage. Avoid using sharp objects to remove prints. Use a plastic scraper designed for this purpose. Replace the film when it becomes cloudy or damaged.
• Resin Temperature: Resin viscosity is affected by temperature. In colder environments, warm the resin slightly before printing for better adhesion.
• Utilize the Build Volume: The Jupiter’s large build volume allows you to print multiple parts simultaneously. Plan your prints strategically to maximize space efficiency. Consider creating jigs or fixtures to hold parts securely during printing.
• Regular Cleaning: Keep the printer clean. Wipe down the LCD screen, build plate, and surrounding areas regularly to prevent resin buildup.

Elegoo Jupiter: A Comprehensive Rating

Here’s a detailed rating of the Elegoo Jupiter across various important categories:

• Print Quality: 9/10: The Jupiter excels in print quality, delivering highly detailed models with smooth surfaces. The 6K resolution LCD ensures crisp and accurate reproduction of fine details.
• Build Volume: 10/10: The large build volume is one of the Jupiter’s primary strengths. It allows for printing large models in a single piece or printing multiple smaller objects simultaneously, greatly increasing productivity.
• Printing Speed: 7/10: Printing speed is average for MSLA printers. While not the fastest on the market, the Jupiter’s speed is adequate for its build volume. Cure times depend on the resin used.
• Material Compatibility: 8/10: Compatible with a wide range of 405nm resins, including standard, tough, flexible, and castable resins. Optimal settings will vary based on the specific resin used.
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 8/10: The auto-leveling system generally works well, but occasional manual adjustments might be necessary. A properly leveled build plate ensures excellent adhesion.
• Reliability: 7/10: Generally reliable, but occasional hiccups can occur, as with any 3D printer. Careful setup, maintenance, and proper resin settings are crucial for consistent results.
• Ease of Use: 7/10: The Jupiter is relatively user-friendly, especially for those familiar with resin printing. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, and the slicer software is straightforward. However, the large build volume and resin handling require some experience.
• Firmware and Software: 7/10: The firmware is stable and provides essential functionality. Compatible with popular slicer software like Chitubox and Lychee Slicer. Updates are available to improve performance and add features.
• Connectivity Options: 8/10: Offers both USB and Ethernet connectivity, providing flexibility in how you connect to the printer. Ethernet allows for remote monitoring and control.
• Build Quality & Durability: 8/10: The Jupiter is constructed from sturdy materials and feels solid. The metal frame provides stability, and the components are well-assembled.
• Noise Level: 6/10: Produces some noise during operation, primarily from the fans and the build plate movement. The noise level is comparable to other resin printers.
• Maintenance Requirements: 7/10: Requires regular maintenance, including cleaning the build plate, LCD screen, and resin vat. nFEP film replacement is necessary periodically.
• Customer Support: 7/10: Elegoo offers decent customer support through their website and forums. Response times can vary, but they generally address issues effectively.
• Upgradeability: 6/10: Limited upgrade options. Potential upgrades include better fans or an air filtration system.
• Price to Performance Ratio: 8/10: The Jupiter offers excellent value for its price, especially considering its large build volume and print quality. It provides a compelling alternative to more expensive large-format resin printers.

Average Score: 7.53/10

Conclusion

The Elegoo Jupiter is a powerful and versatile resin 3D printer that offers a large build volume, high print quality, and a relatively user-friendly experience. While it requires some careful setup and maintenance, the Jupiter is a valuable tool for hobbyists, designers, and professionals who need to produce large-scale models or multiple parts simultaneously. Its strong performance and impressive value make it a compelling option in the large-format resin printer market.

Written by Alex