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Published on Fri Feb 14 2020 13:50:03 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Elegoo Neptune 4: A Deep Dive into Affordable High-Speed 3D Printing

The Elegoo Neptune 4 has made waves in the 3D printing community, promising high-speed printing at a budget-friendly price point. But does it live up to the hype? This article will explore the Neptune 4’s specifications, provide practical usage tips, and thoroughly evaluate its performance across crucial areas.

Elegoo Neptune 4: Detailed Specifications

Let’s start with the technical details that define this printer:

Getting Started: Usage Tips & Best Practices

Setting up and using the Neptune 4 effectively requires understanding its features and some best practices:

  1. Assembly: The Neptune 4 comes mostly pre-assembled, which significantly reduces setup time. Follow the included instructions carefully, paying attention to belt tension and wiring connections.
  2. Bed Leveling: While the Neptune 4 boasts automatic bed leveling, it’s crucial to perform a manual Z-offset adjustment for optimal first layer adhesion. Use a piece of paper to calibrate the nozzle height to the bed. Don’t blindly trust the auto-leveling alone.
  3. Filament Loading: Ensure the filament is properly threaded through the filament sensor and into the direct drive extruder. Keep the filament dry using a dry box or desiccant packs.
  4. Slicing Software: The Neptune 4 is compatible with various slicing software such as Cura, PrusaSlicer, and Simplify3D. Elegoo provides profiles for these slicers. Start with their recommended settings as a base and fine-tune to your specific needs.
  5. Print Speed Optimization: While the Neptune 4 can theoretically reach 500 mm/s, achieving consistent quality at that speed is challenging. Experiment with different speeds, starting around 150-200 mm/s, and gradually increase as you optimize your settings.
  6. Temperature Tuning: Each filament type requires specific temperature settings. Refer to the filament manufacturer’s recommendations and fine-tune based on your printing environment. Use temperature towers to find the sweet spot for your specific filament.
  7. Cooling Management: Proper part cooling is essential, especially when printing at higher speeds. The Neptune 4 has multiple part cooling fans, so experiment with fan speeds in your slicer settings to minimize warping and improve overhang quality.
  8. Adhesion Issues: If you experience adhesion problems, clean the print bed with isopropyl alcohol. You can also use adhesion aids like glue stick or hairspray.
  9. Firmware Updates: Regularly check for firmware updates from Elegoo and install them. Firmware updates often contain performance improvements and bug fixes.

Performance Evaluation

Here’s a detailed evaluation of the Elegoo Neptune 4 across key areas:

  1. Print Quality (8/10): The Neptune 4 can produce excellent print quality with dialed-in settings. Fine details are rendered reasonably well, and layer adhesion is generally good. However, achieving optimal results requires careful calibration and tuning.
  2. Build Volume (7/10): The build volume of 225 x 225 x 265 mm is adequate for most hobbyist projects. It strikes a good balance between size and compactness.
  3. Printing Speed (9/10): This is where the Neptune 4 shines. It can print significantly faster than many other printers in its price range. The advertised 500 mm/s is ambitious, but 200-250 mm/s is readily achievable with good results.
  4. Material Compatibility (7/10): The Neptune 4 can handle PLA, PETG, and TPU without significant issues. ABS and Nylon can be printed with an enclosure and careful temperature control.
  5. Bed Adhesion & Leveling (7/10): The automatic bed leveling system is convenient, but manual Z-offset adjustment is crucial for reliable first-layer adhesion. A textured PEI build plate ensures good adhesion for most filaments.
  6. Reliability (7/10): The Neptune 4 is generally reliable, but some users have reported occasional issues with the filament sensor or extruder. Routine maintenance and careful monitoring can help prevent problems.
  7. Ease of Use (8/10): The intuitive touchscreen interface and pre-installed Klipper firmware make the Neptune 4 relatively easy to use, even for beginners.
  8. Firmware and Software (9/10): Klipper firmware is a major advantage, providing advanced features like input shaping and pressure advance. Elegoo also provides profiles for popular slicing software.
  9. Connectivity Options (7/10): USB and Wi-Fi connectivity options provide flexibility for transferring files and controlling the printer remotely.
  10. Build Quality & Durability (8/10): The CNC machined aluminum frame provides a solid and durable foundation. The overall build quality is good for the price.
  11. Noise Level (6/10): The Neptune 4 can be somewhat noisy, especially at higher print speeds due to the cooling fans.
  12. Maintenance Requirements (7/10): Regular cleaning of the print bed, lubrication of moving parts, and occasional nozzle replacement are required to maintain optimal performance.
  13. Customer Support (6/10): Elegoo’s customer support is decent. Response times can vary and the level of assistance may depend on the complexity of the issue. The online community forums can be a valuable resource.
  14. Upgradeability (8/10): The Neptune 4 is reasonably upgradeable. Users can upgrade the nozzle, hot end, extruder, or add an enclosure to expand its capabilities.
  15. Price to Performance Ratio (9/10): The Neptune 4 offers excellent value for its price. It delivers impressive performance and features that are typically found on more expensive printers.

Average Score: 7.6/10

The Elegoo Neptune 4 provides a compelling blend of speed, features, and affordability. While it requires some initial calibration and tuning, its performance potential is substantial. It’s a great option for both beginners looking for a user-friendly printer and experienced users seeking a high-speed machine at a reasonable price.

Written by Alex

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