Published on Sun May 23 2021 16:29:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Elegoo Neptune 3: A Deep Dive into This Budget-Friendly 3D Printer

The Elegoo Neptune 3 has carved a significant niche for itself in the ever-expanding world of 3D printing. Aimed at both beginners and seasoned makers looking for a reliable secondary machine, it offers a compelling combination of features at an attractive price point. This article provides an in-depth look at the Neptune 3, covering its specifications, practical usage tips, and a thorough evaluation based on key performance indicators.

Detailed Specifications

Understanding the core specifications is crucial for evaluating any 3D printer. Here’s a breakdown of the Neptune 3’s key technical details:

• Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 280 mm (8.7 x 8.7 x 11 inches)
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (standard)
• Layer Resolution: 0.05 - 0.4 mm
• Print Speed: 30-180 mm/s (recommended 60 mm/s)
• Supported Filaments: PLA, TPU, PETG, ABS (with enclosure recommended)
• Frame Material: Aluminum Extrusion
• Bed Type: PEI Magnetic Spring Steel Sheet
• Bed Temperature: Up to 100°C
• Nozzle Temperature: Up to 260°C
• Connectivity: Micro SD Card, USB
• Power Supply: 24V, 270W
• Display: 4.3-inch Touchscreen
• Leveling: Automatic Bed Leveling (CR Touch)
• Filament Sensor: Filament Runout Sensor
• Resume Printing: Power Loss Recovery
• Operating System: Marlin Firmware
• Machine Dimensions: 442 x 462 x 453 mm
• Machine Weight: ~8.1 kg

Usage Tips for Optimal Results

Getting the most out of your Neptune 3 requires a bit of fine-tuning and understanding. Here are some practical tips to help you achieve optimal print quality:

• Assembly: While partially assembled, ensure all screws are tightened properly. Pay special attention to the eccentric nuts on the X and Z axes to eliminate any wobble.
• Bed Leveling: Even with the automatic bed leveling (CR Touch), performing a manual “Z-Offset” adjustment after the auto-leveling process is essential. Fine-tuning the Z-offset ensures the first layer adheres correctly to the bed. Use a piece of paper under the nozzle to find the sweet spot where the paper offers slight resistance.
• Filament Drying: PLA, PETG, and even TPU can absorb moisture from the air, leading to printing issues like stringing and poor layer adhesion. Investing in a filament dryer, or using a makeshift drying solution (oven at low temperature), is highly recommended.
• Print Speed: While the Neptune 3 is capable of higher speeds, starting with a print speed of 60 mm/s for PLA is advisable. Increase speed gradually as you gain experience and observe print quality.
• Temperature Settings: Refer to the filament manufacturer’s recommended temperature range. PLA typically prints well between 200-220°C, while PETG often requires higher temperatures around 230-245°C. Bed temperatures should also be adjusted according to the filament.
• Slicer Settings: Experiment with different slicer settings such as retraction distance, retraction speed, and cooling fan settings. Proper retraction settings can significantly reduce stringing.
• Bed Adhesion: The PEI magnetic spring steel sheet provides excellent adhesion for most filaments. However, cleaning the bed regularly with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) ensures optimal adhesion. For more challenging materials like ABS, consider using a bed adhesive like glue stick or hairspray.
• Z-Seam Placement: Adjust the Z-seam alignment within your slicer to make the seam less visible on your finished prints. Options include “Rear,” “Random,” “Aligned,” and “User Specified.”

Performance Evaluation

The Elegoo Neptune 3 is evaluated across several key categories, each rated on a scale of 1 to 10.

• Print Quality: 7/10. With proper tuning, the Neptune 3 can produce impressive prints with good detail. However, occasional imperfections like slight ringing or minor inconsistencies may appear, especially at higher speeds.
• Build Volume: 8/10. The 220 x 220 x 280 mm build volume offers a decent amount of space for a wide range of projects, suitable for most hobbyist and maker applications.
• Printing Speed: 7/10. While capable of high speeds, the Neptune 3 performs best at moderate speeds (60-80 mm/s) to maintain optimal print quality. Pushing the speed too high can lead to artifacts and reduced accuracy.
• Material Compatibility: 7/10. The Neptune 3 handles PLA, TPU, and PETG with ease. ABS printing is possible with an enclosure, but may require more fine-tuning.
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 9/10. The PEI magnetic spring steel sheet provides excellent adhesion, and the CR Touch auto-leveling system simplifies the leveling process significantly. Minor Z-offset adjustments are still needed for optimal results.
• Reliability: 7/10. The Neptune 3 generally offers good reliability, but occasional issues like extruder clogs or sensor malfunctions may occur. Regular maintenance and proper settings can minimize these occurrences.
• Ease of Use: 8/10. The Neptune 3 is relatively easy to set up and use, especially for beginners. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, and the auto-leveling system simplifies the leveling process.
• Firmware and Software: 7/10. The Marlin firmware provides a stable and customizable platform. The Neptune 3 is compatible with popular slicer software like Cura, PrusaSlicer, and Simplify3D.
• Connectivity Options: 6/10. The Neptune 3 only offers connectivity via Micro SD card and USB. A lack of Wi-Fi connectivity may be a drawback for some users.
• Build Quality & Durability: 7/10. The aluminum extrusion frame provides decent rigidity, but some plastic components may feel less durable. Overall, the Neptune 3 offers good build quality for its price point.
• Noise Level: 6/10. The Neptune 3’s noise level is moderate. The stepper motors can generate some noise during printing.
• Maintenance Requirements: 7/10. The Neptune 3 requires regular maintenance, including cleaning the bed, lubricating moving parts, and occasionally replacing the nozzle.
• Customer Support: 6/10. Elegoo’s customer support can be hit or miss. Response times can vary, and the level of assistance may depend on the specific issue.
• Upgradeability: 8/10. The Neptune 3 offers good upgradeability. Users can upgrade components like the extruder, hotend, and cooling system to improve performance and expand material compatibility.
• Price to Performance Ratio: 9/10. The Neptune 3 offers excellent value for its price. It provides a compelling combination of features and performance at an affordable price point.

Overall Average Score: 7.3/10

Conclusion

The Elegoo Neptune 3 is a solid 3D printer that offers a compelling balance of features, performance, and affordability. It’s an excellent choice for beginners looking to enter the world of 3D printing and seasoned makers seeking a reliable and budget-friendly machine. While it may not be perfect, its ease of use, good print quality, and active community support make it a worthwhile investment. With proper tuning and maintenance, the Neptune 3 can deliver impressive results and serve as a valuable tool for a wide range of 3D printing projects.

Written by Alex