Review of Elegoo Neptune 4: Insights into Klipper and Surface Speed Optimization
The Elegoo Neptune 4, a Klipper-equipped 3D printer, is making waves in the market with its affordable price point under $300, making it one of the most budget-friendly Klipper-powered printers available.
The Neptune 4 offers a blend of speed, build volume, and advanced firmware, catering to both experienced users seeking high-performance printing and beginners who value user-friendly features.
Advantages of the Elegoo Neptune 4
- High Speed and Accuracy: The Neptune 4 supports printing speeds of up to 500mm/s (default 250mm/s) and acceleration of up to 12,000mm/s², enabling faster prints compared to many competitors.
- Large Build Volume: With a build area of 320x320x385mm³, the Neptune 4 accommodates larger projects or multiple smaller items in one print.
- Klipper Firmware: Transitioning to Klipper firmware allows for enhanced printing speed and precision, as it offloads computation to a Raspberry Pi or similar device, improving capabilities beyond traditional Marlin firmware.
- Mechanical Stability: Features like dual Z-axis support and a reinforced frame design contribute to print quality and printer longevity, especially beneficial for printing larger or more complex models.
- User-Friendly Features: Auto bed leveling (e.g., 121-point) simplifies setup for beginners and reduces print failures.
- Robust Build: The CNC machined aluminum extrusion frame offers durability and stability, crucial for consistent printing.
Limitations of the Elegoo Neptune 4
- Learning Curve with Klipper: While Klipper offers benefits, it may present a steeper learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with firmware customization or command-line interfaces.
- Realistic Speed: Although up to 500mm/s is advertised, typical effective printing speeds for quality prints are around 100-200mm/s, meaning users may not fully realize maximum speed advantages under normal conditions.
- Size vs Portability: A larger build volume comes at the cost of a bigger footprint, which may not suit users with limited space.
- Potential Firmware Setup Complexity: Setting up Klipper requires additional hardware (like a Raspberry Pi) and configuration compared to plug-and-play printers, which may deter beginners who want a ready-to-use solution.
In conclusion, the Elegoo Neptune 4 offers a compelling mix of speed, build volume, and advanced firmware for experienced users seeking high-performance printing with room to customize. Beginners can benefit from features like auto bed leveling and a stable frame but should anticipate some initial firmware setup complexity due to Klipper. The printer balances large-format capabilities with fast printing potential but requires some technical engagement to maximize.
The Neptune 4 features a sleek gray and white design and comes equipped with Klipper firmware. Accessing Klipper's full functionality on the Neptune 4 requires connecting the printer to a computer via USB or Ethernet and using a web interface like Fluidd or Mainsail. The printer's user interface remains virtually identical to that of a Marlin-based printer, with no obvious access to Klipper's advanced features. The Neptune 4 does not have a dedicated slot for a WiFi module, and Elegoo does not officially support WiFi functionality with the printer.
Elegoo provides a customized version of Cura slicer software with the Neptune 4, but the provided profiles are limited to a maximum print speed of 250mm/s. Other slicing software like PrusaSlicer or Simplify3D can be used with the Neptune 4, with community-created profiles available online. The Neptune 4's direct-drive extruder has been upgraded with a lighter design and a more powerful 5.2:1 gear ratio. The hotend of the Neptune 4 features an all-metal copper-titanium throat for improved heat transfer and faster heat-up times. The Neptune 4 is equipped with a prominent cooling fan mounted on the X-gantry, comprised of four 4020 ball-bearing units.
The Neptune 4 does support auto bed leveling, and the bed-leveling process is a hybrid system that combines manual leveling with an inductive auto-level sensor. The Neptune 4 is capable of printing at a maximum speed of 500mm/s, though achieving this speed in real-world printing is challenging. The Neptune 4 consistently achieves impressive speeds in benchmark tests, completing a standard Benchy model in just 20 minutes.
The Elegoo Neptune 4 is a versatile 3D printer that offers a blend of speed, build volume, and advanced features for both beginners and experienced users. With its affordable price point, the Neptune 4 provides an accessible entry point for those looking to explore the world of Klipper-powered 3D printing.
- The Neptune 4's hardware and software combine to offer a user-friendly 3D printing experience, with the Klipper firmware, Cura slicer software, and a direct-drive extruder working together to achieve fast printing speeds and improved heat transfer.
- The Elegoo Neptune 4's community support extends beyond the device itself, with additional resources such as community-created profiles and firmware customization available for those seeking advanced printing capabilities and wanting to participate in the broader AI and technology landscape of 3D printing.
