Relating to the world of at-home 3D printing, the brand new, comparatively giant format Neptune 4 Max from the Chinese language 3D printer producer ELEGOO is actually on the high of its sport, attributable to its user-centric design and spectacular printing capabilities most notably its 420x420x480mm construct quantity. We had the chance to evaluate the brand new system, which is at the moment accessible for pre-order, and its varied features, together with efficiency, design, and person expertise, and we have been something however disillusioned.
Meeting and setup
The Neptune 4 Max’s meeting course of is simple. The parts are clearly labeled and sorted – leading to a streamlined development expertise. This considerate group is additional enhanced by the inclusion of all important instruments – a small however vital contact that spares customers the effort of sourcing particular instruments throughout meeting.
Though the meeting directions are properly laid out, with clear labeling of every half and corresponding diagrams, there may be room for enchancment. The inclusion of spare elements for important parts like proprietary nozzles or stepper motors can be a welcome addition that may assist customers tackle potential faults extra successfully.
Efficiency and printing expertise
Throughout our preliminary printing try, the item in some way fell up and about. Nevertheless, subsequent prints have been clean and devoid of notable issues. The operational noise, whereas noticeable, is inside the anticipated parameters for a printer of its measurement. The guide management over the z-axis fan is a sensible addition that enables customers to control cooling as wanted.
The bridging capabilities of the Neptune 4 Max are spectacular, dealing with sharp overhangs with ease and considerably lowering printing time. Though this tends to compromise aesthetic worth, it was negligible on this case as the big object we printed – which was ultimately lined in clay – didn’t endure structurally from the dearth of helps.
ELEGOO’s printer additionally performs properly in the case of pace – boasting a max printing pace of 500mm/s – however we tended to print at speeds between 200mm/s and 300mm/s. Notably, we printed a life-size helmet from “The Mandalorian” sequence at 350mm/s with helps, with distinctive high quality.
Extra options
The spool holder’s design successfully prevents filament yanking and ensures a clean feed. The filament run-out sensor, doubling as a information, swivels with the print head to forestall clogs. We discovered this characteristic to be one of the spectacular.
The system’s construct quantity is actually the standout characteristic in comparison with most desktop 3D printers, and the auto-leveling system adjusts for potential mattress warps and supplies detailed measurements for exact guide changes – making the person expertise quite nice.
Software program and compatibility
A disadvantage for fans of the Prusa ecosystem is the pre-installed model of Cura. The dearth of accessible open-source printer profiles limits the exploration of the printer’s full potential. To handle this, we developed customized profiles, which yielded profitable outcomes however restricted our printing capabilities considerably.
So well worth the low value of entry
In per week and a half of just about continuous printing, just one print failure occurred, which we attribute to mattress adhesion points that have been simply resolved with the included glue. In comparison with among the different printers we’ve got used, this was certainly one of our favorites, and is a strong selection for each newcomers and skilled customers – particularly contemplating the present pre-sale value of $470 (college students are eligible for a 5% low cost).
Regardless of the minor setbacks, most of which have been one-offs, ELEGOO’s Neptune 4 Max is an general nice system for printing comparatively giant objects, at house.