On the subject of 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 definitely on the prime of its sport, because of 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 presently accessible for pre-order, and its varied facets, together with efficiency, design, and person expertise, and we had been something however disillusioned.

Meeting and setup

The Neptune 4 Max’s meeting course of is easy. The elements 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 important contact that spares customers the trouble of sourcing particular instruments throughout meeting.

Though the meeting directions are effectively laid out, with clear labeling of every half and corresponding diagrams, there may be room for enchancment. The inclusion of spare elements for crucial elements 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 thing in some way fell up and doing. Nonetheless, subsequent prints had been easy and devoid of notable considerations. The operational noise, whereas noticeable, is throughout the anticipated parameters for a printer of its dimension. The handbook 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 decreasing printing time. Though this tends to compromise aesthetic worth, it was negligible on this case as the massive object we printed – which was finally coated in clay – didn’t undergo structurally from the dearth of helps.

ELEGOO’s printer additionally performs effectively with regards to velocity – boasting a max printing velocity 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” collection at 350mm/s with helps, with distinctive high quality.

Further options

The spool holder’s design successfully prevents filament yanking and ensures a easy feed. The filament run-out sensor, doubling as a information, swivels with the print head to forestall clogs. We discovered this function to be one of the vital spectacular.

The system’s construct quantity is de facto the standout function in comparison with most desktop 3D printers, and the auto-leveling system adjusts for potential mattress warps and offers detailed measurements for exact handbook changes – making the person expertise moderately nice.

Software program and compatibility

A downside for lovers of the Prusa ecosystem is the pre-installed model of Cura. The shortage of accessible open-source printer profiles limits the exploration of the printer’s full potential. To deal with this, we developed customized profiles, which yielded profitable outcomes however restricted our printing capabilities considerably.

So definitely worth the low value of entry

In every week and a half of virtually continuous printing, just one print failure occurred, which we attribute to mattress adhesion points that had been simply resolved with the included glue. In comparison with a number of the different printers now we have used, this was one among our favorites, and is a stable alternative for each newbies and skilled customers – particularly contemplating the present pre-sale worth of $470 (college students are eligible for a 5% low cost).

Regardless of the minor setbacks, most of which had been one-offs, ELEGOO’s Neptune 4 Max is an general nice system for printing comparatively giant objects, at house.