Reevaluation of Elegoo Neptune 4: Delving into Klipper's Inner Workings and Surface-Level Speed
The Elegoo Neptune 4 series, including the Neptune 4 Pro and Neptune 4 Plus, offers a blend of speed and reliability, making it an attractive choice for many 3D printing enthusiasts. One of the standout features of the Neptune 4 is its use of the Klipper firmware, known for its performance and efficiency.
Upon unboxing, the Neptune 4 arrives mostly pre-assembled, requiring only a few bolts for assembly. However, accessing Klipper's full functionality requires connecting the printer to a computer via USB or Ethernet and using a web interface like Fluidd or Mainsail.
While users have reported quicker prints with models like the Neptune 4 Plus, it's essential to note that high-speed printing can sometimes result in reduced surface finish quality, particularly with glossy filaments. The Neptune 4 does not have a dedicated slot for a WiFi module, and while some users have reported success using compatible WiFi dongles, Elegoo does not officially support this functionality.
The user interface of the Neptune 4 remains virtually identical to that of a Marlin-based printer, with no obvious access to Klipper's advanced features. This could potentially limit customization options for advanced users, although the provided profiles for the Neptune 4 in the customized version of Cura slicer software have a maximum print speed of 250mm/s.
The Neptune 4 features a hybrid bed-leveling system that combines manual leveling with an inductive auto-level sensor, making it easier for users to achieve a level print bed. Users may need to experiment with different speed settings for infill, inner walls, outer walls, and top/bottom layers to achieve optimal results.
The direct-drive extruder of the Neptune 4 has been upgraded with a lighter design and a more powerful 5.2:1 gear ratio, while the hotend has been upgraded to an all-metal copper-titanium throat for improved heat transfer and faster heat-up times. The printer also sports a dual Z-axis system with a synchronizing belt for smoother movement and a prominent cooling fan mounted on the X-gantry, comprised of four 4020 ball-bearing units.
Despite its many advantages, the Neptune 4 is not without its challenges. Some users encounter issues with firmware updates, which can impact the printer's functionality. However, Elegoo's support for over-the-air (OTA) updates is beneficial for addressing usability problems and bugs.
The Neptune 4 consistently achieves impressive speeds in benchmark tests, completing a standard Benchy model in just 20 minutes. For users who prioritize print quality or advanced features over speed and affordability, alternatives like the Creality Ender 3 S1, Artillery Sidewinder X2, and Bambu Lab P1S might be worth considering.
In conclusion, the Elegoo Neptune 4 offers fast print speeds, reliable performance, and support for updates. However, potential users should be aware of the limitations imposed by the closed nature of the Klipper firmware, such as limited customization options and the need for manual access to advanced features. To ensure optimal use, it's advisable to stay updated with the latest firmware and follow Elegoo's maintenance guidelines to minimize potential problems.
The Neptune 4's user interface, though similar to Marlin-based printers, could limit customization options for advanced users due to the closed nature of the Klipper firmware, requiring manual access to its advanced features via a computer using web interfaces like Fluidd or Mainsail. The Neptune 4 series, which includes the Neptune 4 Pro and Neptune 4 Plus, incorporates advanced technology such as AI, software (Klipper firmware), and hardware components like a hybrid bed-leveling system and a direct-drive extruder with a lighter design and improved heat transfer capabilities. For those seeking alternatives with a focus on print quality or advanced features over speed and affordability, options like the Creality Ender 3 S1, Artillery Sidewinder X2, and Bambu Lab P1S might be considered.
