Summary and conclusion
And because it just lends itself to this again, a collection of loose thoughts and standouts:
- Unlike Marlin firmware, it takes a while for the printer and the Klipper firmware to boot up
- At the printer directly there is no possibility to shutdown the software cleanly before switching off. Only possible via the web interface
- Updating the software via Moonraker Update Manager is not configured
- In Fluidd there are no presets set for preheating, on the touchscreen there are
- Files uploaded via the Web UI cannot be started via the touchscreen
- Very rarely, the touchscreen emits a confirmation beep when touched, but does not respond
- If you activate the backlight during printing, it takes a moment until it turns on
- The LEDs flicker slightly when the printer makes fast movements
- There is a lot of excess grease on the Z-leadscrews
- The large print head makes it sometimes difficult to evaluate the first layer
- If you adjust the Z-offset during a print job, it is not saved afterwards
- Mainboard is not actively cooled when not printing
- The webcam is sometimes not recognized on the USB Type-A port, restarting the printer usually works immediately
- No webcam is recognized on the USB Type-C port, generally the function of the port is not known
- No PID values were stored for the heating bed
- 121 measuring points for the mesh compensation are exaggerated for this bed size
- There was yellow filament in the hotend, apparently the printer was tested for function in the factory
- Partly unusual presettings in the Elegoo slicer
I specifically asked about some points and also received an answer:
- There is no way to shut down the software directly on the printer before switching it off. This is currently only possible via the web interface.
– They are trying to add the shutdown command for Klipper from the touchscreen in a future update - Updating the software via Moonraker Update Manager is not configured
– Due to own work on the Fluidd software a regular update via the package manager would lead to several problems - The webcam is sometimes not recognized on the USB Type-A port, restarting the printer usually works again
– Officially, no webcam is currently supported, but it usually works anyway. However, they are working on the optimization. - No webcam is recognized on the USB Type-C port
– The port is only an output for serial access to the motherboard - Files uploaded via the web UI can’t be started via the touchscreen
– The feature is actively being worked on and should become available with a firmware update
When heating the Nozzle to 220°C and the print bed to 60°C at the same time, I was able to measure a power consumption of 330 watts at peak, but as soon as the temperature is reached it drops to about 70 watts. When printing PLA (220°C/60°C), you’re looking at about 160-190W watts with the motors moving. In idle mode, the printer draws 11 watts, but if the stepper motors are energized, e.g. after bed leveling but before printing, the consumption is 23 watts. At a distance of about 40cm from the front, I could measure 64.3 dB(A) with the additional fans in active mode and 57.8 dB(A) when they were turned off. It takes 74 seconds for the nozzle to heat up to 220°C at the same time, and after 128 seconds, the print bed had also reached its 60°C.
Overall, this printer really surprised me positively, especially for the attractive price. By the way, the Neptune 4 PRO has the following upgrades compared to the normal Neptune 4:
- Some parts on the case and assembly are made of metal instead of plastic, for example the brace at the top of the printer
- The heating bed has two zones, which can be controlled separately. On smaller models, for example, only the center of the print bed can be heated
- Instead of rubber rollers running in the extrusion, bars with matching wheels made of metal are used
With a price difference of only 40€, I think it is absolutely worth buying the Pro model. I was able to find black dust from the abrasion of the rubber rollers and belts under the printer after a few hours of printing, so the upgrade is probably worth it just because of the long-lasting wear parts made of metal.
But regardless of the variant, things like the all-metal hot end, dual fans on the print head and the extra row of fans for very good cooling, and easy operation via touchscreen are an enticing overall package. Clipper firmware and fast print speeds are the icing on the cake. No matter if beginner or connoisseur, the around 250€ for the Neptune 4 and 290€ for Neptune 4 Pro in the manufacturer’s store are currently an unbelievable price. The cheekiness mentioned at the beginning is not towards the customer, but to outbid the competition with this offer. You can really speak of unbeatable price/performance at the moment.
- Elegoo EU Shop – Neptune 4
- Elegoo EU Shop – Neptune 4 Pro
- Elegoo Shop – Neptune 4
- Elegoo Shop – Neptune 4 Pro
By the way: With the code EXTR_IGORSLAB you get a community discount of 20% on your order at the filament manufacturer Extrudr! Thanks a lot for the provided filament and the coupon!
The test sample was provided by Elegoo without obligation. There was and is no influence on the tests and results. There was also no compensation for expenses and no obligation to publish.
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