Exploration of Elegoo Neptune 4: Delving into Klipper Inside, Speed Exterior Showcase
The Elegoo Neptune 4 has made waves in the 3D printing community, earning acclaim for its impressive speed and high-quality prints. This budget-friendly 3D printer is equipped with the Klipper firmware, known for its speed and precision, which sets it apart from many other printers in its price range.
One of the standout features of the Neptune 4 is its speed. Users have reported significant reductions in print times while maintaining good quality, making it an appealing choice for those needing quick turnarounds on prints. The Klipper firmware, combined with a dual-gear direct-drive extruder, is largely responsible for this performance boost.
Despite its focus on speed, the Neptune 4 delivers high-quality prints. The precision of the Klipper firmware and the reliable hardware setup help maintain detail and consistency in printed objects. Setup and unboxing videos have emphasised the ease of assembly and stable operation, contributing to positive print outcomes.
The Neptune 4 arrives mostly pre-assembled, requiring only a few bolts to connect the upper frame to the base and attach the touchscreen holder. The printer sports a sleek gray and white design, similar to its predecessor, the Neptune 3 Pro.
The dual Z-axis system on the Neptune 4 now features a synchronizing belt for smoother movement. The hotend has been upgraded to an all-metal copper-titanium throat for improved heat transfer and faster heat-up times.
However, it's worth noting that the Neptune 4 does not officially support accessing Klipper's advanced features through its user interface. Users can access these features by connecting the printer to a computer via USB or Ethernet and using a web interface like Fluidd or Mainsail. This lack of easy access to Klipper's advanced features and customization options may frustrate experienced users seeking full control over their firmware.
The provided Cura slicer software with the Neptune 4 includes pre-configured profiles for the printer and various filament types, but it is limited to a maximum print speed of 250mm/s. Users may need to experiment with different speed settings for infill, inner walls, outer walls, and top/bottom layers to achieve optimal print quality.
The Neptune 4's maximum print speed is challenging to achieve in real-world printing due to factors like acceleration, jerk, and model complexity. Users can, however, use other slicing software like PrusaSlicer or Simplify3D, and community-created profiles can be found online or adapted for similar printers.
In conclusion, the Elegoo Neptune 4 series, especially the Pro version, is well-regarded among users for combining speed and print quality effectively due to its Klipper firmware and hardware design. This makes it a strong choice for hobbyists and professionals looking for a cost-effective, high-performance 3D printer.
The Neptune 4's impressive performance can be attributed to its integration of AI-driven Klipper firmware, enhancing its speed and precision. In the realm of 3D printing software, users can leverage community-created profiles for various filament types with the Neptune 4's provided Cura slicer, despite its limited maximum print speed.
