Elegoo Neptune 4 Max Review: Unleash the printing Powerhouse

Bigger 3D printers often promise more, but do they deliver? The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max certainly aims to. This colossal machine arrived with lofty claims of rapid, large-scale printing. With years of experience in 3D printing, I was curious to explore its potential. Would it make my work easier, or was it just fancy without real benefits? Get ready to find out.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max box was so big I almost thought i ordered a mini-fridge. Once I managed to wrangle it into my workspace (pro tip: enlist a friend or prepare for an impromptu workout), I was greeted by a well-packaged machine that screamed “serious business.”

The unboxing experience was surprisingly pleasant. Elegoo has clearly put some thought into how to ship such a large printer safely. Everything was neatly organized, with the main components securely nestled in foam. The included accessories – from tools to spare parts – were a nice touch that hinted at the printer’s user-friendly approach.

Assembly and Setup

Given its size, I braced myself for a complex assembly process. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that most of the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max was already assembled. The only major step was attaching the gantry to the base, which was easy to do thanks to the clear instructions.

The extruder assembly came detached, but mounting it was a breeze with just three screws. This design choice actually makes sense, as it allows for easier maintenance and adjustments down the line. The reinforcement bars for the Z-axis were a welcome addition, promising improved stability for those tall prints.

One of the standout features during setup was the detachable display screen. It’s a small touch, but being able to position the screen where I wanted made the whole process more comfortable. The manual and automatic bed leveling options were also appreciated – I opted to start with manual leveling for that extra bit of precision.

Pros & Cons

Bed Leveling: A Crucial Step

Given the massive 420 x 420 mm print bed, I knew proper leveling would be crucial. The manual process involves adjusting six screws on the bed, which sounds tedious but is actually quite manageable. Using the good old paper method, I carefully set the nozzle height at each point.

Once I was satisfied with the manual leveling, I ran the automatic 121-point leveling process. This feature is a godsend for such a large bed, as it compensates for any minor imperfections across the surface. The whole process took about 15 minutes, but it’s time well spent for ensuring print success.

Firing It Up: Speed Meets Size

With everything set up, it was time to see what this printer could do. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max boasts speeds up to 500 mm/s, which is frankly ridiculous for a printer of this size. In practice, I found that speeds between 150-300 mm/s offered the best balance of speed and quality for most prints.

My first test print was the obligatory Benchy. At 250 mm/s, it completed in just under 30 minutes with surprisingly good quality. The layers were consistent, and overhangs looked clean. There was some minor ringing at the highest speeds, but nothing that a bit of tuning couldn’t fix.

Next, I decided to push the envelope with a large vase print that utilized most of the build volume. This is where the Neptune 4 Max really shines. The print took about 14 hours, but the result was impressive. The large auxiliary fan did its job keeping the layers cool, resulting in crisp details even at the top of the tall print.

Print Quality

Over the next few weeks, I put the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max through its paces with a variety of prints. Here’s a breakdown of its performance across different types of models:

Speed vs. Quality: Finding the Sweet Spot

Speed is the key feature of any Elegoo Neptune 4 Max, but as with all printers there’s a balance between speed and quality. Here’s what I found:

• At 150-200 mm/s: Excellent quality across the board. This speed range is perfect for detailed models or when you want the best possible surface finish.
• At 250-300 mm/s: Still very good quality, with only minor imperfections visible on close inspection. This is my go-to range for most prints, offering a great balance of speed and quality.
• At 350-500 mm/s: Print quality begins to suffer, especially on complex geometries. However, for simple shapes or rough prototypes, these speeds can be a real time-saver.

It’s worth noting that the initial layers benefit from slower speeds, regardless of the overall print speed. I found that setting the first 3-5 layers to 30-50 mm/s ensured good bed adhesion and a solid foundation for the rest of the print.

The Clipper Advantage

A key factor behind the Neptune 4 Max’s impressive speed and accuracy is its use of Klipper firmware. This open-source software handles calculations directly on the printer’s main board, resulting in faster movements and better precision.

In practice, this translates to smoother prints, especially at higher speeds. The input shaping feature of Klipper also helps reduce ringing and ghosting, which can be issues when printing at high speeds on such a large machine.

Connectivity and Software

The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max offers a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, USB, and LAN. Setting up Wi-Fi was straightforward, and being able to send prints directly from my slicer to the printer is a huge convenience.

Speaking of slicers, the printer is compatible with popular options like Cura and PrusaSlicer, but I found myself using Elegoo’s own slicer most often. It comes with pre-configured profiles for the Neptune 4 Max, which took a lot of the guesswork out of setting up prints.

The printer’s web interface is user-friendly and makes remote control a breeze. Checking on long prints from my phone or starting new jobs from anywhere is a huge productivity boost.

Noise Levels: The Price of Power

Let’s be honest: the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max is loud. The Neptune 4 Max is particularly loud at high speeds, sounding more like a jet engine than a printer. Its large cooling fan, though efficient, is a major noise contributor.

In my testing, Noise levels varied from a moderate 55 dB at slower speeds to a noticeable 65 dB when the printer was working hard. Noise levels might be a factor if you share your space or prefer a quiet area.

Maintenance and Upgrades

I’ve been using the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max intensively for weeks and it’s been easy to maintain. The PEI-coated build plate is holding up great and only needs occasional cleaning with isopropyl alcohol for good print adhesion.

One quirk I encountered was the need to occasionally readjust the Z-offset between prints. This seems to be related to the printer’s power state, as cycling the power between prints often resolved the issue. It’s a minor inconvenience but worth noting.

As for upgrades, the Neptune 4 Max is compatible with Elegoo’s AMS system for multi-color printing. While I didn’t test this personally, the potential for four-color prints without manual intervention is appealing for those who frequently work with multi-color models.

The Elephant in the Room: Size Considerations

Before you pull the trigger on the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max, take a moment to consider its sheer size. With dimensions of 658 x 632 x 740 mm, this printer demands a significant amount of space. Make sure you have a sturdy table or dedicated stand that can accommodate its 18.1 kg weight.

Also, consider the logistics of moving the printer if needed. While it’s not impossible to move solo, having a friend help with initial setup and any subsequent relocations is highly recommended.

Value Proposition

Priced at around $470 (as of my last check), the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max offers incredible value for its size and capabilities. When you consider that many smaller, slower printers cost more, the value proposition becomes even more appealing.

However, consider extra costs for a dedicated table or stand. If noise is an issue, you might need to build or buy an enclosure for your printer. Additionally, while the printer comes with a sample of filament, you’ll likely want to stock up on large spools to take full advantage of its capacity.

Comparing with Elegoo Neptune 3 Max

The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max is a massive upgrade over the older machine, the Neptune 3 Max. While both printers boast an impressive build volume, the Neptune 4 Max sacrifices a smidge of height (480mm vs 500mm) but makes up for it with mind-blowing speed. We’re talking a leap from “pretty quick” to “holy cow, did that just teleport?” with speeds up to 500 mm/s. The Neptune 4 Max also brings Klipper firmware to the party, which is like giving your printer a PhD in smooth movements and precise control.

Connectivity gets a major upgrade in the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max, swapping the 3 Max’s “sneakernet” approach of TF cards and USB cables for the slick convenience of Wi-Fi and LAN. It is like upgrading from the basic flip phone to a great smartphone! The Max 4 now gets up to a max nozzle temperature of 300°C — the older Max3 tapped out at about 260°C when Jat was using it, and so this higher temp opens up more options for filaments.

Both printers feature auto bed leveling, but the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max takes it to the next level with a 121-point system that’s more precise than a Swiss watch. The 4 Max can handle fast and hot prints better because it has a new part to push the plastic and a better cooling system.

At 18.1 kilograms, it’s just a tad heavier than the 3 Max (17.7 kg) as well It’s a small difference, but every gram makes a difference when you’re trying to keep up top print speeds.

Elegoo Neptune 4 Max vs Neptune 3 Max chart:

Conclusion

So how did the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max fare after weeks of testing. It manages to offer a huge build volume, impressive speed and still good quality prints! For makers working on large projects, cosplayers creating full-sized props, or anyone who values print speed, this printer is a game-changer.

However, it does have some limitations. The noise might put some off and this is a big device, so you will have to think about where in your room it can sit. The occasional need for Z-offset adjustments is also something to keep in mind.

Despite these minor issues, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max represents excellent value for money. It’s a printer that can grow with you, handling everything from detailed miniatures to massive, multi-day prints with aplomb.

It might be a tad noisy, and its extra-large footprint needs considerable desk space, but Elegoo Neptune 4 Max packs more versatility & performance you cant beat for the buck. It’s a behemoth that you nonchalantly carry & it might portend the future of consumer-grade 3D printers and I cannot wait to see who follows suit.

Whether you’re a seasoned 3D printing pro looking to scale up or a beginner eager to dive into large-format printing, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max is a compelling choice. Prepare to impress your friends with this colossal machine’s capabilities, but be ready for some noise if you plan on extended printing sessions.

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