|
Finding a 3D printer that offers quality at an affordable budget for makers is a challenging job. Most of the budget-friendly 3D printers aren’t worth your attention.
Hence, it is important to look for in-depth features and technical specifications of the machines before you make the purchase. To know if this 3D printer is enough for your needs, check the Elegoo Neptune review and take an informed decision.
The manufacturer of the Neptune 3D printer brings users the most praised machine that caters to various needs of the users. Either you are an expert or a beginner, you can utilize this 3D printer to bring the best out of your creations.
Elegoo, the manufacturer of this 3D printer aims at bringing a DIY kit that isn’t difficult to assemble, however, as competitive as other DIY machines in terms of price. Hence, bringing users the best of both worlds: Ease of use as well as affordable price.
You can call this 3D Printer a complete workhorse. The best part is that the machine is designed to provide users the flexibility to run with different filament types.
Although there are a plethora of benefits, there are few limitations too. Also, every user has different expectations. Hence, looking at a detailed review is a must before taking the final decision.
Hence, you must go through the comprehensive Elegoo Neptune review to find out if the machine fits your needs or not.
Features
Elegoo Neptune 3D printer claims to embody the latest features for users with different skill levels. It promises to offer great print quality with loads of other perks. So, let’s check the features and find out what makes this 3D printer a reason for such great talks.
Semi-Assembled Kit: This isn’t like most of the DIY kits that take hours for assembling the components together. However, this one is semi-assembled. This means that you still need to connect the parts together, but do not need hours of hard work. With most of the components already connected, you need to tighten a few screws to get the machine to stand tall. If you are experienced with assembly, you may not require more than 30 minutes to complete the assembly. The instructions are easy to follow. In case, you are a novice, you still can complete the setup in not more than an hour.
Metal Extruder: The 3D printer flaunts the titan extruder which is efficient enough to work with a variety of filaments. Moreover, the extruder can help achieve highly precise designs.
Sturdy Body: You can assess the same by just looking at the design of the 3D printer. An all-metal body is well perfected by offering users a compact stature. It occupies less space yet is very sturdy. Hence, you can print designs with great details without worrying about vibrations and deviations.
Filament Run Out Detection: If you are in the middle of the print, and the machine runs out of the filament while you aren’t looking. You can end up destroying the entire model. Not only you will lose time, and effort, you will also lose money on the filament you just spoiled for the failed print. But with this 3D printer, you do not need to worry about keeping an eye on the filament spool. Because the printer pauses the print job when the filament is about to end. And, it won’t resume the print function until you reload the filament spool.
Print Resume Function: There is more for the users at this price tag. The 3D printer also has the print resume function. Hence, if there is a problem with a power outage in the middle of the print job, your 3D model won’t fail. Rather, the machine will pause the operation until the power comes back. The printer will save progress and start from where it stopped printing.
Carbide Glass Build Plate: You can simply print without worrying about the first layer adhesion with the help of this carbide glass build plate. In other words, the print bed is capable of providing amazing first layer adhesion. And, at the same time, it is easier to remove the prints from the bed after its completed.
Heated Print Bed: Elegoo Neptune embodies a heated print bed. Hence, users can print without worrying about issues such as warping and shrinking when handling tricky materials. The enhanced first layer adhesion helps in minimizing the chances of various 3D printing problems that may arise otherwise.
Open Frame: With all the best features, one may feel disappointed with the lack of enclosed frame construction. However, the results that the printer provides does make that issue way smaller than you realize.
Touch Screen Interface: The 3D printer can work as a standalone device with required controls on the machine itself. The intuitive 2.8 inches interface allows users to complete most of the settings from the 3D printer itself.
Compatible with Multiple Materials: With a heated bed, the 3D printer is compatible with a variety of materials. You can print with PLA, as well as with tricky filaments such as ABS, TPU, wood, etc.
No Wireless Connectivity: If you have been raving about connecting your 3D printer with your smartphone over a WIFI connection, this won’t be possible in this case. The 3D printer does not have WIFI accessibility. Hence, you must upload the design using either the SD card connection or the USB connection.
When you consider the price, you will find out what all you are getting with this amazing 3D printer. With smoother finish and latest features, the printer tags along with almost every level of users. Plus, its build quality is also applaudable.
Specifications
Turning to the specification of the Neptune 3D printer, the first thing that looks friendly is its compact build. With a footprint of 15.75*15.87*17.54 IN and weighing around 10.5 kgs, the 3D printer provides a build volume of 8 * 8 * 8 IN.
Printing resolution varies from 0.05mm to 0.3mm. It has a single nozzle and prints at a maximum speed of 100mm/s. While this is not the fastest speed at this price range, the speed isn’t the best factor for deciding the quality of the prints.
The nozzle can reach a temperature of 260 degrees Celsius. Hence, enabling printing with filaments with a high melting point as well.
Also, the temperature of the heated bed can reach up to 120 degrees Celsius. The ambient operating temperature lies between 15 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius.
Price
You can buy this 3D printer for $260. It must be difficult to believe when reading about all the best qualities that the printer entails. However, it is true. And, you can find the printer offering much more than it charges.
Hence, it is best for beginners who do not want to compromise with quality. As well we, it can provide the desired print quality and experience to those expertise skill set.
First Impressions
The box isn’t too bulky as the printer does not come in one piece. And, the different components are very securely packed inside the box.
This is to ensure the safety of the machine during shipping. The package contains all the tools and accessories that you would need to set up and start 3D printing.
Along with the 3D printer components and screws to put the parts together, you also receive a filament rack, rack support, pliers, extra nozzle, steel needle for nozzle cleaning, USB cable, adapter cable, SD card, and SD card reader, tweezer, sample PLA filament, and a few more tools and accessories.
All these items help in the smooth preparation of the machine for starting the 3D printing process.
Setup
As claimed by the manufacturer, it won’t take much time to start printing after you receive the package at your end. Most of the hard work already completed by the manufacturer, all you need to do is connect a few components and start working.
The calibration is also easy. With four screws setup, you can achieve highly precise leveling. Hence, offering users with the best printing results.
Printing Type/Cost
The Elegoo Neptune is an FDM 3D printer. This means that the printer works by heating the extruder beyond the melting point of the filament in use.
Once the material is flexible enough, the nozzle will extrude the desired amount of material to form the first layer of the 3D part. After the layer solidifies with apt cooling, the print bed shifts down with just the height equal to the next layer.
This creates room for the upcoming part layer. This entire process continues until the part is completed print.
Calculating the cost of the print will vary from one part to another. Plus, it will depend on a number of factors.
For instance, the complexity of the design, the size and volume of the part, the infill percentage, and a lot of other factors. Only by choosing the cheapest filament, you cannot design the cheap parts.
And, do not forget to include charges such as electricity bills and other variable costs.
Print Quality
This is where you would find every penny you spent falling in place. Yes, the printer offers amazing print quality. With layer height between 0.05mm to 0.3mm, you can create unique designs with varying smoothness and speed.
From complex designs to finer details, you can achieve a great amount of accuracy and precision when 3D printing with this all-metal design Neptune 3D printer.
Software
The 3D printer is compatible with Cura, Simplify3D and Repetier Host. All these applications are known for their competitive control and intuitive user interface. And, the apps are suitable not just for beginners but brings advanced controls under the advanced level suite.
Customer Service
You get all the guides and manuals on their website as well as along with the 3D printer. Hence, it becomes easier to set up the machine.
Also, contacting the manufacturer is super easy. You can just fill out the form available on their website or email the support. The team would reach you at the earliest.
Parameters Influencing Buying Decision
Never depend on the print or just the speed of the 3D printer. You must check the various parameters that complete the assessment of the machine. And, it must comply with your needs that you cannot compromise with.
The Elegoo Neptune review gives you all the information. Let us revise the same here and decide accordingly if you need this printer or not.
3D Printer cost: The cost is affordable. Hence, that is not an issue at all. Home users can afford the machine as well.
3D Print quality: You can achieve high precision and accuracy. It helps you print finer details without any hassle.
3D Print speed: The speed isn’t as competitive as the counterparts falling within a similar price range. However, that does not make a difference for those looking for the best quality parts.
3D Printer capability: A very capable 3D Printer. You can create amazing designs incorporating high details. Enthusiasts and makers can do a lot of experiments with this printer, given its astonishing print quality.
3D Printer Practicality: Great for home users and hobbyists. Not for those looking to make just some fun items and forget about 3D printing. The machine is for serious makers.
3D Printer User expectations: It does satisfy users with its latest features and attention to detail.
The Verdict
The Elegoo Neptune review clarifies the various perks that the printer brings with itself. However, it won’t be as easy as plug and play devices when it comes to handling the machine. So, you must decide depending on what matters to you the most.
