Neptune 3 & Neptune 4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, and design. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Neptune 4 rather than the Neptune 3.
Why Do I Recommend The Neptune 4?
- The Neptune 4 has a 500mm/s high-speed printing capability powered by Klipper Firmware for faster print times and smoother motion control compared to the Neptune 3’s standard 100mm/s speed with Marlin Firmware.
- Neptune 4 has enhanced dual-gear direct drive extruder for providing more precise filament control and stronger extrusion force, while the Neptune 3’s Bowden extruder is less efficient.
- It features a 121-point auto bed leveling system for ensuring higher precision and better first-layer adhesion, whereas the Neptune 3 only has a 16-point leveling system.
- The Neptune 4’s high-flow hotend and 300°C maximum nozzle temperature enable compatibility with high-temperature filaments like Nylon and Carbon Fiber, whereas the Neptune 3’s 260°C limit.
- Neptune 4 has dual part cooling fans for enhancing overhangs, bridging, and overall print quality, while the Neptune 3 has a single cooling fan.
- The Neptune 4’s upgraded motion system with linear rods and belts ensures greater stability and precision at high speeds, whereas the Neptune 3 has a standard motion system.
- It uses a PEI-coated flexible build plate for superior adhesion and durability, while the Neptune 3’s magnetic flexible bed provides less adhesion for high-speed or high-temperature prints.
Maybe the Neptune 3 3D Printer price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Neptune 4 3D Printer. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
Feature | Neptune 4 3D Printer | Neptune 3 3D Printer |
Printing Speed | Up to 500mm/s | Standard speed (~100mm/s) |
Firmware | Klipper Firmware | Marlin Firmware |
Build Volume | 225x225x265mm (~8.85″x8.85″x10.43″) | 220x220x280mm (~8.66″x8.66″x11″) |
Auto Bed Leveling | 121-point auto leveling | 16-point auto leveling |
Extruder Type | Dual-Gear Direct Drive Extruder | Dual-Gear Bowden Extruder |
Filament Compatibility | PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Nylon, Carbon Fiber | PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU |
Max Nozzle Temperature | 300°C | 260°C |
Cooling System | Dual part cooling fans | Standard cooling fan |
Hotend Type | High-flow hotend | Standard hotend |
Motion System | Linear rods & belts | Standard motion system |
Build Surface | PEI-coated flexible plate | Magnetic flexible bed |
Mainboard | High-performance mainboard for Klipper | Standard silent motherboard |
Noise Level | ~50dB | ~40dB (Ultra-quiet printing) |
Print Accuracy | Higher accuracy | Standard accuracy |
Printing Stability | Better stability | Standard stability |
Price | Check Neptune 4 Price | Check Neptune 3 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Brand & Manufacturer: Both printers are designed and produced by ELEGOO, ensuring similar build quality, reliability, and support from the same company.
- Printer Type: Both models use FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology, which builds objects layer by layer using melted filament.
- Filament Compatibility: Both printers support PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU, providing flexibility for different types of prints and material requirements.
- Dual-Gear Extruder: Each printer features a dual-gear extruder, improving filament grip, ensuring consistent extrusion, and reducing the likelihood of filament slipping or clogging.
- Auto Bed Leveling: Both models include automatic bed leveling, which helps create a uniform first layer by compensating for any unevenness in the print bed.
- Heated Bed: Each printer has a heated print bed, allowing better adhesion for various filaments and preventing warping, especially for materials like ABS.
- Flexible Build Plate: Both come with a flexible build plate, making it easier to remove finished prints without damaging them.
- Power Loss Recovery: Both printers feature power loss recovery, allowing users to resume printing from where it left off in case of a power failure.
- Filament Runout Sensor: Both models include a filament detection system that automatically pauses printing if the filament runs out or breaks, preventing print failures.
- Touchscreen Display: Each printer has a touchscreen display, providing an intuitive interface for controlling and monitoring print settings.
- Silent Motherboard: Both printers are equipped with a silent motherboard, reducing operational noise and making them suitable for home or office use.
- Easy Assembly: Both models come partially pre-assembled, ensuring a straightforward and user-friendly setup process.
- Resume Printing Feature: Each printer can resume printing after an unexpected stop, such as a power outage or filament jam, minimizing wasted filament and print time.
- Open-Source Compatibility: Both printers support open-source slicing software like Cura and PrusaSlicer, allowing users to fine-tune print settings for optimal results.
- Connectivity: Both models support USB and microSD card connections, enabling offline printing without the need for a constant computer connection.
Common Features
Feature | Neptune 4 | Neptune 3 |
Brand | ELEGOO | ELEGOO |
Printer Type | FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) | FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) |
Filament Compatibility | PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU | PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU |
Extruder Type | Dual-Gear Extruder | Dual-Gear Extruder |
Auto Bed Leveling | Yes | Yes |
Heated Bed | Yes | Yes |
Flexible Build Plate | Yes | Yes |
Power Loss Recovery | Yes | Yes |
Filament Runout Sensor | Yes | Yes |
Touchscreen Display | Yes | Yes |
Silent Motherboard | Yes | Yes |
Assembly | Easy Assembly | Easy Assembly |
Resume Printing | Yes | Yes |
Open-Source Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
Connectivity | USB, MicroSD Card | USB, MicroSD Card |
Price | Check Neptune 4 Price | Check Neptune 3 Price |
FAQ
What type of 3D printing technology do the ELEGOO Neptune 4 and Neptune 3 use? Are the ELEGOO Neptune 4 and Neptune 3 beginner-friendly? Do both printers have automatic bed leveling? What type of extruder do these printers have? What is the maximum nozzle temperature for both printers? Do these printers have a heated bed? What is the print speed of the ELEGOO Neptune 4 compared to the Neptune 3? Do both printers support power loss recovery? Can both printers detect filament runout? Do the ELEGOO Neptune 4 and Neptune 3 have silent printing? What type of build surface do these printers have? Are the touchscreen interfaces on both models the same? What slicer software is compatible with these printers? What types of connectivity options do the Neptune 4 and Neptune 3 support? |