Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus review: the total package
Elegoo unveiled its Neptune 3 Series improved model, which features three models with different print volumes late last year. The Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus, which is the middle option in size and price, is ideal for those who require more print volume than the majority of low-cost 3D printers but not all the bells-and-whistles of the top-end models.
On paper, the Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus has a lot going for it with a build capacity of 320 x 320 x 400 mm and a direct drive extruder – perfect for challenging-to-print materials like TPU. You can also adjust the 49-point auto-levelling system manually. This allows you to get up and running quickly while still having the ability to fine-tune your bed.
Comparing to other 3D printers of the same price range, Neptune Plus appears to be the best. Best 3D Printers The Neptune 3 Plus is ready to use right out of box because it has an outstanding feature set, great performance, and a competitive price. The Neptune 3 Plus is a great option for printing Star Wars cosplay pieces and spaceship models.
Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus: Design & setup
Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus, like most FDM printers is 90% assembled. The remaining assembly requirements are minimal. First, attach the upright assembly to the base of the printer using the four screws provided.
What’s in the Box
Printer base
Assembly of the Z and X axis
Magnetic base for LCD touch screen
4.3-inch LCD touchscreen
Holder for the spool
Filament runs out sensor
Tie Rod supports
An power cable
Toolkit for assembly
Scraper for plastic
Side cutters
USB cable
Spare nozzles
USB reader
The LCD screen can then be plugged in to the front of your printer. Attach the filament run out sensor as well as the spool holder to the top of your printer. The support tie rods located at the rear of the printer are connected to the brackets above the printer. Elegoo already marked all our connections so this step is easy.
You should leave enough space for the cable clip that holds the hotend assembly wiring harness. This will ensure that the print head doesn’t reach the far right.
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After you have completed the assembly, the printer will be ready to go. Before the auto level can be used, the bed must be manually levelled. This will allow the auto level to check 49 areas and then store the mesh. Once this is done, we can start our first print.
With minor modifications to accommodate the increased build volume, the Neptune 3 Plus design was largely the same as the Neptune 3 Pro. There are two support tie rods at the back that help reduce wobble and a second Z-axis stepper with timing belt. This is for models measuring 400mm high. Six levelling knobs on each platform ensure perfect level. To support the larger beds, a second rail has been added to the Z axis. An LED light strip is attached to the top rail of the printer, which provides excellent illumination.
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Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus: Specs & features
The Neptune 3 Plus features the same direct drive configuration, 4.3-inch touchscreen, and tension adjustment knobs for the Pro and Max. You can print on both the smooth and textured sides of the PEI sheet magnetic spring steel PEI sheets. This will create a texture on the bottom of your prints. It may also require adhesion help, but it will leave a smooth, glassy finish on its bottom.
Key specifications
Levelling: Automatic Mesh Leveling: 49 Points
Increase Volume 320x320x400mm
Dimensions for Printers 533 x 517x 638mm
Speed of printing 30-180mm/s
Nozzle Temperature: 260°C / 500F
Hot bed temperature: 100°C / 212F
Control panel: 4.3-inch color touchscreen LCD LCD
Platform: Magnetic Flexible PEI Sheet
Supported filaments PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, WOOD, etc
Net weight: 31.3 lbs / 14.8KG
The Neptune 3 Plus has all the features you need to fine-tune your printer. This includes the manual and automatic-level menus. There are also configuration options that allow you to modify settings like acceleration and jerk. Magnetic cradles make it easier to load prints and change options thanks to the coiled cord.
The spool holder is also top-mounted and well built. We’ve seen many flimsy plastic holders on printers of this price range, and we’re happy that Elegoo didn’t go down that path.
Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus: Print quality & speed
This was our first attempt at printing on the Neptune 3 with Polymaker PLA. The print showed no signs of problems and was neither too-extruded nor too-subtle.
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We tried a few more small prints before moving onto the bigger designs. The 3D Benchy boat (opens new tab) The first. We printed the benchy at 80 mm/s using the Elegoo Cura default profile. It printed well. The boat’s roof overhangs and bridges were not affected. The ghosting problem on the front of the boat was eliminated by tightening its X-axis belt.
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We used the famous Cali-Dragon model by Cults 3D for the final test print. (Opens in new tabThis is a great test for ghosting on both the axes and overhangs. The settings were identical and the dragon printed perfectly. There is no stringing between horns, and the backs of horns are clear.
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After our initial small test prints turned out well, we decided to create a more complicated model. Eastman’s Batman Gaslight II bust (Opens in a new tab It was printed at 80mm/s with an 80mm/s layer height. The bust was amazing; both the armor and fabric have incredible detail. The final product was flawless. The cowl’s nose is not affected by the sagging caused by the twin cooling fans.
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We cut and printed the Darkseid bust taken from Eastman (Opens in new tab After the success of the Batman bust. The same settings resulted in the same results as previous prints: everything was clean and there were no issues. You could also see the amazing detail and texture of Darkseid’s arms. If the layer height was lower, this could even be competitive with resin printers.
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We then decided to try something a little more intricate with a few more parts for the final print. Gambody’s Klingon Bird of Prey (Opens in a new tab This is the print of the model. It is divided into several pieces and includes gears to allow the wings move from the normal to the landing position. The print made the most of the build volume as it was easy to fill the bed. As with previous prints, we used the exact same slicer settings except for minor support settings adjustments.
It took approximately a day to print all of the parts required to build the ship. To ensure the correct fit and functionality of models like these, accuracy in printing is vital. The only issue with the printed pieces was their support settings. These issues were quickly addressed.
It’s amazing. It is stunning, even at 0.2mm height. The detail is superb, the pieces are easy to assemble, while the internal gears that move and control the wings work smoothly and without binding. The Neptune 3 Plus is one of the most impressive FDM printers that we’ve seen this year. It is expected to be among our top 3D printers.
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Do you want to buy the Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus or not?
Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus comes in at $350 and has a build volume that measures 320x320x400mm. The Neptune 3 Plus features a full feature printer, including auto levelling and direct drive. There is also an easy to use touchscreen that provides all the tools necessary to calibrate the printer and fine-tune it.
Printers with comparable build volumes are available in the 220x220x250mm and 235x235x250mm price ranges. The Neptune 3 Plus is a great value.
You don’t want this product?
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The Elegoo Neptune 3 Maxi is a bigger version of the Plus. (opens new tab) It might be the best option. It is strong in build and has a massive 500mmx420mmx500mm dimension. The MSRP is $470 so it won’t break the budget.
The Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro is a great option if size is not an issue (Opens in a new tab It is available at $230 USD Elegoo will have the printer that meets your needs, regardless of your budget.