ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus 3D Printer User Manual

Introduction

The ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus is an advanced FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printer engineered for high-speed and large-volume printing. Equipped with Klipper firmware, it offers impressive print speeds and accelerations, making it suitable for both rapid prototyping and detailed model creation. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your Neptune 4 Plus 3D printer.

Setup

Unboxing and Initial Assembly

Upon receiving your ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus, carefully unpack all components. The printer is securely packaged with foam to protect parts during transit. Each part is clearly labeled and corresponds to the assembly instructions provided in the manual and on the included micro-SD card. Assembly is designed to be straightforward, with components fitting together logically.

Figure 1: The ELEGOO Neptune 4 Plus 3D Printer with a sample printed model.

Pre-Power On Checks

Before powering on the printer, ensure all connections are secure. Pay particular attention to the main ribbon cable connecting to the print head; it must be routed correctly to avoid rubbing against the rear brace. Verify that all bolts and screws are properly tightened, but avoid over-tightening. When tightening, apply even pressure across components rather than fully tightening one side before moving to another.

Bed Leveling

Accurate bed leveling is crucial for successful prints. The Neptune 4 Plus features both manual and auto-leveling capabilities. Begin with manual leveling using the adjustment screws and eccentric nuts beneath the bed. Ensure the bed is stable and rolls smoothly without wobbling. After manual adjustment, proceed with the auto-leveling function. This process establishes a precise printing surface. It may be necessary to adjust the Z-offset after auto-leveling to fine-tune the nozzle's distance from the print bed.

Filament Loading

Load your chosen filament into the printer. It is recommended to use a full spool of filament for initial test prints, as the small sample included may not be sufficient for extensive testing. Ensure the filament feeds smoothly into the direct drive extruder.

Operating Instructions

Printing Process

The printer's touchscreen interface provides an intuitive workflow with main sections for 'Print', 'Prepare', 'Settings', and 'Level'. Navigate these menus to initiate and manage your print jobs. The Neptune 4 Plus supports various connectivity options including Wi-Fi, USB, and LAN for convenient file transfer.

Figure 2: High-speed printing capabilities powered by Klipper firmware and acceleration sensors.

High-Speed Printing

The Neptune 4 Plus is equipped with powerful Klipper firmware, enabling impressive printing speeds of up to 500mm/s and accelerations up to 12000mm/s². For optimal results at high speeds, the use of rapid filament is recommended. Acceleration sensors on the X and Y axes automatically calibrate to reduce the impact of vibration, ensuring precise and high-quality prints even at elevated speeds.

Filament Compatibility

The 300°C high-temperature nozzle, featuring an extended hot end design and a 60W ceramic heating element, allows the printer to handle a wide range of filament materials. These include common types such as PLA, PETG, ABS, and TPU, as well as more demanding materials like nylon.

Efficient Cooling System

The printer incorporates powerful double-sided cooling fans and dedicated model cooling blower fans. This comprehensive cooling system is designed to prevent warping and enhance overall print quality, especially during high-speed operations.

Maintenance

Build Plate Care

The PEI magnetic build plate is designed for easy print removal. After a print is complete and the bed has cooled, the plate can be removed and flexed to detach the printed object. Regular cleaning of the PEI sheet is necessary to maintain optimal adhesion and print quality.

General Maintenance

Consistent maintenance is recommended to ensure the longevity and performance of your printer. This includes periodically checking and tightening all mechanical components, especially after initial assembly and extensive use. Inspect the direct drive extruder and hot end for any signs of wear or clogging. The unique air duct design helps reduce nozzle clogging risk, but regular checks are still advised.

Troubleshooting

Common Printing Issues

• Print Failure/Resumption: If a print job fails to resume after pausing, it may be related to software or G-code issues. Ensure your slicer settings are appropriate for the model.
• Print Head Collisions: Always remove printed models from the build plate before initiating new operations or returning to the home screen. The printer does not detect objects on the build plate and can collide with them, potentially causing damage.
• Print Quality at High Speeds: While the printer supports high speeds, excessively fast printing can sometimes affect print quality. Experiment with print speed settings to find the optimal balance for your desired results. Upgrading components or using specialized high-speed filament may be necessary for consistent super high-speed prints.

Software and Connectivity

Some users may experience minor software quirks. Ensure your slicing software (e.g., Elegoo Cura, Orca Slicer) is up-to-date and correctly configured for the Neptune 4 Plus. If using a micro-SD card for file transfer, ensure it is functioning correctly and consider backing up its contents. For more in-depth troubleshooting, consult online resources and community forums dedicated to ELEGOO printers.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official ELEGOO website or contact ELEGOO customer service directly. An official User Manual (PDF) is available for download at this link. Additional protection plans are available for purchase to extend coverage beyond the standard warranty period.

You can also visit the ELEGOO Store on Amazon for more product information and support resources.