The Neptune 3 was, to me, a bit of a dud.
However, it is not fully populated.
The Neptune 3 Pro from Elegoo directly is currently available for $230, on sale from $300.
Neptune 3 Pro test prints
However, an all-metal heat break would allow you to print materials up to 300c without any degradation.
A bi-metal heartbreak would allow you to do that whilst also exponentially cutting down the risk of heat creep.
This is mounted on the top of the X-axis frame on a swivel mount.
The swivel mount is very useful and does help with the filament guiding at the extremities of the X-axis.
However, the actual switch itself for the filament runout grips the filament just a little too much.
This was started by the Ender 3 in 2018 and continues to this day.
Elegoo has many companies to contend with for your dollars here, including themselves.
Next up is also from Creality, the Ender 3 V2 Neo.
The build volume is smaller at 220x220x250mm, and it is a bowden extruder with a single drive gear.
Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro toolhead
The real competitor is the last generation Neptune 2S at $150.
For your $150, you get a slightly smaller print volume at 220x220x250 and a PTFE-lined hotend.
Lastly is the SV06 from Sovol; this is the most different of all the Ender 3 Style printers.
3D printed power rangers helmet
Neptune 3 Pro: Should you buy it?
You should buy this if…
You shouldn’t buy this if…
The Neptune 3 Pro from Elegoo really is a return to form, in my opinion.
Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro screen
Elegoo manages to stuff unbelievable features into a sub $300 printer and makes something you actually want to use
Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro filament sensor
Sovol SV06 printing a vase
Elegoo Neptune 2
