ELEGOO offers two FDM desktop 3D printer kids, the Neptune 2S and the Neptune 2. While both printers offer innovative features, we will be exploring the differences between their design, technological advancements, and support. Our recommendation will be weighed upon project needs and user skills.
ELEGOO Neptune 2S
The Neptune 2S is an easy-to-use FDM 3D printer. It comes semi-assembled and is easy to set up. This model offers a double-gear extruder, a spring steel platform, and power failure recovery. It is an FDM printer with a build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm.
The Neptune 2S offers stable and accurate extrusion. This is because the dual-gear metal extruder has features that reduce the nozzle blockage risk, make printing more stable, and increase the uniformity of the output.
The printer adopts a new, specially coated spring steel platform. This allows for easy print removal by bending the platform. It does not easily bend out of shape at high temperatures. The platformis detachable and has a longer service life than other printing platforms. It is compatible with PLA, PETG, ABS, and TPU filaments.
The Neptune 2S comes with a 32-bit motherboard and an SMT32F chip. It also has a memory of up to 1 M FLASH. It has a silent stepper driver that ensures that accurate voltage is output to provide silent printing.
This model comes equipped with power failure recovery. Printing automatically pauses at power failure and will resume as soon as power reconnects. Additionally, if the filament runs out or breaks, an alarm will sound, and printing will stop until the filament gets replaced.
The printer also sports a 3.5-inch touch screen that is very user-friendly. It offers multiple language support and allows monitoring of the printing progress in real-time.
Once the device cools down after printing, the fans will automatically turn off to preserve their life and limit noise.
ELEGOO Neptune 2
The Neptune 2 is an FDM printer designed for ease of use. It is compatible with PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, wood, and marble filaments. It offers features like smart technology, an intuitive user-friendly experience, and a 1-year warranty.
The Neptune 2 is very similar to the Neptune 2S. They both offer quiet printing and build volumes of 220 x 220 x 250 mm. Both printers also boast a filament run-out sensor and power loss detection.
Unlike the spring steel bed that the Neptune 2S has, the Neptune 2 comes equipped with a flex bed. This flex bed is not magnetic and therefore binder clips hold it in place on all four corners.
This printer does not offer automatic bed leveling. Instead, the process relies on four wheels on the bottom of the printer to adjust the bed.
The printer comes semi-assembled for easy setup. Once printing finishes and the nozzle’s temperature goes below 50°C, the cooling fans will automatically turn off to save power and extend their life spans. It has a 400 W power supply that can better protect the printer from overload voltage, short circuits, or situations where there is not enough voltage.
The Neptune 2 offers an intuitive and user-friendly experience. The 4.3-inch user interface offers multiple languages. It also shows a preview of the model and printing progress in real time. The bed holds an exchangeable fiberglass sheet, which allows for better adherence and lets users remove prints without any trouble. The combination of a 32-bit motherboard and a TMC2225 silent driver provides a quieter printer with noise levels under 50 dB.
ELEGOO provides a 1-year warranty on the unit. This warranty excludes the nozzle and build plate sheet. They also offer lifetime technical support. Local warehouses deliver replacement parts to users.
Our Recommendation
While both printers offer excellent features, we must break down the differences before users commit to one of them. The ELEGOO Neptune 2S offers a spring steel print bed and a double-gear metal extruder. It is an excellent choice for beginning printers.
On the other hand, the ELEGOO Neptune 2 offers more variety in projects as it has more filament types that it is compatible with. It is user-friendly and comes with a warranty and lifetime support. This printer is great for beginners.