Sidewinder X3 Plus vs Neptune 4 Max
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Sidewinder X3 Plus and Neptune 4 Max are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose Sidewinder X3 Plus if price matters more; choose Neptune 4 Max if work area and max print speed matters more. On the category's overall technical index, Neptune 4 Max scores 40/100 against 28/100 for Sidewinder X3 Plus.
| Parameter |
Sidewinder X3 Plus
Artillery
F2 · Intermediate
|
Neptune 4 Max
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~280–360 € | 549 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 49.2 × 50.7 × 61 cm | 65.8 × 63.2 × 74 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 16.6 kg | 18.1 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 300 × 300 mm | 420 × 420 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 400 mm | 480 mm |
| Maximum speed | 300 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | — | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 300.0 mm | 420 mm |
| Maximum Z height (mm) | 400.0 mm | 480 mm |
| Kinematics | cartesian | cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300.0 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100.0 °C | 85 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 300.0 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Closed chamber | — | False |
| Filament sensor | — | True |
| Auto leveling | mesh | mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | — | False |
| Native Klipper | — | True |
| Input shaper | — | True |
| Multicolor printing | — | False |
| Requires external accessory | — | False |
| Maximum colors | — | 1 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The STM32 board runs Marlin and communicates via USB Type-C or TF card; it works with any standard slicer (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Simplify3D) without proprietary restrictions. Lack of Wi-Fi requires physical transfer of G-code files, but ensures full offline control. | The system relies on an open ecosystem thanks to the motherboard with pre-installed Klipper. Users can manage the machine both through the 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen interface and via local network using the integrated web interface (Fluidd). Elegoo provides its own customized version of the Cura slicer, but the printer remains fully compatible with most third-party slicers such as PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, and Simplify3D. Native support for Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity facilitates sending and monitoring G-code files without the need for physical media. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Sidewinder X3 Plus 320 € vs Neptune 4 Max 549 € — Sidewinder X3 Plus wins (+72%)
- Work area: Sidewinder X3 Plus 300×300 mm vs Neptune 4 Max 420×420 mm — Neptune 4 Max wins (+96%)
- Max print speed: Sidewinder X3 Plus 300 mm/s vs Neptune 4 Max 500 mm/s — Neptune 4 Max wins (+67%)
- Maximum Z height: Sidewinder X3 Plus 400 mm vs Neptune 4 Max 480 mm — Neptune 4 Max wins (+20%)
- Max bed temperature: Sidewinder X3 Plus 100 °C vs Neptune 4 Max 85 °C — Sidewinder X3 Plus wins (+18%)
Which one to choose
Choose Sidewinder X3 Plus if…
you value price and max bed temperature. «A heated bed reduces the thermal gradient between the part and the environment, limiting warping and delamination. Up to 60 °C covers PLA and flexible materials. Between 80 and 110 °C it enables PETG, ABS, and ASA. Above 110 °C it is necessary for PC and high-temperature technical materials. Bed temperature should be evaluated alongside nozzle temperature: a high-rated bed adds little value if the nozzle cannot reach the corresponding threshold.»
Choose Neptune 4 Max if…
you value work area, max print speed and maximum z height. «The rated maximum speed indicates the theoretical hardware limit, not the everyday working speed. Faster machines reduce print times on simple geometries, but real-world speed depends on material, geometry, required surface finish, and slicer settings. Values above 200–300 mm/s are meaningful only on machines with CoreXY kinematics, active input shaping, and a stiffened mechanical frame.»
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