A Volcano hot end is a notable improvement to the Elegoo Neptune 3 Max’s extrusion capabilities. The printer comes with a standard, PTFE-lined hot end, which can wear out over time.

By increasing the nozzle and heater block size, this upgrade enables the printer to deposit larger layers of filament, resulting in faster print speeds for projects that don’t require fine detail. This is perfect for the Neptune 3 Max, as you can print large models in less time using thicker layer heights.

The V6 Volcano hot end from E3D, a trusted brand within the 3D printing space, is a good option. Its nozzles are widely used by hobbyists and, while not the cheapest upgrade out there, it may be worth it depending on intended use.

• What does it improve? Increases maximum nozzle temperature, faster flow rate, improves reliability
• How much does it cost? ~$80

E3D Volcano

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Adding larger nozzles to the Elegoo Neptune 3 Max provides users with greater versatility in their printing projects. Using a larger nozzle can let you print huge models in a fraction of the time, which really allows you to take advantage of the Max’s massive print bed!

The standard nozzle size is 0.4 mm, but for the Max, 0.6-mm, 0.8-mm, or even 1-mm nozzles can be utilized. You can get away with using a 0.4-mm nozzle with most prints, but you may want to use a higher diameter nozzle for faster print times or more durability. However, keep in mind that you’ll lose out on detail as the nozzle gets larger.

• What does it improve? Decreases print time, prints thicker layers, improves durability
• How much does it cost? ~$6
• Who designed it? Various brands
• Where to find it? Amazon

Maintaining consistent cooling during your prints reduces the risk of warping and improves overall print quality. This cooling shroud will help reduce fan noise while also increasing airflow, resulting in better overhangs and improved bridging.

The shroud design, which is for dual 5015 fans, provides more than three times the air compared to the stock Neptune 3 Max setup. Even running at lower power levels, it still improves airflow. Although the cooling shroud enhances print quality, improper positioning can lead to uneven cooling and affect overall results, something that can be avoided thanks to the creator’s detailed installation instructions that can be found on the Printables page.

• What does it improve? Reduces noise, enhances airflow
• How much does it cost? ~$15
• Who designed it? MediaMan3D
• Where to find it? Printables

If you’re someone who prefers having the display on the left-hand side, this mount for the Neptune 3 Max is for you! Another scenario this mod can be useful for is if your printer is in an area with limited space to the right.

Keep in mind that you’ll have to disassemble part of the printer to install this mount, as you’ll need to remove a screw holding the frame together on the bottom of the machine. Many who printed this mount stated that it fit the printer very well, but it may not be worth the effort of taking things apart to install. Some opted to simply hot glue the mount onto the frame instead.

• What does it improve? Affords better display accessibility
• How much does it cost? Just the cost of filament
• Who designed it? bumblebee
• Where to find it? Printables

Cables are always a pain to deal with and can become even more problematic with bigger printers such as the Max. The Neptune 3 Max comes stock with a cable holder, but many have reported it does a lackluster job.

Simple in design, this little cable holder upgrade should keep the extruder cable out of the way of your printer while maintaining an elegant look. It fits on the Z-axis on the left side of the printer and keeps the cables away from the build plate.

It would make sense to print this model horizontally with a high infill percentage for the best durability and strength.

• What does it improve? Reduces cable management issues
• How much does it cost? Just the cost of filament
• Who designed it? Fe_ix
• Where to find it? Printables

The addition of vibration-dampening feet to the Elegoo Neptune 3 Max helps with stability during the printing process. These feet minimize external vibrations that can negatively impact print quality, resulting in cleaner, more consistent prints. Although the Neptune 3 Max is a large printer and shouldn’t be too prone to vibration inconsistencies, a good set of vibration-dampening feet is never a bad idea.

It’s worth noting that the creator chose to print this model at 100% infill in PLA+.

• What does it improve? Dampens vibrations and noise while improving print quality
• How much does it cost? Just the cost of filament
• Who designed it? DigitalTeacher
• Where to find it? Printables

As mentioned earlier, having a variety of different nozzle sizes on hand will let you truly enjoy the Neptune 3 Max to its maximum.

To conveniently store all of those nozzles, this insert fits into your printer’s drawer to give you easy access. You can also add small labels to help you remember which nozzles you’re using and where they’re stored.

• What does it improve? Allows for nozzle organization
• How much does it cost? Just the cost of filament
• Who designed it? RandyMay
• Where to find it? Printables

If you’re a fan of time-lapses, this camera mount should be a non-negotiable upgrade! The creator of this model pointed out the two unused slots on the end of the Max’s Z-axis, which happen to be a perfect place to add a mount, which comes in both a horizontal and vertical orientation.

The creator also mentions that the design is compatible with an articulating arm that allows you to mount a Raspberry Pi camera, but it can be retrofitted to suit any small camera, as some makers from the community used a webcam. The arm has five linkages and a ball joint at the end connected by screws that allow you to change the angle of the camera.

While the designer of the model pictured above didn’t test it with a Neptune 3 Max, given that other mods are compatible, there should be no issues (or only minimal tweaking required).

• What does it improve? Enables the addition of a camera on the Z-axis
• How much does it cost? The filament and printing cost as well as the M3x8 screws needed to install the mount
• Who designed it? Lllotus
• Where to find it? Printables

If you find yourself switching filament often, taking advantage of an additional spool holder could be super helpful. If you’re printing big models on the Max (as you should!), having an additional spool on speed-dial in case one runs out is a good idea. Or, if you’d like to use heavier spools, such as 3- or 5-kg sizes, it’s easy to elongate the spool holder to accommodate the larger size.

If you’re going to hang 1 kg or more of filament over a running print, it’s a good idea to make sure your spool holder is solid. Many makers from the community chose to print the holder at 100% infill in PETG for strength and peace of mind.

And while the original design was made with the Neptune 3 Pro in mind, at least one successful maker has added this upgrade to the Neptune 3 Max, so there shouldn’t be any compatibility issues there.

• What does it improve? Improves filament capacity while printing
• How much does it cost? Just the cost of filament
• Who designed it? nilson_fx
• Where to find it? Printables