Neptune 4 – Nozzle hitting prints at higher layers (Orca Slicer) | OrcaSlicer | Page 1

sterile jasper Dec 13, 2025, 8:51 PM

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Hi everyone, I’m having an issue with my 3D printer and I’d really appreciate some help.

I’m using an Elegoo Neptune 4, and after the print reaches a certain height, the nozzle starts hitting/rubbing against the print and ends up knocking pieces loose from the build plate. The first layers print perfectly fine, with good adhesion, but once the model gets taller the nozzle begins to scrape and collide with the printed parts.

What I’ve already tried:

Cleaned the build plate thoroughly with detergent soap and hot water

Re-leveled the bed

Verified first layer height and adhesion (they look good)

The problem only starts when the print is higher, not at the beginning.

Slicer: Orca Slicer
Material: PLA / PLA Silk

Has anyone experienced something similar on the Neptune 4?
Could this be related to Z-hop, over-extrusion, flow calibration, curling, cooling, or acceleration settings?

Any advice or settings recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

zenith fern Dec 13, 2025, 8:53 PM

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does the neptune use leadscrews for the z axis?

sterile jasper Dec 13, 2025, 9:14 PM

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Yes. The Elegoo Neptune 4 uses lead screws on the Z axis.

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@zenith fern

zenith fern Dec 13, 2025, 9:43 PM

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yeah okay

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so likely what you're running into is the leadscrews are binding at a certain point, and you're losing z steps

sterile jasper Dec 13, 2025, 10:16 PM

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What do i need to do?

zenith fern Dec 14, 2025, 1:54 AM

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first, test if the z axis can smoothly move through its entire range of motion

#Neptune 4 – Nozzle hitting prints at higher layers (Orca Slicer)