Hi everyone,
I've been lurking around here for a while, and this forum thread has helped make the decision tu purchase a N4. Thanks a lot for everyone who provided info here!
We got the machine in early August, with only ~12 feeders initially. Shipping was via DHL, all wend smooth and fast and it was delivered in perfect state.
We didn`t get the stand from Neoden, but instead rolled our own, made out of square steel pipe. Nice & rigid. At around 90% speed setting it rattles a bit, but nothing disturbing.
After the "standard" experience everyone around here reports, including switching to Chinese, fiddling around with the not-so-friendly software, frustration with setting up panels/fiducials, settings for feed/peel strength etc., I was pretty happy with the results, given the price for the machine.
I have 2 notable incidents to report:
- After ~2 months in, the stepper for nozzle #3 rotation was not functioning properly. With some patience and spare time I managed to take it off the machine, take it apart, and it was just one wire of a winding not properly soldered to the small PCB with the connector going outside. Neoden sent 2 replacements for free afterwards, with the next shipment (see next bullet). Kudos to them!
- A little while after the above incident, we went ahead and ordered a full set feeders to fill the machine. To my surprise (#1), customs declared value / invoice the customs had was for a much lower amount, 10% of the total. Was sorted in the end after 3-4 email exchanges. Surprise #2 was the bonus: we received brand-new peel-boxes and used feeders, with obvious usage/scratch/rust marks... Despite anything I said, Neoden sustained their point of view, that the feeders are "new" and those marks are "normal from assembly/testing". In short, the conclusion suggested by them: "the feeders work, what's the big deal?"
Other issues:
- Broken white plastic bit in a feeder. Doesn't really bother us yet.
- Vibratory feeders are a F'ING PAIN to use due to the badly designed plastic part on the machine. I'm thinking of designing and 3D-printing my own part to replace the one on the machine. Anyone else who went this way?
- Any questions about a software update hit a brick wall. Would love to hear if anyone received a software update.
We've run ~600 boards in the meantime, with decent results, and rarely requiring a manual nudge on some components. With the exception of the issues above and keeping in mind the price tag, I'd say I`m pretty satisfied with the equipment.
All the best!