I spent time with Elegoo’s new 3D printer and it’s pretty amazing for $300
Just a few years ago, 3D printing changed dramatically. A new brand has emerged from Kickstarter and redefines what is possible in the consumer market by introducing enclosed 3D printers that offer high-quality models at unprecedented speeds. Since then, all companies have tried to respond to the change, but it took a while. However, now companies are beginning to release Corexy machines to compete with Bambu Lab Behemoth, and Elegoo’s Centauri Carbon is a great example of this new wave.
Centauri is directed directly from beginners towards the mid-range market. P1S and P1P It is currently occupied by Bambu Lab. As a direct rival to the P1S – one of my top picks 3D Printer -It’s a low price, and surprisingly, there are few concessions. I spent time on it and with that current $399 price tag, I think it’s something to see.
Bambu Lab P1s and Elegoo Centauri Carbon Compariate Chart
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| Bambu Lab p1p | Centauri carbon | |
| Build a volume | 256 x 256 x 256mm | 256 x 256 x 256mm |
| Printer dimensions | 389 389 458mm | 398 x 404 x 490mm |
| Hot End | All Metals | All Metals |
| Nozzle diameter | 0.4mm (options 0.2, 0.6, 0.8) stainless steel | 0.4mm (options 0.2, 0.6, 0.8) hardened steel |
| Maximum speed | 500mm/s | 500mm/s |
| Supported materials | PLA, SO, PETG, PVA, TPU | PLA, SO, PETG, PVA, TPU |
| Filament Runout Sensor | yes | yes |
| Color system | Adding options | no |
| Storage | Micro SD card, 4GB internal | Front face USB thumb drive |
| Slicer | Bambu Studio (compatible with other slicers) | Eleger |
The first thing I noticed was that when I put the centauri in the box it had a glass door and lid. Elegoo could have easily saved a few dollars there and made it out of plastic. It would have been fine, but the weight of the glass it produces and the acoustic humidity it produces is a welcome upgrade. That spirit is also popular throughout Centauri. It doesn’t feel cheap. It feels designed and designed to be a mainstay, not a machine that will be thrown away in a year.
A direct comparison of the P1S and Centauri shows that the speed of the spec, build area, and general accessories are similar. Centauri can sometimes outperform the P1 in some areas, such as a more user-friendly LCD display. Its internal layout, including filament waste chutes, suggests a future multi-color system similar to AMS. If that happens, I hope it will remain compatible with this model – it will be a difficult sale to have to buy an entirely new printer just to access the color system.
As for the overall quality of the print, the centaur carbon worked great. In the CNET test printing used to test all the printers that come through the workshop, the print had some strings, but it was a little too hot, indicating that the 0.2mm resistance test was firmly packed It’s there. It’s not that big as most issues can be fixed within the software.
I used the centauri to print numerous fun little flexi dinosaurs and fidget toys for my daughter’s first grade class. No matter how much printed or what material used, each one looks better. And all the kids loved them. This is the most important thing. The hardened nozzles were tested with PLA, PETG, TPU and even dark filaments, and Centauri printed them all smoothly.
I spent time at Centauri Carbon. Once I’ve finished my full test, I feel it will be a strong contender for a place on my best list. Currently available for pre-order on the Elegoo website $300 (£300 GBP). If you’re looking for a first-time printer, this is a great choice.