The 3D printing market has seen a significant shift with the introduction of Elegoo's latest offering, the Centauri Carbon. This fully enclosed CoreXY printer marks Elegoo's entry into the high-performance 3D printer segment while maintaining an accessible price point of USD $299.99, challenging the dominance of more expensive competitors.
Design and Build Quality
The Centauri Carbon features a robust all-metal construction with a weight of 17.5 kg, incorporating reinforced aluminum alloy pillars and stainless steel side panels. The printer's enclosed design includes tinted glass panels and a removable top cover, offering flexibility for different printing materials. Despite its compact footprint of 398 × 404 × 490 mm, it provides a generous build volume of 256 × 256 × 256 mm, matching the specifications of premium printers like the Bambu Lab P1S.
Advanced Features and Capabilities
The printer comes equipped with a 0.4mm nozzle capable of reaching temperatures up to 320°C, supported by a powerful 60W heater for rapid temperature changes. The heated bed can reach 110°C, making it suitable for a wide range of materials including PLA, PETG, TPU, and carbon fiber-filled filaments. Notable features include an integrated camera for print monitoring, a built-in filtration system with nano mineral crystals, and comprehensive cooling solutions including a high-speed 5020 cooling fan.
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| A vibrant orange 3D printed model of a boat, showcasing the Centauri Carbon printer's capability to produce intricate designs using different materials |
Performance and Print Quality
Despite not boasting the highest speeds on paper, the Centauri Carbon demonstrates impressive real-world performance. It can complete a 3DBenchy in approximately 18 minutes while maintaining excellent print quality. The printer's rigid construction minimizes vibration, contributing to consistent and precise prints. The machine utilizes Klipper-based firmware with Fluidd as the web interface, offering reliable bed leveling and straightforward operation without requiring cloud access.
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| This intricately designed 3D printed dragon statue highlights the impressive print quality achievable with the Centauri Carbon printer |
Value Proposition
At its price point of USD $299.99, the Centauri Carbon presents exceptional value, offering features and performance that compete with printers costing over USD $1,000. While it lacks some premium features like a heated chamber, its enclosed design and comprehensive feature set make it a compelling option for both beginners and experienced users. The printer's ability to handle carbon fiber materials out of the box, combined with its robust construction and reliable performance, positions it as a strong contender in the current 3D printer market.