Just a few years ago, 3D printing changed significantly. A new brand emerged from Kickstarter, redefining what’s possible in the consumer market by introducing enclosed 3D printers that deliver high-quality models at unprecedented speeds. Since then, every company has tried to react to the change, but it’s taken a while. Now, though, companies are starting to release CoreXY machines to compete with the Bambu Lab behemoth, and Elegoo's Centauri Carbon is a great example of this new wave.
The Centauri is aimed squarely at the beginner to mid-range market that the P1S and P1P from Bambu Lab currently occupy. As a direct rival to the P1S -- one of my top picks for 3D printers -- it comes at a lower price and, surprisingly, with very few concessions. I’ve spent some time with it, and at its current $399 price tag, I’d say it’s one to watch.
Bambu Lab P1S and Elegoo Centauri Carbon comparison chart
| Bambu Lab P1P | Centauri Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Build volume | 256 x 256 x 256mm | 256 x 256 x 256mm |
| Printer dimensions | 389 389 458mm | 398 x 404 x 490mm |
| Hot end | All metal | All metal |
| Nozzle diameter | 0.4mm (optional 0.2, 0.6, 0.8), stainless steel | 0.4mm (optional 0.2, 0.6, 0.8), hardened steel |
| Max speed | 500mm/s | 500mm/s |
| Supported material | PLA, ASA, PETG, PVA, TPU | PLA, ASA, PETG, PVA, TPU |
| Filament run-out sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Color system | Optional Extra | No |
| Storage | MicroSD card, 4GB internal | Front-facing USB thumb drive |
| Slicer | Bambu Studio (other slicers compatible) | ElegooSlicer |
The first thing I noticed when I unboxed the Centauri was the glass door and lid. Elegoo could have easily saved a few dollars there and made them out of plastic. It would have been fine, but the weight of the glass and the acoustic dampening it produces is a welcome upgrade. That ethos is prevalent throughout the Centauri, too; it doesn't feel cheap. It feels well engineered and designed to be a workhorse, not a machine to throw away after a year.
When you directly compare the P1S and the Centauri, you can see the specs are similar in speed, build area and general accessories. The Centauri even outperforms the P1S in some areas, such as its more user-friendly LCD display. Its interior layout, including a filament waste chute, hints at a possible future multicolor system similar to the AMS. If that happens, I hope it remains compatible with this model -- having to buy an entirely new printer just to access the color system would be a tough sell.
When it comes to the overall quality of the prints, the Centauri Carbon performed admirably. The CNET test print that I use to test all of the printers that come through my workshop showed very little defects, though there was some stringing on the print, indicating it was a little too hot, and the 0.2mm tolerance test was stuck tight. Most of the issues could be fixed within the software, so it's not too big of a deal.
I used the Centauri to print a large number of fun little flexi dinosaurs and fidget toys for my daughter's first-grade class. No matter how many I printed or what material I used, each one came out looking great. And all the kids loved them, which is the most important thing. I tested the hardened nozzle with PLA, PETG, TPU and even glow-in-the-dark filament, and the Centauri printed them all smoothly.
I've enjoyed my time with the Centauri Carbon, and once I've finished the full testing, I have a feeling it'll be a strong contender for a place on my best lists. Right now, it's available to preorder at the Elegoo website for $300 (£300). This is an excellent pick if you're looking for a first-time printer.