Only a few years in the past, 3D printing modified considerably. A brand new model emerged from Kickstarter, redefining what’s doable within the client market by introducing enclosed 3D printers that ship high-quality fashions at unprecedented speeds. Since then, each firm has tried to react to the change, but it surely’s taken some time. Now, although, corporations are beginning to launch CoreXY machines to compete with the Bambu Lab behemoth, and Elegoo’s Centauri Carbon is a superb instance of this new wave.
The Centauri is aimed squarely on the newbie to mid-range market that the P1S and P1P from Bambu Lab at present occupy. As a direct rival to the P1S — one in every of my prime picks for 3D printers — it comes at a cheaper price and, surprisingly, with only a few concessions. I’ve spent a while with it, and at its present $399 price ticket, I’d say it’s one to observe.
Bambu Lab P1S and Elegoo Centauri Carbon comparability chart
| Bambu Lab P1P | Centauri Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Construct quantity | 256 x 256 x 256mm | 256 x 256 x 256mm |
| Printer dimensions | 389 389 458mm | 398 x 404 x 490mm |
| Sizzling finish | All steel | All steel |
| Nozzle diameter | 0.4mm (elective 0.2, 0.6, 0.8), chrome steel | 0.4mm (elective 0.2, 0.6, 0.8), hardened metal |
| Max pace | 500mm/s | 500mm/s |
| Supported materials | PLA, ASA, PETG, PVA, TPU | PLA, ASA, PETG, PVA, TPU |
| Filament run-out sensor | Sure | Sure |
| Shade system | Non-compulsory Additional | No |
| Storage | MicroSD card, 4GB inner | Entrance-facing USB thumb drive |
| Slicer | Bambu Studio (different slicers appropriate) | ElegooSlicer |
The very first thing I observed after I unboxed the Centauri was the glass door and lid. Elegoo might have simply saved just a few {dollars} there and made them out of plastic. It will have been wonderful, however the weight of the glass and the acoustic dampening it produces is a welcome improve. That ethos is prevalent all through the Centauri, too; it would not really feel low-cost. It feels effectively engineered and designed to be a workhorse, not a machine to throw away after a 12 months.
Once you immediately evaluate the P1S and the Centauri, you may see the specs are comparable in pace, construct space and common equipment. The Centauri even outperforms the P1S in some areas, similar to its extra user-friendly LCD show. Its inside structure, together with a filament waste chute, hints at a doable future multicolor system just like the AMS. If that occurs, I hope it stays appropriate with this mannequin — having to purchase a wholly new printer simply to entry the colour system can be a troublesome promote.
In the case of the general high quality of the prints, the Centauri Carbon carried out admirably. The CNET take a look at print that I exploit to check the entire printers that come by way of my workshop confirmed little or no defects, although there was some stringing on the print, indicating it was slightly too scorching, and the 0.2mm tolerance take a look at was caught tight. A lot of the points might be fastened inside the software program, so it is not too huge of a deal.
I used the Centauri to print numerous enjoyable little flexi dinosaurs and fidget toys for my daughter’s first-grade class. Regardless of what number of I printed or what materials I used, every one got here out wanting nice. And all the youngsters cherished them, which is crucial factor. I examined the hardened nozzle with PLA, PETG, TPU and even glow-in-the-dark filament, and the Centauri printed all of them easily.
I’ve loved my time with the Centauri Carbon, and as soon as I’ve completed the total testing, I’ve a sense it’s going to be a powerful contender for a spot on my greatest lists. Proper now, it is accessible to preorder on the Elegoo web site for $300 (£300). This is a superb decide in case you’re searching for a first-time printer.
