Overview
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon enters the market with a bold proposition: a CoreXY enclosed printer with the same build volume as the Bambu X1C—all for just $299. It’s a price tag that immediately turns heads, especially for print farm operators looking to scale.
While the machine may not boast premium materials out of the box, its internal feature set, print stability, and smart UI design make it a serious contender. We tested 5 separate units and are sharing our real-world performance impressions across dozens of high-hour print cycles.
First-Time Setup Experience
| Setup Step | User Experience Summary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unboxing | Feels lightweight and a bit cheap | Expected at this price point |
| Display Interface | Responsive, modern UI (Bambu-style) | Surprisingly smooth and well-designed |
| Initial Diagnostics | Auto self-test + safety checks on first boot | ~30 min to complete |
| Firmware Update Prompt | Prompted immediately after diagnostics | Seamless OTA update |
| Assembly & Prep | Unlocking screws + foam removal required | Adequately documented |
Print Capabilities & Results
| Material Type | Stock Profile Quality | With Tuning |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | Acceptable; soft corners | Crisp features, minimal ringing |
| PETG | Slight stringing | Strong bridges, smoother finish |
| TPU (95A+) | Usable but inconsistent | Requires slowed print speeds |
| ABS/ASA | Good with enclosure | Minor warping on open prints |
Elegoo released an Orca profile early in the product’s lifecycle—a rare and welcome move.
Construction & Build Quality
| Component | Observation | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Door + Top Glass | Premium look, magnets fell off on 2 units | Cosmetic issue; easily repairable |
| Frame Assembly | Lightweight, not flimsy | Slight vibration at high speeds |
| Lighting | Beta units had non-functional lighting | Inconvenient for enclosed prints |
| Firmware Consistency | All units updated without issue | Stable across revisions |
Beta and revised units appear in the market. Lighting and finish differ slightly.
Bed Leveling & Z-Offset Behavior
| Feature | Observed Behavior | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Z-Offset Behavior | On some units, scratched build plate | Manually adjustable; QA issue |
| Leveling Repeatability | Holds well once set | Better after initial prints |
| Sensor Accuracy | Consistent once dialed in | No drift during long prints |
Hardware & Specifications
| Spec | Value | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | Matches Bambu X1C |
| Hotend Temp | Up to 300°C | Handles consumer-grade filaments |
| Bed Temp | Up to 100°C | ABS/ASA capable |
| Motion System | CoreXY | Quiet and fast |
| Enclosure | Glass door + top | Improved heat retention |
| Multi-Material Support | Not available (yet) | Elegoo announced plans but not yet released |
Real-World Print Farm Experience
Ran 5 units for 500+ hours each
No major failures or thermistor issues
Consistent layer alignment
Z-offset needed one-time manual tweak
Minor re-gluing of magnets required
A surprisingly strong performer in extended use.
What Real Users Should Know
Some beta units have non-working lighting
Magnet retention varies
Performance and firmware appear consistent
If you’re okay with minor quirks, it’s one of the best CoreXY enclosures for the price.
How It Compares
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unbeatable price for enclosed CoreXY | Glass door magnets fell out |
| Stock and Orca profile support | Some units ship with faulty lighting |
| Intuitive UI similar to Bambu | Z-offset may scratch build plate |
| Easy filament loading | Slightly dated construction feel |
⭐ Conclusion: 4.0 / 5 Stars
The Centauri Carbon may be the best value CoreXY printer available. While it’s not the most refined or luxurious printer, its performance is consistent, its slicer support is mature, and it can handle non-stop operation at scale.
If you’re running a print farm or looking for an affordable enclosed machine with performance potential, this one earns a spot on the shortlist.
✅ Our Recommendation
We recommend this printer for:
Budget-conscious print farm operators
Power users comfortable with basic tweaks
We do not recommend it for:
Absolute beginners
Anyone wanting polished plug-and-play luxury
⭐ Final Score Breakdown
| Category | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | 3.5 |
| Print Reliability | 4.0 |
| Material Compatibility | 4.5 |
| Software & Firmware | 4.0 |
| Maintenance & Service | 3.5 |
| Multi-Material Support | 2.0 |
| Support Quality | 4.0 |
| Overall Rating | 4.0 / 5 Stars |
