Elegoo has officially introduced the Centauri 2, a more affordable version of the popular Centauri Carbon 2. By removing several premium features, Elegoo has reduced the price while keeping the same high-speed CoreXY printing platform.
But is the lower price worth the trade-offs? Here’s everything you need to know.
Elegoo Centauri 2 Models
The new printer is available in two versions:
- Centauri 2 – Single-color printing
- Centauri 2 Combo – Includes the Canvas multi-material system for printing up to four colors.
The Combo version allows automatic multi-color printing using four filament spools.
The launch promotion is available for a limited time.
Technical Specifications
Despite the lower price, the Centauri 2 keeps most of the core hardware from the Carbon 2.
Specifications
- Build Volume: 256 × 256 × 256 mm
- Maximum Nozzle Temperature: 350°C
- Heated Bed Temperature: 110°C
- Maximum Print Speed: 500 mm/s
- Hardened Steel Nozzle
- CoreXY Motion System
The hardened nozzle allows printing abrasive materials such as carbon fiber and glass fiber filled filaments.
Multi-Color Printing with Canvas
The Centauri 2 Combo includes Elegoo’s Canvas multi-color system.
Features include:
- Up to 4-color printing
- Automatic filament switching
- RFID filament recognition
- Self-rewinding spool holders
This makes color changes much easier without manual intervention.
What Was Removed Compared to the Carbon 2?
To reduce cost, Elegoo removed several premium features found on the Centauri Carbon 2.
The Centauri 2 does not include:
- Enclosed chamber
- Built-in camera
- Chamber lighting
- Air filtration system
- Auxiliary cooling fan
These changes mainly affect users who print engineering materials.
Which Filaments Can You Print?
Because the printer is now open-frame, it is mainly designed for everyday materials.
Recommended materials include:
- PLA
- PETG
- TPU (without using the Canvas system)
Materials such as ABS and ASA are not recommended because they benefit from an enclosed heated chamber to minimize warping.
Can TPU Be Used?
Yes—but with one limitation.
TPU can be printed directly from the printer, but it cannot currently be used through the Canvas multi-color feeder.
Users must bypass the Canvas system to print flexible filaments.
Can the Missing Features Be Added Later?
According to Elegoo’s product comparison, several removed features are listed as optional upgrades, including:
- Camera
- LED lighting
- Auxiliary cooling fan
- Air filter
This suggests users may be able to upgrade the printer in the future instead of purchasing the Carbon 2 immediately.
Centauri 2 vs Centauri Carbon 2
Is It Worth Buying?
The answer depends on what you print.
Buy the Centauri 2 if:
- You mainly print PLA or PETG.
- You want an affordable high-speed CoreXY printer.
- You want multi-color printing at a low cost.
Buy the Centauri Carbon 2 if:
- You regularly print ABS, ASA, Nylon, or other engineering materials.
- You want an enclosed chamber.
- You prefer having a built-in camera, chamber lighting, air filtration, and auxiliary cooling.
Interestingly, during the launch promotion, the price difference between the Centauri 2 Combo ($329) and the Centauri Carbon 2 ($339) is only $10, making the Carbon 2 an excellent value for users who need advanced features.
Final Thoughts
The Elegoo Centauri 2 is designed to make high-speed and multi-color 3D printing more accessible. While it sacrifices some premium features, it keeps the same powerful motion system, heated bed, high-temperature hotend, and hardened nozzle found in the Carbon 2.
For makers focused on PLA and PETG, it offers excellent value. However, users who need enclosed printing for engineering-grade materials may find the Centauri Carbon 2 to be the better long-term investment.
Happy Printing! 🚀
