Amazing - but with Limits - Elegoo Centauri Carbon Review

Summary

In this review, Ross discusses the Eligu Centuri Carbon 3D printer, a budget-friendly machine that offers solid performance for basic users. While it’s not without its flaws—such as occasional print stops and minor hardware issues—the printer impresses with its affordability, ease of use, and reliable performance for tasks like PLA printing. Ross shares his experience with setup, printing, and features like the camera for monitoring prints. He emphasizes that while it may not have cutting-edge technology, the Centuri Carbon offers a good balance of price and functionality for entry-level users. Overall, it’s a great option for those seeking an affordable, no-frills 3D printer.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Centuri Carbon is an affordable 3D printer that offers good value for its price, especially for basic users who mainly print with PLA.
• 😀 The printer is an enclosed core XY model with a build volume of 256 mm cubed, matching the Bamboo X1.
• 😀 The setup process is simple and user-friendly, with minimal steps required, such as removing screws and clipping cables.
• 😀 A standout feature is the easily removable hotend faceplate and the simple design for changing the nozzle and extruder gear.
• 😀 The camera feature on the printer allows monitoring and time-lapse creation, though the quality is low (640x360 resolution).
• 😀 The printer includes a filament waste collection bin, which is a convenient feature when changing reels.
• 😀 Despite its low price, the printer shows solid performance, with only a few minor software issues such as occasional print halts and filament offset after runout.
• 😀 The printer is designed with more accessible components, which makes cleaning and maintenance easier compared to some competitors.
• 😀 The user interface (UI) is intuitive and follows a standard layout used by many other 3D printers, making it familiar for users of similar models.
• 😀 While the printer works reliably for PLA and occasional PETG prints, its build quality could be improved, such as with a better lid fit and PTFE tube placement.
• 😀 There are some features still missing, such as vents for cooling during low-temp printing, a dedicated phone app for monitoring, and a multi-material system, though some features may be added in the future.

Q & A

What is the overall opinion of the reviewer on the Centuri Carbon printer?

The reviewer appreciates the Centuri Carbon printer for what it offers at its price point. Although it is not perfect, it is considered a 'special' machine due to its affordability and decent performance for basic users who primarily print PLA and occasionally PETG.

What is the unique feature of the Centuri Carbon in comparison to other printers in its price range?

A unique feature of the Centuri Carbon is its camera, which allows users to monitor prints remotely via a slicer or web UI. It also offers time-lapse video creation, though the resolution is relatively low at 640x360.

How does the Centuri Carbon handle filament runouts?

When the Centuri Carbon runs out of filament, it informs the user. However, the printer can sometimes misalign prints when the filament runs out and is replaced after some time. This issue only occurred once during the reviewer’s experience.

What issues did the reviewer encounter with the Centuri Carbon during use?

The reviewer faced a few minor issues including a lid that didn't fit flush with the housing, a PTFE tube that scratched against the housing, and occasional random print stoppages without error messages. These issues were mostly isolated and did not occur frequently.

How does the build quality of the Centuri Carbon compare to higher-end printers?

The Centuri Carbon’s build quality is considered cheaper than flagship models like the Bamboo X1, but for its price, it offers decent construction and functionality. Some components, like plastic coverings inside the printer, are less polished, but this gives easier access to parts for cleaning and maintenance.

What is the user interface (UI) experience like on the Centuri Carbon?

The UI on the Centuri Carbon is intuitive and follows the standard layout used by other popular printers like the Bamboo X1, Anycubic S1, and Creality K1. The reviewer found the UI solid and easy to navigate.

Does the Centuri Carbon have any major technological innovations compared to similar printers?

While the Centuri Carbon doesn’t introduce major new technological innovations, it stands out for providing good value at a lower price. It follows established designs from higher-end printers like the Bamboo series but offers them in a more affordable package.

How did the reviewer feel about the Centuri Carbon’s performance in a multi-printer setup?

In a multi-printer setup, the reviewer found themselves returning to the Centuri Carbon more often than the others. This was due to the printer consistently delivering reliable prints, especially when it was running at 'ludicrous speed' mode, which had little impact on the print quality of the props.

What were the shortcomings of the Centuri Carbon mentioned by the reviewer?

Some shortcomings mentioned by the reviewer include the occasional misalignment after filament runout, random print stoppages, and some minor issues with the build quality, like the lid not fitting flush and the PTFE tube rubbing against sharp edges.

What future improvements would the reviewer like to see in the Centuri Carbon?

The reviewer would like to see better cooling for low-temperature materials (like a vent for the chamber), the addition of a phone app for print progress notifications, and a multi-material system that would allow the printer to handle automatic filament changes more seamlessly.