If you make a purchase using a shopping link on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn More
Elegoo Centauri 2
About the Elegoo Centauri 2
The Elegoo Centauri 2 is an entry-level, high-speed CoreXY 3D printer. Its print volume is 256 X 256 X 256 mm. You can heat its nozzle up to 350°C, but since the printer isn't enclosed, it's only suitable for printing PLA, PETG and TPU. Since the nozzle is hardened steel, you can also print abrasive filaments like PLA-CF. The direct extruder prints at up to 500 mm/s with up to 20,000 mm/s² acceleration. The print plate is magnetically-attached flexible steel, with textured PEI on one side and a PLA-specific high adhesion side on the other. You can heat the bed up to 110°C. This printer has been stripped back to its very basics. It has no enclosure panels, no camera, no LED lighting, no auxiliary cooling fan, no enclosure heater and no filter, although you can purchase some of these components separately and install them yourself. On the positive side, it does have a rigid, one piece die cast aluminum frame to reduce flexing and vibrations. To ensure print quality at high speed, this printer uses active vibration compensation and pressure advance. For good first layers, there's 121-point autoleveling, or partial bed leveling for smaller models, and auto Z offset. You can control the printer using its 5-inch full color touchscreen, ElegooSlicer, Orca Slicer or Cura on a laptop or PC, or the Elegoo Matrix app on your phone. This printer connects to your network using dual-band WiFi, but you can also transfer sliced print files to it offline by using a USB drive. The Centauri 2 Combo comes with Elegoo's CANVAS 4-filament autofeeder module. This system uses 4 spool spindles mounted in open air on the right side of the printer and a top-mounted module with motors that pull filament up from the side. There are RFID readers near the spindles which read filament color and type data off Elegoo spools and pass the data to the printer. The system can't be expanded beyond 4 filaments.
Benefits of the Elegoo Centauri 2
Modern mainboard features - Many 3D printer features relate to the version of the mainboard and firmware, including features like resuming prints after a power failure and support for silent stepper motor drivers for quieter printing. Newer boards also include safety features like thermal runaway protection which shuts the printer down if it detects issues with overheating.
Auto bed leveling - auto bed leveling will ensure your prints have perfect first layers every time and greatly reduce issues with bed adhesion. When using an auto-leveling system, the probe allows better tolerances for slightly warped print beds by measuring and compensating for any inconsistencies. Without this feature, you'll need to adjust the bed level manually using nuts on each corner of the print bed.
Has touch screen - having a touch screen isn't a deal-maker or breaker, but it is a convenient feature that makes it easier to navigate the interface when you are printing files and configuring 3D printing settings.
Easy to assemble - This 3D printer is shipped with most of the parts pre-assembled, and you will only need to attach a few components and connect a couple cables in order to get the machine ready to print.
Direct drive extruder - Direct drive extruders are mounted right above the hot end, and push the filament directly into it, as opposed to a side mounted bowden extruder setup. We prefer direct drive extruders to bowden since they are less prone to jamming and typically require less maintenance. they also are much easier to use with flexible materials
PEI build surface has good balance of adhesion and part removal - PEI beds are one of the more premium build surface options, and for good reason. They offer great first layer adhesion with no spraysor other treatments, and can be flexed to quickly remove parts. You'll need to clean the bed with a solvent like acetone or IPA every so often to maintain the bed's adhesion.
Affordable - This printer does not include a lot of frills, but offers a good experience for a low price point. While this low price means you won't be getting the most premium features, you can still get a lot out of these machines if you are willing to put up with some missing quality of life features.
Wireless printing - In addition to the standard USB and SD card connections, you can connect wirelessly to this printer to print from your computer or mobile device.
Linear rail motion system - Linear rails provide added stability to the moving parts of the printer, allowing higher printing speeds without sacrificing quality. Keep in mind that the most important factor to consider when optimizing for print speed is the flow rate of filament, which depends on the hot end and nozzle size moreso than the motion system.
All-metal hot end - An all-metal hot end allows for printing at high temperatures up to 300C, while standard hot ends are capped at 260C before the PTFE material begins to degrade. All-metal hot ends are also less susceptible to jamming, and do not degrade as fast.
CoreXY Kinematic System - A CoreXY 3D printer kinematic system uses two stationary motors to move the print head in the X and Y directions, resulting in faster and more precise movements compared to traditional printers. By separating the movement of the print head from the movement of the build plate, the CoreXY system is able to avoid the added weight and momentum of a moving build plate. This results in less vibration and better control of the print head, allowing for faster and more precise movements. Additionally, the CoreXY system can print at higher speeds compared to H-bot systems because it only needs to move one motor for each axis of movement, reducing the overall weight and inertia of the system.
Dual gear extruder - A dual gear extruder grips filament from both sides and can exert much more force on the filament before slipping. It helps with all filaments but especially with flexible, slippery TPU.
Disadvantages to consider
Bare-bones appearance - This printer is not built to be attractive, which is apparent by the standard aluminum extrusions used throughout the design, and the exposed power supply unit. While this is a purely cosmetic issue, it makes the printer less attractive than some of it's more expensive cousins.
Where to buy the Elegoo Centauri 2
Brand Summary: Elegoo
Elegoo, founded in 2015, aims to democratize 3D printing by offering high-quality printers at accessible prices. Their diverse range caters to a wide range of users. Beginners benefit from user-friendly features like auto-bed leveling and clear instructions, while a thriving online community offers a wealth of troubleshooting tips and shared experiences. Hobbyists and professionals appreciate the excellent value proposition – Elegoo printers deliver high-quality parts, good build features, and reliable performance without breaking the bank. Elegoo's support system goes beyond the online community. They're known for being responsive via email and social media, and users frequently praise their willingness to send replacement parts free of charge for legitimate issues. This commitment to customer satisfaction strengthens their position as a user-friendly brand. However, it's important to note that repairs primarily rely on parts sourced directly from Elegoo. While this ensures quality control, it might be a drawback for those who prefer readily available options from various vendors. Overall, Elegoo strikes a balance between affordability, user-friendliness, and reliable printing performance. Their diverse product range, strong community support, and responsive manufacturer service make them a compelling choice for anyone considering venturing into the exciting world of 3D printing.
Pros
- Modern mainboard features
- Auto bed leveling
- Has touch screen
- Easy to assemble
- Direct drive extruder
- PEI build surface has good balance of adhesion and part removal
- Affordable
- Wireless printing
- Linear rail motion system
- All-metal hot end
- CoreXY Kinematic System
- Dual gear extruder
Cons
- Bare-bones appearance
Printer Comparisons
You can compare the Elegoo Centauri 2 to other 3D printers using our Compare tool.