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Elegoo Centauri Carbon
About the Elegoo Centauri Carbon
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon is a fully enclosed high speed CoreXY 3D printer. It prints at 500mm/s with 20,000mm/s^2 acceleration. It has a 256 X 256 X 256mm print volume and uses a direct extruder with an all-metal hotend and a hardened steel nozzle capable of reaching 320°C. The bed is heated by a 1000W AC heater and heats as quickly as the nozzle, up to a maximum of 110°C. The magnetic, flexible dual-sided print surface has textured PEI on one side and a PLA-specific cool print adhesion coating on the other. The enclosure is ventilated and its exhaust air is filtered so ABS and ASA can be printed safely, but it does not have an active chamber heater so extremely temperature sensitive materials like polycarbonate might not print well despite the temperature capabilities of the nozzle and bed. The extruder has a large 5020 (50mm diameter, 20mm deep) part cooling fan and there's an auxiliary cooling fan in the chamber. The nozzle and hot end are capable of 32mm3/s flow. Print quality is maintained at high speed using pressure advance and vibration compensation and the nozzle is cleaned before printing using a nozzle wiper. It has fully automatic bed levelling and automatic Z offset by reading nozzle pressure on the bed. The printer connects to the network over dual-band WiFi. It runs locked-down Klipper with a Fluidd web interface and does not require the use of an app. It also does not need to be connected to the Internet - there is no cloud printing. Printing is monitored by an integrated camera. Print profiles for the Elegoo Centauri Carbon are included with Elegoo Slicer, based on OrcaSlicer, which also controls the printer. The printer can also be accessed over a 4.3" full color touchscreen. Print files can also be loaded over its USB port.
Benefits of the Elegoo Centauri Carbon
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.
Fully assembled - This 3D printer is shipped completely assembled, and is ready to plug in and start using as soon as you unbox it. You will still need to follow the included calibration procedures, but this will not take a significant amount of time.
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.
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.
Enclosure - An enclosure seals air around the print area. This holds warm, still air around the print area and is essential for printing temperature-sensitive materials like ABS. Enclosures also prevent particulates and gasses from being emitted into the surrounding area, increasing safety. They also greatly reduce printer noise.
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.
Where to buy the Elegoo Centauri Carbon
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.
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