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Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2
About the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 is a fully enclosed, high speed CoreXY 3D printer with optional multifilament capabilities. Its print volume is 256 X 256 X 256 mm. You can heat the hardened steel nozzle in its direct extruder to 350°C. The nozzle prints onto a removable dual-sided magnetically-attached steel plate with textured PEI on one side and a smooth coating specifically for low-temperature printing of PLA on the other. The bed's maximum temperature is 110°C. The Centauri Carbon 2 prints at a maximum of 500 mm/s with an acceleration of 20,000 mm/s². Though the chamber isn't actively heated, a "Smart Grille" automatically closes to recirculate warm air, keeping the chamber warm for printing filaments like ABS, ASA, PC and PA. When the grille is open, it helps keep the chamber cool for low temperature filaments like PLA. A HEPA and activated carbon filter reduces particles and hazardous fumes. The printer uses active vibration compensation and pressure advance for print quality at high speeds. To ensure good first layers, there's automatic bed levelling of either the entire bed or only the printed part's footprint, as well as automatic Z offset calibration. A camera allows you to keep an eye on prints in progress and record timelapse videos, and AI uses the camera to look for print failures. You can control the printer using its 5-inch full color touchscreen, ElegooSlicer, OrcaSlicer or Cura on a laptop or PC, or the Elegoo Matrix app on your phone. This printer connects to the network using dual-band WiFi, though you can also send files to the printer using a USB drive. The Centauri Carbon 2 Combo comes with Elegoo's Canvas 4-filament auto-feeder. The spools hang in the open off the right side of the printer and the Canvas unit pulls the filaments up the side to the top, through a large enclosed dome into the printer. There's an RFID reader for each slot so that the unit sends material and color data from Elegoo spools to the printer.
Benefits of the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 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.
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.
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 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.
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