The home additive manufacturing market is undergoing a major transformation with the arrival of machines that, until recently, cost an arm and a leg. Elegoo has decided to go all in with its new Centauri 2 series , a product that aims to bring the speed of CoreXY kinematics and the versatility of color to any desktop without breaking the bank.
This new family of devices, launched this June, is primarily divided into two versions that share the same technical DNA but differ in their ability to work with multiple filaments. While the standard version focuses on pure efficiency, the Combo model incorporates a color management system for those who want to forget about painting their figures by hand and prefer the machine to do all the dirty work.
Performance and speed in CoreXY format
What's most striking about these machines is their ability to move at top speed. Thanks to their cast aluminum frame and CoreXY motion system, these printers can reach peak speeds of 500 mm/s , although for fine results the manufacturer recommends staying around 250 mm/s. This represents a considerable time saving compared to the classic 'bedslinger' style printers we usually see in entry-level models.
To prevent all this movement from resulting in strange vibrations or poorly finished prints, the Centauri 2 series comes equipped with a 256 x 256 x 256 mm print volume and a 121-point automatic bed leveling system . This is a boon for those who hate constantly adjusting the bed, as the printer itself compensates for any minor surface imperfections before extruding the filament.
Regarding materials, it's important to understand that this is an open-frame design. This means that, although the nozzle can reach up to 350°C and the bed up to 110°C, it's best to work with filaments like PLA, PETG, or TPU . If you plan to print with more demanding materials like ABS or ASA, you might miss having a closed housing, something reserved for the brand's higher-end models but omitted here to keep the price as low as possible.
Multicolor and sensors for a flawless experience
The real ace up the sleeve of this series is the CANVAS system. This module allows printing with up to four colors simultaneously, automatically managing filament changes. It doesn't just change the filament; it also detects tangles, recognizes the filament using RFID tags, and can autonomously reload material if it runs out mid-print, preventing you from being left with an unfinished piece due to an oversight.
The machine's intelligence doesn't stop there, as it boasts a network of over 20 sensors that ensure everything runs smoothly. From detecting extruder blockages to recovering from a power outage , the printer is designed to protect us from any unforeseen event. All of this is controlled via a 5-inch touchscreen that is quite intuitive and allows us to manage the files we send via Wi-Fi, something that should be standard on any self-respecting piece of technology by now.
Ultimately, what Elegoo has achieved is to package a technology that, just a couple of years ago, was exclusive to enthusiasts with generous budgets into a robust and easy-to-use machine. By focusing on the most common materials and omitting extras like the integrated camera or standard air filters in the most basic models, they've made the entry price truly attractive for anyone wanting to make the leap to fast, multi-color printing. It's a very well-balanced option that demonstrates you don't need to spend a fortune to get professional results at home, as long as you understand that its natural habitat is materials that don't require an enclosed environment to print correctly.
