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The Elegoo Centauri Carbon series has quickly become one of the most talked‑about high‑speed FDM printers in the maker community. With the release of the Centauri Carbon 2, many users are wondering how it really compares to the original Centauri Carbon, and whether the upgrade is worth the investment. Although both machines share a similar design language and target the same type of users, the differences between them are actually more significant than they first looks. In this article, we will explore these differences in detail and help you understand which model might fit your needs better.
Overall Design Philosophy
The original Elegoo Centauri Carbon was designed as a high‑speed, CoreXY printer that aims to bring premium performance to a more affordable price point. It was already a strong competitor in the fast‑printing market, but it still had some areas where users felt it could be improved. When Elegoo introduced the Centauri Carbon 2, the company clearly wanted to refine the experience and solve some of the small issues that the first model didn’t fully address. Even though the two printers look similar at first glance, the second version feels more polished and more ready for long‑term heavy use.
| Category | Elegoo Centauri Carbon | Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Structure | Solid aluminum frame; good rigidity but slight vibration at extreme speeds | Reinforced joints + improved internal bracing; noticeably more stable at high speed |
| Motion System | CoreXY; fast but can show ringing at 400mm/s+ | Upgraded belts, pulleys, and drivers; smoother acceleration and less ringing |
| Extruder System | Standard direct‑drive; decent but struggles with high flow & TPU | Redesigned extruder with stronger grip; better filament path; improved TPU performance |
| Hotend | Good thermal performance but limited at very high flow | Improved heatbreak + better thermal stability; handles higher flow rates |
| Cooling System | Basic part‑cooling; OK for normal PLA speeds | Stronger blower fan + redesigned shroud; sharper corners & cleaner overhangs |
| Build Plate | Standard coated plate; adhesion varies by filament | New durable coating + better heat distribution; more reliable first layers |
| Firmware | Good, but requires updates for best performance | Ships with improved motion algorithms, input shaping, and UI refinements |
| Noise Level | Moderate; louder at high speeds | Quieter stepper drivers + optimized fan curve; reduced vibration noise |
| Reliability | Good for daily use; occasional belt/extruder tuning needed | More robust components; better long‑term stability for heavy printing |
| High‑Speed Performance | Strong but can show artifacts at extreme speeds | More stable at 400–500 mm/s; cleaner details & fewer vibrations |
| Material Compatibility | PLA, PETG, ABS (with tuning), TPU limited | Better TPU handling + improved high‑flow performance |
| Price | Lower cost; strong value | Slightly higher price but better long‑term performance |
| Best For | Casual users, hobbyists, moderate‑speed printing | Power users, high‑speed printing, small‑scale production |
Frame and Structural Improvements
One of the most noticeable differences between the two models is the overall rigidity of the frame. The original Centauri Carbon already had a solid aluminum structure, but some users reported that at extremely high speeds, the frame could vibrate a bit more than expected. The Centauri Carbon 2 improves this by reinforcing several key joints and adding better internal bracing. This makes the machine feel more stable during fast movements, and it reduces print artifacts that sometimes appear when the printer is pushed too hard. The improvement is subtle but definitely noticeable when you print larger or taller models.
Motion System and Speed Performance
Both printers use a CoreXY motion system, which is known for its speed and efficiency. However, the Centauri Carbon 2 introduces upgraded belts, pulleys, and slightly improved stepper drivers that allow for smoother acceleration curves. While the original model could already reach impressive speeds, the second version handles high‑speed printing more gracefully and with less noise. Some users might not notice the difference in normal printing, but when you push the machine to 400–500 mm/s, the Carbon 2 feels more stable and less likely to produce ringing. It’s not a dramatic change, but it’s enough to matter for people who print fast often.
Extruder and Hotend Enhancements
The extruder system is another area where Elegoo made meaningful upgrades. The original Centauri Carbon used a reliable direct‑drive extruder, but it sometimes struggled with flexible filaments or very high flow rates. The Centauri Carbon 2 introduces a redesigned extruder with better grip and a more efficient filament path. The hotend also received improvements, including a more optimized heatbreak and better thermal stability. These changes allow the Carbon 2 to handle higher flow rates without clogging as easily, and it also prints TPU with fewer issues. For users who like experimenting with different materials, this upgrade is quite valuable.
Cooling System Differences
Cooling is essential for high‑speed printing, and this is an area where the Centauri Carbon 2 clearly outperforms the original model. The first Centauri Carbon had a decent part‑cooling fan, but it wasn’t always strong enough for extremely fast PLA prints. The Carbon 2 introduces a redesigned cooling shroud and a more powerful blower fan that directs airflow more efficiently around the nozzle. This results in sharper corners, cleaner overhangs, and fewer stringing issues. The improvement is especially noticeable when printing small details at high speed, where cooling performance can make or break the final result.
Build Plate and Adhesion Improvements
The build plate on the original Centauri Carbon was functional, but some users found that adhesion could be inconsistent depending on the filament type. Elegoo addressed this by upgrading the build surface on the Centauri Carbon 2, giving it a more durable coating and better heat distribution. This helps prints stick more reliably during the first layers and reduces the chance of warping. The new plate also seems to last longer before showing signs of wear, which is a nice improvement for people who print frequently. It’s not a revolutionary change, but it does make daily use a bit easier.
Firmware and Software Enhancements
Elegoo has been steadily improving its firmware, but the Centauri Carbon 2 launches with a more refined version that includes better motion algorithms, improved input shaping, and more stable temperature control. While the original model can receive firmware updates, the Carbon 2 benefits from having these improvements built‑in from the start. The touchscreen interface also feels slightly more responsive, and the menu layout is a bit more intuitive. These changes might seem small, but they add up to a smoother overall experience, especially for beginners who don’t want to tweak too many settings manually.
Noise Levels and Vibration Control
Another area where the Centauri Carbon 2 shows improvement is noise reduction. The original model wasn’t particularly loud, but at high speeds, the fans and motors could produce noticeable noise. The Carbon 2 uses quieter stepper drivers and a more optimized fan curve, which helps reduce overall sound levels. The reinforced frame also contributes to less vibration noise. While the printer is not silent, it is definitely more pleasant to use in a home or office environment. For people who print overnight or in shared spaces, this improvement can be quite meaningful.
Reliability and Long‑Term Durability
One of the biggest advantages of the Centauri Carbon 2 is its improved reliability. The original model was already good, but some users experienced occasional issues with belt tension, extruder wear, or inconsistent cooling. The Carbon 2 addresses many of these concerns with stronger components and better quality control. Over long printing sessions, the machine tends to maintain performance more consistently, and it requires less frequent maintenance. This makes it a better choice for people who print a lot or who rely on their printer for small‑scale production work.
Price and Value Comparison
The price difference between the two models is not huge, but the Centauri Carbon 2 does cost a bit more. Whether the upgrade is worth it depends on your priorities. If you mainly print at moderate speeds and don’t need the absolute best performance, the original Centauri Carbon still offers excellent value. However, if you want the most stable high‑speed experience, better cooling, improved extruder performance, and a more refined overall machine, the Carbon 2 is clearly the better choice. The extra cost feels justified when you consider the long‑term benefits and reduced maintenance.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Elegoo Centauri Carbon and the Centauri Carbon 2 depends on your printing habits. If you are a casual user who prints occasionally and doesn’t push the machine to its limits, the original model will serve you very well. It’s fast, reliable, and capable of producing high‑quality prints. But if you are someone who prints frequently, uses high speeds, or wants the most polished experience, the Carbon 2 is the smarter investment. It simply handles demanding workloads better and feels more robust in everyday use. The improvements might not be dramatic individually, but together they create a noticeably better machine.
Final Thoughts
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon and Centauri Carbon 2 share the same DNA, but the second version is clearly a more refined and capable machine. It improves on the original in almost every area, from frame rigidity to cooling performance to extruder reliability. While the original model is still a strong contender in the budget high‑speed market, the Carbon 2 offers a smoother, more stable, and more enjoyable printing experience. For users who value performance and long‑term durability, the upgrade is definitely worth considering. Both printers are great choices, but the Carbon 2 simply feels like the version Elegoo always wanted to build.
