๐Ÿ–จ 3D Printer Radar

Bambu Lab A1vsElegoo Centauri Carbon 2

Cross-ecosystem comparison: These printers use different software ecosystems. Accessories, filament profiles, and community support are not interchangeable between brands. Consider the total ecosystem cost, not just the printer price.
Bambu Lab A1
Buy/Wait:Wait

Late in cycle โ€” a new model is likely coming soon

Best for: Makers who want large prints and multicolor capability without an enclosure โ€” ideal for PLA, PETG, and flexible materials.

Full details โ†’
Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2
Buy/Wait:Buy

First-generation product โ€” recently released, still early days

Best for: Elegoo users and budget-conscious makers who want multicolor FDM from a brand known for resin printers โ€” or those looking for a capable CoreXY with high-temperature nozzle capability at $419.

Full details โ†’
Bambu Lab A1Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2
TierProsumerProsumer
MotionBedSlingerCoreXY
Build Volume256 ร— 256 ร— 256 mm256 ร— 256 ร— 256 mm
Max Speed500 mm/s500 mm/s
Multicolorโœ… 4 slotsโœ… 4 slots
EnclosureโŒโŒ
Auto Calibrationโœ…โœ…
Open SourceโŒโŒ
Upgrade Kitโ€”โ€”
MaterialsPLA, PETG, TPU, ABSPLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU
ReleasedOct 19, 2023Jan 26, 2026
Cycle length~365 daysโ€”
Cycle adviceWaitBuy
Deals adviceBuyCaution
Next modelA1 2026 Refresh (Expected Q4 2026)โ€”

Why buy each?

Bambu Lab A1

Full AMS multicolor

Unlike the A1 Mini's AMS Lite, the A1 Combo includes the full AMS with support for a wider range of filament types.

256ร—256ร—256 mm build volume

The largest build volume available in a Bambu bed-slinger โ€” great for terrain, large cosplay props, and functional parts.

Bambu ecosystem integration

Works with Bambu Studio, Bambu Handy app, and the full Bambu filament ecosystem including multi-material profiles.

Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2

Elegoo's first multicolor FDM

The Centauri Carbon 2 marks Elegoo's entry into multicolor FDM printing โ€” bringing the brand's value-focused approach to a segment dominated by Bambu and Anycubic.

350ยฐC nozzle for engineering filaments

The high-temperature nozzle enables printing of PA, PA-CF, and PC on an open-frame CoreXY โ€” a notable differentiator at this price point.

CANVAS 4-color multicolor system

Elegoo's proprietary CANVAS system provides 4-color filament switching at a competitive all-in price of $419.