๐Ÿ–จ 3D Printer Radar

Flashforge AD5XvsElegoo 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.
Flashforge AD5X
Buy/Wait:Buy

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

Best for: Budget-conscious makers who want built-in 4-color multicolor printing under $400 โ€” primarily for PLA and PETG. Open frame, so not suited for ABS or engineering filaments without the add-on enclosure.

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†’
Flashforge AD5XElegoo Centauri Carbon 2
TierProsumerProsumer
MotionCoreXYCoreXY
Build Volume220 ร— 220 ร— 220 mm256 ร— 256 ร— 256 mm
Max Speed600 mm/s500 mm/s
Multicolorโœ… 4 slotsโœ… 4 slots
EnclosureโŒโŒ
Auto Calibrationโœ…โœ…
Open SourceโŒโŒ
Upgrade Kitโ€”โ€”
MaterialsPLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, PLA-CF, PA-CF, PETG-CFPLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU
ReleasedSep 1, 2025Jan 26, 2026
Cycle lengthโ€”โ€”
Cycle adviceBuyBuy
Deals adviceCautionCaution
Next modelโ€”โ€”

Why buy each?

Flashforge AD5X

Built-in 4-color multicolor at $399

The AD5X undercuts comparable multicolor setups on price with IFS built directly into the printer โ€” no separate accessory needed.

OrcaSlicer with local-only control

No cloud dependency or mandatory account. OrcaSlicer is community-standard open-source slicer software โ€” familiar to most experienced makers.

Hardened steel nozzle as standard

Ships ready for PLA-CF and PETG-CF without requiring a nozzle upgrade โ€” a genuine differentiator at this price point.

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.