Elegoo Centauri Carbon vs Bambu A1: Enclosed Value or Open Automation
LayerWalker is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you.
Choose the Centauri Carbon if ABS, ASA or fibre-filled filament is on your list: it is enclosed, CoreXY, 320 °C with a hardened nozzle, at roughly the A1’s price. Choose the A1 if you print PLA, PETG and TPU and want multi-colour: the AMS lite, better automation and the Bambu ecosystem matter more than a box you will not use.
Where to buy
Side by side
| Spec | Centauri Carbon | Bambu A1 |
|---|---|---|
| Build volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Frame | Enclosed CoreXY | Open bedslinger |
| Max nozzle temperature | 320 °C | 300 °C |
| Nozzle material | Hardened steel standard | Stainless standard |
| Max bed temperature | 110 °C | 100 °C |
| Speed / acceleration | 500 mm/s / 20000 mm/s² | 500 mm/s / 10000 mm/s² |
| Multi-material | None (Carbon 2 Combo has a filament system) | AMS lite, 4 spools |
| Camera | Chamber camera | 1080p |
| Calibration | Auto | Auto, including flow and belt tension |
| Amazon US | Yes | Yes |
Where the Centauri Carbon wins
- Materials. The enclosure makes ABS and ASA routine and the hardened nozzle makes fibre blends a day-one option. On the A1 both need extra purchases and the ABS result is still poor.
- Tall parts. CoreXY with a fixed bed handles tall, heavy prints with less ringing.
- Noise containment. An enclosed printer is quieter in the room.
Where the A1 wins
- Multi-colour. The AMS lite works and is cheap; the original Centauri Carbon has no equivalent.
- Automation and software. Bambu Studio, Handy and the auto-calibration set are more mature.
- PLA overhangs. Open air cools PLA better than a warm chamber.
- Serviceability. One-clip hotend swaps and a huge spares market.
The filament test
If your three most-used filaments are PLA, PETG and TPU, buy the A1 and consider the Combo. If one of them is ABS, ASA, PETG-CF or nylon, buy the Centauri Carbon. If PETG warping is your only concern, read PETG and enclosures first; a brim and a textured plate usually solve it on the A1.
The units in the box
The listings are the Centauri Carbon and the A1, both single-colour versions.
FAQ
Do they share plates? Both are 256 mm class; check tab and magnet layout before buying across brands.
Which is faster? Same rated speed; the Centauri Carbon has twice the acceleration and a stiffer frame.
LayerWalker
Print defect diagnosis, calibration procedures and parts that actually fit. Corrections welcome through the contact page.
