Looks like Elegoo have dropped another $50 off the new Centauri. Note this is not the Carbon model.
Still on pre-order so you will need to wait for shipments.
bit new to 3d printing whats the difference between carbon and non-carbon?
The Carbon has an enclosure and can reach higher temperatures. This lets you print with a larger range of materials, including Carbon Fibre, as the name implies
Although 'Carbon Fibre' is mostly just a marketing term - CF and regular versions of the same filaments need similar nozzle temps and plate temps. Both printers come with the same hardened steel nozzle and feeder gears which are really the only 2 things that matter for filaments with abrasive additives like CF/GF.
The real advantage of the Carbon model is the enclosure to create higher chamber temps that materials like PolyCarbonate absolutely require - even ABS/ASA can be really hard to print without warping if you don't have an enclosure.
As the other person said, it has a slightly different hotend as well as an enclosure.
The reason I think the extra $150 is worth it is that you're either going to buy the upgrade kit later to enclose it or purchase a different enclosure anyway. I'm currently building an enclosure for my Kobra 3 Combo. Even doing it as cheaply as possible, it's still going to cost me around $80.
This or a Bambu A1?
All depends on your use case. I see this as a 3D print farm device. Controlled environment, pumping out heaps of parts.
This would really compare to the P1P with no AMS. https://au.store.bambulab.com/products/p1p
I'd go the A1 if I was going to pair it with an AMS for multi colour printing in mostly PLA. Not to generalise, but I'd use this for toys like flexi factory stuff and other artistic projects.
I'd buy this if I wanted to print things with alternative filaments like carbon fibre impregnated, ABS, or other things that require an enclosed/heated printing environment. Things like TPU for rubberlike flexibility or ABS for prints that will withstand more heat, carbon fibre for things that need rigidity or weight bearing. However if I was going to print those more abrasive filaments I'd get the nozzle upgrade when buying the centauri as they will chew through the standard brass nozzle very quickly.
Hope this helps! If you aren't sure just buy both :p
They've already announced an AMS-like device being released later this year which will apparently rival the Bambu.
Bambu Labs have started doing more to lock down their platform. There is a chance in the future you will be completely locked to their programs.
You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.
I would pay slightly more <$100 for the anycubic s1 (non combo) It seems like a better printer to me. And available.
![[Pre Order] Elegoo Centauri 3D Printer $499 + $50 Shipping @ Elegoo](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/60/898460.jpg?h=85b29249)
Ngl if your fine waiting for the carbon it might be worth the extra $150