Sidewinder X3 Plus vs Centauri Carbon 2
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Sidewinder X3 Plus and Centauri Carbon 2 are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose Sidewinder X3 Plus if maximum z height and work area matters more; choose Centauri Carbon 2 if max print speed matters more. On the category's overall technical index, Centauri Carbon 2 scores 54/100 against 28/100 for Sidewinder X3 Plus.
| Parameter |
Sidewinder X3 Plus
Artillery
F2 · Intermediate
|
Centauri Carbon 2
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2026 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~280–360 € | ~349–399 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 49.2 × 50.7 × 61 cm | 50 × 48 × 74.3 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 16.6 kg | 19.35 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 300 × 300 mm | 256 × 256 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 400 mm | 256 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 1100 W |
| Maximum speed | 300 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | — | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 300.0 mm | 256 mm |
| Maximum Z height (mm) | 400.0 mm | 256 mm |
| Kinematics | cartesian | corexy |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300.0 °C | 350 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100.0 °C | 110 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 300.0 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Closed chamber | — | True |
| Filament sensor | — | True |
| Auto leveling | mesh | mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | — | False |
| Native Klipper | — | True |
| Input shaper | — | True |
| Multicolor printing | — | True |
| Requires external accessory | — | True |
| Maximum colors | — | 4 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The STM32 board runs Marlin and communicates via USB Type-C or TF card; it works with any standard slicer (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Simplify3D) without proprietary restrictions. Lack of Wi-Fi requires physical transfer of G-code files, but ensures full offline control. | The proprietary Elegoo OS, built on Klipper architecture, manages full-auto calibration routines and AI-assisted monitoring. The machine is primarily supported by Elegoo Slicer (an Orca Slicer derivative), ensuring optimal control over material profiles and dynamic color changes. Users can also natively use Orca Slicer or export G-code from third-party alternatives like Cura. The intuitive touchscreen and Wi-Fi connectivity enable seamless remote management and direct job queuing over the local network. |
The differences that matter
- Max print speed: Sidewinder X3 Plus 300 mm/s vs Centauri Carbon 2 500 mm/s — Centauri Carbon 2 wins (+67%)
- Maximum Z height: Sidewinder X3 Plus 400 mm vs Centauri Carbon 2 256 mm — Sidewinder X3 Plus wins (+56%)
- Work area: Sidewinder X3 Plus 300×300 mm vs Centauri Carbon 2 256×256 mm — Sidewinder X3 Plus wins (+37%)
- Price: Sidewinder X3 Plus 320 € vs Centauri Carbon 2 374 € — Sidewinder X3 Plus wins (+17%)
- Max nozzle temperature: Sidewinder X3 Plus 300 °C vs Centauri Carbon 2 350 °C — Centauri Carbon 2 wins (+17%)
Which one to choose
Choose Sidewinder X3 Plus if…
you value maximum z height, work area and price. «The Z height determines how tall a part the machine can produce in one print. Vertical objects such as vases, load-bearing structures, or casting patterns require a high Z travel. A lower value does not affect quality but forces the user to split or reorient the model. Z height should be considered alongside the XY surface to assess total usable build volume.»
Choose Centauri Carbon 2 if…
you value max print speed, max nozzle temperature and max bed temperature. «The rated maximum speed indicates the theoretical hardware limit, not the everyday working speed. Faster machines reduce print times on simple geometries, but real-world speed depends on material, geometry, required surface finish, and slicer settings. Values above 200–300 mm/s are meaningful only on machines with CoreXY kinematics, active input shaping, and a stiffened mechanical frame.»
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.