Bambu Lab A1 mini vs Elegoo Centauri 2 Combo
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Both print in four colors, but at different scales: the A1 mini has 180 mm per side and costs 299 euros, while the Centauri 2 Combo reaches 256 mm with CANVAS already in the box.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | — |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 299 € | — |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 34.7 × 31.5 × 36.5 cm | — |
| Weight (kg) | 5.7 kg | — |
| Work area (mm) | 180 × 180 mm | 256 × 256 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 180 mm | 256 mm |
| Power (W) | 150 W | — |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 50 μm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 180 mm | 256 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 180 mm | 256 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | — |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 80 °C | — |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | No | — |
| Filament sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | — |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | — |
| Multi-extruder | No | — |
| Native Klipper | No | — |
| Input shaper | Yes | — |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | No |
| Max colors | 4 | 4 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Compatible with Bambu Studio (OrcaSlicer-derived) and OrcaSlicer. Supports LAN mode for cloud-free printing. Does not run native Klipper. | Four-color printing runs through the CANVAS system included in the Combo version. |
The differences that matter
- Volume 180 mm per side vs 256 mm → a box 200 mm tall prints only on the Centauri.
- Multicolor via accessory on the A1 mini, CANVAS included in the Combo → the cost of multicolor adds to the A1 mini's 299 euros.
- Bed up to 80 °C and open chamber on the A1 mini → materials that need more heat or an enclosure call for careful choice.
Which one to choose
Choose A1 mini if…
You want a desktop printer, 5.7 kg with a 34.7 × 31.5 cm footprint, for small parts and multicolor figures, and LAN mode lets you work without the cloud. The trade-off is the volume, and the fact that multicolor needs an accessory added to the price.
Choose Centauri 2 Combo if…
You print parts that won't fit in a 180 mm cube and want multicolor ready from day one, with no accessory to buy. Anyone short on bench space is better off with the A1 mini.
Where to buy
Paid link: the price for you does not change. Methodology
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