Bambu Lab A1 mini vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Same process and close prices: the A1 mini costs about €75 less than the Centauri Carbon. For that €75 the Centauri Carbon adds an enclosed chamber and a 256 mm volume on each side.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 299 € | ~300–450 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 34.7 × 31.5 × 36.5 cm | 39.8 × 40.4 × 49 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 5.7 kg | 17.5 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 180 × 180 mm | 256 × 256 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 180 mm | 256 mm |
| Power (W) | 150 W | 1100 W |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 50 μm | 0.1 ±mm |
| 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 | 320 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 80 °C | 110 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | No | Yes |
| Filament sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | No | No |
| Native Klipper | No | — |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | Yes |
| 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. | This printer is natively supported by Elegoo Slicer, a slicing software based on Orca Slicer that provides users with pre-configured, carefully optimized profiles designed to maximize both part detail and overall printing speed. Additionally, the machine's operating system is fully compatible with the most popular and community-endorsed third-party slicing software, such as Orca Slicer and Ultimaker Cura. The versatile onboard connectivity options include standard USB ports and a reliable dual-band Wi-Fi module (operating at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). This infrastructure enables effortless remote monitoring and comprehensive control of the printing process via its network interface and the built-in chamber camera, greatly streamlining daily workflow management. |
The differences that matter
- Volume 180 × 180 × 180 mm against 256 × 256 × 256 mm → a part 200 mm on a side fits only on the Centauri Carbon.
- Enclosed chamber only on the Centauri Carbon, with bed up to 110 °C against 80 °C and nozzle up to 320 °C against 300 °C (values declared by the manufacturer) → more demanding filaments can be printed sheltered from drafts.
- €299 against about €375 → the A1 mini costs about €75 less.
- Bambu Studio or OrcaSlicer against Elegoo Slicer, based on Orca, with a camera in the chamber → two different starting points for profiles and monitoring.
Which one to choose
Choose A1 mini if…
you print small parts and desktop prototypes and want the more compact machine: 5.7 kg against 17.5 kg. You accept an open frame and a volume that stops at 180 mm. Bambu Studio and OrcaSlicer also work in LAN mode, without the cloud.
Choose Centauri Carbon if…
you print parts up to 256 mm or materials that benefit from an enclosed chamber and a hotter bed. The trade-off is a larger footprint and almost 12 kg more to move around.
Where to buy
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Filaments for these printers
The most chosen spools among the materials both printers can print according to their specifications.
- ELEGOO PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- Bambu Lab PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- OVERTURE PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)High speed1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
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