Bambu Lab A1 vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
The Centauri Carbon 2 has an enclosed chamber the A1 lacks: anyone targeting ABS or technical materials finds the deciding difference there. Anyone printing only PLA and PETG chooses more on preferred software ecosystem.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2026 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 429 € | ~349–399 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 38.5 × 41 × 43 cm | 50 × 48 × 74.3 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 8.3 kg | 19.35 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 256 × 256 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 256 mm |
| Power (W) | 1300 W | 1100 W |
| Voltage (V) | 220 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | — | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 256 mm | 256 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 256 mm | 256 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 350 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100 °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 | Yes |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | Yes |
| Max colors | 4 | 4 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The A1 works natively with Bambu Studio, Bambu Lab's proprietary slicer available for Windows and macOS, which handles slicing, automatic calibrations, and remote monitoring via the Bambu Handy app. Third-party slicers — including PrusaSlicer, SuperSlicer, and Ultimaker Cura — are supported via standard G-code export, but advanced features such as vibration compensation and active flow control are only available within the Bambu ecosystem. | 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
- Enclosed chamber: only the Centauri Carbon 2 has one → ABS and technical materials print without warping, the A1 stays limited to PLA/PETG on an open bed.
- Native Klipper: only on the Centauri Carbon 2 → automatic calibration and more direct firmware control, without going through Bambu's proprietary slicer.
- Price: the Centauri Carbon 2 costs €55 less.
- Max temperatures (manufacturer-declared): 350°C nozzle and 110°C bed on the Centauri Carbon 2, versus 300°C and 100°C on the A1 → more headroom for filaments needing higher temperatures.
Which one to choose
Choose A1 if…
Anyone mostly printing PLA and PETG at home, especially with other Bambu machines already in use, stays inside the Bambu Studio and Handy ecosystem for slicing and remote monitoring. The trade-off is the open bed: the A1 doesn't handle ABS or technical materials well without an enclosure.
Choose Centauri Carbon 2 if…
Anyone who needs to print ABS or technical materials relies on the Centauri Carbon 2's enclosed chamber and native Klipper firmware, which enables automatic calibration and assisted monitoring. Elegoo OS runs everything through Elegoo Slicer or Orca Slicer; the trade-off is leaving the Bambu ecosystem if other Bambu machines are already in use.
Where to buy
Paid link: the price for you does not change. Methodology
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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 →
Paid link: the price for you does not change. Methodology
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: the purchase links are the same as on the two product sheets and don't influence the verdict. The sheets have the complete data.