X1E vs Centauri Carbon 2
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
X1E and Centauri Carbon 2 are not direct competitors: very different prices (~6.8×). Centauri Carbon 2 costs less (~€374) and is the entry-level choice; X1E offers more capability at a higher price (~€2550). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
X1E
Bambu Lab
F3 · Advanced
|
Centauri Carbon 2
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2026 |
| Use tier | F3 — Advanced | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~2400–2700 € | ~349–399 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 38.9 × 38.9 × 45.7 cm | 50 × 48 × 74.3 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 16 kg | 19.35 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 256 × 256 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 256 mm |
| Power (W) | 1350 W | 1100 W |
| Voltage (V) | 100 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 7 μm | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 256 mm | 256 mm |
| Maximum Z height (mm) | 256 mm | 256 mm |
| Kinematics | corexy | corexy |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 320 °C | 350 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 120 °C | 110 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Closed chamber | True | True |
| Filament sensor | True | True |
| Auto leveling | mesh | mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | False | False |
| Native Klipper | False | True |
| Input shaper | True | True |
| Multicolor printing | True | True |
| Requires external accessory | True | True |
| Maximum colors | 16 | 4 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The X1E works with Bambu Studio, Bambu Lab's proprietary slicer, which handles slicing, automatic calibration, and remote monitoring via the Bambu Handy app. Orca Slicer, an open-source Bambu Studio fork with dedicated profiles, is also supported. The firmware is proprietary; Klipper is not natively supported. The printer can run in LAN-only mode, operating fully without an internet connection through the local network. | 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
- Price: X1E 2550 € vs Centauri Carbon 2 374 € — Centauri Carbon 2 wins (+582%)
- Maximum colors: X1E 16 vs Centauri Carbon 2 4 — X1E wins (+300%)
- Native Klipper: Centauri Carbon 2 yes, X1E no
- Max nozzle temperature: X1E 320 °C vs Centauri Carbon 2 350 °C — Centauri Carbon 2 wins (+9%)
- Max bed temperature: X1E 120 °C vs Centauri Carbon 2 110 °C — X1E wins (+9%)
Which one to choose
Choose X1E if…
you value maximum colors and max bed temperature. «The maximum number of colors indicates how many distinct color zones or materials can be used in one print without manual intervention. Two colors cover most practical uses, including soluble support. Higher values are useful for complex decorative models or color-coded prototypes. Each additional color increases print time due to transition purges, so the practical benefit should be weighed against the added time cost.»
Choose Centauri Carbon 2 if…
you value price, native klipper and max nozzle temperature. «Klipper is an open-source firmware that offloads trajectory calculations from the microcontroller to a host computer, enabling all advanced features including input shaper and pressure advance. Native support eliminates the need to replace the firmware, a process that voids the warranty on some machines. Relevant for users who intend to tune advanced parameters; for basic use the difference from Marlin is minimal.»
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.