Creality Ender-5 Max vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Ender-5 Max and Centauri Carbon 2 pull in opposite directions within the same price band: one maximizes build volume on an open frame, the other closes the chamber and raises nozzle temperature for tougher materials. It's not about who has more boxes ticked — it's about what needs to come off the bed.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2026 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~400–500 € | ~349–399 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 46.18 × 43.48 × 52.58 cm | 50 × 48 × 74.3 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 18 kg | 19.35 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 400 × 400 mm | 256 × 256 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 400 mm | 256 mm |
| Power (W) | 350 W | 1100 W |
| Voltage (V) | 240 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 700 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.1 ±mm | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 400 mm | 256 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 400 mm | 256 mm |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 350 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 110 °C | 110 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 700 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | No | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | — | Yes |
| Max colors | 1 | 4 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Klipper-based firmware with a 4.3" colour touchscreen. Compatible with Creality Print, Orca Slicer and PrusaSlicer; remote monitoring via the Creality Cloud app is optional. | 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
- Build volume: 400×400 mm on the Ender-5 Max vs 256×256 mm on the Centauri Carbon 2 — decides how much fits in one piece.
- Chamber: enclosed only on the Centauri Carbon 2, a requirement for ABS and nylon without warping.
- Nozzle temperature: up to 350°C on the Centauri Carbon 2 vs 300°C on the Ender-5 Max — matters for technical filaments.
- Multicolor: 4 colors with an accessory on the Centauri Carbon 2, single color on the Ender-5 Max.
- Top speed: 700 mm/s on the Ender-5 Max vs 500 mm/s on the Centauri Carbon 2, a real edge only on large single-color prints.
Which one to choose
Choose Ender-5 Max if…
Pick the Ender-5 Max for large parts in PLA or PETG: a 400×400 mm bed and 700 mm/s top speed cut time on bulky prints that the Centauri Carbon 2's 256×256 mm plate would force you to split or assemble.
Choose Centauri Carbon 2 if…
Pick the Centauri Carbon 2 for ABS or nylon: the enclosed chamber and a nozzle rated to 350°C handle materials that would warp at the edges on the Ender-5 Max's open frame (300°C max). Four-color printing via a separate accessory and automatic calibration routines also cut setup time.
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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