Elegoo’s Centauri Carbon 2 Adds Full Colour Printing to a Fan Favourite 3D Printer

Published: 26 January 2026

Category: Technology • 3D Printing

Elegoo has built a loyal following by doing something many hardware companies struggle with: delivering capable, reliable 3D printers at prices that do not intimidate newcomers. From budget friendly filament machines to approachable resin printers, the brand has quietly become a staple in workshops and spare rooms alike. Now, Elegoo is expanding that formula with its most ambitious Centauri model yet.

The new Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo, released this week, is the first printer in the Centauri range to ship with an integrated colour system. While the exterior looks familiar, the upgrades underneath signal a meaningful step forward for hobbyists and small studios who want more flexibility without jumping into professional price territory.

Elegoo’s previous success sets high expectations. The original Centauri Carbon earned recognition as one of the best budget 3D printers tested by CNET, while the Mars 4 and Saturn 4 claimed top spots among resin printers for beginners and mid sized users. Against that backdrop, the Carbon 2 arrives with the pressure to justify its evolution.

At first glance, the printer does not try to reinvent the Centauri aesthetic. The frame and overall footprint closely resemble its predecessor. The real change sits on the outside and inside of the machine, starting with a filament changer mounted directly on the printer body. This system supports up to four colours or materials in a single print, opening the door to multicolour models, material mixing, and cleaner support structures without manual intervention.

Elegoo says the colour system focuses on simplicity. Filament loading is automatic, colour switching is handled by the printer, and a built in backup feature ensures prints can continue if one spool runs out. An RFID auto recognition system identifies the filament type and recommends appropriate settings, reducing trial and error for users who want consistent results without constant tuning.

James Bricknell, CNET managing editor and long time 3D printing specialist, sees the colour system as the defining feature of the new model.

“Even if the Centauri 2 is just the first Centauri with a colour system attached, it will likely be worth the price of admission,” he says. “I have it in my workshop, and my testing should be complete in the coming weeks.”

Beyond colour printing, Elegoo has made several practical upgrades that address common pain points. The Carbon 2 features a hardened steel nozzle capable of reaching temperatures up to 350 degrees Celsius, an improvement over the previous model’s 320 degree limit. This higher ceiling allows the printer to handle tougher, high performance filaments while offering better durability over time.

Temperature management has also received attention. A redesigned grille and smarter thermal control system adjust airflow automatically, opening and closing internal shutters depending on the material being used. For example, when printing with PLA, the system can open at lower temperatures without user input. Previously, this required manual intervention, a small but persistent inconvenience for longer print jobs.

Calibration and setup are faster as well. The Carbon 2 Combo introduces four additional precision sensors and a new zone levelling mode that speeds up bed calibration by nearly fourteen percent. Less preparation time means more time actually printing, a benefit that resonates whether you are producing prototypes for work or models for a weekend project.

Noise levels have dropped too. Elegoo rates the printer at around 45 decibels during operation, making it easier to run in shared spaces or home environments without constant background hum.

User experience has not been overlooked. A new five inch capacitive touchscreen replaces the previous display, supporting eleven languages and offering a cleaner, more intuitive interface. For first time users, this reduces the learning curve, while experienced operators benefit from quicker access to settings and status information.

Taken together, the Centauri Carbon 2 Combo feels less like a flashy reinvention and more like a careful refinement. It builds on what already worked and adds features that align with how people actually use budget and mid range 3D printers today. Colour printing, higher temperature capability, smarter thermal control, and quieter operation all address real demands rather than marketing buzz.

For anyone who has outgrown single colour prints or wants to experiment with more advanced materials without stepping into professional pricing, the Carbon 2 represents a compelling middle ground. It reinforces Elegoo’s reputation for practical innovation and suggests that multicolour printing may soon become a standard expectation rather than a premium luxury.

As testing continues and real world results emerge, the Centauri Carbon 2 Combo will reveal whether it can live up to its promise. On paper, at least, Elegoo has delivered a thoughtful upgrade that keeps accessibility front and centre while expanding what budget conscious creators can achieve.

Author.Adigun Adedoye.