# Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo Review: Is Four-Color Printing Worth It?

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Last modified: 2026-11-15T08:21:19+00:00

The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo is worth considering if you regularly print objects that need multiple colors in the same layer. Its included CANVAS system switches among up to four colors, but frequent changes add print time and purge waste. If you mostly make functional parts in one color, compare the price with the original Elegoo Centauri Carbon.

This review draws on Elegoo’s specifications and published hands-on tests from Notebookcheck and Tom’s Hardware.

## What comes with the Carbon 2 Combo?

The Combo pairs an enclosed FDM 3D printer with the CANVAS filament system. Elegoo specifies a 256 × 256 × 256 mm build volume, a 350 °C nozzle, and automatic calibration. The standalone Carbon 2 sells CANVAS separately. The similarly named Centauri 2 Combo is a different, open-frame model. Tom’s Hardware found that model also omits a camera and internal lighting.

## When four-color printing earns its cost

A multicolor 3D printer offers the most value when several colors appear throughout a model. Raised lettering on only the final layers can often be printed with one planned swap. A figurine with different colors on nearly every layer is a stronger case for automatic switching.

When you 3D print multicolor parts, use ElegooSlicer to assign the colors, then inspect the layer preview. Compare a single-color slice with the full-color version. The number of switches, purge amount, and any prime tower can affect total print time and filament use. Switching from a dark color to a light one may require more purging to prevent bleed-through. If you print the same piece in batches, preview a full plate to estimate the cost per item.

## Print quality, noise, and real-world speed

Notebookcheck measured roughly 44–47 dB during prints, with peaks up to 54 dB in its test setup. Distance, furniture, and the job being printed all affect what you hear. If you plan to keep the printer beside a desk, look at the measured results alongside your workspace constraints.

The CoreXY 3D printer architecture supports fast motion, but the top speed figure has limited value for a job with repeated color swaps. Use Tom’s Hardware’s print samples to compare seam placement, color transitions, and small details. A simple logo and a four-color figurine put different demands on the same machine.

## Filament and spool compatibility

Elegoo lists a 53–58 mm inner diameter for the supplied spool holder. Before loading TPU or carbon fiber 3D printer filament, check both the printer’s material guidance and the CANVAS feed-path guidance for that exact spool. A suitable nozzle temperature alone does not establish feeder compatibility.

For your first multicolor job, use different colors from the same PLA line so that a material mismatch is less likely to complicate troubleshooting. If you need to combine different materials, check both the recommended print settings and whether the materials adhere to each other.

## Original Carbon vs Carbon 2 Combo and alternatives

- Original Elegoo Centauri Carbon: Compare it if your work is mainly single-color or you want to price its separately compatible CANVAS option.

- Centauri Carbon 2 Combo: Consider it if you want the feeder included and regularly switch colors within layers.

- Bambu Lab P2S Combo: Compare the slicer, spool handling, and total cost if you want another automatic multicolor workflow.

- Creality K2 Plus Combo: Compare it if build size is the reason you are upgrading and you have room for a larger machine.

If you already own the original Carbon, price the compatible feeder alongside the cost of replacing the printer. Slice one recurring job in single color and in multiple colors so your decision reflects the actual time and material difference.

## Frequently asked questions

## Is the Combo the same as the standalone Carbon 2?

The Combo includes CANVAS. Elegoo lists CANVAS separately for the standalone Centauri Carbon 2.

## How many colors can it print automatically?

Up to four colors with CANVAS. Check spool dimensions and filament compatibility before filling all four positions.

## Does multicolor printing take longer?

Yes, frequent color swaps can add time and waste. Slice the exact model to see the difference for your job.

## Does the Carbon 2 Combo have a bigger bed than the original?

No. Elegoo lists both at 256 × 256 × 256 mm.

## Can I run TPU through CANVAS?

Check Elegoo’s feeder guidance for the specific filament. Printer-level TPU support and automatic feeder compatibility are separate checks.

## Sources

- Elegoo Carbon 2 Combo specifications

- Elegoo spool and bundle guidance

- Elegoo standalone Carbon 2 listing

- Notebookcheck hands-on tests

- Tom’s Hardware Carbon 2 hands-on test

- Tom’s Hardware review of the separate Centauri 2 Combo