Latest news with #BambuLab
Sustainability Times
a day ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'They Built It With No Experience': First-Time Maker's 3D-Printed Drone Flies 130 Miles in 3 Hours Without Failing Once
IN A NUTSHELL 🚁 Tsung Xu designed and built a fully functional VTOL drone using 3D printing technology. designed and built a fully functional using technology. 🛠️ Completed in just 90 days, Xu's project relied on a Bambu Lab A1 3D printer for crafting aerodynamic surfaces. for crafting aerodynamic surfaces. 🔋 The drone can fly up to 130 miles on a single charge, showcasing impressive endurance and power optimization. on a single charge, showcasing impressive endurance and power optimization. 🌟 Xu's achievement highlights the potential of consumer-grade innovation in advancing amateur aerospace engineering. In the world of innovation, where technology continuously reshapes the boundaries of possibility, the story of Tsung Xu stands out as a remarkable testament to individual ingenuity. Without a formal background in aerospace engineering, Xu embarked on an ambitious journey to design and build a fully functional vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone using 3D printing technology. His achievement is not just a personal victory but a significant milestone in amateur aerospace engineering. This article delves into the fascinating process and the groundbreaking outcome of Xu's project, highlighting how consumer-grade technology is redefining the limits of what individuals can achieve. First-Time Maker's Drone Xu's journey into drone-making began with a bold vision and an unwavering commitment to innovation. Despite lacking formal training in aerodynamic modeling, 3D printing, or computer-aided design (CAD), Xu managed to execute his project within a mere 90 days. This undertaking was a testament to his dedication and resourcefulness. He meticulously documented the process, offering a detailed build log and a compelling video presentation on YouTube, which serves as both an inspiration and a guide for other aspiring creators. The drone was crafted entirely from scratch, with Xu adopting a bottom-up approach. He designed, modeled, and printed each aerodynamic surface and structural component himself, relying on a Bambu Lab A1 3D printer. This desktop device, rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in independent reviews, proved to be the backbone of his prototyping efforts. The printer allowed Xu to rapidly iterate on complex aerodynamic shapes, facilitating the creation of the drone's composite parts. Critical non-printable components, such as radio equipment, motors, and electronic speed controllers (ESCs), were sourced separately, but Xu skillfully integrated these systems to ensure seamless functionality. 'This Thing Shouldn't Exist': Scientists Stunned as Humanity Witnesses This Deep-Sea Monster Alive for the First Time Ever 130-Mile Range The drone's impressive capabilities stem from its efficient design and power optimization. With a wingspan tailored for optimal glide and a robust VTOL propulsion system, the drone achieved an endurance of approximately three hours. This allows it to cover a distance of 130 miles on a single charge. Such performance is typically reserved for advanced military or commercial unmanned aerial systems (UAS), underscoring the significance of Xu's achievement. The winged VTOL design enables vertical launch and recovery without the need for a runway, transitioning to efficient forward flight once airborne. This capability, combined with Xu's strategic endurance planning, demonstrates how consumer-accessible technologies are rapidly closing the gap between hobbyist experimentation and advanced aerospace development. Although Xu did not provide a full technical breakdown, he emphasized the steep learning curves he faced, including understanding flight dynamics, sourcing components, and identifying design failures during the printing and assembly process. 2.6 Million Golden Eggs: Secret Volcano Nursery Uncovered as Alien-Like Marine Species Breeds in Ice-Cold Death Zone Innovation in DIY Aerospace Xu's project is a microcosm of a broader trend in the world of aerospace and defense technology. As institutions like the U.S. Army expand their initiatives to incorporate additive manufacturing and autonomous systems, Xu's civilian project echoes these trends by showcasing the potential of low-cost, decentralized innovation. His achievement highlights how individuals, armed with determination and accessible technology, can contribute to fields traditionally dominated by large corporations and government entities. This democratization of technology has profound implications for the future of research and development. Xu's work demonstrates that groundbreaking advancements are no longer confined to well-funded labs but can emerge from garages and small workshops. His drone serves as a proof of concept for the power of consumer-grade innovation, potentially inspiring a new generation of inventors to explore uncharted territories. 'Earth's Core Is Acting Up': NASA Links Planet-Wide Disturbance to Mysterious Energy Surge Emerging From Deep Within the Mantle The Future of Consumer-Grade Innovation The success of Xu's project raises important questions about the future of consumer-grade innovation. As technologies like 3D printing become more accessible and affordable, the line between professional and amateur innovation blurs. This democratization empowers individuals to tackle complex challenges, potentially leading to breakthroughs in areas as diverse as aerospace, healthcare, and environmental science. Xu's journey is a reminder that innovation is not the sole domain of experts, but a field open to anyone with passion and perseverance. His VTOL drone, a product of creativity and resourcefulness, challenges us to rethink what is possible and encourages us to explore our own potential. As we look to the future, we must ask ourselves: How will the next wave of consumer-grade innovation reshape our world, and what role will we play in it? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.3/5 (23)
CNET
11-06-2025
- CNET
I Recommend This Affordable 3D Printer for All Beginners, and Now It's $50 Cheaper
For almost 10 years now I've been testing and using a variety of 3D printers. I recently had the chance to try out the latest model from Bambu Lab, the H2D, and wrote about that model here. The company has made quite a few quality 3D printers, and one of its devices has become a firm favorite in my household: the A1 Mini Combo. The A1 Mini Combo is on the smaller side but reliably produces excellent print quality. With a number of printers to choose from, it's the one we break out whenever we need a small something printed quickly. If you're already immersed in the 3D printing world, you may find the Mini too small for you, but if you're new to 3D printing or you know someone who's been thinking about getting into the hobby, this is one you'll definitely want to consider. That's especially true now that Bambu Lab is offering it at a $50 discount. The A1 Mini on its own is marked down to $249, a price that makes it incredibly compelling for anyone who's curious about getting started with 3D printing. I've been using the Mini since it first came out in 2023, and it's such a simple machine to use. It's the one I fire up when I want something quickly and easily. The bed is small, just 180 by 180 millimeters, so you can't print giant things like helmets or masks, but you can make smaller pieces like sculptures or detailed miniatures for your Dungeons & Dragons game. It prints speedily, too, with a max print speed of 500mm/s, meaning you can print little jobs nice and fast. It also comes with a four-color system called the AMS lite that will feed four different materials into the printer so you can make full-color models like what's in the image below. A1 Mini Combo specifications Build volume 180x180x180 Hot end Swappable Extruder type Direct Drive AMS (color system) Nozzle diameter 0.4mm Nozzle max temperature 300C Build plate max temperature 80C Official max speed 500mm/s Supported material PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA Auto bed leveling Yes Filament run out sensor Yes Connectivity Wi-Fi, app enabled Time-lapse camera Yes Slicer Bambu slicer Read more: A1 Mini Combo review My colleague recently asked me what 3D printer she should get for her 13-year-old son, and this is the one I suggested. It will fit on a normal desk, even with the AMS color system. It's pretty quiet, and, as long as you have a bucket to catch the waste, clean to have in your home. If you are using it inside, I would recommend using safe materials like PLA or PETG, especially in a bedroom. Ideally, you would want it to be in a spare room or garage if possible. Even better, if you are giving it as a gift, you should opt for the bundle, which includes four rolls of filament and is currently discounted to $399. That's everything you need to get started in the 3D printing all in one package -- a fantastic deal. This cute little pumpkin is practically perfect and printed all in one piece. James Bricknell/CNET There are many options for your first 3D printer, and I've seen many people on Threads and Reddit recommend the A1 Mini. They agree that the A1 Mini is a great starting place, though you may need something bigger as you advance in the craft. Why this deal matters With graduation gifting season in full swing and Father's Day fast approaching, and 3D printers being a big-ticket item, any savings you can grab are important. The A1 Mini Combo is also excellently priced to be a gift for someone you know who wants to jump into the world of 3D printing. At $399, it comes with four rolls of material. Having the material and the color system as a package makes it a perfect present for a loved one because they can start tinkering with their new machine right away. What other expenses come from owning a 3D printer? After the initial layout, you'll need to buy a few 3D printing accessories and some materials to get the most out of your 3D printer. If the printer doesn't come with a roll of filament, I would suggest grabbing some from Overture. Its PLA is excellent and comes in plenty of fun colors. Start with PLA, as it is the easiest and cheapest material. The accessories are all optional, as your 3D printer will come with every tool you need, as well as fun projects to print some of those tools. Eventually, it would help if you replaced your nozzle, but Bambu makes that incredibly simple and cost-effective. You won't need a new one for a long time, so don't worry.
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Forbes
Tech Experts Recommend The Best 3D Printers To Create Almost Anything
A few short years ago, a 3D printer seemed like a novelty. But today, the best 3D printers are accessible, print in multiple colors and can build anything from a toy figurine to a self-watering planter to a kitchen scraper. We tested many 3D printers firsthand by creating all of those items and researched countless more options. We think the best 3D printer you can get right now is the Bambu Labs X1c 3D Printer. It's affordable and can quickly and consistently print with a myriad of filaments. The best 3D printers can be used for fun as well as for creating useful and practical hardware. Ion Hatzithomas, CEO of RenderHub, says, '3D printing is such exciting technology because it unlocks creativity, innovation and endless possibilities at a price point we can all afford." But it can be daunting if you don't know anything about it, so we've done our homework—we've tested multiple 3D printers firsthand, consulted with tech-industry experts and done extensive research, focusing on the best 3D printers for household use. Bambu Lab Weight: 31.2 pounds | Build volume: 10.1 x 10.1 x 10.1 inches | Print speed: 32mm per second | Colors per print: 16 | Filament types: PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, PVA, PET Pros: Cons: Bambu Lab's X1c 3D Printer is one of the most reliable 3D printers around. It features a Lidar sensor that takes precise AI-assisted readings of your prints, starting with a check of the quality of the very first layer, so that any issues with the print job are detected right away. From the so-called 'spaghetti' problem to a filament snag and more, this printer is ready to quickly pause a print job and inform you of any trouble. But that rarely happens, as the X1c is reliable and efficient. It can be set up with as many as 16 different colors of filament, so you can create truly complex and impressive objects, and it works with a myriad of types of filament, as well. An X1C 3D Printer is hardly a cheap buy, and the reels of filament it uses cost at least $20 each, but for its ease of use and dependability, the printer is a good choice for both amateur and experienced users. I have a Bambu Labs printer in my home, and it consistently works properly, churning out everything from fidget toys to pencil cases to flower vases and more. Amazon Weight: 15.4 pounds | Build volume: 8.6 x 8.6 x 9.8 inches | Print speed: 250mm per second | Colors per print: 1, but multicolor with upgrade | Filament types: PLA, PETG, TPU Pros: Cons: A Creality Ender 3 V3 SE 3D Printer doesn't set you back much for this product category, and it performs much better than you might expect a 3D printer priced near $200 could do. At last check, this machine had well over 25,000 reviews on Amazon and a better than 4-star rating, for reference. It's an efficient 3D printer with nozzle speeds theoretically as fast as 250mm per second, but most users report experiencing an actual speed around 180mm per second. The Ender 3 V3 SE has an effective auto leveling function that helps prints start off cleanly, and it is controlled by an included remote control with a bright and clear display. This printer comes with poor instructions, per many verified buyers, so getting it set up and running may be a hassle, but it's worth the effort for what you get for the price. Amazon Weight: 9 pounds | Build volume: 2.8 x 3.1 x 3.5 inches | Print speed: 60mm per second | Colors per print: 1 | Filament types: PLA Pros: Cons: A Toybox 3D printer is a wonderful first 3D printer for the young makers in your home. I can attest to this, as my son had a Toybox as a first 3D printer and absolutely loved using it. In fact, now, many years on and even with a much more advanced 3D printer on hand, the Toybox still gets used from time to time, which is a testament to its quality and its durability over the years. The maximum print size is small with a Toybox printer, and you can use only one color of PLA filament at a time, but for a product that spans the gap between toy and tool, those really aren't major problems. And a major plus for this printer is its ease of use. Any kid with a bit of tech savvy and experience using a tablet or smartphone app can load all sorts of existing designs into this printer, or they can create their own original hardware and bring it into being—no adult help needed. Amazon Weight: 61.7 pounds | Build volume: 13.8 x 13.4 x 12.8 inches | Print speed: 350mm per second | Colors per print: 1 | Filament types: PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS Wood PLA Pros: Cons: The Snapmaker 2.0 A350T is certainly a good 3D printer—my family owned one for several years—but calling it a 3D printer alone is like calling a Swiss Army Knife merely a blade. This device can be quickly switched into a laser engraving machine and a CNC cutting machine, making it a true three-in-one piece of technology. It's a great option for an artist looking to work in various media or for the DIY enthusiast who wants to be able to create their own hardware for home projects. This printer (and laser engraver and CNC machine) requires extensive construction when it arrives, so plan to set aside a couple of hours and a lot of patience. But but once it's built, swapping out the modules that print, burn and cut is actually pretty simple. I do recommend investing in Snapmaker's enclosure and ventilation systems if you plan on doing a lot of burning and cutting, by the way. Amazon Weight: 19.4 pounds | Build volume: 6.5 x 6 x 3.1 inches | Print speed: 150mm per hour | Colors per print: 1 | Filament types: Resin Pros: Cons: Unlike each of the other 3D printers we have covered here, this doesn't use a reel of filament as its print material, but rather a bottle of resin. Resin 3D printing offers several benefits compared to many filaments, including smooth surface finishes and the ability to create intricate details. It's particularly well-suited for applications requiring the highest level of precision, like for detailed miniature figurines. The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra 9K Resin 3D Printer cranks out 150mm per hour, which might sound slow, but in fact that means it can create a nearly 6-inch tall object in an hour, which is pretty good in the world of 3D printing. While the build volume means that 6.5 inches is the maximum height, which is on the smaller side, the objects you create with your Mars 5 Ultra should be smooth and detailed. Amazon Weight: 10.7 ounces | Build volume: N/A | Print speed: 10mm per second | Colors per print: 1 | Filament types: PLA, ABS Pros: Cons: Based on my firsthand testing, there is a bit of a learning curve to using this 3D printing pen, but once you get the hang of it, it is lots of fun to create original objects right there in thin air. You can use the pen to make little figurines or to create jewelry. Also, you can use it in concert with other materials like cardboard, the filament serving as a binding agent as you create little vehicles, furniture, props for a performance or whatever else you and the kids want to make. And this is a kid-safe device: The filament comes out cool enough for immediate skin contact. Kiddos may need help when the filament gets jammed, which does tend to happen from time to time, but when the 3Doodler is working properly, it's easy for kids to load and use this compact 3D printer pen. The Forbes Vetted tech team has years of experience working with all sorts of electronics and hardware, from to drones to drawing tablets All 3D printers have the same basic mission: to create brand-new objects out of filaments or resins. But the way they achieve this goal can vary greatly based on printer design. We sought out a range of 3D printers, with different capabilities and at different price points, including a couple of great kid-friendly options. If you're new to the world of 'making,' a basic 3D printer might be just fine for your household. When you're ready to level up, there are more advanced models to try that offer more options. Here are the factors to consider as you shop for a 3D printer. Most 3D printers extrude heated filament to create objects. 'Fused-filament printers work by melting a thermoplastic filament, extruding it layer by layer through a heated nozzle,' says Hatzithomas. 'Each layer stacks to form the final object. These kinds of printers are inexpensive to purchase, and the filament materials are readily available in an array of colors at an affordable price.' Stereolithography (SLA) printers use UV-cured liquid resin hardened layer by layer. SLA 3D printers can create very smooth, detailed objects, but they are limited in size and color. Finally, while not featured here, the third semi-common type of 3D printer is the selective laser sintering (SLS) printer, which uses a laser to fuse powdered materials, creating strong and durable parts. Think carefully about the types of objects you want to make with your 3D printer, and ensure you are considering a printer with a large enough build to accommodate the things you plan to create. It's also possible to print things in several parts and assemble them later, so don't be put off by a small build volume. Many 3D printers extrude only one color of filament (or work with one color of resin) at a time, but that's not always the case. 'We are starting to see the emergence of full color 3D printers,' says Hatzithomas. 'These allow you to print your objects fully colored, eliminating the need for painting.' Several of the printers covered here can work with several colors of filament at the same time. 3D printing can require a good deal of patience, often taking many hours to complete. If you are not the patient type, make sure you look for a printer with a faster, print speed. If you're going to print multiple smaller object at once, a resin printer may be the way to go if you're concerned about speed. Anything you can imagine, more or less. 'You can make personalized creations like custom phone cases, jewelry, gadgets or one-of-a-kind gifts," Hatzithomas says. "They are also incredible for making repairs. You can fix broken household items or make replacement parts that can't be bought in stores. And for the hobbyists, now you can produce custom miniatures for board games, D&D, model trains and more.' No, not really. 3D printers do not use a significant amount of electricity, especially compared to other household appliances like computers or TVs. While they do require power to heat and melt materials and move the print head, their energy consumption is generally in the range of 50 to 300 watts, which is comparable to the power consumption of a room lighted with older 100-watt light bulbs. PLA, or polylactic acid, is a bioplastic material derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly option for 3D printing. It's one of the most popular filaments used in 3D printing due to its ease of use and good print quality.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Yahoo
Anycubic S1 Combo Review: We Finally Have a Bambu Lab P1S Competitor
See at Anycubic Over the last year we have seen a lot of 3D printers trying to replicate the success that Bambu Lab has had with its color system. The P1P combo" target="_self (followed up by the P1S combo) are still some of the best 3D printers" target="_self you can buy, and until now, there was very little in the way of competition. The combination of color system, speed and quality seemed like a pipe dream for most manufacturers. That's all changed in early 2025, with several companies finally taking a stab at the color combo. Anycubic has been making budget 3D printers for a long time so it makes sense for them to try and compete with Bambu Lab in the color system space. Its first foray, the Anycubic Kobra 3 was a fine attempt, but the S1 combo is the company's direct competitor to the Bambu Lab P1S, and it is surprisingly good. Good enough to hold its own in a space long dominated by one company. Like the P1S, the Anycubic S1 is a core XY 3D printer. Core XY differs from many printers in that the print bed moves up and down, and the print nozzles stay on the same plane. This creates a much more stable platform for the print and reduces the chance of vibration issues. Core XY works very well with a color system because it is often enclosed and allows you to stack the color system (called the ACE on Anycubic machines) on top of the machine to reduce the footprint without introducing major movement issues. The S1 has a plastic door and lid, rather than the glass from the P1S, and while it does make it slightly louder, it also makes the entire machine lighter, so it's a trade-off. I was worried that the lack of glass would make the S1 feel cheap, but it doesn't make as much difference as I had thought. What does make a difference is the large LCD panel on the S1. My chief complaint about the P1P/P1S has always been that the display is difficult to navigate and feels very cheap. At 4.3 inches, the LCD on the S1 is large and easy to navigate, which makes adjusting parameters on the fly much easier. It's far more similar to the LCD on the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon (a more expensive machine) than the P1S' tiny 1 inch by 3 inch display. The S1 also uses USB thumb drives as its storage of choice rather than the MicroSD cards used by the P1S. I much prefer that as they are easier to load and unload and they are easier to transport. The S1 does have its own internal memory as well, so when you transfer via WiFi, it keeps a copy stored on the machine, making it easier to reprint if you are making batch copies. The quality of the Anycubic S1 is surprisingly good. Well, maybe surprisingly isn't the right word. Most modern 3D printers are significantly better than they were even 3 years ago, but the S1 is in a price bracket that can fall prey to poor tuning. The machine doesn't seem to have any mechanical issues that could cause bad prints, and my test print showed significant improvements over the Kobra 3, Anycubic's other color system 3D printer. The test print had significantly better towers and dimensional accuracy --something that a core XY printer is very good at -- and shows the cooling is working the way it should. I printed models in PLA, TPU, ABS, and PETG and all of them printed well. The enclosure means that even hot materials like ABS can print well, though I recommend taking the lid off to print PLA. The interior can get a little warm, and it just prints better at cooler temperatures. The best models seemed to come from PLA and PETG in terms of quality, and I had some issues getting the TPU through into the nozzle due to the flexibility and length of the PTFE tube. Aside from that, the S1 performed admirably. Color systems are on the rise and Anycubic's take is likely to give us a good idea of what the budget market systems are going to be like. The ACE unit itself is fine. There is nothing to distinguish it from other color systems as it doesn't have a heated chamber or anything like that, but it works as it is supposed to. I'm a little concerned that the entrances to the material feeds will grind down over time as they are in a fixed position, but they do look like a replaceable part, which is good. The color prints themselves are excellent. You can see from the cheerful pilot and the purge tower behind it there there was very little in the way of bleeding, and that the purge tower is clean along the margins. That means the "poop chute" and nozzle cleaner are doing what they are designed for, which is unusual for a lot of these Bambu Lab clones. Honestly, even the P1S can struggle with this, so seeing Anycubic work to get this right is a welcome change. The Anycubic S1 has the same issue as with any color system, the waste. The amount of printer poop -- the colloquial term for printer waste -- that the S1 produces is very similar to that of the P1S. Though I think I could reduce it if I spent a little more time with the software, which creates challenges of its own. The Anycubic slicer is based on several others, including Bambu Slicer, Orca Slicer and Prusa Slicer. Unfortunately, it seems to have removed some of the more helpful settings, like the one that allows me to adjust the purge levels on the printer. Those settings are important if you want to reduce your printer's waste without creating color bleed issues. The Anycubic slicer is certainly better than its last version, but it still has a way to go to make itself as simple to use as its competitors. This is one of the biggest issues with even the best budget 3D printers" target="_self. These days, 3D printers often come with apps which are usually subpar (like their slicers tend to be). The S1 uses the same app as the Kobra 3, which is, frankly, awful. It is loaded with ads and just feels like an afterthought in a way that the Bambu app and now the Prusa app don't. It feels like it's trying to sell you something, and that's just not what I need from a 3D printing app. It needs to monitor my machines and help me printer quicker or better, but the app struggles to do that effectively. Overall, my experience with the S1 from Anycubic is positive. For $400 for the standalone machine and $600 for the color system combo, it stands up to the P1S in almost every way, and beats it on price. The P1S with color system sells for around $700 and, from what I can see, doesn't offer anything more than the Anycubic. Only the software reduces the overall experience of using the Anycubic S1, though I find the better LCD on the printer makes up for some of that shortfall. Software issues aside, the S1 is a sturdy entry into the Core XY with color system pantheon and can be considered one of the best in its price bracket.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I've Spent Some Time With Elegoo's New 3D Printer and It's Pretty Great for $300
Just a few years ago, 3D printing changed significantly. A new brand emerged from Kickstarter, redefining what's possible in the consumer market by introducing enclosed 3D printers that deliver high-quality models at unprecedented speeds. Since then, every company has tried to react to the change, but it's taken a while. Now, though, companies are starting to release CoreXY machines to compete with the Bambu Lab behemoth, and Elegoo's Centauri Carbon is a great example of this new wave. The Centauri is aimed squarely at the beginner to mid-range market that the P1S and P1P from Bambu Lab currently occupy. As a direct rival to the P1S -- one of my top picks for 3D printers -- it comes at a lower price and, surprisingly, with very few concessions. I've spent some time with it, and at its current $399 price tag, I'd say it's one to watch. The first thing I noticed when I unboxed the Centauri was the glass door and lid. Elegoo could have easily saved a few dollars there and made them out of plastic. It would have been fine, but the weight of the glass and the acoustic dampening it produces is a welcome upgrade. That ethos is prevalent throughout the Centauri, too; it doesn't feel cheap. It feels well engineered and designed to be a workhorse, not a machine to throw away after a year. When you directly compare the P1S and the Centauri, you can see the specs are similar in speed, build area and general accessories. The Centauri even outperforms the P1S in some areas, such as its more user-friendly LCD display. Its interior layout, including a filament waste chute, hints at a possible future multi-color system similar to the AMS. If that happens, I hope it remains compatible with this model -- having to buy an entirely new printer just to access the color system would be a tough sell. When it comes to the overall quality of the prints, the Centauri Carbon performed admirably. The CNET test print that I use to test all of the printers that come through my workshop showed very little defects, though there was some stringing on the print, indicating it was a little too hot, and the 0.2mm tolerance test was stuck tight. Most of the issues could be fixed within the software, so it's not too big of a deal. I used the Centauri to print a large number of fun little flexi dinosaurs and fidget toys for my daughter's first-grade class. No matter how many I printed or what material I used, each one came out looking great. And all the kids loved them, which is the most important thing. I tested the hardened nozzle with PLA, PETG, TPU and even glow-in-the-dark filament, and the Centauri printed them all smoothly. I've enjoyed my time with the Centauri Carbon, and once I've finished the full testing, I have a feeling it'll be a strong contender for a place on my best lists. Right now, it's available to preorder at the Elegoo website for $300 (£300 GBP). If you're looking for a first-time printer, this is an excellent pick.
