December 10, 2025 – A recent incident report highlights serious safety concerns regarding the Centauri Carbon 3D printer, manufactured by SHENZHEN ELEGOO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. The report details a critical cable failure leading to sparking, thermal runaway, and a significant risk of fire, prompting an urgent safety alert for consumers.
Product Details
Incident Overview
An incident report filed on October 11, 2025, describes a severe defect in the Centauri Carbon 3D printer. The cable connecting to the toolhead reportedly began breaking out of its sheath after approximately 700 hours of use. This structural failure of the cable is exacerbated by a design flaw, as the cable’s bend radius is noted to be more than three times the recommended limit, placing undue stress on the wiring.
Further compounding the issue, the printer has exhibited signs of sparking and thermal runaway. Specifically, the printer experienced temperature spikes up to 400 degrees Celsius, significantly exceeding its intended operational limit of 320 degrees Celsius. The user stated they were operating the product for its intended purpose of 3D printing, with the cable positioned as directed by the manufacturer. While no injuries have been reported yet, there is a high probability of a fire hazard. The manufacturer’s reported response was to provide a replacement cable under warranty, without addressing the underlying design issues or the thermal runaway problem.
Safety Concerns
The incidents reported with the Centauri Carbon 3D printer present a range of severe safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary and most immediate danger is the risk of fire. Sparking from exposed or damaged electrical cables can ignite flammable materials in the vicinity. Thermal runaway, where temperatures spike far beyond safe operating limits, can rapidly lead to fire and severe burns.
- Long-Term Risks: Even if an immediate fire does not occur, the continued degradation of the cable and the uncontrolled temperature fluctuations pose a persistent fire hazard that could eventually lead to catastrophic failure.
- Who Might Be Affected: Owners and users of the Centauri Carbon 3D printer are directly at risk. This includes hobbyists, small businesses, and anyone operating the printer in a home or workshop environment. Bystanders or occupants of the same building are also at risk from potential fires.
- Property Damage Potential: A fire originating from a 3D printer can quickly spread, causing extensive damage to the printer itself, surrounding furniture, the room, and potentially the entire property. The high temperatures observed during thermal runaway can also damage surfaces and materials near the printer.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Centauri Carbon 3D printer should take the following steps:
- Immediate Action: If you observe any signs of cable damage (fraying, exposed wires, kinking), sparking, smoke, unusual odors, or unexpected temperature spikes, immediately power off and unplug your 3D printer. Do not attempt to use it again.
- Check Your Product: Carefully inspect the cable connecting to the toolhead for any signs of wear, damage, or stress, particularly where the cable bends or connects. While the issue was reported after 700 hours, proactive inspection is crucial.
- Prevention Measures: Ensure your 3D printer is never left unattended while operating. Keep the printer in an area free of flammable materials. Do not attempt to repair damaged cables yourself, as this could worsen the problem or introduce new hazards.
- Reporting Procedures: If you have experienced similar issues or have concerns about your Centauri Carbon 3D printer, report the incident to SHENZHEN ELEGOO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. and to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov.
Manufacturer’s Response
SHENZHEN ELEGOO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. has responded to the incident report. Their reported solution was to provide a replacement cable under warranty. However, this response does not appear to address the underlying design flaw concerning the cable’s bend radius or the severe thermal runaway issues experienced, raising concerns about the long-term safety of replacement cables or other components.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.