Error code 1220 on the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo describes a mismatch in the multi-material loading sequence: the filament runout sensor inside the tool head has detected filament, but the CANVAS multi-material system did not successfully grip and retract it. The printer halts to avoid feeding an unsecured filament strand into the hotend.

What the Error Means

During a filament loading or swap operation, the CANVAS system is expected to capture the incoming filament end and hold it securely before handing it off to the extruder. Error 1220 fires when the tool head sensor confirms filament presence but the CANVAS retention mechanism — a spring-loaded grip at the CANVAS inlet — fails to engage. This can happen when the filament end is frayed, curled, or not cleanly cut, preventing it from seating into the CANVAS channel. A stuck or debris-laden spring mechanism inside the CANVAS assembly is another common cause. The fault is specific to the load handoff step, not to filament movement through the PTFE tube itself (compare with error 1242, which covers the broader feed path to the print head).

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Pause or cancel the current print or loading operation using the touchscreen menu. Do not yank the filament; allow the system to release tension first.
2. Manually inspect the filament end at the CANVAS inlet. The end must be cleanly cut at a 90-degree angle with no fraying or curl. Trim it fresh with flush cutters and try reloading.
3. Loosen the extruder communication cable and unscrew the four fasteners securing the 4-in-1 hub, then remove the hub to expose the CANVAS spring retention mechanism.
4. Inspect the CANVAS inlet and spring mechanism for debris, filament fragments, or stuck material. Clear any obstruction with tweezers or compressed air.
5. Re-insert the trimmed filament cleanly into the correct CANVAS channel, ensuring it enters straight and seats into the grip point.
6. Reassemble the hub and reconnect the extruder cable, then retry the load operation.
7. If error 1220 recurs on every attempt with clean filament, the CANVAS spring mechanism may be worn or broken — contact ELEGOO support for a CANVAS assembly replacement.

Parts Required

• Flush cutters (to prepare a clean filament end)
• Tweezers (for debris removal)
• 2.0 mm Allen key (hub fasteners)

Contact ELEGOO support if error 1220 persists after cleaning the CANVAS mechanism and confirming a properly trimmed filament end.

Frequently asked questions

What does Elegoo 1220 mean?

Error code 1220 on the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo describes a mismatch in the multi-material loading sequence: the filament runout sensor inside the tool head has detected filament, but the CANVAS multi-material system did not successfully grip and retract it. The printer halts to avoid feeding an unsecured filament strand into the hotend.

How do I fix Elegoo 1220?

Error 1220 on the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo means the tool head sees filament but the CANVAS system failed to grip it. Trim, reload, and clean the CANVAS mechanism to clear the fault.