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Top pick
Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo
Pros
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive extruder
- PEI build surface has good balance of adhesion and part removal
Cons
- Limited online community
- No touch screen
About the Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo
The Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo is an entry-level 3D printer that offers a range of premium features at an affordable price point. One notable feature is the automatic bed leveling (ABL) system, which ensures perfect first layers and reduces issues with bed adhesion. The ABL system measures and compensates for any inconsistencies in the print bed, allowing for better tolerances even on slightly warped beds. This eliminates the need for manual bed leveling, saving time and effort. Another standout feature of the Kobra 2 Neo is its direct-drive extruder. Unlike side-mounted bowden extruders, the direct-drive extruder is mounted right above the hot end, pushing the filament directly into it. This design reduces the chances of filament jamming and requires less maintenance. It also makes the printer compatible with flexible materials, offering more versatility in printing options. The Kobra 2 Neo comes with a PEI Spring Steel bed, which is a premium build surface option. The PEI bed provides excellent first layer adhesion without the need for additional treatments. It can be flexed to quickly remove printed parts, making the printing process more efficient. However, it is important to regularly clean the bed with a solvent like acetone or IPA to maintain its adhesion. One drawback of the Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo is the limited online community support. With a smaller community, users may need to rely more on their own troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the printer does not have a touch screen interface, which may be seen as a convenience for navigating through the settings and files during the printing process. Overall, the Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo is a competitive entry-level 3D printer that offers high-speed printing, automatic bed leveling, and a direct-drive extruder. Its premium features and affordable price make it an attractive option for beginners and enthusiasts alike. However, potential buyers should consider the limited online community support and the absence of a touch screen interface.
Benefits of the Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo
Auto bed leveling - auto bed leveling will ensure your prints have perfect first layers every time and greatly reduce issues with bed adhesion. When using an auto-leveling system, the probe allows better tolerances for slightly warped print beds by measuring and compensating for any inconsistencies. Without this feature, you'll need to adjust the bed level manually using nuts on each corner of the print bed.
Direct drive extruder - Direct drive extruders are mounted right above the hot end, and push the filament directly into it, as opposed to a side mounted bowden extruder setup. We prefer direct drive extruders to bowden since they are less prone to jamming and typically require less maintenance. they also are much easier to use with flexible materials
PEI build surface has good balance of adhesion and part removal - PEI beds are one of the more premium build surface options, and for good reason. They offer great first layer adhesion with no spraysor other treatments, and can be flexed to quickly remove parts. You'll need to clean the bed with a solvent like acetone or IPA every so often to maintain the bed's adhesion.
Disadvantages to consider
Limited online community - The online community is important to consider when it comes to learning more about your printer. A smaller community means that you may need to figure more out on your own, and there will be limited availablility of slicer profiles online.
No touch screen - having a touch screen isn't a deal-maker or breaker, but it is a convenient feature that makes it easier to navigate the interface when you are printing files and configuring 3D printing settings.
Where to buy the Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo
Brand Summary: Anycubic
Anycubic is a budget 3D printer brand known for offering Creality Ender 3-like clones with more features at lower prices. Established in 2015, they focus on their Kobra series, providing ease-of-use features and attractive pricing for beginners. With a large online community, Anycubic offers after-sales support, but their Trustpilot rating is low. Recommended for users on a budget, Anycubic's printers balance affordability and functionality. However, their reputation for poor support, the use of less durable plastic gears in the Kobra's extruder, and the cosmetic appearance with many plastic components may deter some users.