Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo

About the Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo

The Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo is one of four 3D printers in the Anycubic Kobra 2 Series, which were released in September 2023. It is the base model in the series and serves as an entry-level high-speed FDM 3D printer. According to Anycubic, the Kobra 2 can print at speeds of up to 250 mm/s, which allows it to complete a standard 3D Benchy in less than 30 minutes. As the entry-level model in its series, the Kobra 2 Neo offers compact dimensions and is priced to appeal to beginners.

While the Kobra 2 Neo makes a strong case for itself, there are also some limitations to consider before you make up your mind.

Key Features of the Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo

Printer Assembly

Like most Anycubic printers, the Kobra 2 Neo is also designed with beginners in mind. In our experience with its predecessor, the standard Kobra 2, assembly is simple, and takes less than half an hour even for complete beginners. This is the same with Kobra 2 Neo as well since the assembly process is identical.

The printer is made up of five modules, and the majority of the assembly time is spent connecting the base to the frame, followed by connecting the printhead to the guide rails.

Printer Aesthetics

Anycubic modified its design for the previously launched Kobra 2, and the same design language is now used for the Kobra 2 Neo printer. The printer has a blue-colored design that aims for a modern and sleek appearance. The design, while featuring a plastic housing that may feel less sturdy, is intended to offer a premium look.

Printing Speeds

The Kobra 2 Neo’s main selling point is its impressive speed. It can print at a maximum speed of 250 mm/s. Keep in mind that this is not its average speed; instead, it will print at 150mm/s and only accelerate to 250mm/s when printing specific sections or parts of the print. This speed exceeds the 50-80mm/s range found in the majority of entry-level printers. Anycubic claims that the printer can finish a standard 3D Benchy in under 30 minutes. While not as fast as other more premium printers on the market, it is still quite fast, especially considering its budget price point.

LeviQ 2.0 Automatic Leveling (25-point)

LeviQ 2.0 is Anycubic’s automatic bed leveling technology, designed to eliminate bed leveling issues for beginners who typically struggle with it. The new sensor calibration, which is attached to the backside of the print bed, greatly helps to automatically calibrate the Z-offset and nozzle position, ensuring accuracy throughout the printing process. It precisely maps out 25 points on the bed to compensate for the unevenness.

Integrated Extruder

The Kobra 2 Neo has an upgraded direct-drive extrusion system, as well as cooling systems designed to efficiently melt filaments with a 60W hot end. At the same time, it has a 7000-rpm cooling fan to ensure quick cooling and molding of the model.

Print Quality

The Kobra 2 Neo produces good prints when compared to other 3D printers in its class. We think you will be impressed with the speed and the print quality it delivers. While it surpasses most entry-level 3D printers in speed, it doesn’t quite match the pace of some of the latest models on the market, but these faster models will come at a higher price point.

Renewed UI Design

The Kobra 2 Neo has a new UI desig, but is still knob controlled and does not have a touch screen. The 2.4-inch LCD screen is small, but it is still fairly functional and easy to use. In today’s tech landscape, the knob-based interface is fairly antiquated, but a touch screen is more of a nice to have feature.

Material Compatibility

Material compatibility is an important consideration for any user when choosing a printer. The Kobra 2 Neo has several features that will allow you to print with some popular filaments. The printer’s direct drive extruder allows you to print with flexible materials such as TPU. The printer also includes a heated bed, thereby allowing you to successfully print the warping-prone ABS material.

It should be noted, however, that while the printer has all of the features required to print ABS and TPU, optimal printing conditions for these materials may necessitate additional environmental controls such as an enclosure to control humidity, air, and heat.

In addition to the materials listed above, the Kobra 2 Neo can print PLA and PETG.

Powder-Coated PEI sheet

The Kobra 2 Neo has a powder-coated magnetic PEI sheet. It’s a spring steel sheet that’s extremely flexible, allowing for quick and easy print removal. Once a part has been printed and the plate has cooled, all you have to do is bend the sheet and the print pops out. This eliminates the need to scrape the build plate to remove the print, which could damage it in the process.

The sheet is wear-resistant, simple to install and remove. But do note that the sheet is quite sharp around the edges, so use caution when handling it or you may get cuts on your hand.

Filament Runout Sensor (Optional)

While the rest of the Kobra 2 series printers include a default filament runout sensor, also known as filament detection, the Kobra 2 Neo does not. It is an optional add-on that you must purchase separately. It is simple to install, and most people will find it useful.

The filament detection module will cost about $15.

Community feedback on the Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo

The Kobra 2 Neo has had a mixed reception. Some reported initial satisfaction but later encountered print adhesion issues, auto-bed leveling inconsistencies, and hardware malfunctions such as a warping bed and extruder failure, resulting in disappointment with the need for manual adjustments and slow technical support response times. Others, on the other hand, praised its print quality, accuracy, and speed, particularly for large prints and prototypes, citing its competence in comparison to other models and the less visible layer lines, which improved the perception of 3D printed parts’ quality.

Summary

The Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo stands out as an entry-level, high-speed FDM 3D printer that strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it an excellent choice for beginners on a budget. It has a commendable mix of features, including simple assembly, sleek aesthetics, fast printing speeds, innovative automatic leveling with LeviQ 2.0, and versatile material compatibility.

While it provides a quick and easy experience, it does lack the polish of more expensive machines, and you may be more likely to have mechanical issues due to less thorough quality control than more premium brands like Prusa or Bambu Labs. Despite these considerations, the Kobra 2 Neo’s design, speed, and quality make it a viable option for those new to 3D printing who want a balance of speed, ease of use, and low cost.

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.

Learn more about Anycubic.

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