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Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo
About the Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo
The Anycubic Kobra 3 is a fast, fully automated 3D printer. But its most interesting feature is the ACE Pro (Anycubic Color Engine Pro), a 4-color multifilament system paired exclusively to the Kobra 3. Two ACE Pros can be used together, permitting 8 color printing, and unlike other multicolor systems, it actively dries the filament while printing. The Kobra 3 is available standalone or in a combo with the ACE Pro. It is a medium sized printer with a 250 X 250 X 260mm print volume - this makes it larger than a Creality Ender 3 and very close to the Bambu Lab A1. Its top print speed is 600mm/s and it achieves this through the use of vibration suppression, accelerometers and flow compensation though the measurement of nozzle pressure. The direct extruder uses a single hardened steel gear and tool-less, interchangeable all metal nozzle and heatsink assemblies. Belt tension is checked automatically and AI monitors prints. The removable PEI bed has a maximum temperature of 100°C and the nozzle has a maximum temperature of 300°C. The printer features inductive auto levelling and auto Z offset. It runs the new Klipper-like KobraOS and connects by WiFi and USB. Printing can be performed through AnycubicSlicer (based on PrusaSlicer) or executed remotely through Anycubic Cloud.
Benefits of the Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo
Modern mainboard features - Many 3D printer features relate to the version of the mainboard and firmware, including features like resuming prints after a power failure and support for silent stepper motor drivers for quieter printing. Newer boards also include safety features like thermal runaway protection which shuts the printer down if it detects issues with overheating.
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.
Has 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.
Easy to assemble - This 3D printer is shipped with most of the parts pre-assembled, and you will only need to attach a few components and connect a couple cables in order to get the machine ready to print.
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.
Affordable - This printer does not include a lot of frills, but offers a good experience for a low price point. While this low price means you won't be getting the most premium features, you can still get a lot out of these machines if you are willing to put up with some missing quality of life features.
Wireless printing - In addition to the standard USB and SD card connections, you can connect wirelessly to this printer to print from your computer or mobile device.
All-metal hot end - An all-metal hot end allows for printing at high temperatures up to 300C, while standard hot ends are capped at 260C before the PTFE material begins to degrade. All-metal hot ends are also less susceptible to jamming, and do not degrade as fast.
Where to buy the Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo
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.
Printer Comparisons
The articles below provide in depth comparisons of the Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo to other similar printers on the market.
Comparing the Bambu Lab A1 vs the Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo
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