The Anycubic Kobra 2 is a game-changer in the world of 3D printing. Known for its innovative design, exceptional performance, and user-friendly interface, the Kobra 2 is a favorite among both beginners and seasoned professionals. This review article explores the features, performance, pros, cons, and user feedback of the Anycubic Kobra 2 3D printer to help you make an informed decision.
The Anycubic Kobra 2 is designed to offer high-quality prints with minimal hassle. It features a robust build, precise printing capabilities, and advanced technology that caters to various printing needs.
Key Features
- 90% Pre-installed for Easy Setup: The Anycubic Kobra Neo comes 90% pre-installed, allowing you to set it up within 10 minutes. It can print flawlessly right out of the box, making it ideal for beginners and more user-friendly compared to other DIY 3D printers.
- Precision Control with Direct Drive Extruder: The Direct Drive Extruder ensures smooth filament feeding and discharge, compatible with flexible filaments such as TPU, PLA, ABS, and PETG. It is lightweight, features less inertia, and offers more precise printing, accurately restoring the model’s form.
- PEI Spring Steel Platform for Easy Removal & Cost Saving: Unlike other FDM 3D printers, the double-sided magnetic PEI spring steel platform is more durable and lasts longer, significantly reducing maintenance costs. Models can be easily removed from the platform.
- 25-Point Auto Leveling for Smart Operation: The 25-point auto leveling system simplifies operation by providing precise detection and fast leveling, greatly reducing the hassle of manual leveling.
- 34.4% Larger Build Volume: Compared to the previous generation Anycubic Mega S, the Anycubic Kobra Neo has a 34.4% larger build volume, reaching 12.1 liters with dimensions of 250 x 220 x 220 mm, equivalent to the size of a standard Size 5 soccer ball.
Specifications
- Technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
- Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
- Layer Resolution: 0.1 – 0.4 mm
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (standard)
- Max Nozzle Temperature: 260°C
- Max Bed Temperature: 100°C
- Filament Compatibility: PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG
- Connectivity: USB, SD card
- Dimensions: 480 x 480 x 550 mm
- Weight: 9 kg
Performance and Print Quality
The Anycubic Kobra 2 excels in delivering high-quality prints with remarkable precision. The auto-leveling system ensures that the first layer adheres perfectly, which is critical for the success of the entire print. The direct drive extruder provides consistent filament flow, resulting in smooth and detailed prints.
Print Quality
- Precision: The Kobra 2’s precision is evident in the detailed and accurate prints it produces. The printer can handle intricate designs with ease, making it suitable for complex projects.
- Surface Finish: The prints have a smooth surface finish with minimal layer lines, reducing the need for extensive post-processing.
- Material Versatility: With compatibility for various filaments like PLA, ABS, TPU, and PETG, the Kobra 2 offers flexibility for different types of projects.
Speed
The Kobra 2 stands out for its fast printing speeds. While many 3D printers compromise quality for speed, the Kobra 2 maintains high-quality prints even at higher speeds. This balance makes it an excellent choice for users who need to produce prints quickly without sacrificing quality.
User Experience
User experience is a strong suit of the Anycubic Kobra 2. The assembly process is straightforward, with clear instructions provided. The touchscreen interface is responsive and user-friendly, allowing easy adjustments and settings changes. The printer’s noise levels are relatively low, making it suitable for use in home or office environments.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High Print Quality: The Kobra 2 consistently produces high-quality prints with excellent detail and smooth surfaces.
- Easy to Use: The touchscreen interface and auto-leveling system make the Kobra 2 user-friendly, even for beginners.
- Fast Printing: The printer’s ability to maintain quality at higher speeds sets it apart from many competitors.
- Versatile: Compatible with multiple filament types, the Kobra 2 is versatile and suitable for various projects.
- Reliable: Features like the resume print function add to the printer’s reliability, ensuring you don’t lose progress on prints.
Cons
- Price: The Kobra 2 is priced higher than some entry-level 3D printers, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
- Size: The printer’s larger footprint requires adequate space, which might be a limitation for users with limited workspace.
- Occasional Calibration: While the auto-leveling system works well, occasional manual calibration might be needed for optimal performance.
User Feedback
The Anycubic Kobra 2 has received positive feedback from users across various platforms. Many users appreciate the printer’s ease of use and the quality of prints it produces. Beginners find the setup process straightforward, while experienced users commend the printer’s reliability and versatility.
Common Praises
- Quality Prints: Users consistently highlight the high-quality prints, with detailed and accurate results.
- User-Friendly Interface: The touchscreen interface and clear instructions make the Kobra 2 easy to operate.
- Fast Printing: Users appreciate the printer’s ability to maintain quality at higher speeds, making it efficient for time-sensitive projects.
Common Criticisms
- Price Point: Some users feel that the Kobra 2 is on the pricier side, especially for those new to 3D printing.
- Size and Weight: The printer’s size and weight can be a drawback for users with limited space or those who need a more portable option.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to other 3D printers in its class, the Anycubic Kobra 2 stands out for its combination of quality, speed, and user-friendly features. Competitors like the Creality Ender 3 and Prusa i3 MK3 offer similar build volumes and print quality, but the Kobra 2’s faster printing speeds and auto-leveling system give it an edge.
Creality Ender 3
- Pros: More affordable, large community support, reliable performance.
- Cons: Lacks auto-leveling, slower print speeds.
Prusa i3 MK3
- Pros: Excellent print quality, reliable, extensive community support.
- Cons: Higher price point, more complex setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Anycubic Kobra 2 is compatible with a variety of filaments including PLA, ABS, TPU, and PETG, making it versatile for different types of projects and applications.
The auto-leveling system in the Anycubic Kobra 2 uses a sensor to detect and adjust the print bed’s level automatically before each print, ensuring a perfect first layer and reducing the need for manual calibration.
Yes, the Anycubic Kobra 2 has a resume print function that allows it to pick up right where it left off in the event of a power outage, preventing you from losing progress on your prints.
The Anycubic Kobra 2 can print at speeds up to 100 mm/s, allowing for faster print times without sacrificing quality.
Absolutely! The Anycubic Kobra 2 is designed with user-friendly features like a touchscreen interface, an auto-leveling system, and clear assembly instructions, making it an excellent choice for beginners in 3D printing.
