Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo test – Multicolor printer for beginners and advanced users

In addition to the printer components themselves, the manufacturer also includes a wide range of accessories. These include open-end and Allen keys for assembly, some white filament and a nozzle cleaner. Everything you need to start assembling the printer straight away is included. In addition, four rolls of PLA from the new Anycubic Pantone series are also included.

ANYCUBIC Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo 3D Drucker Mehrfarbig, Druck in 4 Farben,...

ANYCUBIC Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo 3D Drucker Mehrfarbig, Druck in 4 Farben,...

€ 599.00

Auf Lager

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Assembly and commissioning of the Kobra 3 Combo

• Little self-assembly
• Simple commissioning
• Automatic calibration

Setting up the Kobra 3 is relatively straightforward. Only the extruder and the filament holder, which removes excess filament from the side, need to be screwed on. The accompanying instructions are very clearly laid out. Although the instructions are only available in English, this is not a major obstacle. After assembly, all linear guides and the tension of the belts should be checked to ensure smooth operation. Finally, the multifilament system ACE Pro (Anycubic Color Engine) only needs to be connected to the Kobra 3. To do this, the four Teflon tubes supplied are inserted into the ACE Pro and fed through the holder on the printer to the extruder. The data cable is simply plugged into the connection provided.

After switching on the two devices, the Kobra 3 starts the calibration process. First, the X- and Y-axis stops are adjusted, followed by automatic bed leveling, in which several points on the heating bed are scanned to detect and compensate for unevenness. Finally, the resonance test, already familiar from the Kobra 2, is carried out. This test compensates for natural frequencies of the printer that could affect the print result. The entire set-up process is fully automatic and is very easy to implement, especially for 3D printing beginners.

Design and processing of the Kobra 3

• Elegant design
• High-quality workmanship
• Direct extruder with Bowden

The Kobra 3 has a classic design. The control electronics are housed in the base and the heating plate is moved along a guide rail consisting of two linear guides by means of toothed belts. The Z-axis movement takes place via two spindles that lift the entire X-axis. Toothed belts are also used here, which move the print head along another guide rail.

Interestingly, Anycubic uses Teflon tubes for the filament, as they are normally used with Bowden extruders (external extruders). At the same time, however, a direct extruder is also installed. Despite the additional weight of the printing unit, which could pose a challenge for the high speeds targeted, the axes make a very stable impression, so this should still be possible.

Overall, the choice of materials and build quality of the Kobra 3 is highly commendable. Aluminum is used in many areas, which is clean and sturdy. There is nothing to criticize here, especially considering the price. Anycubic has also scored a good visual hit with the design of the Kobra 3.

The ACE Pro

• Multicolor system
• Filament dryer
• Space for four filament rolls

The Anycubic Color Engine Pro (ACE Pro) offers space for four 1 kg filament rolls. Thanks to a built-in RFID reader, the filament rolls produced by Anycubic are automatically recognized as soon as they are inserted. A special feature is the filament dispenser’s buffer mechanism, which pushes the filament towards the extruder using a spring mechanism. The ACE Pro also has a drying function that dries the filament in the box and thus improves the print quality.

Connection, operation and software

• Simple connection
• User-friendly operation
• Software with potential for improvement

Operating the Kobra 3 is extremely user-friendly: once connected to the power supply, the 3D printer is immediately ready for use. The clear menu offers numerous options, such as setting up a Wi-Fi connection, auto-leveling again and resonance detection. Past print files are also easily accessible if you want to print them again.

A USB stick can be used for new print jobs. After inserting the stick, navigate to the desired file in the menu. Anycubic uses a resistive touch display, which requires some force, but you quickly get used to it.

As soon as the file is selected, the printer copies it to the internal memory and starts the printing process. The USB stick can then be removed and prepared for the next model. During the printing process, the menu offers additional options: You can adjust the temperatures of the nozzle and the heating bed or pause the print.

In addition to the menu control, there is also an app that allows users to view their printer’s data in real time and start and slice prints. An optional camera can be mounted on the printer to monitor printing processes and create time-lapse recordings. The menu options for the camera connection are already pre-installed. The app also offers many ready-made print projects to try out, making the printing experience even more versatile. Anycubic has provided its own slicer for printing your own projects. This can be used to configure all printer settings.

Practice and print results of the Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo

• Good print quality
• High speed
• Dimensionally accurate prints

Anycubic’s new addition was convincing in terms of processing quality and operation, but the decisive point is of course practicality. Anycubic’s own slicer is very clear and easy to use, especially for beginners.

In practical use, the Kobra 3 with PLA was fully convincing at a speed of 300 mm/s: the print head moves across the printing plate at lightning speed and performs rapid movements. The construction of the printer is stable enough to withstand the high accelerations – nothing wobbles or vibrates. Nevertheless, the printer should be placed on a very stable base to withstand the forces. An impressive example of the top speed was printing a Benchy in speed mode, which took an incredible 11 minutes (Kobra 2 takes 30 minutes with default settings). For this speed, the result was remarkably good. This setting is ideal for quick prints that do not have high quality requirements.

In the test with the supplied Pantone series PLA, there was only one misprint, and despite the high speed, most prints were of excellent quality. Occasionally there were minor imperfections, such as a small “seam” on some models. Unfortunately, as with other multicolor systems, a lot of filament waste is generated when changing colors. This cannot be avoided by using a single nozzle. The color change is fully automatic and impresses with Anycubic’s well thought-out concept.

Between prints, removing the 3D models is the only necessary work step. This is made easier by the flexible printing plate: the prints come off effortlessly when the plate is bent. In addition, the filament residues that arise during the color change must be disposed of. Auto-leveling and the filament sensor worked flawlessly in the test and contributed to the overall very positive experience.

Conclusion on the Kobra 3 Combo

With the Kobra 3 Combo, Anycubic has brought a 3D printer onto the market that is characterized by its particularly high printing speed and the ability to print in multiple colors. The speeds on offer are impressive. The Kobra 3 prints at a very high speed and still achieves good quality. The ACE Pro enables multi-color printing and allows the filament to dry at the same time, resulting in a rapid increase in print quality.

The Kobra 3 Combo also impresses in other areas, such as its outstanding build quality and simple setup. Operation via the touch menu is successful, although the smartphone control still has room for improvement. Unfortunately, not all models could always be sent to the printer, but this should be rectified by future updates.

Even without this addition, the Kobra 3 is an impressive product. Anycubic has gotten a lot out of the basic Prusa design. For a multicolor printer in this price range that also achieves breathtaking speeds, the Kobra 3 Combo is highly recommended – both for advanced users and 3D printing beginners.