Our Journey with the Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro 3D Printer: Exploring Software, Print Results, and Final Thoughts
Welcome back to the final part of our review series on the Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro 3D printer. If you haven’t already, we recommend reading parts one and two to get the full picture. In this article, we will delve into the software, examine the print results, and conclude with our final thoughts on this innovative machine.
When it comes to software, Anycubic provides its own slicing tool called Anycubic Slicer. However, at the time of our review, the online version did not yet support the Kobra 2 Pro. Thankfully, we discovered that using PrusaSlicer for job preparation worked seamlessly with this printer. In fact, many people are already familiar with PrusaSlicer, making it a preferred choice for most users. We found a copy of PrusaSlicer 2.6.0 for Windows on the included USB stick, along with an importable print profile. It’s always a good idea to check for updates on the official source site to ensure you have the most recent version.
One of the common challenges with 3D printer software is the lack of print profiles for different materials. Unfortunately, Anycubic only provided a print profile for their High Speed PLA, leaving us to create our own print settings for other materials. It’s a shame that clear print profiles are often overlooked in inexpensive 3D printers because having pre-set profiles can greatly enhance usability. For example, if we had intended to print only ABS, we would have had to calibrate the filament before proceeding with any work.
Moving on to the print results, we were blown away by the phenomenal quality achieved by the Kobra 2 Pro, especially considering the rapid print speeds. In fact, the prints surpassed the quality of many slower speed printers while taking only half the time or less. Anycubic even provided GCODE for a pre-sliced #3DBenchy that completed in just 15 minutes or even less. Although not flawless, we were genuinely impressed with this accomplishment, especially considering the printer’s affordability. It clearly demonstrates the machine’s capabilities.
However, achieving these lightning-fast speeds proved to be a mystery. Despite our efforts, we were unable to slice the model with the provided print profile in less than 23 minutes. It seems that Anycubic has a secret print profile that enabled them to achieve this remarkable speed. We conducted various speed experiments, including running the stock profile at 500mm/s, and to our surprise, the Kobra 2 Pro successfully completed the #3DBenchy print. Although the quality wasn’t as good as the stock 300mm/s profile, it clearly showed that the machine can handle extreme speeds with the right material.
To further test the printer’s capabilities, we successfully printed larger items with ease, thanks to the higher speeds. Surprisingly, these larger prints were finished much earlier than anticipated. For example, we completed a model in only 85 minutes, which is impressive considering its size. The outstanding quality of the prints obtained at these rapid speeds continuously astounded us. There was no visible ringing on any of the prints, indicating that the vibration compensation mechanism worked flawlessly.
Intrigued by the machine’s performance, we also experimented with different materials. We tested ASA, a material similar to ABS, and were delighted to achieve the same high-quality results as with PLA prints. Notably, the print speed reached an impressive 300mm/s. This is significant because the longer an ABS print takes, the more likely it is to warp. However, with the Kobra 2 Pro, we observed no warping at all, which is a testament to its capabilities as an open-air machine.
Encouraged by our previous success, we decided to try printing with PETG, another material, and were pleased to find that it, too, worked exceptionally well at high speeds (300mm/s). It’s worth mentioning that neither ASA nor PETG were specifically labeled as “high-speed” filaments, which highlights the printer’s versatility.
In our final test, we attempted to print with TPU. While we had no expectations of success, we were pleasantly surprised when the Kobra 2 Pro handled this challenging material with relative ease. While we were unable to explore the full potential of TPU due to time constraints, this experiment further showcased the printer’s impressive capabilities.
All in all, our hands-on experience with the Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro 3D printer was a fantastic journey. From its user-friendly software integration to its exceptional print results, this machine exceeded our expectations. It showcased its ability to produce high-quality prints at remarkable speeds, without compromising on precision or performance. Despite the slight hiccup with the availability of print profiles, the Kobra 2 Pro offers an impressive, affordable option for anyone looking to venture into the world of 3D printing.
If you’re considering purchasing a 3D printer, we highly recommend giving the Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro serious consideration. Its outstanding performance, coupled with its affordable price point, makes it an excellent choice for enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professionals alike.
Thank you for joining us on this exciting review journey. We hope you found our insights valuable in your quest to find the perfect 3D printer for your needs. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section below. Happy printing!
Working at high speeds can be a mixed bag. In my first attempt with Fiberlogy’s 40D material, which is known for its flexibility, I faced a major setback. The load sequence on my Kobra 2 Pro was too fast for this material, causing it to wrap around the gears. It took me a grueling half an hour to finally remove it. Lesson learned.
But I didn’t let that discourage me. I decided to try a slightly less flexible material, and I managed to load it successfully into the printer. However, I quickly realized that it could only print at a speed of 20mm/s. Not exactly the high speed I was hoping for. Determined to find a solution, I started searching for a source that offers “high speed flexible” material. Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed as I realized that such a material is hard to come by, and achieving a printing speed of 300mm/s with it seems unlikely.
On a positive note, all the materials I tested adhered well to the print plate. Not only that, but they were also easy to peel off after printing. I suspect that the LeviQ 2.0 Z-gap setting had something to do with this success. Whatever it is, it works like a charm.
Now, let’s talk about the Kobra 2 Pro 3D printer itself. I must say, I was extremely impressed with this machine. It’s relatively easy to build, and the calibration process is almost completely automated. With the right materials, it is fully capable of achieving extremely high speed 3D printing. The machine also boasts several advanced features that, although not currently available, hint at an exciting future for this printer.
However, there were a few downsides that I must address. The lack of broad print profiles was a major frustration for me. It restricts the variety of 3D print materials that can be used with the printer. Additionally, I noticed that the Y-axis was somewhat loose, which affected the precision of the prints. Lastly, the cable labeling could use some improvement for better organization.
All in all, considering its price point of only US$279, the Kobra 2 Pro is an absolute steal. It offers high-speed printing, perfect calibration, and it won’t break the bank. If you’re a beginner, enthusiast, or looking for a printer for production purposes, this machine is definitely worth considering.
To catch up on the entire three-part series, don’t forget to read parts one and two. And as always, feel free to share this post with others who may find it helpful.
Via Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro
