Anycubic Kobra 2: A Complete Review
It's been a year since Anycubic introduced the Kobra Line of printers. Last month, Anycubic launched Anycubic kobra 2, a new, faster, improved version. With the Kobra 2, Anycubic nails a terrific follow-up and a superb 3D printer for both beginners and professional printers. The printer is a fitting sequel to the original Kobra, delivering an excellent combination of features, performance, and value. It's easier to setup and use, well-made and produces high-quality models quickly.
Despite having the same construction volume as its predecessor, the Kobra 2 offers substantial improvements. The X and Y axes have been converted into a rail-like system using metal rollers, allowing faster speeds while avoiding the frequent wear difficulties in V-wheel systems over time.
he hot end and extruder system have also been upgraded, with a new high-flow hot lot and direct drive arrangement that outperforms the previous Kobra series. Consequently, the new Anycubic Kobra 2 is faster, with an average print speed of 150 mm/s and a maximum print speed of 250 mm/s. However, the user interface could be refreshed, and the fans are slightly noisier than they should be. But these are minor flaws in an otherwise excellent printer.
Setup and Installation
The Kobra 2 arrives half-completed and requires just a few steps to assemble. Here is a quick look at what comes inside the box.
- Printer Base
- Standing assembly
- Extruder with direct driver and hot end
- Mount and touchscreen
- Spool holder for filament
- Sensor for filament exhaustion
- USB Card reader
- Micro SD memory card
- 0.4mm spare nozzle
- Power cable
- The Bowden tube
- Height gauge with level sensor
- 3 cable clips
- Screws for assembly
- Assembly tools
- User guide
Overwhelmed with the list of items? Don't worry. Here is a step-by-step guide for the setup and installation of this 3D Printer.
1. Unbox the Machine
The printer comes in one big box and you can access it by unboxing. After unboxing you should see the various parts of your machine and you can begin lifting one ata time.
2. Insert the Screws on the Base of the Machine
Take two long screws that come with the printer and use a wrench to tighten them, as shown below.
Ensure that they are tight enough so that the machine might not be mocing around.
3. Install the Frames
Unscrew the bolts situated on both sides of the holes where the frame is supposed to be attached to the base. Subsequently, place the frame firmly on the base and make sure that it is properly aligned with the z-axis profile and the groove of the aluminium base. Finally, use the screws to fasten the frame in its place.
4. Install the Print Head and Axis
Begin by positioning the print head onto the x-axis of the printer. Make sure that it is correctly oriented. Thereafter, use the screws to secure it properly in place.
5. Install the Screen
To install the screen, use the screws and screwdriver or wrench provided in the kit to attach it to the front side of the printer. Once the screws are tightened, connect the screen cable to the touchscreen. Make sure to press firmly on the connections to ensure that the cable is properly secured.
6. Ensure the Printer Harness is Secured
Secure the print head harness in the bracket using one M4 screw and the Rtype cable clamp. Once you are done with the above you can go ahead and connect the wires and insert the power cord to the power source and you will be ready to start 3D printing.
Key Features of the Printer
- Technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology
- Build Volume: 250mm x 220mm x220mm
- Printing Speed: 150 mm/s minimum, 250 mm/s maximum
- Nozzle size: 0.4mm
- Material: PLA, TPU, PETG, ABS. All should be 1.75mm
- Connectivity: SD Card
- Target Audience: Those who want a cheaper high speed 3D printer.
Features in Details
We explain the features mentioned above in details below.
1. High 3D Printing Speed
Anycubic Kobra 2 has a default printing speed of 150mms and a maximum printing speed of 250mms. It can rapidly complete a Benchy model within 30 minutes when set to the default speed of 150mms with a layer height of 0.28mm. The following components can contribute to a quicker printing speed.
The machine features a dualgear direct drive extruder with a 41 gear ratio. This design provides superior gripping capabilities, preventing any slipping of the filament, thus enabling greater precision in extrusion and flow control, even when operating at high speeds. It is outfitted with a 4watt fan that can reach up to 7000 revolutions per minute. Thanks to the optimized cooling wind tunnel, the fan is able to lower the temperature of the prints faster
2. LeviQ 2.0 Auto Bed Leveling
The LeviQ 20 auto bed leveling system is equipped with an intelligent Zaxis compensation module, allowing it to easily adjust the height of the nozzle which helps to ensure an accurate Z offset. This makes the entire bed leveling process much easier for beginners.
3. Color Touchscreen LCD
It comes with a 43inch color touchscreen LCD mounted on the right side of the machine, which is easy to access during printing and isn't blocked by the moving bed of the printer. Additionally, the matte finish of the LCD gives it a responsive and professional feel, while the backlit display allows for easy reading.
4. Power Loss Recovery
The Kobra 2 3D Printer is equipped with a PowerLoss Recovery feature, enabling the machine to recover from power outages and resume printing from the point of interruption. This is helpful as it saves time and materials, particularly when it comes to lengthy and intricate prints. Moreover, it avoids the annoyance of having to restart a printing task due to an unanticipated power cut or other disruptions.
5. Filament Sensor
The machine has an integrated filament sensor that can detect when the filament is running low and stops the printing process to prevent any printing inaccuracies. This filament sensor can also help save time and resources by notifying the user when the filament is about to deplete.
Worth Buying?
The Anycubic Kobra 2 3D printer is a welcome addition to the market, providing an appealing blend of features, performance, and cost. The Kobra 2 is a proper sequel to the original Kobra, thanks to its short assembly procedure, exceptional printing outputs, and superb build quality. Whether you're a seasoned expert or an eager hobbyist, the Kobra 2 is easy to use and can produce excellent printing outputs.
Conclusion
The Anycubic Kobra 2 is a dependable, flexible 3D printer with excellent features and capabilities. Its user-friendly interface, solid build quality, and excellent print quality set it apart. The Anycubic Kobra 2 has plenty to offer whether you're a newbie hoping to discover the world of 3D printing or an experienced enthusiast looking for an upgrade.
Furthermore, you can completely unleash your creative potential by combining the Anycubic Kobra 2's capability with an easy-to-use 3D printing software like SelfCAD. SelfCAD is a complete 3D modeling and slicing program with easy design tools and seamless connection with the printing process. You can create simple and complex designs in the software, slice and send it to your 3D printer easily. Combining a dependable and feature-rich printer with adaptable and user-friendly software lets you quickly bring your ideas to life. So, why wait? Plunge in and begin an exhilarating adventure of boundless creation.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
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