The Anycubic Kobra 2 is a fast 3D printer with a printing speed of up to 250 mm/s. The twin-screw mechanism on the Z-axis is said to improve printing speed and precision. The cobra is able to process a variety of materials. While most rely on PLA, ABS, TPU and PETG can also be processed. A 4.3-inch color touchscreen display allows you to make print settings and track the progress of the print. In addition, the Kobra 2 can be controlled via a USB-C connection, making the printing process easier and more convenient. The Kobra 2 has a heated pressure plate. This enables even heat distribution and reliable adhesion of the respective printed object.
The construction of the 3D printer is easy, since most of the parts are already assembled when delivered. 3D Ducker companies call this type of delivery “semi-assembled”. Anycubic includes a set of tools, but you can also use electric screwdrivers to tighten the screws. Overall, the assembly is completed after about 10 minutes. The sturdy frame makes a good impression when assembled. As described in the instructions, all moving parts should be checked before operation. The inspection affects the print result, because if the wheels under the print bed are not turning, the print quality can already be affected. All in all, the printer is ready to use after about 30 minutes.
The 3D printer has a print volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm. Our colleague Timm Mohn used the printer to create medium to large sized models and prototypes. With the quite practical auto-leveling function, the Kobra 2 can automatically level the printing platform. This ensures that the first layer is applied as well as possible. It is no longer necessary to laboriously level the nozzle with gold paper. The system, dubbed “LeviQ 2.0” by Anycubic, saves time and effort in practice and at the same time ensures optimal print quality. Anyone who has already worked with auto-leveling will be reluctant to switch back to a device without the feature. During the auto-leveling process, the inductive sensor moves over the print surface and compensates for any irregularities on it. The z-offset is automatically calculated from the collected data and no longer needs to be set manually.
The printer is controlled via the LCD display with the help of an intuitive user interface. The printer speaks English by default: German is not on board. In the settings, various settings such as temperature, print speed and print quality can be adjusted later. If, for example, it becomes apparent during a print that it could be done faster, the print speed can be increased later. Timm worked with the Prusa slicer for the first time with the Kobra 2. The profiles for the 3D printer are stored on the supplied SD card and are easy to install. The slicer offers a wide range of functions to optimize print quality and speed. In particular, it can be worthwhile to change the support pressure depending on the pressure part.
Nimble and easy
The default print speed is 150 mm/s. This can be changed via the slicer settings. A benchy takes about 30 minutes at the preset speed and a layer height of 0.28 mm. If you increase the speed, the printing time decreases. The dual-gear direct drive extruder has a firm grip on the PLA and portions the print material according to the print job. Increased delivery of PLA is required while printing at high speed. The 60 watt hotend heats the print material sufficiently and thus enables reliable PLA delivery. Anycubic installs a four-watt fan that rotates up to 7,000 times per minute to ensure that the print is successful. If you watch the printer at work, you can see how the different components of the hotend work together.
After printing, the plate can be removed and the component that has just been created can be removed. The textured PEI sheet allows for easy part removal as the print adheres to a smaller surface area than it would on a smooth surface. The indentations and ridges of the bed allow pressure parts to release automatically once the bed has cooled. There is no need to worry about damaging the printing plate during the acceptance of printed objects.
If there is a power failure during a print, the 3D printer can resume printing from where it stopped once power is restored. Even if power outages are rare in Germany, the Kobra 2 saves material and time in the event of one. The “Power Loss Recovery” is a nice feature that one hopes one doesn’t have to use. The filament sensor is one of the other safety features. That notices when the printing material runs out. As soon as no more PLA can be conveyed, the Kobra 2 interrupts the pressure and indicates the undersupply. If new PLA has been introduced, printing can continue. A complete restart is not necessary.
Overall is the Anycubic Cobra 2 a good printer for beginners as well as for advanced users who want to expand their printer fleet. With its high printing speed, the 3D printer sets itself apart from other models in the price range. The wide range of material processing and user-friendly interface round off the overall package. The high print resolution makes it possible to print complex models not only in a short time, but also with great precision. On Amazon, the Anycubic Kobra 2 will be available from June 1 for 309 euros be available.
More from Timm: Nerdbench on YouTube
