I could not fathom a printer going this fast for such a low price point even just a year ago. All of this progress has me very excited for the future! Thank you for this well put together review.
Simply straight to the point, excellent pros and cons at the end, really one of the best 3D printing channel to decide what to buy and why. Great work.
You did it again. First you made me get the ENDER 5 S1 with the Sonic Pad and it was awesome. Now I am tuning this Kobra 2 now and your right it's the BEST PERFORMING BUDGET PRINTER 20:26. THANKS AGAIN. Tell Creality you want to review a K1. Definitely need YOUR review before I buy.
As always your reviews are spot on. You are the only one who references the nozzle difference and every other review I have watched keeps saying "volcano". No one tells us its not volcano compatible. That's why I always go by you reviews? The nozzle issue is a deal breaker for me. Keep up the great work. 🙃 P.S. You brother also rocks !
I received my Kobra 2 yesterday afternoon. It took all of twenty minutes to assemble. The box had some damage on one side, but overall, it was in excellent condition. The packaging of the Kobra 2 was absolutely perfect in my mind. And the printer itself, flawless. It's built like a tank, the double z-axis solution is good, the bed sensor / bed leveling system is unique. I like how it doesn't touch the bed while it's leveling it. The priinthead is a beast, but a happy one, I think. The design is everything the print head on the BIQU Hurakan wanted to be. There's space, there's room to work, the attachment is super-simple, THIS IS A VERY WELL DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED PRINTER. But all is not perfect. The stepper drivers are built into the board. I'm not sure, but they SOUND like 4988's. This is my main gripe with the Kobra 2. It's like listening to a calipee at the circus while all of the clowns are performing their opening act. Now I know why none of the reviews I watched presented more than a few seconds of audio. I'm going to rectify that today. If you're interested, Aurora Lung, I would like to hire you to write the code for Manta board so I can remove the Kobra 2's board, and replace it with a proper - QUIET board that has 2023 stepper drivers installed. My emails on my youtube site. Please let me know what you would like to be paid for the work I've proposed. Thank you.
You are always my reference in 3D printing, before buying something, I always consult your videos. Congratulations for your seriousness, professionalism, preparation and above all simplicity. Never change! Oh I forgot, congratulations also to the genius of your little brother.😇
Thank you for this excellent review, I am now waiting for my Kobra 2 to finish printing my first benchy and that took about 20 minutes from unboxing. Nobody else I have watched on UA-cam lists all the pros and cons in such a thorough manner, with advice on potential problems and solutions and your knowledge is a gift for people who are new to 3d printing.
@@omegadeepblue1407 My experience level with 3d printers is that we have them at work and I am designer who is able to make models for them but has no experience printing with them and adjusting them. Our printers at work are really finnicky and don't print well and literally just confuse me. The Kobra 2 was a breeze to assemble. I've done about 9 prints so far just using the Prusa slicer and ini supplied on the stick and it just works. I bought and printed one of Matmire Makes articulated bat models on the day I got the printer and it was a breeze and came out great.
I bought mine new from Microcenter (Denver) and it was a steal at $179. I've been using it for a month now, just awesome. Thank you for for the profiles for more than just PLA. I really like your work, your channel is my go to review on 3D printers.
THIS is how you do a review! Well explained, proof of work, pro vs cons. I ended up buying a K2 Max after watching this review. This printer is WAY better than the K1 Max. Out of the box, assembled, ran the bed level, resonance cal and printed the included GCodes. Happy with the 3 I printed. Loaded my own PLA and printed the T-Rex skull @ 150%, flawless!
Your reviews are so thorough and well communicated. Your expertise in the field shows through loud and clear. Reporting on reliability and wear takes a lot of time so is difficult to do and doesn't readily fit into the channel's objectives. Perhaps you could add a section on parts likely to wear or fail, based on your assessment and observations during tests and replacement/repair costs if one was to purchase parts from the printer supplier?
I just ordered one using your coupon code. I had wanted to have an additional 3D printer besides my Bambu X1 Carbon which I love and my Prusa Mk 3s+ which I'm not using. I was going to upgrade it to a Mk 4 but at $579 upgrade and still cartesian rather than an a core XY, it doesn't pay, for that price I could get a P1P or a K1 Creality. But at $248 with you coupon code and good review, I pulled the trigger. Thanks again.
I bought this printer. And as a new owner. I was, am struggling with getting Or generating profiles. Thank you so much for providing yours. I learned from your review. And definitely keep an eye on your channel. Again thank you.
Miss Aurora, I have a question. How the heck do you make everything you print look so good. It doesn't matter what printer you're using, all your prints look utterly fantastic. I notice you don't buy expensive filament, usually Everyone, please correct me if that's inaccurate. I would love to see a video of how you tune a printer. I mean everything maintenance, calibration, and setup. You clearly have a talent. Also, I would love to see a Klipper video on how you would set it up from beginning to end. Confession you have no idea how much your Marlin build video helped me my first couple years in printing. Thank you for everything you do
I just got mine a couple of days ago, gonna set it up this weekend. I already have a few designs Im going to test out :) Thank you for this review video, very thorough and great info in here, much appreciated!
I picked one up and it hasn't had a failed print yet. I did a 30 min benchy then started printing using these profiles. It's a nice little machine for the $$.
Update to my other comment. I finally sliced a Benchy on Prusa slicer at .2 layer height at 250mm/sec speed and 2500-3000 acceleration. Actual print took 39 minutes and even though I forgot to lower the heat of the print head as Ibthought 215 was way to high so ,I lowered it to 185 while it was printing, as I noticed the gcode that came with the printer was at that temp. No issues , better than average print quality; some layer lines ; yes some ghosting but absolutely no stringing! Not sure if its down to the lower temp or the cooling fan or both. I will be doing some more tests myself and as I know more I may do a video of my own. Anyhow if this is the quality of prints I am going to get off this printer at these speeds ; then I am very excited and impressed!! I really enjoy your reviews and this review help make my mind to buy this printer ! Thank you !
I am so appreciative of your in depth and clearly expressed review, you covered everything I needed to know, gave excellent resources, and made clear all the strengths and weaknesses of the device. I’ve noted that any cubic actually seem to advise replacing the heat break and nozzle if you change the nozzle and it doesn’t look too difficult to pull off, not the greatest solution but at least it’s possible.
I just picked one of these up for very cheap. $218 Canadian taxes and shipping included. I took a gamble and bought from a reseller who deals in factory returns. I got VERY lucky and it had never even been put together. I am certain the guy opened the box and felt totally overwhelmed and just sent it back. It works perfectly and I am incredibly impressed and totally happy with it. My ONLY complaint, if I can call it a complaint, is that Anycubic STILL doesn't have default Cura profiles already set up and ready to go. Setting one up wasn't super challenging but one would think this would be something they'd do before launch. I agree about the nozzle issue but it should be easily resolved with a CR6 heatbreak and volcano nozzles. I have some sitting in my parts bin and at some point I'll swap them in for the stock and give it a go. I honestly can't see it not working though. Would I buy one again, absolutely. Sadly the seller I got it from is out of stock.
I just wanted to provide an update. I received my Kobra 2 but I'm having issues with extrusion even after adjusting the extrusion force. The screen is very sluggish as well. I've opened a support ticket and I am waiting on a response. Also, I don't see any firmware updates on their website. I'll keep you posted.
This is a Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro. I think this a great review as always. I watched this as a refurbished Kobra 2 Neo was £99 and I thought it may be cheaper than upgrading my alfawise u20 considering the cost of a direct extruder, dual z axis, auto levelling etc. The one in the video was better
This is a great review especially your pros and cons portion of this review. You guys are always informative and on spot. Thank you for your time and work.
OKay, so here's the latest: There's an issue with Input shaping, it's not enabled and I'm experiencing ringing. They're using Marlin bugfix-2.0.x version. Another issue is my printer is using an AnyCubic firmware of 2.8.7 (nothing to do with Marlin version) , however both their firmware downloads site and their GITHUB only have version AnyCubic firmware of 2.8.2. Their reply to my open ticket was that I have the latest firmware. I'm attempting to get them to update their website and GITHUB to version 2.8.7. Chris Riley of the Chris' basement UA-cam channel has a video on how to install Input shaping and how to calibrate it. I've offered to correct this issue and make the fix available to them, so, let's see what they come back with. To be continued...
Another Fantastic review Aurora, exciting times ahead with these new generation of high speed printers that produce mainly excellent results. Keep up the good work😀👍
It does take some tweaking. I honestly was a little disappointed at first, but since tweaking it more and more I'm feeling more confident. I think I can still pull plenty more quality out of it. I like the lower price take because it's easier to replace it than say a Bambu X1. Albeit the Bambu X1 is twice as fast but it's $1400.00+. I can get almost 5 of these printers for that. May print slower but still faster overall when printing multiples.
Thank you for the thorough and informative review! As others have mentioned, you custom profile only includes PLA. An upload of the profile you mention in the video would be very much appreciated! Thanks!
I know people are generally off of bed slingers but this looks like it would be a good cheap machine that could assist with prototyping and structural parts.
Hi ; I am living in Australia and I just bought this same Kobra 2 and it arrived 2 days ago and I just finished printing the .2mm layer 38min Benchy that was a pre-installed g-code on the card. Since this video the company must have added a new Benchy file for a .2mm Benchy and perhaps the firmware has had an update since this review was done. It must have been printing at 250mm speed and I gather full 2500-3000mm acceleration but I won't know for sure until I get my laptop back from warranty claim. I can say the print for the speed it was flying at came out fairly clean , no stringing at all( yes absolutely no stringing )and finished in 38 min and several seconds but under 39 mins. Slight layer discrepancies but nothing drastic for such a fast print. Wish I could put a photo up but don't know if I can. Auto leveling worked a treat out of the box , top z axis belt was a little loose when putting printer together but I fixed that by undoing the bolts on either side and applied a little pull pressure to the top plate then tighten screws again. Still have to adjust the z axis v wheels as they are slightly uneven in pressure against z uprights but not drastically otherwise Benchy would have had more issues. All in all I am very happy with this Kobra 2 Printer. I got it on special from the Official Anycubic on E bay with a $65 ( Australian Dollars) discount down to $369.00 . How people can put money into printers that cost $1800-5000 is beyond me. The Benchy is as clean if not slightly better than the one I printed on my Ender 3 S1 Plus which took 1 hr and 30 plus minutes to print with a faster profile I found on a utube channel. Only thing I noticed is there is ghosting around the portals on the keel of the Benchy printed on the Kobra 2 but that has to be expected printing at speed without input shaping.
I got it to work with OctoPrint without issue. Octoprint prompts with a warning that the printer is using a developmental firmware, even though I have their latest firmware. Another thing I notice is that they don't provide a PETG for their version of Prusa Slicer and their AnyCubic slicer gets an unknown publisher error on Windows and doesn't allow for installation without overriding that with an error. I was able to figure it out as for Prusa as they only provide you a PLA profile and there are ones for TPU and ABS.
The FIXDRY Filament Dryer also claims 70 C and is cheaper. I would love to hear from anyone who has tested the internal temperature of either of these. Do you actually own the S2?
@@petercallison5765 Yes, I use a S2 Filadryer for about one month, and it did improve the printing quality of material like PETG、 PA，seems no big difference on PLA.
Fixdry can't reach 70°C or even 60°C. I used it once in my previous video. I'm not sure if I received a faulty unit or not, but I can't recommend this brand.
Okay, so I was able to print its own internal 3D Benchy, which on my Prusa Mk3s+ took 1hr 10 mins. This Anycubic Kobra 2 did it in 31 mins. I wanted an inexpensive printer to print PLA faster and most of all, not worry about first layer adhesion. This printer is not perfect but it prints great. The 3D benchy is practically perfect. Even with the issues I've experienced, I would still recommend this printer. It's not perfect, the interface is not great. Parts can take around 10 days to come from China. The support responds within in 24 hours and didn't hesitate to send me a new print-head module which was easy to install. I'm going to open a ticket for two minor issues. The filament sensor was damaged when I pulled the bad filament out of the bad print module head and the filament-in function only homes and purges one time. You have to power it off-on and do a filament-in again when loading new filament. I'm sure this can be addressed in a firmware update . For the price, it's something I can live with. I'm also preparing to install Octoprint on it as it doesn't come with wi-fi connectivity, which I didn't expect at that price point. All in all, I'm please with this printer and its support.
Thanks for sharing your experience, i always heared that anycubic has bad customer support and that is the main reason why i don't buy the Kobra 2. But reading this makes me see they can be helpful
I wish you had done a deep dive on the electronics as Anycubic, among others, have consistently tinned wires going into screw-down connectors and other unsafe practices. I hope this isn't another machine that does this. I'm also curious about the quality of the wires and if the bed heater wire is a silicone wire? Several Anycubic Chiron users have experienced smoke or even fires from their bed wires being of poor quality. Sadly, as manufacturers strive to be the cheapest, the quality of the components suffers and the customer ends up with a machine that fails or requires many upgrades to print with the originally promised quality. (Meanwhile the company comes up with another new, cheap printer better than that one 6 months later....and the cycle continues.) Thanks for a very informative video
My go to for bed adhesion glue is Elmers washable purple glue It goes on purple and dries clear When it comes time to wash the build plate once you put water on it the glue goes purple again This makes even application of the glue easy and washing it all off easy as well The best part other than how well it works is how cheap and readily available Elmers washable purple glue sticks are
Okay mine finishes a 0.18mm layer height benchy in 39 minutes. I actually slowed down parameter speed and top layer speed and put it toward infill speed. The anycubic slicer does well and has a better printer profile.
I was so impressed with your review that I bought one of these printers. Now I am looking for a link to your website so I can see what else you’re doing.
Thanks for the video. I may have misunderstood the configuration profiles made available. I thought you were making available different settings for different filaments. That does not seem to be the case. I am new to PrusaSilicer so this may be my mistake. Filtering the config bundle I note : 1116: [filament:Anycubic Kobra2 - Generic PLA] 1174: [filament:Cheap White PLA] 1232: [filament:Easy Nylon] 1290: [filament:Generic ABS - Quinly] 1348: [filament:Generic ABS @Artillery 255 110] 1406: [filament:Generic Nylon] 1464: [filament:Generic PETG - Quinly] 1522: [filament:Generic PETG 1] 1580: [filament:Generic PETG X-MAX] 1638: [filament:Generic PLA - Quinly] 1696: [filament:Generic PLA 205-200-70] 1754: [filament:Generic PLA 210 65] 1812: [filament:Generic TPU 220-70-No-Cool] 1870: [filament:PA-12 CF] Maybe these are printer specific
I've downloaded and installed the latest 2.9.3 firmware. I'm having first layer issues. It doesn't appear to be doing the first layer correctly even when printing their g-codes. Even though they're support is fast to send out parts they don't really have that great of a support to assist in diagnosing issues. I took a chance with such a low price and after the print head module was corrected I had some good prints. It's just not consistent and their support is lacking. Also there aren't any printer profiles for the kobra 2. There's one they provide with an older version of Prusa slicer 2.5.2 with one pla profile. And another is available by Aurora on this channel. My personal opinion if you just want to print out of the box then get a Bambulab, a Mk4, or a Creality K1. It looks like to get print and play you really need to spend around $600. I'm sure I could fix all these issues, it just that we're in an era where new technology is making 3d printing much more feasible and practical. I though I wouldn't have any first layer issues with this printer but I was wrong. It's difficult to say whether it's user error or not, there just isn't enough information to assist in diagnosing issues other than "try pushing the filament through and if it doesn't extrude, we'll send another part..." Please let me know if anyone is experiencing any issues with their printer, I'd like to compare notes.
Hi great video, you convinced me to purchase one for myself. I had a quick question though, when downloading your profiles for PrusaSlicer, I am only given two profiles for PLA, the 150 and 250mms profiles. Is this happening to anyone else, and is there somewhere else I can find profiles for other materials and sizes as well? Thanks
I have a normal kobra. I find I have to run very low temps to try and prevent stringing. I print PLA at 180, PETG at 200. Still get some stringing and perfect layer adhesion.
When I mporting the config attached to this video in to Prusa 2.5.2, I am told that 24 settings have been loaded, but all I get are to see are two temp files and one PLA config.
I really like the choices they made on this printer. Really like the steel wheels and the decision to not use 2 z stepper motors. If they would have used the standard volcano nozzles and had a high temp hot end they would have hit a grand slam home run.
Agreed. the part cooling fan is also a really good choice. I never understood how poorly all the stock setups were, when even going to DUAL 5015's is so cheap.. seems they matched that flow rate with a single fan so it should not be a bottleneck at ALL. very happy with that. just need to sort out the nozzle situation. (and firmware of course as they will not likely release it GAH)
I just received and installed the new print head module and I'm running some tests. I have a minor issue with the filament sensor because the last print head module had left a glob at the end of the filament when I pull it out, so, now I have to remove the filament sensor from the unit push the filament through and then reattach it. I'm going to contact support for a new sensor. I also noticed that when I do the prepare/filament-in process, it doesn't rehome itself as when you first do it. The last time I check with support I was told I have the latest firmware but I'll report this issue to them as well.
I do not see the PRUSA profile link? Where can I get your profile files? I just got a Kobra 2 and thank you for all the intresting info! As always your videos are Great! Now to swap it over to a Viper shorder E3D style heatblock for easy nozzle availabilty....That would also be a great tech video lol. Other than the nozzle issue....its ran perfect!
Very nice review. I wonder how durable this printer will be? I love my Bambu, but I don't find it easy to user-service, but this is much more accessible.
Great video! You're definitely one of the most thorough reviewers on YT. i tried to install your profiles but I didn't get all of the profiles. Im looking specifically for PetG
Thanks for the great video! I saw that you used Cura for one of the prints. Could you also share those profiles? I don´t know how to get the Prusa profiles to Cura. And how did you set up the Kobra 2 in general in Cura. At the moment I can find not printer data for it. Thanks again, Thomas
Great review! Today I am looking between Sovol SV06, Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro and AnyCubic Kobra 2. Which you think the best? I'm probably thinking of upgrading to klipper later if that will makes sense Thank you!
I would choose the Kobra 2, especially since they are launching the machine on May 20 with an additional $30 discount. $250 for this hardware is an unbeatable deal.
Elegoo is announcing their own Klipper printer in a couple of weeks. Sovol's latest is the sv07 or sv06 Plus, not the abandoned sv06. I'm sure Creality must also be cooking something up. Just hold on to your wallet for the next 4 weeks and see what develops. If you can't wait get the Neptune 3 pro. It's the least impressive one on paper, but the most refined one out of the box.
I went with sovol s07 - too many qc problems with the 06 - have to wait a month for shipping tho, patiently waiting still….or June 1 you can order brand new Neptune 4 pro!! Looks Amazing
I've been a subscriber for a while now and enjoy your thorough and well presented reviews. My only problem is the printers these companies are sending you to review. They are most certainly not the same ones the rest of us buy. Given all the little things wrong with my Kobra 2, as well as reading the common issues other users in the Kobra 2 facebook group have experienced, I'm absolutely sure that the printer you got was cherry picked by Anycubic to be perfect so you'd give a favorable review. My printer had 2 QC stickers on the front yet I found many of the pre-assembly parts screws to be loose as well as the Z-axis belt. The SG15 bearings on the Y axis were squeaky when using accelleration over 750 mm/sec2. I replaced them with ones from uxcell and now can achieve 2000mm.sec2 without all the noise. Sorry if this was more a critique of Anycubic than a comment about your excellent video.
@@omegadeepblue1407 Once I worked through the little problems, it's a terrific printer for the price. Each printer is different so your experience may differ.
I was looking into buying this machine as my first ever 3d printer. Are there things I need to look out for, things I need to buy extra or be careful off? Very helpful review, thank you very much for the info!
Beautiful review! I've had the Kobra 2 pro for a few days, unfortunately with a problem with the Y-axis motor, they are supposed to send me a new one under warranty. However, I am struggling to get the first smooth layer down but without success
Could I ask how the PrusaSlicer bundle in your link work ? I downloaded it and imported into PrusaSlicer and I only saw one printer profile, one print profile and one filament profile instead of 0.15 perimeter setting, 0.2 setting , petg ,abs, pla ... etc . Thanks
Great review. You should say to any company that gives you a discount code/affiliate links'' That your subscribers are international. As that code won't work for me being outside the US.
It would cost me more money to upgrade my Ender-3 V2 Neo to this level, than just buying an entire Kobra 2 printer. I love my V2 Neo and was planning on upgrading it but, I might not, after seeing this video.
Hello Aurora! Great video learned a lot and ended up buying one because of it. I was wondering if I am doing something wrong when importing your profiles. When I go to on Prusa slicer and import it as a bundle, it only imports the pla profile and not the other ones. Do you know what I could be doing wrong? Thank you so much in advance!
Aurora, my experience with this printer was very bad. The auto levelling didn't adapt to bed warping. So I couldn't get a consistent result, When I adjusted the Z offset for the bottom right of the bed, the top left had bad results. if I tried 2 prints one following another, the whole levelling is horrible. How the have you gotten this perfect first layer print? I was all in to upgrade the print with time, but since I couldn't get a consistent first layer I returned it. But then, any cubic support was really bad :(, ghosted me...
Nice, but outclassed by the SOVOL SV07. If I were in the market for another bed slinger, I'd go for the SV07 with its native Klipper firmware and display, and its input shaping. Nice video!
Yea but the SV07 retails for 399, it was only because of all the backlash on the facebook that they dropped the price, so it will likely go back up or be EOL'd really quick if I were to guess.
@@Kevin000 Sovol=Creality, they are the same company just like Jayo and Sunlu are. They are their own brand and they have their own products, but they are owned by the same people and even share the same building.
Hey @Aurora Tech have you two ever considered building and testing a Voron before? Not sure if your familiar but they are a open source community and I think you would find them interesting and educational also. So many community mods for them also. If you want to find more info search voron designs
I could not fathom a printer going this fast for such a low price point even just a year ago. All of this progress has me very excited for the future! Thank you for this well put together review.
Simply straight to the point, excellent pros and cons at the end, really one of the best 3D printing channel to decide what to buy and why. Great work.
Another great review ..no any tech reviewer is as good as this little gal 😅
Man do I love this channel! No other channel comes close to this!
You did it again. First you made me get the ENDER 5 S1 with the Sonic Pad and it was awesome. Now I am tuning this Kobra 2 now and your right it's the BEST PERFORMING BUDGET PRINTER 20:26. THANKS AGAIN. Tell Creality you want to review a K1. Definitely need YOUR review before I buy.
Yes, they have sent me a K1, and I will be reviewing that soon. By the way, I am going to post the Prusa MK4 video this week.
@@AuroraTech I can't wait to see what your shakedown of the K1 brings. I will tune into the MK4 too but Prusas are so pricey but worth it, normally.
As always your reviews are spot on. You are the only one who references the nozzle difference and every other review I have watched keeps saying "volcano". No one tells us its not volcano compatible. That's why I always go by you reviews? The nozzle issue is a deal breaker for me. Keep up the great work. 🙃 P.S. You brother also rocks !
I received my Kobra 2 yesterday afternoon. It took all of twenty minutes to assemble. The box had some damage on one side, but overall, it was in excellent condition. The packaging of the Kobra 2 was absolutely perfect in my mind. And the printer itself, flawless. It's built like a tank, the double z-axis solution is good, the bed sensor / bed leveling system is unique. I like how it doesn't touch the bed while it's leveling it. The priinthead is a beast, but a happy one, I think. The design is everything the print head on the BIQU Hurakan wanted to be. There's space, there's room to work, the attachment is super-simple, THIS IS A VERY WELL DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED PRINTER. But all is not perfect. The stepper drivers are built into the board. I'm not sure, but they SOUND like 4988's. This is my main gripe with the Kobra 2. It's like listening to a calipee at the circus while all of the clowns are performing their opening act. Now I know why none of the reviews I watched presented more than a few seconds of audio. I'm going to rectify that today. If you're interested, Aurora Lung, I would like to hire you to write the code for Manta board so I can remove the Kobra 2's board, and replace it with a proper - QUIET board that has 2023 stepper drivers installed. My emails on my youtube site. Please let me know what you would like to be paid for the work I've proposed. Thank you.
You are always my reference in 3D printing, before buying something, I always consult your videos. Congratulations for your seriousness, professionalism, preparation and above all simplicity. Never change! Oh I forgot, congratulations also to the genius of your little brother.😇
Thank you for this excellent review, I am now waiting for my Kobra 2 to finish printing my first benchy and that took about 20 minutes from unboxing. Nobody else I have watched on UA-cam lists all the pros and cons in such a thorough manner, with advice on potential problems and solutions and your knowledge is a gift for people who are new to 3d printing.
What is your opinion overall about this printer?
@@omegadeepblue1407 My experience level with 3d printers is that we have them at work and I am designer who is able to make models for them but has no experience printing with them and adjusting them. Our printers at work are really finnicky and don't print well and literally just confuse me. The Kobra 2 was a breeze to assemble. I've done about 9 prints so far just using the Prusa slicer and ini supplied on the stick and it just works. I bought and printed one of Matmire Makes articulated bat models on the day I got the printer and it was a breeze and came out great.
I bought mine new from Microcenter (Denver) and it was a steal at $179. I've been using it for a month now, just awesome. Thank you for for the profiles for more than just PLA. I really like your work, your channel is my go to review on 3D printers.
THIS is how you do a review! Well explained, proof of work, pro vs cons. I ended up buying a K2 Max after watching this review. This printer is WAY better than the K1 Max. Out of the box, assembled, ran the bed level, resonance cal and printed the included GCodes. Happy with the 3 I printed. Loaded my own PLA and printed the T-Rex skull @ 150%, flawless!
Thank you for your analysis. Thank you very much for the profiles you made, I will use them.
Your reviews are so thorough and well communicated. Your expertise in the field shows through loud and clear.
Reporting on reliability and wear takes a lot of time so is difficult to do and doesn't readily fit into the channel's objectives. Perhaps you could add a section on parts likely to wear or fail, based on your assessment and observations during tests and replacement/repair costs if one was to purchase parts from the printer supplier?
I just ordered one using your coupon code. I had wanted to have an additional 3D printer besides my Bambu X1 Carbon which I love and my Prusa Mk 3s+ which I'm not using. I was going to upgrade it to a Mk 4 but at $579 upgrade and still cartesian rather than an a core XY, it doesn't pay, for that price I could get a P1P or a K1 Creality. But at $248 with you coupon code and good review, I pulled the trigger. Thanks again.
im liking this channel mentioned the proprietary nozzles.
Most trusted 3d printing channel around. What a review! Thank you
I bought this printer. And as a new owner. I was, am struggling with getting Or generating profiles. Thank you so much for providing yours.
I learned from your review. And definitely keep an eye on your channel. Again thank you.
Miss Aurora, I have a question. How the heck do you make everything you print look so good. It doesn't matter what printer you're using, all your prints look utterly fantastic. I notice you don't buy expensive filament, usually Everyone, please correct me if that's inaccurate. I would love to see a video of how you tune a printer. I mean everything maintenance, calibration, and setup. You clearly have a talent. Also, I would love to see a Klipper video on how you would set it up from beginning to end. Confession you have no idea how much your Marlin build video helped me my first couple years in printing. Thank you for everything you do
I just got mine a couple of days ago, gonna set it up this weekend. I already have a few designs Im going to test out :)
Thank you for this review video, very thorough and great info in here, much appreciated!
I picked one up and it hasn't had a failed print yet. I did a 30 min benchy then started printing using these profiles. It's a nice little machine for the $$.
Update to my other comment. I finally sliced a Benchy on Prusa slicer at .2 layer height at 250mm/sec speed and 2500-3000 acceleration. Actual print took 39 minutes and even though I forgot to lower the heat of the print head as Ibthought 215 was way to high so ,I lowered it to 185 while it was printing, as I noticed the gcode that came with the printer was at that temp. No issues , better than average print quality; some layer lines ; yes some ghosting but absolutely no stringing! Not sure if its down to the lower temp or the cooling fan or both. I will be doing some more tests myself and as I know more I may do a video of my own. Anyhow if this is the quality of prints I am going to get off this printer at these speeds ; then I am very excited and impressed!! I really enjoy your reviews and this review help make my mind to buy this printer ! Thank you !
I am so appreciative of your in depth and clearly expressed review, you covered everything I needed to know, gave excellent resources, and made clear all the strengths and weaknesses of the device.
I’ve noted that any cubic actually seem to advise replacing the heat break and nozzle if you change the nozzle and it doesn’t look too difficult to pull off, not the greatest solution but at least it’s possible.
Thank you for making this review. Your depth of knowledge on important details is excellent.
I just picked one of these up for very cheap. $218 Canadian taxes and shipping included. I took a gamble and bought from a reseller who deals in factory returns. I got VERY lucky and it had never even been put together. I am certain the guy opened the box and felt totally overwhelmed and just sent it back. It works perfectly and I am incredibly impressed and totally happy with it. My ONLY complaint, if I can call it a complaint, is that Anycubic STILL doesn't have default Cura profiles already set up and ready to go. Setting one up wasn't super challenging but one would think this would be something they'd do before launch. I agree about the nozzle issue but it should be easily resolved with a CR6 heatbreak and volcano nozzles. I have some sitting in my parts bin and at some point I'll swap them in for the stock and give it a go. I honestly can't see it not working though.
Would I buy one again, absolutely. Sadly the seller I got it from is out of stock.
This is my new favorite channel!
I just wanted to provide an update. I received my Kobra 2 but I'm having issues with extrusion even after adjusting the extrusion force. The screen is very sluggish as well. I've opened a support ticket and I am waiting on a response. Also, I don't see any firmware updates on their website. I'll keep you posted.
This is a Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro. I think this a great review as always. I watched this as a refurbished Kobra 2 Neo was £99 and I thought it may be cheaper than upgrading my alfawise u20 considering the cost of a direct extruder, dual z axis, auto levelling etc. The one in the video was better
This is a great review especially your pros and cons portion of this review. You guys are always informative and on spot. Thank you for your time and work.
OKay, so here's the latest: There's an issue with Input shaping, it's not enabled and I'm experiencing ringing. They're using Marlin bugfix-2.0.x version. Another issue is my printer is using an AnyCubic firmware of 2.8.7 (nothing to do with Marlin version) , however both their firmware downloads site and their GITHUB only have version AnyCubic firmware of 2.8.2. Their reply to my open ticket was that I have the latest firmware. I'm attempting to get them to update their website and GITHUB to version 2.8.7. Chris Riley of the Chris' basement UA-cam channel has a video on how to install Input shaping and how to calibrate it. I've offered to correct this issue and make the fix available to them, so, let's see what they come back with. To be continued...
Another Fantastic review Aurora, exciting times ahead with these new generation of high speed printers that produce mainly excellent results. Keep up the good work😀👍
It does take some tweaking. I honestly was a little disappointed at first, but since tweaking it more and more I'm feeling more confident. I think I can still pull plenty more quality out of it. I like the lower price take because it's easier to replace it than say a Bambu X1. Albeit the Bambu X1 is twice as fast but it's $1400.00+. I can get almost 5 of these printers for that. May print slower but still faster overall when printing multiples.
The best printer reviews out there
👍🖒👍@Aurora;
another very thorough review with valid constructive criticism(s)!!
(Great sharing profiles)
Auto nozzle z-offset is a required feature at this point. Glad to see more printers using it.
Amazing video. Packed with good info, congratulations on it. Straight to the point and well-made.
Thank you for the thorough and informative review! As others have mentioned, you custom profile only includes PLA. An upload of the profile you mention in the video would be very much appreciated! Thanks!
Once again you give such thorough reviews. Thank you.
I know people are generally off of bed slingers but this looks like it would be a good cheap machine that could assist with prototyping and structural parts.
This channel is completeley under rated. You should have WAY more followers! Keep it up!
Always giving great content to the community
Hi ; I am living in Australia and I just bought this same Kobra 2 and it arrived 2 days ago and I just finished printing the .2mm layer 38min Benchy that was a pre-installed g-code on the card. Since this video the company must have added a new Benchy file for a .2mm Benchy and perhaps the firmware has had an update since this review was done. It must have been printing at 250mm speed and I gather full 2500-3000mm acceleration but I won't know for sure until I get my laptop back from warranty claim. I can say the print for the speed it was flying at came out fairly clean , no stringing at all( yes absolutely no stringing )and finished in 38 min and several seconds but under 39 mins. Slight layer discrepancies but nothing drastic for such a fast print. Wish I could put a photo up but don't know if I can. Auto leveling worked a treat out of the box , top z axis belt was a little loose when putting printer together but I fixed that by undoing the bolts on either side and applied a little pull pressure to the top plate then tighten screws again. Still have to adjust the z axis v wheels as they are slightly uneven in pressure against z uprights but not drastically otherwise Benchy would have had more issues. All in all I am very happy with this Kobra 2 Printer. I got it on special from the Official Anycubic on E bay with a $65 ( Australian Dollars) discount down to $369.00 . How people can put money into printers that cost $1800-5000 is beyond me. The Benchy is as clean if not slightly better than the one I printed on my Ender 3 S1 Plus which took 1 hr and 30 plus minutes to print with a faster profile I found on a utube channel. Only thing I noticed is there is ghosting around the portals on the keel of the Benchy printed on the Kobra 2 but that has to be expected printing at speed without input shaping.
I got it to work with OctoPrint without issue. Octoprint prompts with a warning that the printer is using a developmental firmware, even though I have their latest firmware. Another thing I notice is that they don't provide a PETG for their version of Prusa Slicer and their AnyCubic slicer gets an unknown publisher error on Windows and doesn't allow for installation without overriding that with an error. I was able to figure it out as for Prusa as they only provide you a PLA profile and there are ones for TPU and ABS.
Excellent detailed review. Maybe someone out there is smart enough provide gcode that can be included that wipes the nozzle before each print.
Excellents is a rare trait. You have it.
Sunlu S2 Filadryer can actually reach the temp of 70 celsius, PA can be dried and the printing quality is much better. Highly recommend it!
The FIXDRY Filament Dryer also claims 70 C and is cheaper. I would love to hear from anyone who has tested the internal temperature of either of these. Do you actually own the S2?
@@petercallison5765 Yes, I use a S2 Filadryer for about one month, and it did improve the printing quality of material like PETG、 PA，seems no big difference on PLA.
Fixdry can't reach 70°C or even 60°C. I used it once in my previous video. I'm not sure if I received a faulty unit or not, but I can't recommend this brand.
Dam! You nailed everything about the printer and are very knowledgeable! Amazing.
Okay, so I was able to print its own internal 3D Benchy, which on my Prusa Mk3s+ took 1hr 10 mins. This Anycubic Kobra 2 did it in 31 mins. I wanted an inexpensive printer to print PLA faster and most of all, not worry about first layer adhesion. This printer is not perfect but it prints great. The 3D benchy is practically perfect. Even with the issues I've experienced, I would still recommend this printer. It's not perfect, the interface is not great. Parts can take around 10 days to come from China. The support responds within in 24 hours and didn't hesitate to send me a new print-head module which was easy to install. I'm going to open a ticket for two minor issues. The filament sensor was damaged when I pulled the bad filament out of the bad print module head and the filament-in function only homes and purges one time. You have to power it off-on and do a filament-in again when loading new filament. I'm sure this can be addressed in a firmware update . For the price, it's something I can live with. I'm also preparing to install Octoprint on it as it doesn't come with wi-fi connectivity, which I didn't expect at that price point.
All in all, I'm please with this printer and its support.
Thanks for sharing your experience, i always heared that anycubic has bad customer support and that is the main reason why i don't buy the Kobra 2. But reading this makes me see they can be helpful
thanks for a well-tested review
Apologies for commenting so much, I just wanted to help others as I go through issues. I'm having some first layer issues, I'll keep you posted.
Killer review!!! Incredible detail down to the individual component, and straight to the point!! Amazing 👏
I wish you had done a deep dive on the electronics as Anycubic, among others, have consistently tinned wires going into screw-down connectors and other unsafe practices. I hope this isn't another machine that does this. I'm also curious about the quality of the wires and if the bed heater wire is a silicone wire? Several Anycubic Chiron users have experienced smoke or even fires from their bed wires being of poor quality. Sadly, as manufacturers strive to be the cheapest, the quality of the components suffers and the customer ends up with a machine that fails or requires many upgrades to print with the originally promised quality. (Meanwhile the company comes up with another new, cheap printer better than that one 6 months later....and the cycle continues.) Thanks for a very informative video
My go to for bed adhesion glue is Elmers washable purple glue
It goes on purple and dries clear
When it comes time to wash the build plate once you put water on it the glue goes purple again
This makes even application of the glue easy and washing it all off easy as well
The best part other than how well it works is how cheap and readily available Elmers washable purple glue sticks are
Does it come off pretty easy or do you need to use something like goo gone to motivate it?
@Jacob Acosta Master Scribe It comes off with just water but I always wash my build plates with dish soap and warm water
I use cheap Walmart glue sticks. Works fine
Okay mine finishes a 0.18mm layer height benchy in 39 minutes. I actually slowed down parameter speed and top layer speed and put it toward infill speed. The anycubic slicer does well and has a better printer profile.
I was so impressed with your review that I bought one of these printers. Now I am looking for a link to your website so I can see what else you’re doing.
Seems good for the money. Nice review!
It would be really useful to see how much benefit you get from using high speed filament such as Geeetech HS-PLA High-Speed 3D Printing Filament.
Thanks for the video. I may have misunderstood the configuration profiles made available. I thought you were making available different settings for different filaments. That does not seem to be the case. I am new to PrusaSilicer so this may be my mistake. Filtering the config bundle I note :
1116: [filament:Anycubic Kobra2 - Generic PLA]
1174: [filament:Cheap White PLA]
1232: [filament:Easy Nylon]
1290: [filament:Generic ABS - Quinly]
1348: [filament:Generic ABS @Artillery 255 110]
1406: [filament:Generic Nylon]
1464: [filament:Generic PETG - Quinly]
1522: [filament:Generic PETG 1]
1580: [filament:Generic PETG X-MAX]
1638: [filament:Generic PLA - Quinly]
1696: [filament:Generic PLA 205-200-70]
1754: [filament:Generic PLA 210 65]
1812: [filament:Generic TPU 220-70-No-Cool]
1870: [filament:PA-12 CF]
Maybe these are printer specific
I've downloaded and installed the latest 2.9.3 firmware. I'm having first layer issues. It doesn't appear to be doing the first layer correctly even when printing their g-codes. Even though they're support is fast to send out parts they don't really have that great of a support to assist in diagnosing issues. I took a chance with such a low price and after the print head module was corrected I had some good prints. It's just not consistent and their support is lacking. Also there aren't any printer profiles for the kobra 2. There's one they provide with an older version of Prusa slicer 2.5.2 with one pla profile. And another is available by Aurora on this channel. My personal opinion if you just want to print out of the box then get a Bambulab, a Mk4, or a Creality K1. It looks like to get print and play you really need to spend around $600. I'm sure I could fix all these issues, it just that we're in an era where new technology is making 3d printing much more feasible and practical. I though I wouldn't have any first layer issues with this printer but I was wrong. It's difficult to say whether it's user error or not, there just isn't enough information to assist in diagnosing issues other than "try pushing the filament through and if it doesn't extrude, we'll send another part..."
Please let me know if anyone is experiencing any issues with their printer, I'd like to compare notes.
The proprietary nozzle is the only downside, I wonder how easy it is to replace the entire hot end to standard volcano.
Hi great video, you convinced me to purchase one for myself.
I had a quick question though, when downloading your profiles for PrusaSlicer, I am only given two profiles for PLA, the 150 and 250mms profiles. Is this happening to anyone else, and is there somewhere else I can find profiles for other materials and sizes as well?
Thanks
having the same problem
Same here.
The print head is huge!
Another great review!
$248??? That's crazy! I want one!
Forget it, it’s sold out.
@@JottyOL Just went on sale. Said sold out earlier because it had not been released yet. Just picked one up.
I have a normal kobra. I find I have to run very low temps to try and prevent stringing. I print PLA at 180, PETG at 200. Still get some stringing and perfect layer adhesion.
Nice review
When I mporting the config attached to this video in to Prusa 2.5.2, I am told that 24 settings have been loaded, but all I get are to see are two temp files and one PLA config.
I really like the choices they made on this printer. Really like the steel wheels and the decision to not use 2 z stepper motors. If they would have used the standard volcano nozzles and had a high temp hot end they would have hit a grand slam home run.
Agreed. the part cooling fan is also a really good choice. I never understood how poorly all the stock setups were, when even going to DUAL 5015's is so cheap.. seems they matched that flow rate with a single fan so it should not be a bottleneck at ALL. very happy with that. just need to sort out the nozzle situation. (and firmware of course as they will not likely release it GAH)
@@DavidBaumgarner What's wrong with its nozzle? I am considering buying this printer but have no clue about nozzles.
@@Komandie It is just not a common standard nozzle, so I am not sure what we will have for replacement options. Especially cht style.
@@DavidBaumgarner I see. Thank you.
Awesome!
I just received and installed the new print head module and I'm running some tests. I have a minor issue with the filament sensor because the last print head module had left a glob at the end of the filament when I pull it out, so, now I have to remove the filament sensor from the unit push the filament through and then reattach it. I'm going to contact support for a new sensor. I also noticed that when I do the prepare/filament-in process, it doesn't rehome itself as when you first do it. The last time I check with support I was told I have the latest firmware but I'll report this issue to them as well.
I do not see the PRUSA profile link? Where can I get your profile files?
I just got a Kobra 2 and thank you for all the intresting info! As always your videos are Great! Now to swap it over to a Viper shorder E3D style heatblock for easy nozzle availabilty....That would also be a great tech video lol.
Other than the nozzle issue....its ran perfect!
Great video! is there anyway you could release the cura profiles you used?!? im having trouble finding reliable profiles and would much prefer cura
Same on this!!
Very nice review. I wonder how durable this printer will be? I love my Bambu, but I don't find it easy to user-service, but this is much more accessible.
Great reviews. Very thorough.
Fantastic review! How do you think it compare sto the klipper-based Neptune 4??
Update on my Kobra 2: They're sending me another print head module, I'll keep you posted.
Did the new print head work out?
@@ZombieOfun I'm still waiting on the part from China. I'll keep you posted.
@@ZombieOfun Yes, the new print-head module worked. I'm running some tests. I'll let you know when I print out a benchy. But so far, so good.
@@ZombieOfun New print head printed a nearly flawless 3D Benchy in 31 minutes. This printer is not perfect but for $248, I can't complain.
Thanks i did get a AnyCubic Kobra 2. i'm a new at this . But the Prusa Slicer Profiles for PLA/PETG/ABS/TPU/Nylon did ONLY give PLA proflies.
Great video! You're definitely one of the most thorough reviewers on YT. i tried to install your profiles but I didn't get all of the profiles. Im looking specifically for PetG
I saw the PLA profiles also
Thanks for going straight to the point with your video, it helped me a lot. Your config bundle file seems to be missing some of the files though.
Thanks for the great video!
I saw that you used Cura for one of the prints. Could you also share those profiles? I don´t know how to get the Prusa profiles to Cura.
And how did you set up the Kobra 2 in general in Cura. At the moment I can find not printer data for it.
Thanks again, Thomas
Great review! Today I am looking between Sovol SV06, Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro and AnyCubic Kobra 2. Which you think the best?
I'm probably thinking of upgrading to klipper later if that will makes sense
Thank you!
I would choose the Kobra 2, especially since they are launching the machine on May 20 with an additional $30 discount. $250 for this hardware is an unbeatable deal.
@@AuroraTech oh man, when I finally settled on Bambu P1P, I see this review. 😂 Would you say P1P is worth 3x price?
Elegoo is announcing their own Klipper printer in a couple of weeks. Sovol's latest is the sv07 or sv06 Plus, not the abandoned sv06. I'm sure Creality must also be cooking something up. Just hold on to your wallet for the next 4 weeks and see what develops. If you can't wait get the Neptune 3 pro. It's the least impressive one on paper, but the most refined one out of the box.
@@AuroraTechmeh, for some reason it costs 354$ in EU, not so great deal
I went with sovol s07 - too many qc problems with the 06 - have to wait a month for shipping tho, patiently waiting still….or June 1 you can order brand new Neptune 4 pro!! Looks Amazing
I've been a subscriber for a while now and enjoy your thorough and well presented reviews. My only problem is the printers these companies are sending you to review. They are most certainly not the same ones the rest of us buy. Given all the little things wrong with my Kobra 2, as well as reading the common issues other users in the Kobra 2 facebook group have experienced, I'm absolutely sure that the printer you got was cherry picked by Anycubic to be perfect so you'd give a favorable review. My printer had 2 QC stickers on the front yet I found many of the pre-assembly parts screws to be loose as well as the Z-axis belt. The SG15 bearings on the Y axis were squeaky when using accelleration over 750 mm/sec2. I replaced them with ones from uxcell and now can achieve 2000mm.sec2 without all the noise. Sorry if this was more a critique of Anycubic than a comment about your excellent video.
so is still a good printer or i look for something else?
@@omegadeepblue1407 Once I worked through the little problems, it's a terrific printer for the price. Each printer is different so your experience may differ.
I was looking into buying this machine as my first ever 3d printer. Are there things I need to look out for, things I need to buy extra or be careful off? Very helpful review, thank you very much for the info!
Beautiful review! I've had the Kobra 2 pro for a few days, unfortunately with a problem with the Y-axis motor, they are supposed to send me a new one under warranty. However, I am struggling to get the first smooth layer down but without success
imported the profiles config, but I don't get all the filament type profiles shown in the video. Am I doing it wrong?
Could I ask how the PrusaSlicer bundle in your link work ? I downloaded it and imported into PrusaSlicer and I only saw one printer profile, one print profile and one filament profile instead of 0.15 perimeter setting, 0.2 setting , petg ,abs, pla ... etc . Thanks
Is that a custom nozzle that only AnyCubic makes? Where would someone get replacements?
Great review. You should say to any company that gives you a discount code/affiliate links'' That your subscribers are international. As that code won't work for me being outside the US.
Fantastic review as usual. It could be a good replacement for my Creality Ender 3 v2 Neo.
Great review. Are you reviewing the Neptune 4??
Excellent video! Are you planning on covering the Neptune 4, would love to see a comparison?
It would cost me more money to upgrade my Ender-3 V2 Neo to this level, than just buying an entire Kobra 2 printer. I love my V2 Neo and was planning on upgrading it but, I might not, after seeing this video.
that werid threaded nozzle is such a weird choice for them to go with. even with the setbacks i agree it is a great budget printer
Amazing review as always!!!! Any chance you could share your Cura slicer profiles?
Hello Aurora! Great video learned a lot and ended up buying one because of it. I was wondering if I am doing something wrong when importing your profiles.
When I go to on Prusa slicer and import it as a bundle, it only imports the pla profile and not the other ones.
Do you know what I could be doing wrong?
Thank you so much in advance!
i only getting PLA profile
Im getting the same
Aurora, my experience with this printer was very bad.
The auto levelling didn't adapt to bed warping. So I couldn't get a consistent result, When I adjusted the Z offset for the bottom right of the bed, the top left had bad results.
if I tried 2 prints one following another, the whole levelling is horrible.
How the have you gotten this perfect first layer print?
I was all in to upgrade the print with time, but since I couldn't get a consistent first layer I returned it. But then, any cubic support was really bad :(, ghosted me...
Nice, but outclassed by the SOVOL SV07. If I were in the market for another bed slinger, I'd go for the SV07 with its native Klipper firmware and display, and its input shaping. Nice video!
Yea but the SV07 retails for 399, it was only because of all the backlash on the facebook that they dropped the price, so it will likely go back up or be EOL'd really quick if I were to guess.
But sovol QC is only rival by creality QC...
@@Kevin000 Sovol=Creality, they are the same company just like Jayo and Sunlu are. They are their own brand and they have their own products, but they are owned by the same people and even share the same building.
I would put my money on the Elegoo Neptune 4. I will actually buy one when they are available in a few days.
@@petercallison5765 I believe you are right but the estimated delivery for N4 is August/September. That's 3 months away.
I'm undecided on which one I should buy between the Kobra 2 or the ender 3 s1 pro, can someone help?
Hey @Aurora Tech have you two ever considered building and testing a Voron before? Not sure if your familiar but they are a open source community and I think you would find them interesting and educational also. So many community mods for them also. If you want to find more info search voron designs
This version have a dual z, Because in my Kobra neo I have a alit trouble to level the right side of the carriage
Anyone know where to find these nozzles?
@125mm/s would have been nice to see the Jeep.