The Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo presents itself as a new multi-filament competitor at an affordable price. With a variety of improvements over its predecessor, this model offers an innovative and powerful printing solution for beginners and experienced makers alike. In this review, we take a detailed look at its features, the new ACE Pro system, and our experiences with the device.
The Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo impresses with its sturdy aluminum chassis, complemented by plastic elements. This not only provides an appealing look but also reduces vibrations during the printing process. With a print volume of 250 x 250 x 260 mm, it offers plenty of space for a variety of projects.
Assembly is user-friendly: The printer comes largely pre-assembled and requires only a few steps to set up. The interface is intuitive, and thanks to the LeviQ 3.0 auto-leveling function, calibration is straightforward. An interesting feature is the inductive auto-leveling with Smart Z, which cleans the nozzle before calibration and then physically measures the bed height. However, there are reports that the automatic Z-height detection does not always work correctly and needs to be manually adjusted in the slicer. In our test model, this was not the case.
In addition to automatic calibration, the Kobra 3 uses resonance sensors to detect vibrations in the machine and adjust accordingly to enable high-speed printing (up to 600 mm/s) without loss of quality. Furthermore, the printer can detect filament tangles and nozzle clogs, pausing the print until the user intervenes.
Additional Features
Thanks to its optimized design and Klipper software, the Kobra 3 Combo achieves impressive print speeds of up to 600 mm/s (although 300 mm/s is recommended for optimal results). Acceleration can reach up to 20,000 mm/s², significantly speeding up the printing process.
The print head is easy to swap and reaches temperatures of up to 300°C, making it suitable for a variety of materials. Additionally, essential features such as filament runout and power failure protection are integrated to minimize print interruptions. The Kobra 3 includes filament tangle detection and nozzle clog detection, pausing the print and issuing a notification in case of problems. The Kobra 3 Combo officially supports PLA and PETG filaments.
The mentioned vibration compensation improves print quality by reducing unwanted oscillations during the printing process. Moreover, filament extrusion is precisely controlled, enhancing print consistency. The automatic Z-offset adjustment ensures the correct printing height without requiring manual changes.
The all-metal hotend ensures even temperature distribution, while the hardened steel gears in the extruder provide long-lasting and precise filament feeding. The tool-free nozzle change makes swapping nozzles significantly easier. An integrated LED light improves visibility of the printing process. Additionally, a LAN mode enables seamless connection to the printing software.
An optional accessory is a 480P camera that can be used for real-time monitoring. The printer also supports AI detection to automatically identify printing issues. The filament runout detection ensures that printing pauses in time if the filament runs out, and automatic print recovery allows printing to resume after a power outage or other interruptions.
Anycubic Color Engine Pro
However, the real highlight of the Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo is the ACE Pro (Anycubic Color Engine Pro) system. This module enables the automatic feeding of up to four different filaments without requiring manual intervention. In the future, even two ACE Pro units will be able to operate simultaneously, allowing the use of up to eight filaments. According to Anycubic, this expansion is expected to be released in 2024.
Key Features of the ACE Pro:
- Automatic filament feeding: Switching is done via PTFE tubes directly to the print head.
- Integrated drying function: Thanks to a dual 200W PTC heating system, the filament remains optimally conditioned.
- RFID tag reader: Automatically detects compatible filaments and adjusts printing profiles accordingly.
- Filament sensors: Detect blockages or missing material and enable smooth printing continuation.
- The ACE system also uses dedicated Bowden tubes for each spool, reducing the risk of filament tangling compared to other multi-material systems.
However, one downside is the placement of the connection cables between the printer and the ACE Pro: They are located at the front of the printer and the back of the ACE Pro, making positioning difficult. Additionally, the ACE Pro may have issues with damaged or overly soft cardboard spools. Most standard spools, however, work without problems.
Conclusion
The Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo is a powerful machine that particularly elevates multi-filament printing in the budget segment through the ACE Pro system. Currently available at around 350 euros on sale (regular price 380 euros), it is, to our knowledge, the most affordable option on the market with this level of functionality. Despite some minor weaknesses, this device is an excellent choice for those looking to create colorful and multi-material projects.
Pros:
- High printing speed and quality
- Good automatic multi-filament system (ACE Pro)
- Easy operation and setup
- Integrated filament drying
Cons:
- High material consumption due to purging
- Unpractical placement of cables between the printer and ACE Pro
- Currently no official support for alternative slicers
- Non-open firmware despite being based on Klipper
- Occasional issues with damaged or overly soft filament spools
- Camera must be purchased separately
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