We’re undeniably entering a new era in desktop 3D printing—one defined by smarter, faster, and more user-friendly machines. The AnyCubic Kobra 3, which once would have been considered revolutionary just a few years ago, now stands as a testament to how far the industry has evolved. By incorporating cutting-edge features from pioneers like Voron, Bambu, and Prusa, the Kobra 3 sets the new standard, offering a sophisticated blend of performance and convenience.
The model I tested came equipped with the ACE Pro accessory, a substantial addition that allows for multi-material, multi-color printing. The ACE Pro can house up to four spools of filament, automatically feeding them into the Kobra 3 for seamless color transitions during printing. For those who require even more flexibility, two ACE Pro units can be linked together, offering up to eight filament colors. Notably, the device also doubles as a filament dryer, ensuring that your filament remains free from moisture while awaiting use.
User-Friendly Setup and Operation
Setting up the Kobra 3 is a breeze. Gone are the days of agonizingly fine-tuning bed leveling and Z-offsets—thanks to the advanced sensors, the Kobra 3 performs its own bed leveling via direct nozzle-to-bed calibration. After following the intuitive on-screen instructions, you’re ready to print in a matter of minutes. The printer even takes the guesswork out of resonance tuning, calibrating itself to deliver rapid print speeds (up to 600mm/s) with remarkable precision and minimal ringing, an issue that plagued earlier 3D prints.
The machine also includes several smart features, including automatic filament detection, which pauses the print if a tangle or clog is detected, ensuring that you can intervene and save your project. Additionally, quick-change nozzles, PEI bed sheets, and RFID filament detection add layers of convenience, enhancing the overall user experience.
Performance and Reliability
When it comes to the actual printing experience, the Kobra 3 is nothing short of impressive. Whether you’re printing in single or multi-material modes, the results are consistently high-quality with minimal intervention. The ability to handle multi-color prints effortlessly, combined with the speed and precision of the machine, positions the Kobra 3 as a solid contender for serious hobbyists and prosumers alike.
However, no product is without its flaws. My primary grievances lie with the ACE Pro accessory. The cable connection between the Kobra 3 and the ACE Pro, positioned awkwardly at the front of the Kobra and the back of the ACE, creates an unnecessarily cumbersome setup. This placement makes managing the cables a bit unwieldy, which can be frustrating, especially in smaller spaces.
Another quirk that might bother some users is the filament waste mechanism during color changes. While the “poop shoot” jokes about Bambu printers are widely known, the Kobra 3 takes it one step further with its own “poop flinging” mechanism to discard filament changes. This feature, while amusing initially, can quickly become an inconvenience when you find your floor scattered with twisted filament remnants after an overnight print.
A Steal at the Price Point
At $449, including the ACE Pro, the Kobra 3 offers an exceptional value for anyone looking to move beyond entry-level 3D printing. The setup is incredibly straightforward, and the multi-color/multi-material capabilities make it an attractive choice for anyone looking to experiment with advanced projects. With the ease of use, great feature set, and price point, I’d consider the Kobra 3 a steal for its capabilities, especially for first-time buyers who want a step-up from the most basic machines.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the AnyCubic Kobra 3 represents the future of desktop 3D printing—an era where speed, efficiency, and ease of use are no longer just aspirational, but the new standard. While there are minor design flaws that could be refined (especially the ACE Pro cable management and filament change mechanism), they are far outweighed by the printer’s overall performance, reliability, and value for money. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to elevate your 3D printing experience, the Kobra 3 delivers a compelling package at an unbeatable price.
And as we look to the future of 3D printing, the Kobra 3 feels like a major step in the right direction—both for seasoned pros and newcomers alike. The question remains: what comes next for the industry, and how will we continue to shape its evolution?
