Nozzle Hub Anycubic Kobra Go

Published on Thu Nov 25 2021 03:36:30 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Anycubic Kobra Go: A Hands-On Review for 3D Printing Newbies (and Pros!)

The Anycubic Kobra Go has been making waves in the entry-level 3D printer market, and for good reason. It promises a relatively affordable entry point into the world of additive manufacturing, with some surprisingly advanced features for its price. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s take a closer look.

What is the Anycubic Kobra Go?

The Kobra Go is a partially pre-assembled FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printer designed to be user-friendly, particularly for those new to the hobby. It boasts automatic bed leveling, a flexible magnetic build plate, and a generally straightforward setup process. It’s pitched as a machine that gets you printing quickly without a ton of technical headaches.

Detailed Specifications

Printing Technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm (8.7 x 8.7 x 9.8 inches)
Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (standard)
Layer Resolution: 0.05 - 0.3 mm
Printing Speed: 20 - 100 mm/s (recommended 50-60mm/s for optimal results)
Supported Materials: PLA, TPU, PETG, ABS (with enclosure recommended)
Bed Temperature: Up to 110°C
Nozzle Temperature: Up to 260°C
Connectivity: MicroSD Card
Display: 2.4-inch LCD Screen
Frame Material: Aluminum Extrusion
Leveling: Automatic, Anycubic LeviQ
Power Supply: 350W
Machine Dimensions: 490 x 455 x 445 mm
Weight: ~7 kg

Getting Started: Assembly and Initial Setup

While the Kobra Go isn’t fully assembled out of the box, the process is relatively straightforward. Anycubic provides clear, illustrated instructions, and most users can complete the assembly in an hour or two. The partially pre-assembled modules definitely speed things up.

Tip: Pay close attention to the belt tension when assembling the X and Y axes. Properly tightened belts are crucial for print quality.
Tip: Double-check all screws and connections to ensure everything is secure. Loose screws can cause vibrations and affect print accuracy.

Once assembled, the Kobra Go utilizes Anycubic’s “LeviQ” automatic bed leveling system. This system probes multiple points on the bed to create a mesh and compensate for any imperfections. While not perfect, it significantly simplifies the leveling process compared to manual methods.

Tip: Run the automatic bed leveling procedure multiple times before your first print, especially if you move the printer or notice any bed adhesion issues.
Tip: You can fine-tune the Z-offset (the distance between the nozzle and the bed) after the auto-leveling process to dial in perfect first-layer adhesion.

Usage Tips and Tricks for Optimal Prints

Material Selection: While the Kobra Go can handle PLA, TPU, PETG, and even ABS, PLA is the easiest material to start with. It’s forgiving, doesn’t require a heated enclosure, and produces good results with the default settings.
Slicing Software: Anycubic recommends their own slicer based on Cura, but Cura itself is a popular and powerful alternative. Explore different slicer settings to fine-tune your prints.
Bed Adhesion: Clean the build plate with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) before each print. For stubborn materials like ABS or PETG, consider using a glue stick or hairspray for added adhesion.
Print Speed: While the Kobra Go can reach speeds up to 100mm/s, slowing down to 50-60 mm/s will generally result in better print quality.
Temperature Settings: Experiment with nozzle and bed temperatures to find the optimal settings for your chosen filament. Every filament brand is different. Start with the manufacturer’s recommendations and adjust accordingly.
Enclosure: If you plan to print with ABS, an enclosure is highly recommended. ABS is prone to warping and cracking if the temperature fluctuates during printing.

Firmware and Software

The Kobra Go uses a fairly standard firmware. It is easily upgradable from the SD card.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Affordable price point
Automatic bed leveling
Flexible magnetic build plate
Relatively easy assembly
Good print quality for its class
Supports a variety of filaments

Cons:

Small build volume
Limited connectivity options (MicroSD card only)
Assembly required (though not overly complex)
Fan noise can be noticeable

Overall Impression

The Anycubic Kobra Go is an excellent entry-level 3D printer that offers a good balance of features, performance, and price. While it has some limitations (small build volume, limited connectivity), its ease of use and automatic bed leveling make it a great choice for beginners. Even experienced users might appreciate its reliability and affordability for smaller projects.

Scoring Breakdown (Out of 10)