Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo: In-Depth Review
The Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo is positioned as a budget-friendly yet powerful 3D printer, designed to offer high-speed printing with ease of use, making it suitable for beginners and hobbyists alike. It strikes a balance between affordability and features, competing directly with other popular models in the entry-level market.
Key Features
- Impressive Print Speed
- The Kobra 2 Neo boasts print speeds up to 250mm/s, which is significantly faster than most 3D printers in its class. While many entry-level printers max out at around 100mm/s, this boost in speed makes it ideal for users who want quicker turnaround times for their projects.
- LeviQ 2.0 Auto Bed Leveling
- The LeviQ 2.0 auto bed leveling system is a standout feature. It automatically adjusts the bed level using a 25-point matrix, ensuring that the first layer is perfect every time without manual intervention. This drastically reduces setup time and minimizes the risk of print failure due to bed leveling issues.
- 32-Bit Silent Motherboard
- Much like other modern 3D printers, the Kobra 2 Neo is equipped with a 32-bit silent motherboard, significantly reducing noise during operation. This feature ensures quieter printing, making it more suitable for home environments.
- Upgraded Direct Drive Extruder
- The direct drive extruder allows for better filament control, especially for flexible materials like TPU. It provides more accurate extrusion compared to Bowden setups, making it versatile for different filament types such as PLA, ABS, PETG, and more.
- Sturdy Build and Compact Design
- The Kobra 2 Neo maintains a compact footprint with a build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm, which is standard for many entry-level printers. The metal frame design ensures stability, reducing vibrations during prints, and improving overall accuracy.
- Magnetic PEI-coated Build Plate
- The inclusion of a PEI-coated magnetic build plate is another high-end feature that enhances print adhesion and makes it easy to remove finished prints. This material ensures that prints stick well during the process but can be easily detached after cooling.
- User-Friendly UI
- The 4.3-inch color touchscreen offers a clean and easy-to-navigate user interface. The menus are intuitive, allowing even beginners to get started quickly. Changing print settings, loading files, and adjusting configurations are straightforward.
- Filament Runout and Power Loss Recovery
- The filament runout detection feature ensures that the printer pauses automatically when it runs out of filament, preventing incomplete prints. Additionally, the power loss recovery function resumes prints after power outages, saving time and materials.
ANYCUBIC 3D Printer Kobra 2 Neo, 250mm/s Max Print Speed FDM 3D Printer Auto-Leveling Smart Z-Offset Upgraded Kobra Neo, Easy Assembly for Beginners Print Size 8.7″x8.7″x9.84″
Performance and Print Quality
The Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo delivers high-quality prints consistently, especially for a printer in this price range. The direct drive extruder and LeviQ 2.0 bed leveling system work together to produce clean, precise prints with minimal stringing or layer shifts. PLA and ABS prints, in particular, come out sharp with good layer adhesion, while the printer also handles more complex filaments like PETG and TPU with ease.
The printer’s fast print speeds don’t sacrifice quality, which is one of the most impressive aspects of the Kobra 2 Neo. It manages to print larger objects in much less time than many other budget printers, while still maintaining layer integrity and surface finish.
For intricate models, the layer resolution (down to 0.1mm) ensures fine details are captured well. The dual Z-axis system adds extra stability, particularly for taller prints, reducing wobble and improving precision.
Assembly and Setup
The Kobra 2 Neo comes semi-assembled, making it relatively easy to set up, even for those who are new to 3D printing. The package includes clear instructions, and most users can get the printer up and running in under an hour. The auto bed leveling system further simplifies the initial setup process, as there’s no need to manually adjust the bed.
The printer also includes a sample spool of filament, allowing users to start printing right out of the box. The user-friendly interface guides you through loading filament, leveling the bed, and beginning a print.
Pros
- High print speed (up to 250mm/s) reduces wait times
- LeviQ 2.0 auto bed leveling for accurate first layers
- Quiet operation due to the 32-bit silent motherboard
- Direct drive extruder supports a variety of filaments, including flexible materials
- PEI-coated build plate offers excellent adhesion and easy print removal
- Compact and sturdy design with a reasonable build volume
- Filament runout and power loss recovery ensures reliable, uninterrupted printing
Cons
- The build volume, while adequate for most users, may be limiting for those looking to print larger objects, especially when compared to similarly priced printers with slightly larger build areas.
- While the direct drive extruder improves extrusion control, it may be challenging for absolute beginners to fine-tune settings for flexible materials like TPU without some initial trial and error.
- Some users may find the screen’s touch sensitivity slightly inconsistent, though it doesn’t greatly impact usability.
Comparison to Competitors
In the entry-level market, the Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo competes directly with printers like the Creality Ender-3 V3 KE and the Artillery Genius Pro. Compared to the Ender-3 V3 KE, the Kobra 2 Neo has an edge in terms of print speed and auto bed leveling. While the Ender-3 V3 KE features a CoreXY system for better stability at higher speeds, the Kobra 2 Neo offers a faster setup process with its LeviQ 2.0 auto leveling system, making it more user-friendly for beginners.
Against the Artillery Genius Pro, the Kobra 2 Neo shines in its price-to-performance ratio, offering similar features like filament runout detection and silent operation at a slightly lower price point. However, the Genius Pro has a larger build volume and a more robust dual Z-axis system.
Who Should Buy the Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo?
The Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo is ideal for:
- Beginners: The auto bed leveling, easy assembly, and user-friendly interface make it a great option for those new to 3D printing.
- Hobbyists: Those who want faster printing without compromising quality will appreciate the high-speed capabilities of the Kobra 2 Neo.
- Makers with limited space: Its compact design ensures it fits well in small workspaces without sacrificing too much in terms of build volume.
Final Verdict
The Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo offers exceptional value for its price, combining high-speed printing, reliable auto bed leveling, and a quiet, sturdy design. It competes well with other budget 3D printers in its class, and for those looking for a printer that offers high performance with minimal setup and hassle, the Kobra 2 Neo is a solid choice. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced user seeking a secondary printer for faster prototyping, this model delivers on both quality and convenience.
