Anycubic Kobra S1 Review – A True Bambu Lab Competitor?

Overview of the Cobra S1 Anycubic 3D Printer

The Cobra S1 is Anycubic's first foray into the core XY printer market. Aimed primarily at beginners, this printer emphasizes ease of use without diving into extensive modifications or complex settings. Unlike some competitors, the Cobra S1 seems designed to appeal to a broader audience, including those who have recently shown interest in 3D printing.

Specifications

This printer boasts a build volume of 250 x 250 x 250 mm and a streamlined design that gives it an appliance-like appearance. The printer features a maximum print speed of 600 mm/s and an acceleration of 20K. Its hot end can reach temperatures of up to 320°C, paired with a 120°C build plate, making it appropriate for various technical materials.

Usability and Features

The Cobra S1 includes Wi-Fi connectivity, cloud functionality, and features like spaghetti detection and tangle detection. Initial tests of these features showed promising results, as the printer was able to detect and pause prints following tangles or other issues effectively. However, spaghetti detection seemed less reliable under certain conditions, as it failed to pause when a support structure detached.

Slicer and Waste Management

Anycubic's new Slicer Next is based on the widely accepted Orca Slicer, which provides an intuitive layout. However, a notable limitation is that flushing volumes must be adjusted via the printer screen during the print—lacking the individual settings available in Orca for different filament colors. This can lead to increased filament waste, particularly when switching between contrasting colors.

Filament Feed System

The printer introduces the Ace Pro feeding system, which shares some characteristics with competitors but is designed to manage fewer motors for filament feeding. While it generally functions well, issues have been reported with certain types of opaque filament spools, which occasionally led to tangling during retraction efforts.

Noise Levels

The overall noise produced by the Cobra S1 is minimal, making it suitable for use in quieter environments. It distinguishes itself with a dryer function that can effectively handle moisture levels in filament, although it lacks a hygrometer.

Hot End Performance

The Cobra S1’s hot end is designed for quick swaps but relies on a brass nozzle, which limits the printer's capability to work with abrasive materials. However, it performs well with non-abrasive technical filaments like ABS, showing reliable quality without significant warping.

Print Quality and Multicolor Printing

In general, print quality is commendable but does not reach the high standards set by premium models like the X1. Multicolor prints displayed varying results; some showed minor color bleeding, indicative of settings needing adjustments. However, overall performance with versatile models was satisfactory.

Conclusion

The Cobra S1 serves as an affordable entry point into the world of core XY printers without the complexities often associated with more advanced options. While it does present some beneficial upgrades, such as a drying function and enhanced heating capabilities, users should be aware of its limitations, particularly regarding print quality and filament waste management. As such, it may be appealing to those seeking simplicity in a budget-friendly package.