Anycubic’s updated 3D printer lineup has impressed us this year, with products like the Cobra Max and Photon M3. Another addition, the $200 Kobra Go, is an effort to break the budget with a 3D printer code.
Like
- Auto-bed-leveling for $200
- Removable design plate
- The price is very good
Don’t like
- The book will be difficult to read
- Needs proper treatment from the start
While I am an advanced 3D printer user, this is a product aimed at beginners, so I also asked my colleague Russell Holly to test the Kobra Go and compare it to others. 3D printer that he tested, e.g A cobra. I included his observations with my own.
Some assembly is required
James Bricknell/CNET
Kobra Go is delivered in semikit form. That means that when you have to put together a lot of mechanical stuff, you don’t have to run cables or use tools apart from hex wrenches.
The upside of the kit is that you can learn what all the parts are, and to some extent how they do, when you build it, even if the book doesn’t go into much. The assembly is something that can be done by anyone, and is worth the time because it shows you some of the most beautiful things.
Anycubic Kobra Go Spec Map
|
Enter the length |
220 x 220 x 250 mm |
|---|---|
|
Publication information |
PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU |
|
Extruder type |
Bowden |
|
Nozzle size |
0.4mm each |
|
Print fast |
100mm/s (Max) |
|
Manage |
2.4-inch LCD with phone control |
|
Leveling system |
25-point auto leveling |
|
Filament running out |
More choices |
|
Electrical protection |
That’s right |
Russell: Anycubic’s ease of use and even ease of maintenance are often marred by less-than-stellar guides, and Kobra Go is no exception. User error aside (I admit to missing a page in the book, that’s all for me) the book constantly changes the printer’s perspective when trying to teach you how to connect different products, making the user stop several times to make sure that it is not being looked back.
It’s not that the instructions are unreadable, far from it, but there is a lot of room for improvement given the audience these printers are targeting. I would go so far as to suggest that a video demonstration for a first time 3D printer owner would be necessary for something like this.
It’s still a $200 3D printer (plus)
Russell Holly/CNET
While most 3D printers in the $180 to $220 range are pretty much the same in terms of printing, the addition of auto-bed-leveling at this price point is a selling point for the Kobra Go. I have said many times that ABL should become an industry standard and Anycubic including it in the printer in the financial section is a good sign. Having ABL on any machine will make 3D printing easier.
The quality from CNET’s print test shows some cases where the Kobra Go doesn’t measure up well, but with a little effort and some tweaking of the software, you should be able to print good samples.
Russell: The print quality for the Kobra Go is exactly what I wanted for a $200 3D printer. I wouldn’t use this for printing anything with high detail or a lot of fine edges, but simple photos or images for a large project can be printed on this machine easily. With a little practice, it won’t be all that limiting for most jobs.
kit vs. price
Russell Holly/CNET
When it comes to making a budget 3D printer, there is a balance between cost and practicality. By selling the Kobra Go in kits, Anycubic can save money on assembly and shipping, giving the company the ability to add auto-bed-leveling and other premium features.
Whether you’re new to 3D printing and looking to learn as you go (and willing to put in some effort to build it), or if you’re looking for an affordable 3D printer Compared to ABL, the Kobra Go makes a good case for a DIY approach.
