AnyCubic Kobra 3 Combo 3D Printer: Multiple filament printing, filament dryer, print up to 8 colors

00:00 Intro
02:40 Setup
06:09 11 mins Benchy VS 40 mins Benchy
07:46 Clearance test
08:36 Tolerance test
09:35 Retraction test, compare with Prusa XL, Ender 3 V3, BambuLab A1 & A1 Mini
10:25 Surface quality test, compare with Kobra 2 Pro, Ender 3 V3, BambuLab A1 & Prusa MK4
11:57 Testing with other materials: PETG, TPU
13:48 Multiple color printing test: Hello Kitty (4 colors)
16:43 Multiple color printing test: Dragon Ball Vegeta (4 colors)
18:32 First layer test PLA sheet
18:55 Pros and Cons
Affiliate links:
AnyCubic Kobra 3 Combo:
shrsl.com/4ks40
Aurora Tech Channel 3D Printer Price Tracker and recommendation list:
auroratechchan...
Filaments:
$16.99 VOXELPLA Pro / PETG+:
bit.ly/3UhJpYS
Eryone filament (PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU as low as $13 per roll, min 10 rolls):
auroratechchan...
Chitu Conjure Tri-color Silk PLA:
amzn.to/3ySKPTj
Prusa filaments:
www.prusa3d.co...
3D models:
Honeycomb box with lid:
cults3d.com/en...
Tolerance test:
cults3d.com/en...
Number slider:
www.printables...
Trash can:
www.thingivers...
Dragon Ball Vegeta:
www.thingivers...
Hello Kitty:
sketchfab.com/...

[@zerofox3d]

The thoroughness and repeatability of your reviews is glorious.

[@User7039]

Another great review. Aurora Tech does a better job than most QC departments.

[@ajlbeer]

You guys have definitely become the go-to channel for 3D printer reviews. But instead of only measuring print quality by comparing printers based on their top recommended speed, I'd love to see a comparison using a standardized print speed. For example, what would a lama print from the top 10 printers look like if they all printed at 450m/s?

[@no.way.out_]

the quality of your videos are unmatched. seriously, you show us everything we could have asked for. so professional, congrats!

[@Evo_Spec]

I didn't realize Aurora's videos were released so late XD Will definitely check this out in the morning! Aurora's reviews are so in depth and technical. Definitely the gold standard of 3d printer reviews!

[@AuroraTech]

We stay up late during the summer holidays :)

[@oleurgast730]

For problems with z-offset: The termistor of the heat bed is on the underside of the bed. So the moment the thermistor sensors final temperature reached, the upper surface of the bed has not reached final temperature jet. After the printbed is signaled to have reached the final temperature, always wait 5 to 20 minutes (depending on the printer and used temperatures), so the bed´s deformation after heating has stopped. Than you start the ABL process. Preheating the bed, than waiting, has always improved my first layer. Sadly, many reviews tell how fast the printer heats up and start the print. An extra 10 or 20 minutes waiting time would result in bad reviews... On my Qidi X-Max 3 there is even a sticker telling to preheat and give time. However, in the slicer profiles there is no wait 5 (or more) minutes waiting time. Just add a line in the gcode after bed heating to wait - and first layer improves.

[@bryancampbell4604]

You're using than wrong. Than is to compare, and then is to tell what is happening, happened, or going to happen.

[@Mockthenerd]

​@@bryancampbell4604 Nobody likes a grammar Nazi

[@cs319103]

I've been waiting for this review! No other channel goes into the depth and analysis as you both do. Aurora Tech has THE BEST reviews. period.

[@anthonylong5870]

YES! good job Aurora I have been waiting for your review of this

[@NunoPereira]

I think this is one of the most wanted reviews of the year.... the first Bambu multi material rival arrive! Great review as always, for buying new 3d printer, your channel is the top to search.

[@f8haus]

Aurora Tech continues to be one of the best channels on KZbin. Thank you for your hard work.

[@ChazBword]

ANOTHER ONE! Another amazing Aurora Tech video with such professional attention to details. So thorough. Love the content you two create.

[@Sisu_Snacks1917]

I just went through the process of removing my MMUS2 from my Prusa MK3S+. I was thinking of doing the upgrade to the 3.9 or 4 with MMU3, but thought I should see what is out there with a similar price. I saw this review with 7 hours left on the early-bird pricing. Thank you so much for your detailed reviews. You have saved me both money and a crazy amount of time/effort. Crispy high-fives for everybody at Aurora tech.

[@33DM]

Sempre professionale ed imparziale nelle tue recensioni! Sei il punto di riferimento per tutti noi nella stampa 3D! GRAZIE!!!

[@ItsHydraX8]

Gotta say I love the thoroughness of these videos. Please keep it up. It has greatly influenced my final decision when it comes to a new printer. Even though I don't buy a new one often, Im sure for many others like myself I come back to this channel time and time again for insight on what is new for each and every new printer on the market. Thank you!

[@GetDerpyTTV]

This is the video that sold me on the kobra 3 combo for my first printer, thanks!

[@marblemolly2454]

I would love to know how you are you finding? I am at analysis paralysis between this and the Bambu A1 with AMS.

[@GetDerpyTTV]

@@marblemolly2454 I've been lucky enough that I haven't had any issues with mine so far, but I've only had it running 24 hours. Since joining facebook groups and stuff for the printer though, seems it's a 50/50 chance of it working out of the box or needing a bunch of work. I do wish I'd have gone for the bambu just because it's more established and has a better community.

[@kc86]

Thank you for the excellent introduction and thorough review of the machine. The pros and cons are clearly outlined, which helped me decide between this and the Bambu. I chose to get this machine because I can see the potential for improvements. You are a great reviewer, and I thank you for the helpful information.

[@ShiCkM]

and how is ure experiance?

[@awilliams1701]

lol I'm pretty sure my prusa mk4 can print that same hello kitty model with the same size tower maybe less, but it has no poop shoot or poop collection system. So the tower is it. Either way it's using less filament. The MMU3 is the most effecient single nozzle multi material system.

[@koomar341]

Awesome reviews as always Aurora Tech! You guys are the youngest but best 3d printer reviewers.

[@drgalvanimd]

they grow up so fast... congrats on the channel! Great job as always!

[@KarlBunker]

Whenever I watch my printer running, one of the Aurora Tech "printer in action" tunes starts playing in my head. 🎶😀

[@StewKeto3DPrinting]

Enjoyable and informative as usual; thank you. I see a growing trend amongst the printers you've reviewed with auto-Z offset... they aren't all that they're cracked up to be. I manually set mine on all of my printers, since I like a little more squish with some materials.

[@CristianoWaster]

Another great review! In Brazil this machine there's a huge price difference with Bambu A1 (I found Kobra 3 Combo more cheap then A1 mini combo). If Anycubic improve the printer quality and allow change color change tower for another stl, I think I will give a chance to this machine!

[@Drd4all]

Don't do that stupid mistake man I beg you. Bambulab currently has, until de 5'th of July, a anniversary sale so all the prices are they lowest they ever been. Get yourself the A1 and be done with at this "auto offset, but it's a bit too high bullshit"

[@luislhg]

​@@Drd4allbambu prices are multiplied by 3 in Brazil, there are no sales either... Only creality and sometimes anycubic are reasonable affordable

[@TheRiddimselecta]

I subscribed out of respect for your knowledge of Super Saiyan Blue & Ultra Ego

[@gremlin60]

Thanks again for a great video. Have now orderd one. now just need to wait... I have a anycubic vyper now. Of all the printers i have had, it is probably the best one i have had. It just works all the time, but so slow, so needed a upgrade.

[@CorrodedGalaxy]

i just got mine yesterday :) thanks for making this video i realized how many other features i missed!

[@billb921]

The exact review I was hoping for, perfect...Thanks!

[@tonyprice8108]

Very thorough and detailed review.

[@shawnmichaelis1609]

that tolerance test was insane! i wish mine was that good

[@bobrutz4424]

Another great and honest review from the best reviewer out there,thanks Aurora👍👍👍

[@tomwitman7465]

Another excellent review. THE place for honest reviews! Keep up the good work!

[@wilfredmarual8463]

Nice demo ❤ , I print TPU with 0 degree temp, heat bed , it’s okay ✅

[@Thisdudechannel]

great work. Glad this ch is growing

[@aspectratio703]

You always do such a thoughtful, thorough job of reviews. I was wondering “why is she using that stylus thing to press the touch screen buttons” and of course it’s so your hand doesn’t get in the way so we can see what’s being pressed. So great. Congrats.

[@Maffy0Bear]

number one review channel by far. no bullshit.

[@anthonylong5870]

I noticed that the Kobra 3 had a total of 234g of filament used for the multicolor Hello kitty and the Bambu had 276g and just its flush was ....The Kobra 3 is so much more efficient it seems and thats without tweaking anything like the Bambu was.....And also the Kobra 3 was 5 hours faster!...incredible

[@Feibie]

I've been telling people to give this combo consideration when they were discussing options on reddit for multi spool system, Creality or Bambu were the main contenders and I suggested this being very budget friendly in comparison and it was dismissed for bring 'old tech'

[@anthonylong5870]

@@Feibie Funny thing is Bambu are all 2-3 year old tech. The Kobra 3 has surpassed them in just about every spec category

[@Feibie]

@@anthonylong5870 yeah, that's reddit for you though lol

[@anthonylong5870]

@@Feibie The Bambu cult is real. Definitely the scientologists of 3D printing lol

[@Feibie]

@@anthonylong5870 I reckon the hate for Creality is stronger than the Bambu cult. Lol

[@loganmacneil3424]

Mine was the opposite and had a offset that was smearing every layer and pulling prints off the bed regardless of the time it was heated, I troubleshot for over an hour so heat wasn't the reason and the only thing that helped was a permanent 0.05 z-axis offset profile. After that its been a workhorse, the only other thing i changed was using bed adhesive as it didn't really have the holding power without it for any small prints or tree supports.

[@BennyTygohome]

This looks like a winner

[@aeonjoey3d]

Here we go! Finally some answers.

[@pacificcoastminiatures]

Great review as always Aurora! Nice printer and AMS but these manufacturers really need to figure out a way to reduce filament change times and the waste produced.

[@blalesnail3098]

Seems like a much better machine than I anticipated. Wish I'd jumped on the $350 amazon sale.

[@redline6871]

Ordered one myself I will for sure slow it down I never printed at max speeds just being able to print and dry filament all in one combined unit sold me. I’m sure they will have updates for the z offset to make it better.

[@Zitong-Angela]

awsome and thoughtful review 😍maybe one day i'll finally get my printer working...

[@bizzik1841]

You have the best reviews.

[@notchipotle]

I got mine yesterday, crazy deal for $450, it just works like my bambulab A1, no problem so far. But I will change all the wheels to polycarbonate

[@deviouscat0]

24:20 If you buy the ACE pro separately from the printer, it is $300 USD. It is only $110 USD if you buy it along with the printer. Bambu Lab also discounts their AMS units if you buy them in a combo with the printer.

[@BennyTygohome]

This is great combo printer to see. It'll kinda force advancement with competition, such as the A1, which this combo seems it's almost trying to clone.

[@D_Deimos]

There is an Orca Slicer based Anycubic Slicer that is in beta, it seems to be at least v2.0 of Orca. I did notice, however, that you can NOT adjust the flushing volumes between filaments. Anycubic really needs to change their firmware to allow adjustment of flush between different colors to minimize waste, the print currently allows you to only adjust a global flush volume directly from the printer screen.

[@aeonjoey3d]

4:39: RedOne… let’s go to the beach beach, let’s go get away… ✨

[@erickkang6385]

Can you please do a review on the bambu lab p1s❤

[@songhappy2547]

this is super helpful, thank you

[@802Garage]

Seems solid overall, but cloud only printing? Why wouldn't local printing features be finished first? That's backwards.

[@avejst]

Impressive printer Great review as always Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@jasonwiltjer9]

I personally would still go with the A1 for its reliability and because it basically just always works without effort. But this seems like a great printer if you want something a little faster and don't mind making some occasional adjustments.

[@tweekFPV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@918swimbikerun]

How do I select the appropriate sequence for filament in the touchscreen? I had a black gray white green design. The software on the touchscreen is unclear filament is where? They are setup accordingly in the dryer but how do I know which is 1-4 after I push print?

[@joshuahanson9627]

What was the random square tower behind the Hello Kitty model? Seems like a waste of filament to print the extra tower but this may just be my lack of knowledge.

[@corlissmedia2.0]

Here's a Creality Slicer Update: The newest version dated July 2 DOES NOT WORK ON MY WIN10 MACHINE. The previous version didn't work either. Both installations locked up when the programs loaded. After selection a K1 and a KMax, a box appears that says something's missing, and says it will load when I start the programs, but neither program will load. I have to use Task Manager to end both programs.

[@eaman11]

Anycubic and Creality are just releasing their filament changer solution, Bambulab is having a month long sale to empty the inventory, I guess that for the back to school time Bambu will release the new models with a new solution like multi extrusion that won't waste time and filament.

[@sethufford5727]

Love these videos, I wish I could get my printers to be as reliable. 😅

[@corlissmedia2.0]

Great video!

[@mygeekycreations]

Thank you for the review! One thing is what speeds did you use for everything? I like that you have the temp per filament you used but did you use the default 300 for all the prints? Did you modify any of the percentages for things?

[@KnuXx28]

just waiting for them to fix the slicer and add some gui features. it leaves much to be desired and is the only issue i have experienced and unfortunately it isn't a light issue as it effects the experience greatly. i hope they fix the problems the machine has and add full color and flush management.

[@wiwibaguette6683]

I told myself to not use any cubic after the k2n, however this looks nice, despite the Pom wheel a axis and the slightly worse firmware and automatic-bility

[@JackKennedy1963]

Great review!!!!! I believe this printer has a phone app , makeronline, and some units come with a camera? Would love to get more insights on the app and Kobra's ecosystem

[@nuy6n6nn]

Shout out to the Ultimaker machine in the background being used as a filament dry box 😂

[@andrzejwegrzyn5524]

Great review, thanks 👍

[@notchipotle]

I wish AMS also function as dryer, humidity is around 70-100% here

[@Doogleraia]

All AnyCubic needs to make now, is a fast coreXY printer that the Ace Pro system works with.. and Bambu Lab doesn't have anything to "sell" that isn't just a higher priced version of what most other brands can do now. What is Bambu Lab going to do next to stand out? Reliable and fast belt-printer with multi-filament? Multi-resin printer for "multi-color" resin? SLS for consumer-grade that doesn't break the bank?

[@gman9543]

I question the long-term reliability though. My experience with Anycubic is that they generally print pretty well out of the box, but then start having problems after a few spools of filament have been run through. This has been consistent with their Mega i3, and Pro Max v2. Printed great out of the box, but then ended up with extruder and hotend clogging issues that pretty much killed any future productivity.

[@jean-marcgruninger9019]

wow! these new colour printers are crazy cheap, but for me building the printer is the part i like , so i would probably go for a printer that came as a kit.

[@aeonjoey3d]

Thank you, this is what a lot of people mix up, some people are in the hobby for the printer, some are in it for the CAD and model design so the printer needs to just print. I think we need to differentiate it as “3D printers” vs “3D printing” there’s lots of overlap of course, but while I started with a reprap, voron, and lulzbot person, I’m now a Bambu user because I design cad for a living and don’t have time anymore to fix the printer. I just need it to work.

[@carlknight7530]

How about testing it on a stable surface rather than on top of the ACE?

[@huzzygam1]

Another amazing review, I’m conflicted with this machine, on one hand it’s an excellent machine at a fantastic price but….. if only it could do abrasive filament and make better use of its 300c hot end , I’m not asking it to do a hello kitty and a pc/cf part at the same time but the option would be great

[@elliot3147]

I wanted to see this vs A1

[@Chrisisthebest28iy]

Aurora did you review the orangestrom giga the big printer that has a 800 X 800 X 1000

[@AuroraTech]

Coming next

[@Chrisisthebest28iy]

Yes I can’t wait 🎉

[@riceball4u172]

Oh yea, to save filaments, you should stop using infills and use 3-5 shell layer which will make it stronger

[@ian1957ruth]

Been watching 3D printing videos for several years (Still no printer). Reason being I did not want to tinker with the printer so Creality was dismissed. (Rightly or wrongly, I do not know.) Then I found Bambu labs A1 which I liked, then this one. But now I have started to realize do I need a multi colour printer, I do not think so. So which single filament printer would you suggest? One of the above without the multicolour or something completely different?

[@AuroraTech]

Please visit my recommendation list at AuroraTechChannel.com.

[@nachot6592]

Does anybody know why can't I change the quality of only this video in particular?

[@AkiTsukita]

So disappointed that the Ace Pro it's not compatible with other printers

[@andreas.grundler]

It's actually the other way around. The other printers are not compatible with the ACE Pro. You would have to modify the other printers so that they can use the ACE Pro and adapt their firmware. The only multicolor solution I have seen so far that works without any changes to the printer is the Mosaic Palette.

[@szerli4023]

Hello. Would you recommend this over Bambu Lab A1 printer?

[@StumpyTales]

I LOVE the improvisation of stacking the printer on top of the filament unit, but doesn't it prevent the unit being opened to change filaments etc?

[@MrJlhhagood2]

Torn between a1 and k3

[@MrUniq]

The software, Z offset inconsistency, and surface quality were one of the reasons I quit using my Kobra 2 and it looks like that is still like a factor here. All of these machines aren't perfect and require some form of occasional adjustment, but I felt like the Kobra series fought me the most in that area. I think they have a brilliant design team, but I'll continue to avoid their products until they work out the kinks or allow easier tweaking of their hardware/software.

[@BrianDavisDivis]

Amazingly thorough review! I was thinking about getting into multiple materials for a while. Seeing this, I am not sold and will probably save up for MMU3 instead. It's cheaper (if you already have MK4, which I do) and it seems to produce much less waste while probably being a bit faster and with superior print quality. Any thoughts on that? Thanks!

[@laich2]

i think watch from a youtube video: one way to use the flush plastic is to print one model that does not care color alongside the main model. for example, woodworking corner bracket.

[@woodcraftloop]

When printing a multiple copies @16:35 the actual waste of filament is not exactly the same, because you also use supports. Sure, the efficiency is way better.

[@QuietMikeW]

That’s pretty cool and good price, but I can’t get over the amount of waste for color changes!

[@doranku]

Looks like a nice bedslinger. Just needs to be potty trained for multicolour and a must is the LAN only mode. Just wait till all promises are delivered upon.

[@DaKOGJet]

Hard to believe they didn’t cherry pick this printer and make sure it’s perfect. I’m seeing tons of issues in the fb groups. These reviews would be more accurate if they were just bought without knowing it was sent to Aurora.

[@FirstLast-wg5rd]

Yep, I got a Neptune 4 based on reviewer hype and that thing ended up being awful.

[@patrickcadieux3264]

Would you recomend this for a beginners first buy to get started? Im trying to decide o what to buy. I. Stuck between the kobra 3. Elegoos neptune 4 plus and bambus p1p p1s not sure what i should get as a biginner looking to get into 3d printing... any information would greatly be apriciated! Amaizing video btw best one out for this printer by far

[@AuroraTech]

Please visit my website auroratechchannel.com for my recommendation list.

[@bradg8664]

Can you please do a video on removing the tube from the extruder. I can’t never get them out

[@chuckrodriguezfishing2799]

Thank you……

[@Shad0wWulf]

I bought the printer because of this review :) Thanks! One question, If I print in say Filament 2 (white for me) the print completes, and i start another print using the same Filament 2 (white) it still does a large purge before the print, is this needed? can it be turned off? Surly the printer knows the last filament number. So if it was 2, it wouldn't need to purge, but if it was different from the last it does. Seems wasteful.

[@AuroraTech]

It seems like it's a firmware-level starting G-code. I can't find a way to avoid purging, even if you are going to print the same color again.

[@matouseksimracer]

I have an MK3S and a Prusa XL, but with a single extruder. At least at this moment, I do not really print multicolored prints that often, but knowing how much filament and time you can save by using multiple toolheads is incredible. Yes, it is a very expensive machine with many flaws, but for multicolor prints, it is barely unbeatable. Everyone needs to do the math to justify the cost of a machine 🙂 I would only use two toolheads, so an upgrade may be incoming 🙂

[@Eric_In_SF]

On the clearance test, the walls look terrible. All those little ridges and bumps on each layer. Looks like the extrusion is not very consistent and almost looks like the filament was really wet. Also, the ghosting is pretty heavy duty. Finally would love to see you do your sound test trying to isolate some of the resident frequencies of everything around. It seems a good portion of the sound may be coming from your table and when you set it on top of things, etc. You can use something like sorbothane and do the calculations to cut the right size pads and do the sound test on something like a concrete floor. so you’re not measuring the resonating frequencies of the cabinet or stand. Also, there should be some sound reflecting material and absorbing material so that you’re also not measuring the reflected sounds But you do the same every single time I don’t think it matters that much, but it would be nice to dial in some of the testing a little more sophisticated

[@adolphweidanz2143]

Great review. I tried ordering one, but for some reason they won't ship to the US Virgin Islands. I've sent 2 emails to them, but have not heard back.

[@riodave4954]

Been waiting for this review for a while, I got the printer maybe 5 days ago and in love it with.. I've been using it more then my k1 so far since I don't need to worry about loading and unloading filament, it does purge more then I like and that's because of the slicer and no letting u use it as infill.. I've heard it's going open source at some point cause omg I hate there slicer even a dark mode would make there slicer better.. but for now enjoying it! What free item did u get? I got the mouse but it was DOA. Also my ACE system squeals when using the 1st spot need to open it or get in contact with anycubic to replace or send parts to fix but still not to bad :)

[@XxOjotaxX]

Do you have problem with bridging?

[@quanghoangang655]

Great video! how about this printer compare with bambulab a1?

[@3dtechnologies153]

Please review FLSUN S1

[@mazmorbid5840]

Those print speeds !! I'm still printing at 60mm/s on a CR10 😂😂