Update: Has the ANYCUBIC Kobra 3 gotten any better?

[@IdiotCraftMan]

This is a follow up to my previous video where I went into detail about what I didn't like about the Kobra 3! If you want to get a Kobra 3 of your own, they are currently on sale on the Anycubic site! link down below for the combo unit from anycubic, and the single color from amazon! links may earn commissions! Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo for $379! shrsl.com/4oe3h Amazon, Single Color anycubic Kobra 3: amzn.to/47nLh9r

[@RELIXAUCO]

I'm having color issues with my 2 A1 Combo. 0 Problems with the Kobra 3 so far. Really good. Much better actually.

[@danmathewson7621]

I've had my kobra 3 for about two months now. I did have an issue with heat creep when I first got it. I had to replace the hot end. Once I did that, I haven't had any more issues. And like you said they've had a couple of firmware updates. Which fixed many things. I have about 500 hours on mine now.. knock on wood, so far so good.

[@IdiotCraftMan]

Love it!

[@ericsvoboda8906]

Why does it need a purge tower if it poops out the change? Is there a way to do it where instead of just a tower you can print like a little vase or something that you don’t care about the color blending or change color in infill instead of even pooping

[@TribalIsland]

It’s technically called a prime tower used to prime the color after purging to ensure the new filament has constant flow so you don’t have under or over extrusion.

[@Blackactionfigure]

I just set mine up (after having it for a couple of weeks). I actually waited until I heard more about the Anycubic Slicer Next so today was the day. Setup was smooth (although I struggled a little getting the tubes into the ACE unit) and calibration went well. I guess my issue being if this wasn't my sixth printer, I would probably be a little lost. I was able to print initially through the app and the cloud services, but I really wanted to use the Slicer Next since I've been using Orca Slicer for a few months now....and I'm still discovering new ways to use it. Using Slicer Next is better, but I hope they continue to update it to get more features down the road. The other issue is that I almost had to self-teach myelf how to color a model because there really are no clear instructions. Google and KZbin helped a lot, but wish it was a little more intuitive. Now that I have this, I have to convince myself not to purchase a Bambu A1 Combo....we'll see how long I last, lol. So far, so good, 2 prints in....

[@IdiotCraftMan]

I love Bambu printers!

[@cassidy7255]

I second the customer support. Absolutely fantastic company. I've had quite a few Mega Xs and Kobra 2 Pros. Absolutely love them. Just picked up a Kobra 3 but haven't assembled yet - great video!

[@IdiotCraftMan]

Thank you so much! If you have any issues with install, i did a set up video for it a couple months ago!

[@andrewlemon5575]

I’ve had mine for 3 days and the ACE Pro went KABOOM the FIRST time I tried the dryer… now it’s just a box on the floor.. won’t turn on. Didn’t even get to try a color print.

[@IdiotCraftMan]

That's crazy! I haven't heard of that happening to anyone yet! Get in touch with anycubic and they'll take care of you!

[@TheCybercrash]

I am following your vidios closely. I am trying to figure out if I want the A1 or this one. I like the open firmware very much, but don't have time to tinker around more than I use the printer for printing. Would you update to the latest firmware an compare both?

[@MaxxforceDT]

Same here, currently have Kobra 2 Neo and wanting to know if the A1 Combo would be better than the Kobra 3 Combo

[@MrJlhhagood2]

I have the k3 and ordered k3 max they are great

[@pcwzrd13]

I got mine about a month ago and have done over 200 hours of printing on it so far. Almost every print has come out essentially perfect with only one failure that I can attribute to the printer itself. The failure was due to me trying to lower the z-offset. It worked fine on the actual print where I lowered it but on the next print the nozzle was scraping the bed. As others have mentioned with this printer, there's an issue with the z-offset not saving correctly, so I kind of expected this. I did a factory reset just to be safe and I haven't had an issue since. I also haven't attempted to change the z-offset again. I'd like it to be a bit lower for a better finish on the bottom of the print but it's good enough. I should note that I've never updated the firmware (it's still on v2.3.1.3), mainly because I'm afraid to. lol Considering I've had no major issues so far, I'm just sticking with the firmware I have for now. Oh and the vast majority of my filament is on cardboard spools and I haven't run into any issues with that either. Maybe I'm just lucky. lol

[@IdiotCraftMan]

Super lucky i would say! I can’t get the cardboard spools to work to save my life!

[@pcwzrd13]

@@IdiotCraftMan Have you tried printing the cardboard spool adapters? I printed some of those to use with my cardboard spools as I assumed I would need them but I haven't noticed any issues so far using the spools as-is.

[@IdiotCraftMan]

@@pcwzrd13 I’ve seen them, i haven’t really messed with them yet, because i wanted to run multiple types of spools stock to verify the issue

[@goodash1]

I too have had no issues with the cardboard spools.

[@dagda825]

Would switching to a higher quality nozzle help with my clogging issues? On my kobra 3, I get some great prints and then I get a clog. I went for the kobra 3 after a couple of years of great printing with my vyper. I like to tinker so that's not a huge deal. Glad I found you.

[@stephenkelly8065]

Just to agree that Anycubic customer support is pretty good. I have had continuous problems with bigger prints on the Kobra 2 pro, with the nozzle hitting the job ? They sent me a new hot end and then a new stepper motor, neither fixed the problem, eventually they sent me a replacement machine which seems to be spot on . God only knows what was wrong with the last one ?! They were quite easy to chat with and always seemed to get the problems fixed. Would definitely recommend Anycubic for anyone who wants a middle of the road machine with great support experience. Wish they were all as good ?!

[@IdiotCraftMan]

They have a great budget friendly machine, sand the best customer support in the business!

[@stephenkelly8065]

@@IdiotCraftMan I have actually pulled the trigger and purchased one ! Their offer at the moment was too good to pass up ?! However my friends call me “Betamax Man”, which probably is a sign that they will stop updating the software in the next couple of months ?! Hopefully not.

[@IdiotCraftMan]

@@stephenkelly8065 only time will tell! I think they're putting a lot of time and energy into it, so hopefully they keep improving upon it!

[@georgebrown1004]

@@stephenkelly8065 I'd say you have until about the kobra 3 pro or the kobra 4 comes out, then you will never see anything update or even support really. I made the mistake of buying the kobra 2 pro just as the kobra 3 was about to come out and suddenly there's no support and no updates. they'll get it to about 98% perfectly working then release the 4 or the pro and give up on it :(

[@amikell94]

I upgraded from the Ender 3 V3 SE (Even modded, it was an upgrade) to the Kobra 3 Combo when ebay had there 20% off sale!! For the price I got it for, I would say it's very solid considering Creality's latest bedslinger, the V3 w/ belted Z is in the same price range. As far as issues, my only issue is mass printing small multicolor models. At least one tends to pop off the bed. May be user issue, but not sure. The other thing that concerns me is how the filament backup is handled. Instead of using up what's left after the ace tells the machine the spool run out, it purges out the entire tube worth of filament, then switches to the backup.

[@Lorddarthvader1701]

I like the Kobra 3 I did have a user error but I fixed that and have had pretty good luck so far, ( I hope I didn't jinx it) Good video and yes it's a high maintenance machine but hey it's a 3D printer enough said

[@IdiotCraftMan]

True story!

[@potomastercam609]

Have had a few printers through age and break down im downbto 1 functional an x1c im on the fence between the a1 and kobra but the filament dryers got me running that way

[@FuIImatiK]

its currently down to $380 for the combo. thats actually a pretty good deal for that price.

[@IdiotCraftMan]

Can’t beat it!

[@Hatefulfoot]

I just ordered one on eBay from Anycubic store and I got it for 340. It had a 20% off coupon.

[@Berrr_Is_The_Word]

Yep, I paid $379 USD even since mine came from Canada lol. Though I’m regretting it with every unboxing and spec comparison video I watch lol. I do want to get my hands on those Pantone colors badly, Ngl, but in the mean time I’ve got some COEX PLA & PETG I’m gonna try. Those cardboard spools spook me. 😅

[@andrewlemon5575]

@@Berrr_Is_The_Wordregretting the Kobra?

[@winglo7246]

Just ordered one for 285 euro :)

[@MyCrazyCatLife]

Your skills are increasing!

[@IdiotCraftMan]

Thanks my man!

[@guilhermecarvalhotrindade2625]

I had an Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus for years and dealt with my fair share of issues with it, but I would still recommend it for the price. I get the feeling that your general reception of the Kobra is *lukewarm* at best, but the price is low enough that you tolerate it. How about other machines in that same price range? Aside from the A1, can any other machine (in your experience) do multifilament at this quality/price/speed/whatever?

[@IdiotCraftMan]

Not in this speed and price range. You can get an IDEX printer to run two colors, but I've had some issues running IDEX before, and they weren't exactly quick. I know Creality is coming out with their version of a multicolor system shortly, which I BELIEVE will be compatible with the v3 and k2 series.

[@oliverlouis9937]

Regarding the camera/Timelapse: I‘ve noticed that viewing the printer through the app or through the slicers over my network is working most of the time very well. As long as you‘re NOT running a Timelapse. If you‘re activating the Timelapse function it works in the beginning but gets to the point of not being able to connect to the camera the longer a print takes. I also don‘t like the Anycubic camera so I‘ve mounted a Logitech C920 at my shelf for monitoring the printer. I think we‘ll get much better Timelapse and camera handling once Anycubic is opening up the printer as they‘ve promised so that we can access the Klipper interface directly. P.S. Oh… and regarding the cardboard spools… in the beginning I used had Kingroon Cardboar spools on the Kobra without issues, but meanwhile I‘m always using adapters for all brands. There are dozens available at makeronline / printables / thingiverse / aso….. to be fair: Also got issues on my bambu printers with cardboard spools so I‘m also using adapters for them…

[@RobertGlazier]

I've had the A1 for almost a year and haven't had any issues. I did replace the heat bed cable, even though it didn't need it.

[@IdiotCraftMan]

Only issues I’ve had with the a1 mini are my own fault usually. I tend to put filament through it that shouldn’t go through it

[@isthattrue1083]

Most of the issues you've encountered are user issues and not the machine. It took me a minute to get used to some of it's quirks... My biggest peeve with it is z-offset. If you adjust during a print up or down, guaranteed next print it is grinding the nozzle into the bed unless you auto-level again. it's not a tinkerer's machine as it is auto everything like the Bambu Labs printer... it's just not idiot proofed like Bambu Labs printers.

[@AbielMartinez1]

why can't you use aftermarket (non anycubic) filament in the ace pro? is there a way to do so? I can't seem to make it work

[@IdiotCraftMan]

You absolutely can. You just have to make sure to select the filament when you’re starting your print. As in you have to manually enter on the touchscreen what kind of filament and what color you’re using

[@AbielMartinez1]

@@IdiotCraftMan I'll try it again... but I had been getting an error saying it it was unknown and would not print. if it does not work that is disappointing since anycubic doesn't make very type/color filament available. wish me luck

[@stickercambodia]

​@@AbielMartinez1No manufacturer in 3d printing industry would make there products to only use their brand filaments. If it's still not work, you could try reach out to support.

[@isthattrue1083]

You need longer bowden tubes on the ACE Pro from how you have it sitting on the shelf below the printer.... You see the sharp angle they are at going into the tool head? That'll definitely cause issues. The slicer you want is AnycubicSlicerNext.... which is based on Orca.

[@isthattrue1083]

Your Kobra 3 camera isn't assembled right...

[@michaelhill4015]

How do you achieve such amazing color changes? Seriously, that's next level.

[@IdiotCraftMan]

Good filament, no tangles, and don’t be in a rush to print too fast

[@saliston]

I have had mine for a few months now. Their support is great and the printer keeps getting better and better. Now it printers perfectly every time. I can see your problem is your bowden tubes are being bent to sharply. That pinches the filament causing issues.

[@mattg2596]

lot of these youtubers have low iq logics on physics etc i notice.

[@Samisregular]

My only issue with this printer is the hotend clogging. It happens with silk pla and most petg. Is anyone else experiencing this? I'm just wondering If I'm doing something wrong when it comes to settings. My older kobra neo took anything I threw at it and never clogged so It's kind of new tinkering territory for me 😂

[@netkishi77]

Can you talk more whether it have under/over extrusion etc?

[@IdiotCraftMan]

I haven’t come across any issues with that

[@drewbombs7059]

Use "anycubic slicer next" way more options hybrid between anycubic and orca and can remote print and is made for multicolor, you can set filament types and temps and much, much more

[@IdiotCraftMan]

Not available for MAC OS yet unfortunately

[@isthattrue1083]

You can update the printer through the printer and the ACE Pro through the printer or the slicer.

[@84dezh]

Are you going to look into the kobra 3 max ?

[@Mac4cyn]

Where you get the godzilla model?

[@eyalzarchi631]

Had issues as well. The prints got loose from the hotbed which drove me crazy!!!! Tried alcohol and windex (which helped a bit). But hairspray fixed this issue completely... Just dont spray on the printer... Always take the sheet outside.. Changing extruder retrieve settings to 3-4mm also fixed my cloggings. The camera doesnt always open from the app because the camera and the cloud connection is all using the motherboard CPU which is not strong enough. If you dont mark the AI feature (which has more false positive that it should), then the camera works 95% of the times. And yes i printed a Plastic rings for the cardboard spools.

[@GundamExia88]

Does it work with Octoprint or Mainsail with Anycubic Kobra 3? I'm thinking about buying one. Been building 3D printer since 2012... it's hard to get a multicolor/filament at good price.

[@peterclegg2609]

I don't know what you use on the bed but I switched to 3dlac from amazon and it's incredible, everything sticks to the bed.

[@IdiotCraftMan]

Good to know, I'll check it out, thanks!

[@damonbossYT]

Just ordered one used a coupon got 25$ off so I bought the camera upgrade total cost 370,upgrading from ender 3 s1 should definitely be an upgrade

[@JeffroDH]

Part of your bad image problem is the extreme backlighting. Move the light source above the print instead.

[@barryj0413]

Not sure if it's allowed but fauxhammer has a $25 coupon for the combo. Mine was $352 shipped.

[@IdiotCraftMan]

Solid!

[@RobertGlazier]

I've had mine for two days and have done 3 software updates, so I guess they are trying.

[@IdiotCraftMan]

That they are! I’ve talked to them many times, and they seem to genuinely care about their product

[@RynoDBones]

Mine is "for Christmas" but I’m definitely going to open it this weekend to make sure it works….then put it away for a couple months…ugh.

[@IdiotCraftMan]

Oh man, that’s almost like torture!

[@charlieeverhart6646]

Best customer support???? They have never even bothered to answer any email I've sent them. I glad you were able to talk to a human

[@norcal6181]

IMO, it sounds like it would be better to cough up a few extra bucks for the Bambu Labs A1. Its like $60 more. I'd rather spend the extra 60 and not deal with the problems.

[@IdiotCraftMan]

I like my bambu printers, just keep in mind, they do have their own set of problems!

[@markflakez]

That's true. I got a great deal for 254€ tho. It will arrive in a few days. I'm happy because I've only printed with resin before.

[@oneanother1]

Waiting for the kobra 3 max. I wonder if they solved the inconsistent z offset issue at the start of every print? The hobby of 3d printing has died down considerably by the looks of it. There hasn't been any new releases of late from other 3d printer manufacturers. Im still waiting to see what the elegoo corexy machine brings, and the creality k2 multicolor. Where's the any cubic corexy machine? 2024 for 3d printing has been a did.

[@SeanBogue]

my kobra 3 combo kicked ass for about a month. Then a partial matte black filament clogged the nozzle. cleaned up pretty good. Started fresh a week ago, and the hotend part exploded the print head cover right off. 🎉 waiting on a new hotel part. I too hate the purge block and the tons of waste, and the cause of many failures. which was part of my clogging issues of the head riding around with poop balls still stuck on the nozzle ooof. it's tough not printing everyday. 😅 that's how good it started out. your video helped me feel a little better about my disasters. ❤

[@RobertGlazier]

I had an update today.

[@Longowarchild]

Seeing the first part of your video shows that the ptfe tube is too an extreme an angle to properly feed into the K3. 1:15 shows that the ptfe tube is almost at a 90 degree angle. You need to give the feeding tubes more of a buffer so that the angle of feed is not so extreme when it flushes on the right side of the printer. @IdiotCraftMan

[@IdiotCraftMan]

I haven’t had too much of an issue with it not feeding right due to the tubing. Because of how i have it set up i know that it can cause an error, and i don’t really fault the machine for that

[@mikeobrien9829]

Your issue could be that you have the Ace Pro sitting under the machine, the instructions clearly advise to have it next to the printer , I have run my Kobra and Ace pro for hundreds of hours and have not had a single issue with nozzle clogs. I certainly would not call it a tinkerers machine. Just for context the Kora is one of 16 FDM printers I run at home, while its not quiet up to the standard of the premium machines like the Creality K1 Max , it is only 1/2 the price with a AMS. Maybe its time to ditch the Mac as they are such a tiny part of the computer world so will continue to have issues with software which will just get worse as the drop into total insignificance as they almost are now

[@IdiotCraftMan]

That's great that you've had such a positive experience. I also have quite an extensive collection of fdm printers. The location of the ace unit has not had a drastic impact on the operation of the machine. It runs basically the same as when the ace is right next to it. The computer does not cause me any issue, the fact that this particular company does not have one piece of software is not a valid enough reason to go buy a new computer.

[@johnakers326]

Those spools look beat to shit. Mine work fine with over 400 hours in the bag.

[@IdiotCraftMan]

The spools were brand new when they went into the Ace. The machine chews them up like this! Some people have zero issues with the Ace doing this, mine will chew up a cardboard spool in slot 3 every time!

[@JaPizius]

waited for amazon prime deal day to order the combo thinking i was getting a good deal shouldve seen this video 2 days ago wouldve saved me $65 :(

[@danielvelarde8311]

There was also a 25.00 code you can enter

[@nick4088]

Customer support is great, but product it produces is bad. I've never had good quality with Anycubic. After two Kobra 2 Max and a Mono X2 and a Mono X 6K. I"m done with Anycubic quality. I sold them for $200. Now I have an X1C and an A1. 10 times bettter in quality and ease of use. I don't care about the printer no more. I just wait for my prints. It's finally fun again. Anycubic makes quality units and looks good. But no software support at all. They just copy other peoples profiles and hope it works. Software is where Anycubic fails since the beginning and still on going. Advice. Just drop Anycubic.

[@stickercambodia]

East of use, yes. Yet, 10 times better in print quality, that's exaggerated. People could tram and calibrate even Ender 3 to print on par quality with Bambu. The only true point is Bambu is much better out of the box and not much tinkering on user end.

[@nick4088]

@stickercambodia true. Most people i know with enders eventually get it to print ok-ish after spending 100s of hours and more $$$ to end up trading it for Bambu. The rest are in denial. Don't believe me. Just check craigslist. 90%off the sales are enders. People are trying to get rid of them. Even if you are a pro. Get a new ender and you'll need to print this and that and buy this and that to replace and try to make it work. There goes another month or two to get one print good and then have to troubleshoot again why the next print sucks repeat... Bambu just changed the game. Now I just design and send and go get my print...repeat....

[@gojiraforbreakfast]

Sounds like a skill issue 😊

[@nick4088]

@gojiraforbreakfast nah. Denials. Trash those junk starter printers and move on. Give credit where it is due. Enders...anycubics. all denials to justify their purchases. I was once like that. At least with them two brands. I used to say Bambu Lad was just another printer. Until I got one. I gave the others away. All 4 of them. Only printer i kept was the mono x 6k. Stop being in denial.

[@gojiraforbreakfast]

@@nick4088 I'm not in denial dork. I have 16 Bambu printers. Some people are not mechanically capable of working out issues.

[@Berrr_Is_The_Word]

1:29 I always see it go head to head with the Bambu A1 and it just kills me.

[@Berrr_Is_The_Word]

0:09 please tell me the Kobra 3, because I heard nothing but good reviews, uppppp until I bought one. Now I’m hearing nothing but trash, so I’m super disappointed. My until is literally still sitting in its box. It may be returned.

[@IdiotCraftMan]

Set it up, play with it. Tinker with it. It's a fun machine! If you don't already know, you will learn a lot from this machine!