Anycubic is gearing up to release a new 3D printer, the Kobra S1 Combo, early next year, with a potential launch date of January 2nd. While the company has already offered glimpses of the printer at trade shows, a full release with pricing details is expected before Christmas. This blog post delves into the specifics of the Kobra S1 Combo, highlighting its features and comparing it to existing models.
Enclosed Design for Enhanced Print Quality:
One of the most significant differences between the Kobra S1 Combo and the Kobra 3 Max is its enclosed design. This enclosure provides a controlled printing environment, shielding the printing area from disruptive air drafts. These drafts can negatively impact print quality by causing warping, inconsistent layer adhesion, and other issues. By minimizing these external factors, the Kobra S1 Combo aims to deliver more consistent and reliable prints.
It's important to note that while the Kobra S1 Combo is enclosed, it does not feature active chamber heating. Instead, it relies on the heat generated by the print head and the heated print bed, which can reach temperatures up to 120°C (248°F). This approach is different from some high-end enclosed printers that actively heat the entire chamber for optimal material performance, especially with temperature-sensitive filaments.
Multi-Color Printing with a Single Print Head:
The Kobra S1 Combo offers multi-color printing capabilities, a feature it shares with the Kobra 3 Max. However, both printers achieve this using a single print head. This means the printer needs to perform filament changes during the printing process. The process involves:
Cutting the currently used filament.
Loading the new filament.
Extruding a small amount of the new filament to purge the previous color.
This method, while effective for multi-color printing, is different from printers with multiple print heads, which can deposit different colors simultaneously. The Kobra S1 Combo supports up to two ACE Pro units, each capable of holding four filament spools. This allows for a total of eight different filaments to be used in a single print, significantly expanding creative possibilities.
Build Volume and Comparison:
The Kobra S1 Combo offers a build volume of 250 x 250 x 250 mm (9.8 x 9.8 x 9.8 in), providing ample space for a variety of projects. This is a standard size for many desktop 3D printers and should be sufficient for most hobbyists and makers.
The provided information also mentions the Creality K2 Plus as a currently available alternative, albeit a more expensive one. This suggests that the Kobra S1 Combo is positioned as a more accessible option in the multi-color 3D printing market.
Key Features Summary:
Enclosed Design: Protects prints from drafts for improved quality.
Multi-Color Support: Uses a single print head with a filament switching mechanism, compatible with up to two ACE Pro units (8 spools total).
Heated Print Bed: Up to 120°C (248°F).
Build Volume: 250 x 250 x 250 mm (9.8 x 9.8 x 9.8 in).
Launch Date: Expected early next year, possibly January 2nd.
Pricing: Information to be released before Christmas.
Conclusion:
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo appears to be a promising addition to the multi-color 3D printing landscape. Its enclosed design, multi-color capabilities, and standard build volume make it an interesting option for hobbyists and makers looking for a user-friendly and versatile machine. The lack of active chamber heating is a trade-off for likely keeping the price point competitive. We eagerly await the official release and pricing details to make a complete assessment.
Commenti