Anycubic Kobra Plus: The Mid-Size Powerhouse in FDM 3D Printing

Earlier this year, the 3D printing community buzzed with excitement as Anycubic unveiled its innovative Kobra line, introducing enthusiasts and professionals alike to the Kobra and the Kobra Max. These initial models quickly established Anycubic’s commitment to user-friendly design and robust performance in the FDM segment. Now, building on the success and positive reception of this series, Anycubic is set to expand its offering with another compelling addition: the Kobra Plus. Positioned strategically between its two predecessors in terms of build volume, the Kobra Plus aims to hit a sweet spot for a broad range of 3D printing applications. We’ve taken a deep dive into what makes this new printer stand out, examining its shared strengths with the existing Kobra models and its unique advantages, particularly for those seeking a balance of size, capability, and affordability.

The launch of the Anycubic Kobra Plus signifies a thoughtful response to market demand. While the Kobra offered an excellent entry point into the series with a compact footprint, and the Kobra Max catered to ambitious projects requiring substantial build space, there was a clear niche for a printer that could handle larger-than-average prints without occupying an excessive amount of workspace or demanding the higher investment of a truly massive machine. The Kobra Plus steps into this role, promising to deliver Anycubic’s signature reliability and advanced features in a versatile, mid-sized package. This expansion reinforces Anycubic’s strategy of providing a comprehensive range of FDM solutions, ensuring that there’s a Kobra printer perfectly suited for almost every need and budget within the desktop 3D printing landscape.

As expected from a member of the Kobra family, the Kobra Plus inherits a suite of impressive features that have already garnered praise. Central among these is Anycubic’s groundbreaking automatic leveling technology, aptly named Anycubic LeviQ. This system was a cornerstone of the original Kobra line’s appeal, effectively addressing one of the most persistent challenges in FDM 3D printing: achieving a perfectly level print bed for a flawless first layer. Its inclusion in the Kobra Plus underscores Anycubic’s dedication to simplifying the printing process and enhancing user experience across its product range. For many, the frustration of manual bed leveling is a significant barrier to entry or a recurring source of print failures. The LeviQ system promises to virtually eliminate these concerns, making 3D printing more accessible and enjoyable for everyone from novices to experienced makers.

The Anycubic Kobra Plus (photo credits: Anycubic)

The Anycubic LeviQ Automatic Leveling Technology is an engineering marvel designed to ensure precision and reliability from the very first moments of a print. It operates by employing a sensitive probe that meticulously measures the distance between itself and the print platform at 25 distinct points, arranged in a precise 5×5 grid. This comprehensive data collection allows the printer’s firmware to construct a sophisticated digital mesh representation of the print bed’s surface. With this detailed information, the Kobra Plus can dynamically compensate for any minute irregularities or unevenness across the platform during the printing process. What sets LeviQ apart from many other auto-leveling systems is its method of measurement: instead of simply gauging the print bed itself, it measures directly from the nozzle. This crucial distinction ensures a truly precise Z-height calibration, which is paramount for laying down an absolutely perfect first layer. A well-adhered, consistent first layer is the bedrock of a successful 3D print, and by effectively combating this common cause of print failures, the Kobra Plus significantly boosts print success rates and saves valuable time and material for its users.

Beyond its intelligent leveling system, the Anycubic Kobra Plus impresses with its remarkable printing speed, a feature shared across the Kobra line that truly sets it apart. Achieving speeds of 80 – 100mm/s, the Kobra Plus is an astonishing 77% faster than the popular Mega X, a previous flagship FDM printer from Anycubic. This significant boost in speed is not merely a number; it translates directly into increased productivity and reduced waiting times for your prints to finish, making it an ideal choice for both hobbyists eager to see their creations come to life faster and professionals who rely on rapid prototyping. This high-speed performance is the result of several meticulously engineered components working in harmony. A powerful 45W high-power metal heating element ensures rapid filament melting and extrusion, preventing bottlenecks in material flow. Complementing this, 60,000 RPM dual fans are strategically placed for efficient and fast model cooling, allowing layers to solidify quickly and maintain structural integrity even at elevated print speeds. Furthermore, the inclusion of a double thread Z-axis mechanism facilitates faster vertical movement, contributing to the overall acceleration of the printing process without compromising accuracy. These combined innovations mean users can enjoy faster print times without sacrificing the quality or detail of their models.

Another critical aspect of successful 3D printing is excellent bed adhesion during the print and effortless removal once the print is complete. The Anycubic Kobra line, including the Kobra Plus, excels in this area thanks to its advanced hotbed design. The printing surface is crafted from Carborundum Glass, a material renowned for its superior adhesion properties when heated and its ability to release prints cleanly once cooled. This intelligent surface ensures that prints stick firmly throughout the entire printing process, preventing frustrating warpage or detachment mid-print. Once the print is finished and the bed temperature drops, the Carborundum Glass naturally releases the adhesion, allowing parts to be easily removed without the need for excessive force or tools that could damage the print or the bed itself. This “lock down” feature greatly enhances the user experience, providing peace of mind during printing and simplifying the post-processing workflow. The durability and ease of maintenance of the Carborundum Glass also contribute to the long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness of the Kobra Plus.

While sharing many core strengths with its Kobra siblings, the Anycubic Kobra Plus distinguishes itself primarily through its optimized build volume, a feature that strategically positions it as the “Goldilocks” option within the series. With a generous printing volume of 30 x 30 x 35 cm, the Kobra Plus offers a significant upgrade in size compared to the standard Kobra (22 x 22 x 25 cm), yet it remains more manageable and space-efficient than the truly massive Kobra Max (40 x 40 x 45 cm). This thoughtful sizing makes the Kobra Plus an ideal model for users who require more build space than an entry-level printer offers but don’t necessarily need the colossal dimensions and associated higher cost of a professional large-format machine. Anycubic aptly highlights this advantage, noting that “The Kobra Plus opens a new range of opportunities, satisfying all your 3D printing needs, without requiring investment in an excessively massive printer.” This means if the Kobra line captivated you but the original Kobra felt too small for your ambitious projects, and the Kobra Max seemed like overkill for your space or budget, the Kobra Plus is engineered to be the perfect compromise. It’s designed to cater to a diverse array of projects, from functional prototypes and larger architectural models to intricate cosplay props and decorative items that simply wouldn’t fit on smaller beds. This balanced approach to build volume truly unlocks a new realm of possibilities for its users, bridging the gap between compact convenience and expansive creativity. The machine will officially launch on June 15th at 10:00 AM EDT, marking an exciting day for the 3D printing community.

The Anycubic Kobra Plus is poised to become a favorite for a wide demographic of 3D printing enthusiasts. Hobbyists will appreciate its ability to produce larger, more complex models with ease, without the steep learning curve often associated with advanced machines. Prosumers and small businesses can leverage its expanded build volume for prototyping, batch production of mid-sized parts, or creating custom tools and fixtures more efficiently. Its high printing speed means faster iteration cycles for designers and engineers, while the reliable LeviQ auto-leveling system reduces troubleshooting time, freeing users to focus on design and creativity. The robust construction and user-friendly features inherent in the Kobra line translate into a dependable and enjoyable printing experience for all. To further explore the capabilities and design of this exciting new printer, you can watch the official video below or visit Anycubic’s dedicated product page HERE for detailed specifications and pre-order information.

What are your initial thoughts on the Anycubic Kobra Plus? Do you believe its strategic build volume and advanced features fill a crucial gap in the FDM 3D printer market? We invite you to share your opinions and insights in the comments section below! You can also join the ongoing conversation on our social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Don’t miss out on the latest advancements and news from the dynamic world of 3D printing; sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here to have the freshest updates delivered directly to your inbox. For more visual content and in-depth reviews, be sure to explore our extensive library of videos on our YouTube channel. We look forward to hearing your perspectives on this exciting new addition to the Anycubic family!