For years, my workshop has been a symphony of whirring fans and stepper motors, churning out single-color prototypes, tools, and miniatures. While the magic of turning a digital file into a physical object never truly fades, the limitations often felt stark. Creating a multi-color object was a tedious affair involving manual filament swaps, post-processing with paint, or complex dual-extruder setups that were prone to oozing and calibration nightmares. I longed for a streamlined solution that could bring colorful, complex ideas to life without the hassle, and at a speed that matched the pace of my creativity. This quest for an all-in-one system—one that combines speed, quality, and multi-color capability—is what led me to the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 4-Color 3D Printer. It promises not just to print, but to revolutionize the entire desktop FDM workflow.
- 【Multicolor Printing Up to 8 Colors】The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo can achieve 4-color printing. With 2 Anycubic Ace Pros are combined, you can then unleash max 8-color printing to bring you even...
- 【Ace Pro More Than Just Active Drying】Active drying、intelligent mult-filament drying and anti-entanglement design improve the success of printing. Dual PTC heating module + 360° hot air...
What to Consider Before Buying a High-Speed 3D Printer
A 3D printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for rapid prototyping, custom manufacturing, education, and artistic expression. It bridges the gap between digital design and tangible reality, allowing creators to iterate on ideas faster than ever before. The primary benefits are immense: reducing development costs, creating bespoke parts that are no longer in production, personalizing gifts, and providing a powerful hands-on learning tool. For hobbyists and professionals alike, a reliable 3D printer becomes an indispensable tool for innovation.
The ideal customer for a high-performance system like this is someone facing the limitations of older, slower machines. This includes small business owners needing to produce multi-color prototypes, serious hobbyists looking to elevate their creations, and engineers who require functional parts from advanced materials like ABS or ASA. If you’re tired of long print times and the monotony of single-color output, this category is for you. Conversely, it might not be suitable for an absolute beginner who is simply curious about the technology and has a very tight budget, or someone who only needs to print small, simple PLA objects occasionally. For them, a more basic entry-level printer might be a better starting point.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Build Volume & Footprint: The printer’s build volume (250x250x250mm in this case) dictates the maximum size of your prints. You must ensure this is adequate for your intended projects. Equally important is the machine’s total footprint, including the external filament system (the ACE Pro unit). Measure your workspace to ensure you have enough room for the printer, the filament dryer, and necessary clearance for ventilation and access.
- Speed & Performance: Modern printers boast incredible speeds, with the Kobra S1 claiming up to 600mm/s. While impressive, it’s crucial to understand that maximum speed is often reserved for infill, and quality prints require slower speeds, especially for outer walls. Look for a printer with a robust motion system, like CoreXY, and features like vibration compensation that maintain quality even at high velocities. The ability to handle various materials is a key performance metric you can explore in its detailed specifications.
- Materials & Hotend Capability: A standard printer handles PLA and PETG well, but for engineering-grade parts, you need more. A high-temperature hotend (320°C) and a heated bed (120°C) are essential for printing materials like ABS, ASA, and even some composites. Consider the types of projects you want to undertake and ensure the printer’s material compatibility aligns with those goals.
- Ease of Use & Ecosystem: The out-of-box experience matters. Features like automatic bed leveling, a user-friendly touchscreen interface, and straightforward assembly can save hours of frustration. Furthermore, consider the ecosystem: Does the manufacturer provide a well-optimized slicer? Is there a mobile app for remote monitoring? These quality-of-life features, including the built-in camera and AI detection, separate a good printer from a great one.
Navigating the world of advanced 3D printers can be complex, with many models offering a dazzling array of features. Understanding these core considerations will help you make an informed decision and choose a machine that truly meets your needs.
While the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 4-Color 3D Printer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Up to 16 Colors: Bring your designs to life with vibrant multi-color/multi-material printing capabilities, perfect for showcasing your creativity. Note: Connecting Bambu Lab AMS is required.
- High-Speed Precision: Experience unparalleled speed and precision with the Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D Printer. With an impressive acceleration of 10,000 mm/s², the A1 Mini delivers blazing-fast printing...
- 【Multicolor Printing with CFS】The Creality K2 Pro 3D printer is compatible with the CFS Smart Filament System, enabling advanced multicolor and multi-material printing for more creative works.
First Impressions: A Glimpse into the Future of Desktop Printing
Unboxing the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 4-Color 3D Printer felt like unwrapping a piece of the future. The packaging was immaculate, with every component securely nestled in foam. My first thought was how streamlined the core printer looked, a testament to its CoreXY design. Assembly was surprisingly quick and painless, a sentiment echoed by numerous users. One reviewer noted they were up and running in “less than 30 minutes,” and our experience was similar. The process mainly involves attaching the gantry to the base with a few screws and plugging in clearly labeled, color-coded cables. The included instructions and QR codes linking to video guides make it nearly foolproof, even for those less mechanically inclined.
Setting the printer next to the Anycubic ACE Pro unit—the brains behind the multi-color and drying operation—the system as a whole has a commanding, professional presence. The build quality feels solid, and the thoughtful inclusion of features like a built-in camera and a responsive touchscreen interface immediately signals that this isn’t just another entry-level machine. It’s a comprehensive ecosystem designed for serious making. Firing it up for the first time, the auto-leveling sequence was smooth and the interface intuitive, getting us ready for our first test print far faster than many other printers we’ve tested. This accessibility is a major selling point for such a feature-rich device.
What We Like
- Seamless 4-color printing with integrated active filament drying.
- Blazing fast 600mm/s print speed thanks to the robust CoreXY architecture.
- High-temperature hotend (320°C) enables printing with engineering-grade materials like ABS and ASA.
- Extremely user-friendly assembly and setup process, often taking less than 30 minutes.
- Intelligent features like a built-in camera, AI monitoring, and remote app control.
Drawbacks
- Print quality can degrade at maximum speeds, requiring careful tuning for detailed models.
- Customer support experiences can be mixed, with some users reporting slow response times.
A Deep Dive into the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo’s Performance
After several weeks and dozens of prints, from simple fidget toys to complex, multi-part functional assemblies, we have a comprehensive understanding of where the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 4-Color 3D Printer excels and where it has room for improvement. This isn’t just a printer; it’s an integrated system that aims to solve some of the most persistent problems in FDM 3D printing.
The Ace Pro System: Multi-Color Printing and Active Drying Perfected
The star of this combo is undoubtedly the Anycubic ACE Pro unit. This is Anycubic’s answer to the multi-material systems that have taken the market by storm, and it’s a brilliant implementation. The unit houses four filament spools in a sealed environment, but its true genius lies in the active drying system. Featuring a Dual PTC heating module and 360° hot air circulation, it actively combats the bane of every 3D printing enthusiast: moisture-laden filament. This is especially critical for materials like PETG and TPU, which are notoriously hygroscopic. Throughout our testing, we experienced zero issues with popping, stringing, or weak layer adhesion that are typically caused by wet filament—the ACE Pro kept our materials in pristine condition.
The multi-color functionality is managed with impressive ease. The slicer software, Anycubic Slicer Next, makes assigning colors to different parts of a model straightforward. During a print, the filament changes are swift and automated. The printer purges a small amount of the old color into a “purge tower” or as infill to ensure clean transitions, a standard practice for this technology. We successfully printed complex models with four distinct colors, and the results were vibrant and sharp. This was confirmed by one user who praised the system, stating, “The AMS is awesome to have bundled, and it makes managing multiple filament prints with ease.” One small but important note we discovered, and another user pointed out, is that the unit is designed for standard 1kg spools; smaller 250g spools may not fit correctly without an adapter. This multi-color and drying capability is a feature that truly sets it apart from standard single-extruder printers.
Unleashing Speed with the CoreXY Motion System
Anycubic claims a maximum speed of 600mm/s and an acceleration of 20,000mm/s², and our tests confirm the machine is capable of breathtaking velocity. The fully enclosed CoreXY construction is the key. Unlike a traditional bed-slinger design where the heavy print bed moves back and forth, the CoreXY system keeps the bed stationary on the Z-axis while the lightweight print head moves in the X and Y dimensions. This design minimizes inertia and vibration, allowing for incredibly rapid and precise movements. For large, functional prints where speed is paramount, the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 4-Color 3D Printer is a productivity powerhouse. We were able to print large jigs and brackets in a fraction of the time it would take on our older printers.
However, speed is a double-edged sword. As one user astutely noted, “speed is a sacrifice if you also want quality.” While the printer can hit 600mm/s, achieving the best possible surface finish requires dialing back the speed, particularly for outer perimeters. We found the sweet spot for a balance of speed and quality to be in the 250-350mm/s range, which is still exceptionally fast. For those printing miniatures or models with intricate details, another user mentioned that “layer lines are noticeable,” suggesting that while it’s capable, it may not replace a dedicated resin printer for ultra-fine detail work. This isn’t a flaw of the machine, but rather a fundamental reality of FDM printing that users should be aware of when chasing headline speed figures.
Engineering-Grade Materials and Intelligent Monitoring
What truly elevates the Kobra S1 into a prosumer machine is its ability to handle more than just PLA. The 320°C high-temperature, all-metal hotend combined with a 120°C heated bed opens the door to printing with demanding engineering filaments. We successfully ran several prints with ABS and ASA, materials known for their strength and temperature resistance. The CoreXY’s enclosed nature helps maintain a stable ambient temperature around the print, which is crucial for preventing warping and cracking in these materials. One user highlighted the presence of a carbon filter, an important feature for mitigating the fumes produced by materials like ABS, though they rightly pointed out the lack of a sensor to indicate when it needs replacing.
The suite of intelligent features further enhances the printing experience. The built-in camera is a game-changer for peace of mind. Through the Anycubic App, we were able to remotely monitor our prints from another room and even check in when away from the workshop. The app also allows for creating time-lapse videos, a fantastic feature for sharing creations online. The AI monitoring system, which is designed to detect print failures like spaghetti, worked reasonably well in our tests, pausing the print on one occasion when a piece of a support structure came loose. This combination of high-material capability and smart features makes the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo a remarkably capable and modern machine.
What Other Users Are Saying
Looking at feedback from a wide range of users, a clear picture emerges. The overwhelming majority of owners, especially those new to multi-color printing, are thrilled with the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 4-Color 3D Printer. One first-time user captured this sentiment perfectly: “This thing is easy to assemble and instructions could not be any more simple… Unpacking and assembly to first print only took my little over 30 min.” Another praised it as a “great 3D printer setup that was easy to put together,” noting that it “handles tools, jigs, brackets, and other functional prints beautifully.” This ease of entry into an advanced feature set is a recurring theme.
However, the experience is not without its challenges. Some users have encountered issues that are common in the 3D printing world but can be frustrating nonetheless. One person detailed having to go to “hell and back to make print stick to bed,” while another experienced nozzle clogs after a month of use. The most common critical feedback revolves around initial setup hiccups and customer support. As one user explained, their initial setup was “pretty rough,” with the nozzle damaging the build plate before they learned to properly calibrate it. Another mentioned that when they needed assistance for an error code, Anycubic’s email support was unresponsive for weeks. This highlights a critical point: while the hardware is potent, users must be prepared for a learning curve and potentially inconsistent support channels.
How Does the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo Compare to the Competition?
The ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 4-Color 3D Printer operates in a competitive space. While its combination of speed, multi-color capability, and an integrated drying system is compelling, several alternatives offer different strengths that may appeal to specific users.
1. ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K Resin 3D Printer
- 【16K Magic, Precision Redefined】Designed to capture the finest details for exquisite models, ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K Resin 3D Printer boasts ultra-high resolution, ensuring that every model...
- 【Smart Tank Heating, Flawless Prints at 30 °C】ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K 3D Resin Printer features an intelligent tank heating system that continues heating the resin to keep it at a perfect 30...
The first and most important distinction is that the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra is a resin (MSLA) printer, not a filament (FDM) printer. This makes it a direct competitor not in function, but in purpose for certain applications. If your primary goal is to produce incredibly detailed miniatures, jewelry, or dental models with nearly invisible layer lines, the Saturn 4 Ultra’s 16K resolution is in a completely different league. It sacrifices build volume, material strength, and speed for unparalleled surface finish and detail. A user might prefer the ELEGOO if their work demands the absolute highest level of fine detail and they are willing to work with the messier and more hazardous workflow of liquid resin.
2. FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color 3D Printer
- Enjoy 4-Colors Printing: With Intelligent Filament System,FLAFORGE AD5X allows your printing in 4 colors,and will be about to achieve different types of filament combinations. Features auto filament...
- Speedy and Stable: FLASHFORGE AD5X multicolor 3D printer can reach up to 600mm/s travel speed and 20m/s² acceleration, CoreXY all metal design ensures stable printing quality at high speed
The FLASHFORGE AD5X is a much more direct competitor to the Kobra S1. It also offers 4-color printing, a high-speed CoreXY system (600mm/s), and a high-temperature extruder (300°C). Where it differs is in its slightly smaller build volume (220x220x220mm) and a slightly lower max hotend temperature. FlashForge has a strong reputation for building reliable, workhorse machines, and the AD5X appears to follow that trend. A user might opt for the FLASHFORGE if they have brand loyalty, prefer its specific slicer software, or find it at a more competitive price point. The Kobra S1 counters with a larger build volume and a slightly higher temperature ceiling, giving it an edge in versatility.
3. R QIDI TECHNOLOGY PLUS4 3D Printer High-Speed Auto Leveling
- Large Size & High-speed Printing: The X-PLUS4 has a large print size of 12 x 12 x 11in, which allows you to print multiple models at the same time, significantly increasing printing efficiency. The...
- Second Generation Active Chamber Heating System: QIDI PLUS4 has upgraded the chamber heating function. It has a Ultra-high heating power of 400W. And it adds air circulation design and dual-layer...
The QIDI PLUS4 is a beast designed for high-performance and engineering-grade materials. Its standout features are the massive 300x300x280mm (converted from 12″x12″x11″) build volume, a scorching 370°C max extruder temperature, and an actively heated 65°C chamber. This makes it the superior choice for printing large parts out of difficult materials like PPS-CF (Carbon Fiber reinforced Polyphenylene Sulfide) that require high ambient temperatures to prevent warping. While it also boasts a 600mm/s speed, its primary focus is on industrial-grade material compatibility, not multi-color printing out of the box. A user would choose the QIDI PLUS4 if their priority is printing large, high-strength functional parts and they don’t require the multi-color capabilities of the Kobra S1.
Our Final Verdict on the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 4-Color 3D Printer
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 4-Color 3D Printer is a phenomenal package that delivers on its promises. It successfully combines three of the most sought-after features in modern 3D printing—high speed, multi-color capability, and active filament drying—into a single, user-friendly ecosystem. The ease of assembly and the intelligent features like the camera and app control make advanced printing accessible to a broader audience than ever before. While it may not be the perfect machine for ultra-fine miniature printing, and new users should be prepared for a slight learning curve with calibration, its performance in producing vibrant, functional, multi-material parts is outstanding.
We recommend it for the serious hobbyist ready to upgrade from a basic machine, the small business owner needing rapid, colorful prototypes, and any creator who has felt constrained by the limits of single-extrusion printing. It represents a massive leap in capability for its price point. If you’re ready to unlock a new dimension of creativity and efficiency in your workshop, we wholeheartedly encourage you to check the latest price and availability for the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo and bring your most colorful ideas to life.
Last update on 2025-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API