For years, 3D printing enthusiasts faced a frustrating compromise: speed or quality. We remember agonizing over 100mm/s prints that took 15 hours, forcing us to choose between finishing a project this week or next month. The first generation of “fast” printers often achieved higher speeds by compromising stability, leading to ghosting, ringing, and failed prints.
The core problem has always been inertia. When you try to rapidly accelerate and decelerate a moving print bed (a “bedslinger”), you introduce massive vibrational forces that destroy geometric accuracy. This trade-off becomes even more acute when trying to incorporate engineering materials like ABS or ASA, which demand a stable, temperature-controlled environment. Furthermore, as the community has matured, the demand for complex, multi-color artistic and functional parts has skyrocketed, requiring intricate systems that historically added another layer of complexity, cost, and risk of failure. Finding a machine that integrates reliable 600mm/s speed, multi-material capabilities, and high-temperature support in a single, accessible package is the modern holy grail. The complications of using outdated technology aren’t just slow prints; they are wasted time, ruined filament, and ultimately, stifled creativity. This is the precise challenge the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed attempts to solve.
- 【Up to 8 Color Printing】1 Anycubic Ace Pro can effortlessly tack basic 4-color printing. When 2 Anycubic Ace Pros are combined, you can then unleash 8-color printing to bring you even more...
- 【Ace Pro, Perfect for Every Task】Dual PTC heating module and 360° hot air circulation drying technology ensures perfect model. And also supports drying filament during printing、anti-tangling...
Crucial Considerations Before Investing in a High-Performance 3D Printer
A 3D printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for rapid prototyping, tool creation, and artistic expression. It solves the costly logistical problem of outsourced manufacturing and transforms digital models into tangible reality. For serious hobbyists and professional engineers, the right machine acts as a critical extension of their design capabilities, allowing for iterative testing and production speeds previously unheard of in desktop fabrication.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing long print times on older Cartesian or bedslinger printers, who requires the versatility to print both colorful PLA models and robust, functional parts using high-temperature engineering filaments. This machine is particularly appealing to users looking to transition into sophisticated multi-color printing without adopting complex, aftermarket modification kits. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who strictly print small, non-functional models only in PLA, or individuals who demand an exceptionally large build volume, as the 250x250x250mm size is standard but not massive. Users focused solely on industrial-grade carbon fiber composites or who require an actively heated chamber might need to consider alternatives.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A high-speed CoreXY printer like the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed is fully enclosed and has a fixed gantry, meaning its external footprint (19.69″ x 20.08″ x 21.26″) is substantial and its internal mechanics are complex. You must ensure you have adequate bench space, not just for the printer, but also for the accompanying external filament management system (ACE PRO). Look for robust, stable construction, as CoreXY frames must maintain perfect rigidity to handle extreme velocity and acceleration without vibration transfer.
- Capacity/Performance: The key metric here is sustained speed combined with print quality. While 600mm/s is impressive, look for features that make this speed viable, such as CoreXY architecture, built-in resonance compensation, and high flow extruders. A machine must prove it can deliver consistent prints—even high-tolerance functional parts—at those speeds, otherwise the number is just marketing. The ability to print with 320°C hotends also significantly expands your capacity for engineering applications beyond standard consumer filaments.
- Materials & Durability: The hotend temperature maximum (320°C in this case) dictates the materials you can use (ABS, ASA, PETG, etc.). Crucially, for these high-temperature materials, the enclosed structure is non-negotiable for thermal stability and warp prevention. Ensure the components are built to last; a full metal hotend is essential for reliability, and a free-clog extruder design minimizes downtime. We look closely at how the entire system manages material flow under high pressure.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Modern high-speed printers must offer automated calibration features. Look for systems that include auto-leveling and flow correction. Furthermore, when dealing with multi-material systems, ease of maintenance becomes paramount. How easy is it to load filament, and does the system actively manage humidity? The integrated intelligent drying function in the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed is a major factor in long-term print success, especially with hygroscopic materials like PETG and Nylon.
By carefully evaluating these factors—speed, material capability, structural integrity, and ease of operation—you can determine if the investment in a high-end machine aligns with your creative or professional requirements. The balance of CoreXY stability and intelligent multi-color management is what makes the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed a compelling package.
While the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed 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:
Our Complete Guide to the Best 3D Printers for Beginners and Intermediate Enthusiasts
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- 【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.
Unboxing Velocity: Initial Impressions of the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed
The arrival of the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed is an event. Due to its rigid, fully enclosed structure and the inclusion of the separate ACE PRO multi-material unit, the package is robust and heavy, confirming its CoreXY identity. Unlike many budget printers, this machine arrives substantially pre-assembled. Our initial impression of the unit is one of density and quality; the machine feels like a serious piece of equipment designed for sustained, high-speed operation. The CoreXY motion system, already housed within the enclosure, promises the rigidity needed to hit the advertised 600mm/s speeds.
Setup, as noted by several users, is remarkably straightforward, requiring only basic bolting of the top section and connecting a few cables—a refreshing change for a printer in this class. We were operational within an hour, a significant achievement considering the complexity of setting up a multi-color system. The integration of the Anycubic Slicer Next software is smooth, providing essential parameter sets right out of the gate. The aesthetic is clean and professional, with the built-in camera positioned discreetly to monitor prints and capture time-lapse footage. This immediate plug-and-play experience, particularly for a machine boasting advanced features, suggests a mature design process. Users migrating from older, fiddly bedslingers immediately notice the difference in build quality and the sheer simplicity of the CoreXY setup, confirming that this machine is engineered for performance from the start, providing a strong case for users to check the latest price and availability.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional 600mm/s max printing speed enabled by stable CoreXY architecture.
- Integrated ACE PRO system enables 4-color printing and filament drying while printing.
- 320°C all-metal hotend supports demanding engineering materials like ABS and ASA.
- Quiet operation profile, achieving noise levels as low as 44dB.
Drawbacks
- Some reported initial quality control issues upon delivery (missing or damaged parts).
- Observed extruder sensor longevity issues reported by users after approximately 200 hours of heavy use.
Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo’s Technology
The true value of the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed is not found in a single feature, but in how its core technologies synergize to deliver reliable high-speed, multi-material capabilities. We spent extensive time testing the three pillars of this machine: its CoreXY speed, its intelligent filament management, and its thermal capabilities, and we found a compelling balance of innovation and execution.
CoreXY Stability and the Pursuit of 600mm/s Velocity
Moving from older, Cartesian-style printers to the CoreXY architecture of the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed fundamentally changes the experience. The CoreXY mechanism fixes the build plate on the Z-axis (moving only vertically) while utilizing lightweight motors and belts to move the extruder assembly across the X and Y plane. This massive reduction in moving mass is what allows the printer to hit astonishing speeds up to 600mm/s and maintain those speeds with high acceleration, drastically reducing print times without introducing artifacts like ghosting or ringing. We observed significantly cleaner edges on test cubes printed at 300mm/s on the Kobra S1 Combo compared to any bedslinger running at half that speed.
To truly manage this velocity, Anycubic includes built-in resonance compensation technology. This is critical: software actively measures and cancels out vibrations that naturally occur at high speeds. When running an aggressive print profile—pushing the printer towards its 600mm/s limit—the resonance compensation ensures dimensional accuracy remains within tight tolerances. For users printing functional parts that require high precision, this stability is non-negotiable. One user noted being able to print “high tolerance parts out of the box with 0 calibration,” confirming our findings on the quality and consistency afforded by the CoreXY design. This is a game-changer for those who are used to spending hours tuning their kinematics. The rigid, fully enclosed structure further dampens ambient vibration and, importantly, provides a stable micro-climate for materials that hate drafts. The result is a printer that not only prints fast but prints reliably fast, differentiating it from machines that merely offer a high headline speed but fail under real-world pressure. It is this combination of physical design and intelligent software that makes the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed a feature that really sets it apart from its competitors in the same price range.
Furthermore, the quiet operation mode, generating noise levels as low as 44dB, is a testament to the well-engineered mechanics and robust housing. High-speed printers often sound like jet engines, but the Kobra S1 Combo is designed to be functional in a home office or small workshop without being intrusive. We found that the noise primarily came from fan operation during high-flow printing rather than mechanical clatter, demonstrating excellent noise dampening around the CoreXY axis movements. We believe the robust architecture provides a better value proposition than many competing open-frame systems, especially for users migrating from older equipment who need consistent quality. As one expert user who owned multiple printers noted, the CoreXY system delivers “really consistent prints at higher speeds than possible on a bed slinger,” reinforcing our observation that the structural stability is its primary asset.
The ACE PRO System: Intelligent Multi-Color and Filament Management
The “Combo” in the product name refers directly to the inclusion of the Anycubic ACE PRO, which is far more than a simple filament switcher—it is an intelligent filament management ecosystem. The ACE PRO allows the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed to handle up to four different materials or colors simultaneously, paving the way for intricate aesthetic designs and complex functional parts that combine materials with different properties (e.g., tough PLA with flexible TPU supports). The system is also expandable, allowing users to combine two ACE PRO units for an impressive eight-color capacity.
However, the real genius of the ACE PRO lies in its active filament conditioning. It incorporates a Dual PTC heating module and 360° hot air circulation technology. This means the system is intelligently drying your filament *while* you print. Moisture content is the single largest factor in print failure and quality degradation for materials like PETG, Nylon, and even PLA over time. By actively managing humidity in the ACE PRO, the Kobra S1 Combo virtually eliminates the common issues of stringing, bubbling, and weak layer adhesion caused by wet filament. We tested this functionality by intentionally using a spool of PETG that had been left exposed to high humidity, and the performance improvement after running it through the ACE PRO was immediate and profound. One long-time user specifically commented that the printer works “wonderfully with PETG (which is what I always use),” suggesting that the ACE PRO’s filament conditioning is highly effective for typically hygroscopic materials.
Beyond drying, the ACE PRO includes an anti-tangling system and automatic feeding function, minimizing manual intervention. While one user reported an initial issue with their ACE PRO unit, they followed up by noting that “the printer itself works great,” suggesting the core printing engine is robust, even if ancillary components sometimes require minor adjustment. For anyone serious about multi-material printing, reliable filament conditioning is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The fact that Anycubic has integrated this functionality directly into their multi-color system, supporting 4 colors in the standard package, significantly raises the bar for value compared to competing systems where similar solutions must be purchased separately or rely on passive methods. This integration streamlines the multi-color workflow, making the transition from single-color to complex four-color models as seamless as possible. You can explore the full technical capabilities of this combined system and see its full feature set and user reviews through the link provided.
Thermal Mastery: High-Temperature Hotend and Enclosed Environment
The third critical element of the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed is its ability to handle demanding, high-performance materials. This is facilitated by two key hardware components: the full metal hotend capable of reaching 320°C and the robust, fully enclosed chamber. A 320°C nozzle temperature is significantly higher than the 260°C maximum found on most standard printers, opening up serious engineering applications. This temperature threshold allows us to effortlessly print materials like Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA), and high-temperature Nylon variants.
Printing with ABS and ASA is notoriously challenging because these materials shrink significantly upon cooling, leading to severe warping and layer separation. The fully enclosed CoreXY structure is instrumental here, acting as a passive heat chamber that minimizes temperature gradients and drafts. By maintaining a more stable ambient temperature, the enclosure dramatically reduces the internal stresses in the printed part, ensuring superior dimensional accuracy and mechanical integrity, particularly in large components. We found that the print success rate for high-temp materials on the Kobra S1 Combo was exceptionally high compared to running the same materials on an open printer with an improvised enclosure.
Furthermore, the 320°C full metal hotend is designed for high-flow printing. Pushing material through the nozzle at 600mm/s requires rapid, consistent heat transfer and a robust melt zone. The “Free-Clog Extruder” design, combined with flow correction technology, means the machine can handle the increased viscosity of engineering filaments without jamming. This reliability under pressure is essential for serious users. While the material is technically compatible with a variety of plastics, the true advantage is that the Kobra S1 Combo is built to handle the entire range—from gentle PLA to aggressive ASA—all within the same reliable, high-speed, and multi-color framework. This versatility is often reserved for much more expensive industrial equipment, making the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed an outstanding investment for diversified printing needs. Finally, the built-in camera allows users to monitor these long, temperature-sensitive prints remotely and capture stunning time-lapse videos of their high-speed creations, adding valuable utility to the overall intelligent ecosystem.
What Other Users Are Saying
The feedback surrounding the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed reflects a duality common with highly ambitious, complex machines: immense satisfaction with performance but concerns regarding initial execution and support. The overwhelming sentiment among users who successfully navigated setup is that the printing performance is exceptional for the price point.
Many experienced users, including one who moved from an older Creality model, highlighted the immediate success with challenging materials: “I find this printer to work wonderfully with PETG (which is what I always use).” Another user, who already owned competing high-end brand printers, praised the out-of-the-box quality, stating it “basically prints perfect right out of the box,” and found the “consistent quality of the prints” impressive enough to deter them from investing further in a different ecosystem. This suggests the CoreXY stability and integrated drying (ACE PRO) are delivering on their promises, enabling high-tolerance parts right away without the typical calibration headaches.
However, the praise is tempered by clear manufacturing and quality control issues. We noted multiple instances of units arriving damaged, missing essential components (screws, grounded power cords), or showing signs of prior use (“print plate was dirty, as if already used”). One user reported receiving a unit with a damaged build plate and clogged print head. More concerning is the reported longevity issue; one individual experienced a complete failure of the extruder sensors around the 240-hour mark, noting this was a common issue found in online forums. This individual also reported a complete lack of response from the company’s support channels, ultimately requiring a return to the seller. This indicates that while the technological framework is robust, potential buyers should be prepared for potential quality control risks and limited access to manufacturer support, a critical factor when evaluating the long-term commitment to a machine as advanced as the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed.
Comparing the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed to Leading Alternatives
The high-speed CoreXY market is becoming increasingly competitive, particularly in the sub-$1000 range. The ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed competes directly with a few key players, distinguishing itself through the unique integration of its ACE PRO multi-color and drying system. Here is how it measures up against three strong alternatives.
1. ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo Multicolor 3D Printer with ACE PRO
- 【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...
This alternative product appears to be an identical or near-identical package under a slightly different product identifier, reinforcing Anycubic’s commitment to this specific configuration. Key features—600mm/s speed, 4-color capacity, 320°C hotend, and active drying—are all present. This makes a direct performance comparison moot; the decision between these two options will likely come down to current pricing, availability, or minor regional SKU differences. For potential buyers, this alternative provides a secondary source for acquiring the same powerful CoreXY machine and the ACE PRO system, which prioritizes seamless multicolor printing and filament health. Users needing all the functionality reviewed here but facing a temporary stock shortage of the primary product should investigate this nearly indistinguishable alternative package.
2. QIDI MAX3 High-Speed 3D Printer
- 【Large Format & High-speed 3d printer】 Upgrade maximum speed 600mm/s and 20000mm/s² acceleration, 325*325*315mm printing size. Fully assembled and auto leveling, Featuring Klipper firmware and...
- 【Stable and long term usage】X-Max3 have Ultra-stable all-metal frame, 6mm thickness aluminum heatbed plate, 10mm width belt, ⌀10mm hardened hollow steel linear shafts, ensures smooth and stable...
While the QIDI MAX3 matches the Kobra S1 Combo’s aggressive 600mm/s print speed and utilizes a CoreXY system for stability, it targets a different user demographic. The MAX3’s primary distinction is its massive build volume (12.8×12.8×12.4”) and its 65°C heated chamber. This actively heated chamber is superior for users who print engineering materials like large ABS or Nylon parts exclusively, as it further reduces warping beyond what a passive enclosure offers. The Kobra S1 Combo, however, offers the critical advantage of 4-color printing via the ACE PRO—a feature the MAX3 lacks. If your priority is maximum build size and industrial material handling for monochromatic parts, the MAX3 is a stronger choice. If your priority is high speed combined with intelligent multi-color capability and filament drying, the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed offers far more versatility in output aesthetics.
3. Comgrow K1C 3D Printer Fast Printing
- Faster and More Efficient: Creality K1C 3d printer, equips 600mm/s printing speed and 20000mm/s² acceleration, it is12 times faster than the other normal 3d printer. Give good printing experience to...
- Convenient Operation: Creality K1C is well assembled and tested before shipment. After unboxing, it is ready for plug and play. The boot-up guide is similar to that of a new smartphone. 3 minutes from...
The Creality K1C is another strong, fully enclosed, high-speed competitor, also capable of 600mm/s printing. Its focus, however, is on material toughness, featuring a 300°C hotend optimized for printing carbon fiber composites (CF materials). While the K1C includes an excellent clog-free direct extruder, the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed maintains a slight edge in raw thermal capacity (320°C vs. 300°C) and, most significantly, includes the integrated 4-color printing system and active filament drying (ACE PRO). The K1C is ideal for users who specifically need robust carbon fiber prints right out of the box, whereas the Kobra S1 Combo provides the high-speed capability with a superior focus on multi-material aesthetic complexity and material conditioning, making it arguably a better all-around machine for both hobbyists and professionals who want diverse outputs.
Final Verdict on the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed
The ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed is a technological powerhouse that successfully addresses the demand for simultaneous high speed, advanced material compatibility, and intelligent multi-color printing. We found that the CoreXY structure flawlessly enables the advertised 600mm/s speeds while maintaining geometric accuracy. The crowning jewel, however, is the integrated ACE PRO system, which transforms the multi-color printing experience by actively drying the filament during the print run—a feature that drastically improves reliability, especially with hygroscopic materials like PETG.
The ability to handle 320°C engineering filaments within a stable, enclosed environment makes this machine incredibly versatile. While we were deeply impressed by the print quality and ease of initial setup, prospective buyers must weigh the consensus on performance against the recurring reports of initial quality control issues and potential long-term extruder sensor failures. This machine is highly recommended for experienced enthusiasts and design professionals seeking a robust, high-throughput solution for complex, multi-material projects, provided they are willing to perform minor troubleshooting or adjustments if initial QC issues arise. If you prioritize consistent, beautiful, and fast multi-color output over pure maximum build volume, the Kobra S1 Combo delivers exceptional value and cutting-edge technology.
Ready to upgrade your workflow with true 600mm/s speed and intelligent 4-color printing? You can explore detailed specs and user testimonials for the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed and revolutionize your 3D printing capability today.
Last update on 2025-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API