Ultimate Guide to Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus Build Plate
Welcome to a in-depth exploration of the Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus 3D printer’s build plate options. Are you torn between the glass and magnetic spring steel build surfaces? We’ll delve into the pros and cons of each to help you decide which one suits your printing needs best.
Let’s uncover the key characteristics of the Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus build plates and guide you towards making the right choice for your 3D printing projects.
Comparison of Glass and Magnetic Build Plates
The Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus 3D printer comes with a PEI Magnetic Spring Steel build plate as its standard build surface. Let’s explore the characteristics of both the glass and magnetic build platforms to help you make an informed choice for your printing needs:
Glass Build Plate:
Pros:
Flat and smooth surface.
Durable and long-lasting.
Easy to clean and maintain.
Perfectly flat bottom of prints.
Compatible with different materials.
Cons:
For some materials with poor adhesion, you may need to use glue sticks or painter’s tape.
After printing, it takes a long time to cool down before the print can be removed.
Compared with the glass platform, the flatness is slightly worse.
Glass plates may become worn and need replacement over time.
Magnetic Spring Steel Build Plate:
Pros:
Excellent adhesion.
Easy removal of 3D printed products.
No adhesive required, simplifying printing.
More user-friendly.
Cons:
Spring steel plates may become worn and need replacement.
Usage Suggestions:
Glass Build Plate: If you prioritize accuracy and consistent print quality, the Kobra 2 Plus’s glass build plate is a great fit. It provides a flat first layer for printing.
Consider using glue sticks or painter’s tape for materials like ABS to enhance adhesion.
Wait for complete cooling before removing prints.
Magnetic Spring Steel Build Plate: If you prefer ease of use and quick print removal, the magnetic spring steel build plate is a good choice.
Simply bend or pop the prints off the surface.
Remember that both options have their merits, so choose based on your specific requirements and preferences! .
Key Features of Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus Build Plate
Let’s explore the features of the Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus 3D printer’s build plate:
Build Volume:
The Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus offers an impressive build volume of 320 x 320 x 400mm. This means you can create larger 3D prints without the need for intricate assembly.
Bed Leveling:
The printer features the LeviQ 2.0 auto-leveling system with 49-point calibration. This ensures that your print bed is perfectly leveled, resulting in accurate and consistent prints.
Printing Speed:
The maximum print speed for the Kobra 2 Plus is 500mm/s, with an average speed of 300mm/s. This allows for efficient and swift printing.
Accelerated Speed:
The printer’s accelerated speed is 10,000mm/s², contributing to smoother and faster printing.
Build Plate Material:
The build plate is made of PEI magnetic spring steel. This material provides excellent adhesion during printing and allows for easy removal of completed prints by bending the plate.
Built-in Capacity:
The Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus comes with 8GB of built-in storage, allowing you to store and access your 3D models directly from the printer.
Control Screen:
It features a 4.3″ LCD touch screen for intuitive navigation and control.
Nozzle and Hotbed Temperature:
The nozzle temperature can reach up to 260°C, while the hotbed temperature can go up to 90°C.
The Kobra 2 Plus supports a variety of filaments, including PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU.
Assembly:
The printer is designed for quick modular setup, making it easy to assemble and get started with your 3D printing projects.
Dimensions and Weight:
The machine dimensions are 630 x 605 x 564mm, and it weighs 13kg.
Remember that product prices may vary due to store promotions, so always check the current price on the product page
IMG Source: anycubicnordic.com
Installing the Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus Build Plate
Let’s walk through the step-by-step process of installing the Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus Build Plate on your 3D printer. The Kobra 2 Pro is known for its speed and high-quality prints, so let’s get started:
Unboxing and Overview:
Begin by unboxing your Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro. You’ll find five main modules: the frame, print head, base, control panel, and filament holder.
Don’t worry; assembly and daily maintenance are straightforward, even for beginners. There’s a detailed user manual and video tutorial to guide you through the process.
Assembling the Kobra 2 Pro:
Frame Installation:
Use scissors to cut off the wire ties securing the gantry.
Pull the Z-axis belt to raise the X-axis bracket.
Assemble the printer gantry and printer base, then use the M4.0 hex key to fix it in place.
Heated Bed and Touch Screen:
Slide the heated bed into position and assemble the magnetic build plate.
Next, assemble the print head and use the M2.5 inner hexagon wrench to secure it.
Connect the necessary cables.
Fix the assembly touch screen using the M3.0 hexagon wrench.
Broken Material Detection Device and Filament Holder:
Install the broken material detection device using the M2.0 hex key.
Connect the consumable tube to the quick connector.
Assemble the filament holder and attach it to the printer base.
Wire Connections:
Connect the wires to the print head and use the buckle to secure the wiring plug.
Follow the identification markings on the wiring to connect the terminals correctly.
Use cable holders and zip ties to secure the cables and consumable tubes.
Pre-Power-On Inspection:
Check the print head for any wobbling. If it shakes, adjust the hexagonal spacer post located under the print head until it slides smoothly without wobbling.
Ensure that your firmware is up to date for optimal performance.
For more detailed instructions, refer to the official Anycubic guide here.
IMG Source: gstatic.com
Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus: High-Speed 3D Printer with Large Build Volume
The Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus is a high-speed 3D printer with a large build volume that caters to those who need to create big models without waiting excessively for them to be printed. Let’s delve into the details:
Build Volume: The Kobra 2 Plus offers an impressive 320 x 320 x 400mm (15.7 x 12.6 x 12.6 inches) build volume, allowing you to print relatively large art pieces or functional models in one piece. This spacious build area is especially advantageous for creating costume helmets, architectural prototypes, and other sizable objects.
Speed: Anycubic claims that the Kobra 2 Plus is 10 times faster than traditional models. It can even print a 3Dbenchy (a popular benchmark model) in just 17 minutes. The printer achieves this speed while adhering to the traditional “bed-slinger” design, where the print surface moves back and forth, and the print head moves side to side and upwards.
While coreXY printers are known for their speed, Anycubic has optimized the Kobra 2 Plus to match their pace.
Design and Features:
Automatic Leveling: The printer comes with automated build plate calibration, enhancing ease of use and consistency in print quality.
Direct-Drive Extruder: The Kobra 2 Plus features a direct-drive extruder, which contributes to its efficient printing process.
Heating Capabilities:
Hot End: The maximum hot end temperature is 260°C.
Build Plate: The build plate can heat up to 90°C, accommodating a range of thermoplastic materials.
Variants: The Kobra 2 series includes several models:
Kobra 2 Neo: The budget model with a maximum print speed of 250mm per second.
Kobra 2: Prints at 300mm per second.
Kobra 2 Pro: Similar to the Kobra 2 but with variations in build volume.
Kobra 2 Max: Can print enormous models up to 420x420x500mm.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Large Build Volume: Ideal for big models.
Relatively Affordable: Priced at $449.
Decent Print Quality: Achievable with the right filament.
Cons:
Space Consumption: Takes up a lot of room.
Cloud Printing Issues: Cloud printing functionality doesn’t work properly.
Noisy Fans: Some users have reported noisy fans.
In summary, the Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus strikes a balance between size, speed, and affordability, making it a solid choice for creators who require a spacious build area and faster printing times
!Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus
IMG Source: 3dprintingstore.co.za
Comparison of Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus with Competitors
Let’s compare the Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus with some of its competitors. I’ll highlight the key features and specifications to help you make an informed decision:
Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus:
Original Price: $449
Build Volume: 400 x 320 x 320mm
Extruder: Direct drive
Bed Leveling: LeviQ 2.0 auto leveling (49-point)
Printing Speed: Up to 500mm/s (Max.)
X-Y-axis: Double metal spindles and SG15 bearings
Build Plate: PEI magnetic spring steel
Anycubic APP: Yes
Built-in Capacity: 8GB
Notable Features:
LeviQ 2.0 bed leveling system for automatic bed leveling.
Impressive printing speed and acceleration.
Larger build volume for creating substantial art pieces.
In conclusion, choosing the right build plate for your Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus is essential for achieving high-quality prints. Whether you opt for the precision of the glass build plate or the convenience of the magnetic spring steel surface, both offer unique advantages and considerations. Remember to factor in your specific requirements, such as print material adhesion, ease of removal, and maintenance preferences when selecting your ideal build surface.
Whichever option you choose, the Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus Build Plate is designed to enhance your 3D printing experience and help you bring your creative visions to life with precision and efficiency.
