ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor Review: Unveiling a New Era of High-Speed, Multicolor 3D Printing

As enthusiasts and professionals alike, we’ve all stood by our 3D printers, patiently watching layer after layer slowly materialize, often in a single, uninspiring color. The frustration is palpable: brilliant designs held back by glacial print speeds and a lack of chromatic versatility. I remember countless projects stalled, waiting for hours, even days, for a single component to finish, only to realize its aesthetic potential was severely limited by a monochromatic palette. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a bottleneck that stifles creativity, delays prototyping, and diminishes the impact of truly innovative designs. In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for rapid iteration and visually striking outputs is paramount. Missing out on speed means losing valuable time, and sticking to single-color prints means sacrificing aesthetic richness and functional clarity in complex assemblies. Addressing these limitations isn’t just about convenience; it’s about unlocking the full potential of additive manufacturing.

For those of us yearning to break free from these constraints, seeking a machine that can keep pace with our ideas and bring them to life in vibrant detail, the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor promises a revolution. It positions itself as a solution for the modern maker who demands both blistering speed and stunning multicolor capabilities, all wrapped up in an intelligent, user-friendly package. We were keen to put this claim to the test and see if it could truly deliver on its promise to transform our printing workflow.

Before You Buy: What to Consider in a High-Performance 3D Printer

A 3D printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for rapid prototyping, creating bespoke functional parts, crafting intricate artistic designs, and even providing invaluable educational tools. It empowers users to bring digital concepts into the physical world, offering unparalleled flexibility and cost savings compared to traditional manufacturing methods. The main benefits include accelerated product development cycles, the ability to customize items without tooling costs, and the freedom to experiment with complex geometries that would be impossible to produce otherwise. It fundamentally changes how we innovate and create.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of conventional single-color, slower 3D printers, particularly those who require high-speed production, multi-color aesthetics, and the versatility to print with a wide range of advanced engineering filaments. This includes product designers, small-batch manufacturers, advanced hobbyists, educators, and anyone eager to push the boundaries of their 3D printing capabilities. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who are brand new to 3D printing and are looking for a very basic, entry-level machine for occasional, simple single-color prints. For such users, a simpler, less feature-rich bed-slinger might be a more cost-effective starting point, though they would quickly hit its limitations. Alternatives for this group might include simpler, open-frame FDM printers with lower speed and no multicolor capabilities.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: High-performance 3D printers, especially enclosed CoreXY models, can have a substantial footprint. Consider not only the machine’s physical dimensions but also the clearance needed for maintenance and filament changes. A fully enclosed printer like the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor requires adequate ventilation for printing with certain materials, so ensure your workspace can accommodate it comfortably and safely.
• Capacity/Performance: Evaluate the build volume (250 x 250 x 250 mm in this case) to ensure it meets your project requirements. Crucially, look at the maximum printing speed (up to 600 mm/s) and how it’s achieved—a CoreXY structure typically offers better speed and consistency than a bed-slinger. Also, consider the hotend’s maximum temperature (320°C) and the number of colors it can support, as these directly impact material versatility and design complexity.
• Materials & Durability: A printer’s hotend temperature and enclosure dictate the range of compatible filaments. A 320°C hotend, combined with a fully enclosed build chamber, significantly expands options beyond PLA to include engineering-grade materials like ABS, ASA, PETG, and TPU. The build quality and components, such as a full metal hotend, contribute to the machine’s longevity and reliability, especially when dealing with abrasive or high-temperature filaments.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like automatic bed leveling, intelligent filament drying, and integrated software ecosystems (slicers, remote apps) dramatically improve the user experience. Consider the ease of filament loading, nozzle changes, and routine cleaning. A system that offers real-time monitoring via a built-in camera, like the one found in the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor, can save countless hours by allowing you to check print progress remotely and intervene if issues arise.

By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns your needs with the capabilities of a high-performance 3D printer. The ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor ticks many of these boxes, making a strong case for itself in a crowded market.

While the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor 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:

First Impressions: The ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor Arrives

The arrival of the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor was an event in itself. Given its substantial weight and fully enclosed nature, we appreciated the careful handling it received upon delivery, a sentiment echoed by users who praised its pristine arrival condition. Unboxing it, the first thing that strikes you is the sheer build quality. This isn’t a flimsy, open-frame machine; its metal enclosure speaks volumes about its robust, professional-grade construction. The fully enclosed CoreXY structure immediately signaled a departure from the more common bed-slinger designs, hinting at the stability and precision that would soon be demonstrated.

Assembly, surprisingly, was remarkably straightforward. Despite its advanced capabilities, we found the setup process to be intuitive, requiring minimal effort to get it up and running. This ease of setup was a recurring theme among many new owners, with one user stating it “basically prints perfect right out of the box” if directions are followed, a claim we found largely accurate. The pre-assembly really cuts down on the initial hurdle, allowing you to dive into printing much faster. The sleek, black aesthetic is understated yet professional, blending seamlessly into any workshop or creative space. The integrated ACE PRO unit, while adding to the overall footprint, is neatly designed to work in tandem with the printer, promising an exciting foray into multi-color printing. Our initial interactions suggested a printer designed for efficiency and high performance, setting a positive tone for the extensive testing that lay ahead. It felt like a significant upgrade for those accustomed to less sophisticated machines, particularly for anyone making the leap into high-speed, multi-color workflows.

A Deep Dive into the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor’s Performance

Having spent considerable time with the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor, pushing its limits across various projects and materials, we’ve gathered comprehensive insights into what truly makes this machine stand out—and where it presents a few challenges. This is not just a review of specifications; it’s a hands-on account of its practical capabilities and real-world performance.

The CoreXY Advantage: Blistering Speed and Unrivaled Precision

The moment we initiated our first high-speed print, the difference was undeniable. The ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor isn’t just fast; it’s incredibly precise, even at speeds up to 600mm/s. This is largely thanks to its fully enclosed CoreXY architecture. Unlike traditional bed-slingers where the print bed moves along one axis, causing inertia issues at high speeds, the CoreXY system moves only the print head, maintaining consistent acceleration and deceleration. This translates into smoother lines, sharper corners, and an overall superior surface finish, even on complex geometries. We meticulously tested its resonance compensation and flow correction features, which work in tandem to eliminate ghosting and enhance dimensional accuracy. The results were consistently impressive, demonstrating minimal ringing and exceptional detail retention, even on intricate miniatures and functional prototypes. One user, accustomed to a Creality CR6-SE, found the switch to the CoreXY Kobra S1 Combo revolutionary, noting its consistent quality and value compared to other high-speed options. The enclosed build chamber further supports this precision, providing a stable temperature environment that is crucial for printing with temperature-sensitive materials like ABS and ASA, preventing warping and improving layer adhesion. This synergy of mechanical design and intelligent compensation truly makes high-speed printing a reliable reality, not just a marketing claim. For those ready to accelerate their workflow without compromising on print fidelity, the performance of the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor is a game-changer.

Unleashing the Spectrum: Multicolor Printing with the Anycubic ACE PRO and Intelligent Drying

The promise of up to eight-color printing with the Anycubic ACE PRO is what drew many, including us, to the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor. Our experience with the single ACE PRO unit, supporting four colors, was nothing short of transformative for our designs. The ACE PRO isn’t just a filament switcher; it’s an intelligent filament management system. Its dual PTC heating and 360° hot air circulation mechanism for comprehensive filament drying proved invaluable. We often battle with moisture absorption in filaments, particularly with PETG or TPU, which can lead to stringing, poor adhesion, and weak prints. The ability to dry filament intelligently during printing, rather than requiring a separate, time-consuming pre-drying process, dramatically streamlined our workflow. One seasoned printer, who specifically bought the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor for multi-color, expressed immense satisfaction, confirming that it “works wonderfully with PETG,” a material notoriously prone to moisture issues. The anti-tangling system, combined with automatic feeding, ensures a smooth and reliable filament path, minimizing frustrating print failures due to snags or jams. This level of integrated intelligence not only expands creative possibilities with vibrant, multi-material prints but also significantly reduces the common headaches associated with filament management, making complex projects more accessible and reliable. Seeing our designs come to life with seamless color transitions and precise material layering felt like a true leap forward in creative expression, making the ACE PRO integration a core strength of this system.

Material Versatility and Smart Ecosystem: Printing Beyond PLA

The ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor’s full metal, free-clog hotend, capable of reaching 320°C, is a standout feature that unlocks a vast universe of compatible materials. We put it through its paces with demanding filaments like ABS and ASA, materials known for their high-temperature requirements and tendency to warp. The combination of the high-temperature hotend and the fully enclosed chamber resulted in excellent print quality with these engineering-grade plastics, producing strong, dimensionally accurate parts without the common issues of delamination or warping. Beyond these, we easily achieved impressive results with PETG, PLA, and flexible TPU, demonstrating the printer’s true versatility. This broad material compatibility means you’re not limited to basic prototypes; you can create functional components for real-world applications. The experience of effortlessly switching between materials, knowing the hotend can handle the heat, is truly liberating. This robust hotend and its comprehensive material support is a key reason why many consider the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor a superior choice for diverse projects.

Furthermore, the integration into the Anycubic Intelligent Ecosystem, leveraging Anycubic Slicer Next and the Anycubic App, significantly enhances the user experience. The slicer, pre-loaded with specific filament parameter sets, simplifies the slicing process and optimizes print quality. But it’s the app that truly elevates convenience. The built-in camera allows for real-time monitoring of print progress from anywhere, a feature we found incredibly useful for long prints, offering peace of mind. We also enjoyed using it to record time-lapse videos, turning routine prints into captivating mini-movies. Remote control capabilities mean we could start, stop, or pause prints without being tethered to the machine, offering unparalleled flexibility. This intelligent integration, from slicing to monitoring, underscores the thoughtful design of the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor, creating a seamless and powerful printing environment for any modern maker. It’s a testament to how far consumer 3D printing has come, moving from finicky hardware to an intuitive, connected experience. This ecosystem is a feature that truly sets the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor apart from many competitors.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our extensive testing and expert observations largely align with the general sentiment among users, revealing a product that often exceeds expectations but occasionally presents specific challenges. Many users, like us, highlight the excellent print quality and consistent results, often right out of the box. One individual, previously a loyal Bambu Lab user, expressed such satisfaction with their first S1 that they opted for a second ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor with the ACE PRO, explicitly stating they were happy enough not to commit further to the Bambu Lab ecosystem due to the Kobra S1’s consistent quality and value. Another enthusiastic user was “pretty impressed” and even found themselves able to fix a minor issue with the ACE PRO themselves, which speaks to a certain level of user accessibility or community support.

However, we also encountered feedback mirroring our own awareness of potential initial hurdles. While many units arrive in perfect condition, some users reported receiving machines with minor quality control issues, such as missing screws, a damaged build plate, or even a pre-clogged hotend upon arrival. These instances, while seemingly isolated, highlight the importance of a thorough inspection upon unboxing. More significantly, a few users described experiencing extruder issues after approximately 200-240 hours of printing, which some research revealed to be a common concern in certain online forums. These users also reported difficulties with customer support, leading to returns. While our long-term testing is ongoing, this feedback serves as a crucial point for potential buyers to consider, though it seems to be an issue affecting a subset of users rather than a universal flaw. Despite these points, the overwhelming consensus points to a high-performing machine that, for many, offers an outstanding printing experience.

If you’re interested in exploring the specific features and user experiences further, we recommend taking a closer look at the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor for yourself.

ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor Compared to Its Top 3 Alternatives

In the rapidly evolving landscape of high-speed, multicolor 3D printers, the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor faces stiff competition. While it offers a compelling package, understanding how it stacks up against its rivals is crucial for making an informed decision. Here, we compare it to three prominent alternatives from Creality.

1. Comgrow Hi Combo (A) 3D Printer Auto Leveling

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    "name": "Creality Hi Combo (A) 3D Printer, Multi Color 3D Printing with CFS, 500mm/s Print Speed 95% Pre-Assemble, XY Step-Servo Motor and Auto Leveling Build Volume ‌10.24×10.24×11.81 inch",
    "shortName": "Comgrow Hi Combo (A) 3D Printer Auto Leveling"
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The Comgrow Hi Combo (A) offers multi-color printing with CFS and a respectable 500mm/s print speed, alongside auto-leveling and a slightly larger build volume (10.24×10.24×11.81 inches vs. the Kobra S1 Combo’s 9.8×9.8×9.8 inches or 250x250x250mm). While it boasts 95% pre-assembly and XY step-servo motors for precision, the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor pulls ahead with a faster 600mm/s speed and a fully enclosed CoreXY structure, which inherently provides greater stability and better environmental control for demanding filaments. The Kobra S1 Combo also features a higher 320°C hotend compared to the Hi Combo (A)’s likely lower temperature, broadening material compatibility. Users prioritizing a slightly larger print volume and a more budget-friendly entry into multicolor might lean towards the Comgrow, but those needing the absolute fastest speeds, a higher temperature hotend, and a fully enclosed print environment will find the Kobra S1 Combo more appealing.

2. Creality K2 Plus Combo 3D Printer Multicolor

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    "name": "Creality K2 Plus Combo 3D Printer, Multicolor 3D Printer Machine with CFS, Dual Camera, 600mm/s Printing Speed, Next-Gen Direct Drive Extruder, 350mm*350mm*350mm Printing Volume",
    "shortName": "Creality K2 Plus Combo 3D Printer Multicolor"
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The Creality K2 Plus Combo is a formidable competitor, matching the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor’s 600mm/s print speed and offering multi-color capabilities via Creality’s CFS system. A significant advantage of the K2 Plus is its much larger build volume (350x350x350mm compared to 250x250x250mm), making it suitable for bigger projects. It also includes a dual camera setup, enhancing monitoring capabilities. Both are enclosed CoreXY machines, offering similar precision benefits. However, the Kobra S1 Combo boasts a higher 320°C hotend versus the K2 Plus’s 300°C, providing a slight edge in handling exotic high-temperature filaments. Additionally, the Kobra S1 Combo integrates intelligent filament drying while printing, a feature not explicitly highlighted in the K2 Plus’s description. The K2 Plus would be the preferred choice for users whose projects frequently demand a larger print area, while the Kobra S1 Combo offers superior hotend temperature and integrated filament drying for a slightly more versatile material handling experience.

3. Creality K1 MAX 3D Printer 600mm/s Speed

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    "name": "Creality K1 MAX 3D Printer Upgrade with 600mm/s Printing Speed 300°C High-Temperature Nozzle Direct Extruder Hands-Free Auto Leveling Dual Z Axes Stable Cube Frame 11.81x11.81x11.81inch",
    "shortName": "Creality K1 MAX 3D Printer 600mm/s Speed"
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The Creality K1 MAX is another high-speed powerhouse, also reaching 600mm/s with a direct extruder and a robust cube frame. It offers a larger build volume (300x300x300mm) than the Kobra S1 Combo and features a 300°C high-temperature nozzle, auto-leveling, and dual Z-axes for stability. The K1 MAX is an excellent choice for users focused on incredibly fast, large-scale single-color prints with engineering materials. The critical differentiator here is the lack of multicolor capability in the K1 MAX. While the Kobra S1 Combo shines in bringing vibrant, multi-material designs to life with its ACE PRO system and higher 320°C hotend, the K1 MAX is strictly a monochromatic machine. Therefore, if multi-color printing is a primary requirement, the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor is the clear winner. If raw speed and large single-color prints are the sole focus, the K1 MAX might be a compelling, though different, alternative.

Final Verdict: Is the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor Your Next Creative Partner?

After extensive hands-on experience and a thorough analysis of its features and user feedback, we can confidently state that the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor stands as a highly capable and forward-thinking machine in the 3D printing landscape. Its strengths are undeniably impressive: the blistering 600mm/s print speed, enabled by its robust CoreXY structure and intelligent compensation, delivers consistently high-quality results. The integrated Anycubic ACE PRO, with its multi-color capabilities and intelligent filament drying, unlocks a new dimension of creative expression and material reliability. Furthermore, its 320°C hotend and fully enclosed build chamber ensure broad material compatibility, from common PLAs to demanding engineering filaments like ABS and ASA. The smart ecosystem, complete with remote monitoring and app control, wraps it all into a user-friendly package that feels modern and intuitive.

While the potential for initial quality control issues and reports of extruder problems after extended use, coupled with challenges in customer support, are valid concerns that prospective buyers should be aware of, they don’t overshadow the printer’s core performance. For serious makers, product designers, and advanced hobbyists who are ready to embrace the future of high-speed, multi-color 3D printing, and are prepared to handle potential minor initial hiccups, the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor is an exceptional investment. It delivers on its promises of speed, versatility, and intelligent functionality, offering an experience that can genuinely elevate your projects. If you’re looking to break free from the limitations of slower, single-color machines and dive into a world of rapid, vibrant creation, we highly recommend exploring the full potential of this innovative printer. Don’t let your ideas be confined by technology; discover what’s possible and check out the ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer High Speed Multicolor today.