This combo comprises the Anycubic Kobra S1 and the Anycubic Color Engine (ACE). A lot of people are hoping this is the Bambu Labs killer we have been waiting for.
Even though I own two Bambu Lab printers, I bought those with my own money, and I love them, but not unconditionally. I've also been a long-term fan of Prusa, and I bought those with my own money also.
This was sent to me to review, though they are not paying for me or telling me what to say, and obviously that does make me feel kindly toward the company. That relationship only goes so far (if I don't like something I say so).
Looking at the Printer
Like the larger Bambu machines, the S1 is an enclosed CoreXY printer with a 250mmx250mmx250mm print area.
It also includes modern conveniences like an auto-leveling bed, a built-in camera for monitoring prints or recording time-lapses, and a well-designed touch screen interface.
The ACE system allows up to four filaments (expandable to eight with an additional ACE unit), has carbon fume filtration, and includes a feature for filament drying to prevent moisture issues.
As this is a fully enclosed printer especially ideal for moisture-greedy materials like PETG, this is a welcome addition.
Print Quality
PETG Benchy
Coming from a background with Bambu Lab printers, I had high expectations. The Kobra S1 delivered impressive results, especially for its price. PLA prints were smooth and consistent, with minimal imperfections. ABS and PETG look to me as good as PLA prints which is high praise indeed!
ABS bottle opener
Usability
Assembly was minimal, with clear instructions provided in both paper and digital formats.
The slicer, though Windows-only, is familiar and user-friendly, though there are not many presets currently.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Price: The main draw is going to be price, as it is a substantial saving over Bambu - essentially the same price as buying just the P1S but with a better AMS in my opinion. That is a good thing for competition if long term results also support it.
- Ease of Use: Setup and operation were straightforward, even for multi-color printing.
- Print Quality: So far prints have been fast and as good as any printer in my collection, including Bambu!
- Build Quality: The printer feels well-made and professionally assembled. Only one minor issue, the front door is not fully aligned, though not to the point where it hurts the seal.
Cons
- Filament Loading: Occasionally, feeding filament into the ACE required some extra effort.
- Noise Levels: The ACE’s drying system can be a bit loud.
- Windows-Only: Surely Mac software will be along soon enough but right now, it only has Windows support.
- Blue PTFE Clips: Someone has likely designed an stl already but I immediately lost a PTFE clip.
Initial Conclusion
I have a lot of testing to do, so my conclusions are not fully formed, but I have been delighted so far.
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo has so far exceeded my expectations. It’s user-friendly, versatile, and capable of producing high-quality prints. While no FDM printer is perfect, this one has a lot going for it, especially at its price point.
For someone like me, who wants printers that “just work,” the S1 proved to be an easy and reliable performer. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned maker looking to explore multi-color printing, this printer offers a lot of value.
If you’re considering adding an FDM printer to your setup, this combo is worth a look.