The 3D printing world is buzzing with the arrival of Anycubic's latest offering: the Kobra S1 Combo. This new printer boasts impressive specs, a fully enclosed CoreXY design, a new software ecosystem, and multi-color printing capabilities via the Ace Pro chamber—all at a compelling price point under $600 (for a limited time). This positions the Kobra S1 Combo as a direct competitor to industry giants like Bambu Lab, raising the question: can Anycubic truly challenge the reigning champions?
Key Features and Specifications:
CoreXY Construction:Â The fully enclosed CoreXY structure promises increased stability and precision at high speeds.
Ultra-Fast Printing: Anycubic claims the S1 Combo can reach speeds of 600mm/s, completing a Benchy benchmark print in just 15 minutes. This puts it ahead of Bambu Lab's P1S (18 minutes) and even slightly faster than the X1 (16 minutes 30 seconds, according to Bambu).
Multi-Color Printing: The included Ace Pro chamber enables multi-color printing, opening up exciting possibilities for intricate and vibrant designs.
New Software Ecosystem: Anycubic has developed a new software suite to complement the S1 Combo, aiming to provide a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Competitive Pricing: The Kobra S1 Combo is launching with a super early bird price of $599, which will eventually increase to $749. This aggressive pricing makes it a very attractive option compared to Bambu Lab's premium offerings.
Availability: The S1 Combo is available for order now, with shipping expected in early February in the US and March in the UK/EU.
A Direct Rival to Bambu Lab?
The comparison to Bambu Lab printers is unavoidable. Bambu Lab has established itself as a leader in the consumer 3D printing market, known for its high-quality, user-friendly, and feature-rich machines. The analogy of Bambu Lab being the "iPhone" of 3D printing is apt, reflecting their premium status and polished ecosystem.
However, Anycubic's Kobra S1 Combo appears to be a serious contender. By offering comparable features, including multi-color printing and high speeds, at a significantly lower price, Anycubic is directly targeting a broader audience. While Bambu Lab printers have earned widespread praise, their higher cost can be a barrier for many.
The Multi-Color Advantage:
The demand for multi-color 3D printing is growing rapidly. This is driven by both the desire to create visually appealing prints for sale and the increasing popularity of techniques like HueForge, which allows for stunning grayscale lithophanes. The inclusion of the Ace Pro chamber in the Kobra S1 Combo positions Anycubic to capitalize on this trend.
Anycubic's Track Record:
This isn't Anycubic's first foray into multi-color printing. The company's Kobra 3 Combo, released earlier in the year, is already considered one of the best multi-color printers on the market. Furthermore, it boasts the unique feature of integrated filament drying, a valuable addition for maintaining filament quality. The Kobra 3 Max also caters to users who require larger print volumes. The S1 Combo builds upon this foundation, demonstrating Anycubic's commitment to innovation in this space.
The Verdict (For Now):
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo has generated considerable excitement, and for good reason. Its impressive specifications, multi-color capabilities, and competitive pricing make it a compelling alternative to more expensive options like Bambu Lab. While Bambu Lab's reputation for quality and reliability remains strong, Anycubic is clearly stepping up its game.
The true test will come once the Kobra S1 Combo reaches users' hands. Real-world performance, reliability, and user experience will ultimately determine its success.Â