📋 Overview & Reviews

Last Updated: Based on reviews from the last 12 months (2024–2025)

Key Features

• ACE multi-color unit for 4-color printing
• High-speed motion system (up to 500 mm/s)
• Auto bed leveling with Anycubic LeviQ 2.0
• Build volume: 250 × 250 × 260 mm
• Direct drive extruder for better filament control
• Compatible with Cura, OrcaSlicer, and Anycubic Slicer

Community Reviews & Feedback

Positive Aspects:

• Fast printing with surprisingly good quality
• ACE unit is simple to set up and reliable
• Great value compared to premium multi-color systems
• Strong performance with PLA and PETG
• Good for colorful models, signs, and figurines

Areas for Improvement:

• Purge tower waste can be high on color-heavy prints
• Firmware updates occasionally needed for ACE stability
• TPU not recommended through ACE unit
• Noise levels increase at high speeds

🎯 Best Practices for Kobra 3 + ACE

Initial Setup

1. Install ACE unit securely and check filament routing
2. Run LeviQ 2.0 auto-leveling
3. Calibrate Z-offset manually for best first layer
4. Update firmware for both printer and ACE module
5. Print a multi-color calibration test

Daily Maintenance

• Clean PEI plate before each print
• Check ACE filament paths for dust buildup
• Inspect extruder gears weekly
• Lubricate linear rods monthly
• Monitor purge tower size for multi-color jobs

Material Handling

• PLA recommended for best multi-color results
• PETG works well with slower speeds
• TPU should be printed without ACE unit
• Store filament in dry boxes to prevent jams

🖥️ Recommended Slicers

The Kobra 3 + ACE works best with:

• Anycubic Slicer: Best ACE integration
• OrcaSlicer: Excellent multi-color workflow
• Cura: Good profiles and community support

⚙️ Optimal Slicer Settings

General Quality Settings

Setting	Recommended Value	Notes
Layer Height	0.2mm (standard), 0.12mm (high detail)	Good balance of speed and quality
Print Speed	80–150 mm/s	Reduce to 50–60 mm/s for multi-color
Travel Speed	200 mm/s	Helps reduce stringing
Retraction Distance	1.0–1.4 mm	Direct drive extruder
Retraction Speed	35–45 mm/s	Prevents blobs during color changes

Curved Top Surfaces

• Enable ironing for PLA
• Ironing speed: 25–40 mm/s
• Top layers: 6–8

Minimizing Layer Lines

• Use adaptive layer height
• Enable pressure advance (input shaping)
• Use “Aligned” seam for geometric models

Support Settings

Setting	Recommended Value
Support Type	Tree or Organic
Overhang Angle	50°
Support Density	10–12%
Top Distance	0.25 mm

🔧 Calibration Guide

Bed Leveling

1. Heat bed to 60°C
2. Run LeviQ 2.0 auto-leveling
3. Verify with paper test
4. Adjust Z-offset if needed

Extruder Calibration

1. Mark 120mm of filament
2. Extrude 100mm
3. Measure remaining filament
4. Adjust E-steps accordingly

Temperature Calibration

• PLA: 200–215°C
• PETG: 235–250°C

Flow Rate Calibration

1. Print single-wall cube
2. Measure wall thickness
3. Adjust flow until accurate

⚠️ Common Issues & Solutions

ACE Filament Jams

• Keep filament dry
• Reduce retraction during color changes
• Ensure PTFE tubes are clean

Stringing

• Increase travel speed
• Lower temperature by 5–10°C
• Enable combing

Ghosting

• Enable input shaping
• Reduce acceleration for tall prints

Purge Tower Waste

• Use “Smart Purge” in Orca
• Reduce color change frequency

📊 Material-Specific Recommendations

PLA

• 200–210°C nozzle, 60°C bed
• Best for multi-color prints
• Brands: Anycubic, eSun, Overture

PETG

• 240–250°C nozzle, 80°C bed
• Reduce speed to avoid stringing

ABS

• Not recommended (open-frame printer)
• Prone to warping

TPU

• Do not use with ACE unit
• Print directly with slow speeds