📋 Overview & Reviews

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

Key Features

• Multi-color ready with ACE compatibility
• LeviQ 2.0 auto bed leveling
• Build volume: 220 × 220 × 250 mm
• Direct drive extruder for better filament control
• High-speed printing up to 500 mm/s
• Compatible with Cura, OrcaSlicer, and Anycubic Slicer

Community Reviews & Feedback

Positive Aspects:

• Very easy to set up for beginners
• Excellent print quality for the price
• Quiet operation compared to older Kobra models
• Strong performance with PLA and PETG
• Good stepping stone into multi-color printing

Areas for Improvement:

• Not as fast as premium CoreXY printers
• Build volume is smaller than Kobra 3 + ACE
• TPU requires slower speeds
• Occasional firmware quirks reported

🎯 Best Practices for Kobra 3 V2

Initial Setup

1. Run LeviQ 2.0 auto-leveling
2. Manually fine-tune Z-offset
3. Check extruder tension for flexible filaments
4. Update firmware before first print
5. Print a calibration cube and flow test

Daily Maintenance

• Clean PEI plate before each print
• Check extruder gears weekly
• Lubricate Z-screws monthly
• Inspect Bowden tube if using ACE unit
• Monitor first layer adhesion

Material Handling

• PLA recommended for best results
• PETG works well with slower speeds
• TPU requires reduced retraction
• Dry filament improves multi-color reliability

🖥️ Recommended Slicers

The Kobra 3 V2 works best with:

• Anycubic Slicer: Best integration with ACE
• OrcaSlicer: Great for multi-color workflows
• Cura: Reliable 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	60–120 mm/s	Reduce to 50 mm/s for multi-color
Travel Speed	180 mm/s	Helps reduce stringing
Retraction Distance	1.0–1.2 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

Stringing

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

Under-Extrusion

• Check extruder tension
• Dry filament thoroughly
• Increase flow by 2–5%

First Layer Issues

• Re-run LeviQ leveling
• Clean PEI plate with IPA
• Adjust Z-offset slightly lower

Ghosting

• Enable input shaping
• Reduce acceleration

📊 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

• Use slow speeds (20–30 mm/s)
• Reduce retraction