Key Takeaways:
- Understand how to unbox, assemble, and calibrate the Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro for the very first time.
- Learn about blade update prompts and slicer configuration for flawless, professional-grade prints.
- Troubleshoot various problems such as wi-fi connectivity and print errors.
- Learn how to perform printer maintenance to keep the printer functioning well for years.
- Optimize the setup and printing processes with step-by-step guides to eliminate time and hassle for you.
- Unlike Other 3D Printers, The Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro Makes The 3D Printing Journey Seamless.
Anycubic Kobra Two Pro Beginner Setup Guide
You don’t have to worry about whether you’re upgrading to the AnyCubic Kobra 2 Pro beginner setup guide or 3D printing for the very first time; starting will always be easy. So you went ahead and unboxed the new Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro, well congratulations, you’re ready to enter the world of 3D printing. The only thing left to do now is find a place to start.
Don’t worry, we have you covered. In this article, we will be outlining the beginner setup of the Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro step-by-step. We all want to get started promptly, and for that reason, we will discuss how to seamlessly get started, resolve common problems, and optimize performance. 3D Printing may sound daunting, but with the ease of this guide, you will be printing in no time. I have an Anycubic printer and can’t wait to print your first model.
Unboxing your Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro
What’s In the Box?
While we explore the Kobra K2 Pro, let’s focus on the Parts List Section, where the printer parts are listed in detail. It’s essential to verify/check everything briefly. Given below is the list:
- 3D Printer Frame: Contains the most parts and is the most intensive to put together. Don’t worry too much, as it’s manageable.
- Print Bed: Comes with the LeviQ 2.0 auto-leveling sensor fitted.
- Extruder and Hotend: The components responsible for filament feed and heating.
- Power Supply and Cables: Remember to check your region’s adapter and voltage for compatibility.
- Filament Spool: Comes with, most of the time, a test spool of PLA filament.
- Tools: Contains a set of screws and minimal tools for your assembly
Tip: Go ahead and check your region’s adapter. It is vital. Also, use a camera to take photos of the outer packaging for later reference.
Preparing For Assembly
Once your K2 Pro is unboxed, it is crucial to follow the Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro instructions as closely as possible to ensure there are no mistakes made.
Assembly of Your Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro
Step-by-Step Frame Assembly
Most of the Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro’s frame is pre-built, so there is no need to stress about the bulk of the machine’s parts. However, some finishing touches are still required, as the machine is not finished.
- Attach the Vertical Frame: The vertical rails need to be attached to the frame base. The screws need to be set tight, but not overly tight.
- Mounting the Z and X-Axis: These are the two axes that will control the movement of the print head and bed. Follow the guidelines for proper alignment to avoid future issues.
- Relatable Situation: While setting up my Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro, I remember putting the screws a little too tightly, which caused some binding in the Z-axis movement. With a little loosening, the movement was smoother.
Put the Extruder and Print Bed in Place
- Print Bed: Place the bed on the base. Also, ensure that the LeviQ 2.0 auto-leveling sensor is sitting in the correct position. This is one of the great highlights of the Kobra 2 Pro since it makes bed leveling a breeze.
- Extruder: Fit the extruder onto the frame using the screws provided. Check the wiring and ensure the hotend is fully attached.
Calibrating Your Printer for the First Time
Giving Your Printer Power and Checking the Connections
Make sure all wires are appropriately connected. Is everything securely plugged in? If yes, the next step is to plug the printer into a power outlet and turn it on.
Tip: Have a notebook at hand to document all the changes, adjustments, and configurations that you implement. This is useful for troubleshooting in the future.
First Power-Up and Auto Leveling with LeviQ 2.0
One crucial step is the adjustment and calibration of the print bed. The LeviQ 2.0 sensor does this automatically; however, some level of guidance is still needed.
Access the printer menu, select Auto-Leveling, then start the procedure. The system will probe the bed at several locations and adjust the height accordingly.
Expert Insight: The LeviQ 2.0 sensor is an excellent asset for beginners in 3D printing, as it eliminates any guesswork in bed leveling. On the other hand, for more seasoned users, performing a manual level occasionally could provide improved accuracy.
Configuring Slicers for Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro
Which Slicer is Right for You?
Supported slicers for the Kobra 2 Pro include Anycubic Slicer Next, PrusaSlicer, and Orca Slicer. Each slicer has its strengths and weaknesses, depending on your level of expertise and the specific prints in question.
- Anycubic Slicer Next: This slicer is designed explicitly for Kobra printers and is the most user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners.
- PrusaSlicer: Advanced users who prefer to customize everything will benefit the most from this slicer.
- Orca Slicer: This slicer is very popular among users who like to alter settings to enhance the print quality.
- Real-World Example: Like most beginners, I began my 3D printing journey with Anycubic Slicer Next because of its low barrier to entry. Then, I gradually became more comfortable and switched to PrusaSlicer for its increased versatility.
Configuring the Slicer Profiles
After selecting a slicer, it’s good to set the profiles for the Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro precisely. Good thing Anycubic has a webpage and community forums where profiles are made available for direct download.
Tip: When starting a new print job, it is advisable to always begin with the pre-configured print settings. The settings can be improved over time as you get more comfortable with the process. For the time being, you can increase temperature, layer height, and print speed, so these parameters can be optimized for your prints.
Resolving The Kobra 2 Pro Common Issues
Resolving The Wi-Fi Connection Issues
At times, a printer may fail to connect to the Wi-Fi, for example, when the signal is faint or when something has been set incorrectly. To fix the issue:
- Shut down and restart the printer and the router.
- Your network needs to be set to 2.4 GHz frequency, since Kobra 2 Pro does not work with 5 GHz.
- Check the Wi-Fi settings and confirm that the correct username and password have been input.
Tip: In case the Wi-Fi setup is still a problem, you can connect your printer to the network using an Ethernet cable.
Fixing The Issues Relating To Sticking Of The First Layer To The Bed
If youare experiencing issues with your prints not sticking to the bed, it’s likely due to a first-layer adhesion problem. Here’s a solution:
- Increase bed temperature: A Higher temperature makes sticking of the filament easier.
- Adjusting Nozzle Height: You need to set the Z-offset for both high and low positions of the nozzle since filament will not stick in either.
- Applying Glue or Hairspray: Adhering issues may be resolved with a very thin layer of either glue stick or hairspray on the heated bed.
Preserving your Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro Through Maintenance for the Duration of its Usability
Cleaning and Lubricating
In the case of the Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro 3D Printer, the following maintenance tasks, though basic, are very impactful:
- Disinfecting the print bed with alcohol every couple of prints and removing residue left behind will maintain it in a ‘healthy’ condition.
- Applying PTFE ointment to the Z-axis rails every couple of months will keep the moving parts working well and will maintain the smooth movement of the 3D printer.
Updating Firmware
For unlocking the full potential features of a printer or upgrading it, the most recommended strategy is updating the printer firmware. Updating the firmware is as easy as downloading it from the Anycubic webpage and following the provided instructions on the printing-flashing process.
Wrap Up. From your first prints and further prints
Your Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro is ready for printing, and with this simple guide, it is properly calibrated, slicer set, and optimized for successful prints. Having already mastered the basics and set up the printer, you can now enjoy printing.
As you gain experience with your printer, play around with different filament types, designs, or printer settings. The Kobra 2 Pro is a 3D printer designed to grow with you, but at the same time, every 3D printer is a different learning opportunity.
Feeling a bit bold? Try different slicer settings or take a chance at updating your firmware and see the difference in your prints over time. We wish you happy printing!
Final Thought
The Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro is a versatile 3D printer that can deliver remarkable prints if it is configured and maintained properly. The setup is easy, but don’t forget to check every step thoroughly so you get the ideal configuration for your first prints.
