Anycubic has updated its FDM line-up with the Kobra and Kobra Max. The resin range adds the Photon M3, M3 Plus, and M3 Max MSLA printers.

Anycubic has announced five new 3D printers priced between $299 and $1099. These printers can handle anything consumers throw at them, from small, flexible materials to larger, ABS parts. Here's what you need to know...

The Chinese consumer-grade 3D printing brand Anycubic has announced two new 3D printer families in its FDM and MSLA repertoire. The Kobra FDM 3D printer caters to consumers who wish to print flexible materials, whereas the Kobra Max is designed to print larger parts faster. Anycubic’s new MSLA printer range comprises Photon M3, M3 Max, and M3 Plus variants.

The new resin printers are based on the same monochromatic LCD technology found in the company’s existing Photon Mono range, but feature brighter LED backlights and screens with higher light transmittance. The new 3D printer range starts at $299 and goes all the way up to $1099 depending on features and build volume.

At $299, the Anycubic Kobra is the smaller of the two new FDM printers with a build volume of 220mm x 220mm x 250mm (XYZ). However, it still packs in a more advanced direct drive extruder compared to the more expensive ($569) Kobra Max. This makes it capable of printing flexible materials, and compatible with lower retraction distances without the risk of stringing. Read more on direct drive extruders and their impact on print quality in our comprehensive extruder guide.

The Kobra’s 25-point auto bed leveling system promises to make first layer accuracy a trivial affair. Unlike other Anycubic FDM printers, the Kobra ships with an inductive sensor that plays well with the textured spring steel sheet used for the build surface. The flexible surface promises to make print removal easier. Anycubic claims print speeds averaging at 80mm/s. This is higher than most consumer grade printers but tricky to achieve with the printer’s V-slot roller design. Waiting on independent reviews is recommended if print speed is your primary concern.

For an additional $270, the Kobra Max offers a significantly larger build volume of 400mm x 400mm x 450mm (XYZ). The increased heft of the larger X-gantry warrants a more elaborate setup consisting of independently driven dual Z-axis lead screws. The Kobra Max also features an inherently flatter glass build surface that works better with the same nozzle-activated automatic bed leveling system found on the existing Vyper FDM printers. Read more about the leveling system in our comprehensive Anycubic Vyper 3D printer review.

The Anycubic Photon M3 is an entry-level resin printer priced at $299 and sports a build volume of 164mm x 102mm x 180mm (XYZ). The MSLA printer still packs a 7.6-inch monochrome LCD screen with a resolution of 4096 x 2560 pixels (or 4K). The entry-level offering retains the proprietary LightTurbo backlighting system that claims to offer better uniformity and a laser-engraved build plate to go with it.

The significantly more expensive Anycubic M3 Plus variant ships with luxuries, such as an automatic resin filling system. That should alleviate the fear of running out of resin mid-print. The 9.25-inch screen incorporates the same patent technology, while sporting a higher 6K resolution (5760 x 3600 pixels). The more expensive printer also supports Anycubic Cloud integration, which allows the machine to be controlled and monitored remotely.

The Anycubic M3 Max is targeted at those who want to print larger models, thanks to its expansive 298mm x 164mm x 300mm (XYZ) build volume. It includes the features of the M3 Plus, while packing in a massive 13.6-inch monochrome screen capable of 7K resolution (6480 x 3600 pixels). All this resin printing real estate doesn’t come cheap at a price tag of $1099.

The MSLA printers have been launched alongside Anycubic’s new range of water washable resins dubbed as the Water-Wash Resin+. These are touted to reduce nasty resin odors and reduce the cost and complexity of processing prints with isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Both the FDM and resin printer ranges are now available to buy on the official Anycubic store.

Nachiket has covered diverse technology beats ranging from video games and PC hardware to smartphones and DIY over a career spanning 15 years. Some say that his DIY articles serve as an excuse to pass off his 3D printer, custom keyboard, and RC addiction as “business expenses” to the wife.

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