Introduction
The Large-Format, Multi-Color Arms Race Just Escalated — And Anycubic Wants In
The desktop 3D printing world is in the middle of a quiet but very real shift.
It’s no longer enough to sell a cute 200 mm bed and a PLA-only workflow.
Creators are asking for more, bigger build volumes, real engineering materials, smarter automation, and multi-color printing that isn’t a total headache.
And right when Creality, Bambu Lab, and Qidi are tightening their grip on the mid-range market, Anycubic drops something unexpected:
The Kobra S1 Max Combo — a machine that, at least on paper, looks like an attempt to leap multiple tiers at once.
- A 350 × 350 × 350 mm build volume.
- Support for up to 16 filaments.
- A 350°C hotend, an enclosed chamber, CoreXY motion, and a marketed top speed of 600 mm/s.
This is not a casual upgrade. This is Anycubic saying: “We’re done playing in the entry-level sandbox.”
But here’s the uncomfortable truth:
In 2025, specs are cheap. Speed numbers are easy to print on the box.
Multi-color support sounds impressive until you realize material purging can waste more filament than the model itself.
And “engineering-grade materials” don’t mean much if the enclosure, airflow, and motion system aren’t tuned properly.
So the real questions are the ones every serious maker is asking right now:
- Is the S1 Max Combo genuinely capable — or just aggressively marketed?
- Does 16-color support actually matter, or is it another “AMS-clone hype cycle”?
- Will the 350 mm build volume translate into real-world reliability?
- Where does it stand compared to Creality’s K2 Plus Combo and Bambu’s ecosystem?
- And perhaps most importantly: Is this a printer you should trust on Day One?
This deep dive won’t sugarcoat it.
We’re not here to praise or bash Anycubic — we’re here to break down exactly what this machine is, what it isn’t, and what it could be depending on your needs.
By the end of this article, you’ll know whether the Kobra S1 Max Combo is:
- a bold step forward for Anycubic,
- an over-extended spec sheet,
- or the first truly accessible large-format multi-color machine worth paying attention to.
Let’s get into it.
What the Kobra S1 Max Combo Actually Is (and Who It’s Really For)
If you want the short version before diving into the details, here’s the truth:
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Max Combo is a large-format, multi-color, CoreXY FDM printer designed for creators who need size, material flexibility, and visual complexity in one machine — without jumping into the Bambu Lab price tier.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- Build volume: 350 × 350 × 350 mm — genuinely large enough for props, cosplay, furniture inserts, robotics frames, and full-scale prototypes.
- Multi-color capability: Up to 16 filaments, though purging waste and workflow complexity will matter in real-world use.
- Motion system: CoreXY architecture with high acceleration and marketed speeds up to 600 mm/s.
- Material range: PLA to ABS/ASA, plus potential for PC, PA, and carbon-fiber blends due to the 350°C hotend + enclosed chamber.
- Positioning: Aiming directly at “large-format + multi-material” creators, not beginners.
- Competitors: Creality K2 Plus Combo, Bambu Lab X1/P1 series (ecosystem), Qidi engineering printers.
Who It’s Best For
- Makers who routinely print large functional parts
- Creators exploring multi-color or multi-material art pieces
- Workshops, labs, and prototyping teams needing size + variety
- Users who want CoreXY speed without the Bambu ecosystem price
Who Should Skip It
- Beginners who want plug-and-play simplicity
- Users who only print 200 mm figurines or small utility parts
- Anyone who has zero plans for multi-color or engineering-grade materials
Bottom Line
The Kobra S1 Max Combo is one of Anycubic’s most ambitious printers to date — but ambition cuts both ways.
If you actually need size + color + material range, it’s a compelling new option.
If not, the extra complexity and price may feel like overkill.
Key Specs Overview — The “On-Paper” Foundation of the S1 Max Combo
Before we dive into nuanced analysis, here’s a clean, structured look at the hardware foundation of the Anycubic Kobra S1 Max Combo.
These are the specs that define what this machine can do — at least in theory.
Core Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 350 × 350 × 350 mm |
| Motion System | CoreXY |
| Max Print Speed | Up to 600 mm/s (claimed) |
| Recommended Speed | ~300 mm/s |
| Acceleration | Up to 20,000 mm/s² |
| Hotend Temperature | Up to 350°C |
| Bed Temperature | Up to 120°C |
| Chamber | Fully enclosed |
| Filament Support | PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, PC, PA, CF blends (theoretical) |
| Multi-Color System | Up to 16 filaments |
| Leveling | Automatic bed leveling |
| Sensors | Filament runout, tangle detection |
| Smart Features | Built-in camera, Wi-Fi/App control |
What These Specs Actually Mean for Real Users
• 350 mm³ build volume
This moves the printer firmly out of the “hobby tier.”
You can print:
- cosplay helmets
- robotics frames
- large functional parts
- architectural models
- RC bodies
- furniture prototypes
It enables projects that simply aren’t possible on 220–256 mm machines.
• Up to 16 filaments
This is the spec everyone will talk about.
But multi-color reality = purge towers, waste, and workflow overhead.
Good for:
- multi-layer art
- color-dense figurines
- branding prototypes
- multi-material functional parts
Not good for:
- users who don’t want to tweak profiles
- people expecting “Bambu AMS-like efficiency” out of the box
• 350°C hotend + enclosed chamber
This is what moves the S1 Max Combo into “engineering-capable” territory.
A real 350°C hotend + enclosure opens the door to:
- ABS / ASA
- Nylon (PA)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Carbon fiber–reinforced blends
But only if the internal thermal environment is truly stable — which we’ll analyze later.
• CoreXY + high acceleration
CoreXY architecture is a smart choice for a large-format machine.
It improves:
- motion stability
- corner sharpness
- high-speed reliability
- overall print consistency
But remember:
Marketing speeds ≠ real-world speeds when printing large heavy models.
Where This Machine Sits in the Market (Based on Specs Alone)
Based purely on numbers, the Kobra S1 Max Combo enters a niche that few printers currently serve:
- Large-format (350 mm³)
- Multi-color (16 filaments)
- High-temp, enclosed, CoreXY architecture
- Affordable compared to Creality K2+ / Bambu ecosystem
This combination is unusual — and that’s why it’s generating buzz.
How the Kobra S1 Max Combo Compares to Its Real Competitors
A machine with a 350 mm³ build volume and multi-color capabilities doesn’t exist in a vacuum.
To understand where the S1 Max Combo truly sits in 2025/2026’s landscape, here’s a clean comparison against the three machines buyers will inevitably cross-shop:
Creality K2 Plus Combo,
Bambu Lab X1/P1 series,
and Flashforge’s multi-color lineup.
Competitive Comparison Table
| Feature / Model | Anycubic Kobra S1 Max Combo | Creality K2 Plus Combo | Bambu Lab X1C + AMS | Flashforge Multi-Color (AD5X/IFS etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Build Volume | 350 × 350 × 350 mm | 350 × 350 × 350 mm | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 220 × 220 × 220 mm (typical) |
| Multi-Color Support | Up to 16 filaments | Up to 16 filaments (CFS) | 4 filaments per AMS (expandable with stacking) | 4–8 filaments depending on model |
| Motion System | CoreXY | CoreXY | CoreXY | Cartesian / IDEX (varies) |
| Enclosure | Fully enclosed | Fully enclosed | Semi–enclosed | Varies (often open or semi-closed) |
| Hotend Max Temp | 350°C | 300–350°C (varies by batch) | 300°C | 260–300°C |
| Material Range | PLA → PC/PA/CF | PLA → PC/PA/CF | PLA → ABS/ASA (PC limited) | PLA → PETG |
| Speed (claimed) | Up to 600 mm/s | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s | 400 mm/s |
| Target User | Large-format creators; multi-color artists; engineering prints | Multi-color enthusiasts; semi-professional users | Automation-focused prosumers; ecosystem users | Budget-friendly multi-color beginners |
| Ecosystem Strength | Medium | Strong (rapidly growing) | Very strong (best in class) | Moderate |
Key Takeaways from This Comparison
1. Size + Multi-Color + High Temp = Rare Combination
Among all competitors, only two machines truly tick these boxes:
- Anycubic Kobra S1 Max Combo
- Creality K2 Plus Combo
Bambu Lab and Flashforge offer multi-color, but not in large-format, enclosed, high-temp configurations.
2. Ecosystem is where Anycubic still lags
Bambu Lab’s ecosystem (AMS + slicer + cloud + automation) is currently unrivaled.
If ecosystem matters more than size or color count → Bambu wins.
3. For large-format builders, it’s basically a two-brand race
If you want 350 mm³ + multi-color + enclosure, the realistic choices are:
✔ Anycubic Kobra S1 Max Combo
✔ Creality K2 Plus Combo
Everyone else is operating in a different tier.
4. Pricing will likely decide adoption
If Anycubic positions the S1 Max Combo significantly below the K2 Plus Combo and far below Bambu’s AMS bundles, it becomes a very compelling offering — even with ecosystem limitations.
Highlight Features — What Actually Makes This Printer Interesting
Specs alone rarely tell the full story.
Here are the features that genuinely change how the Kobra S1 Max Combo fits into a creator’s workflow — the things that matter once you move past the marketing sheet.
1) A True 350 mm³ Build Volume — Not Just “Bigger,” but Creatively Liberating
Large-format FDM is more than “I can print bigger stuff.”
It changes what you’re allowed to attempt.
A 350 × 350 × 350 mm build volume means you can print:
- one-piece cosplay helmets
- RC car bodies
- robotics frames
- architectural mockups
- medium-sized furniture fixtures
- full-scale product prototypes
These are objects that smaller 220–256 mm printers force you to split, glue, sand, align, and pray for structural stability.
On the S1 Max Combo, many of these become single-piece prints, which means:
- fewer seams
- fewer alignment issues
- better strength
- better surface continuity
- less post-processing hell
Large-format machines unlock projects, not “bigger Benchies.”
2) Up to 16 Filaments — Ambitious, Risky, and Potentially Game-Changing
Let’s be honest: multi-color FDM is still in its awkward teenage years.
Switching filaments through a single nozzle requires:
- purging
- waste towers
- extra time
- careful calibration
But when done right, it unlocks creative possibilities that no single-color printer can offer:
- gradient effects
- multi-color art
- branded prototypes
- indicator parts (e.g., color-coded functional pieces)
- multi-material assemblies (hard + flexible)
16 filaments is a bold move.
Few printers on the market offer this at all — let alone at this size.
It’s not going to be “perfect” out of the box.
But for creators who want to experiment or push the medium, it’s a rare capability at this price class.
3) High-Temperature Hotend + Enclosed Chamber — The Doors to Engineering Materials Open Up
A 350°C hotend and a 120°C heated bed inside an enclosure tell us something important:
This machine isn’t just aimed at PLA hobbyists.
It’s built to take on:
- ABS/ASA
- Nylon (PA)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Carbon-fiber blends
- PET-CF / PA-CF functional parts
These materials require:
- stable chamber temperature
- minimal drafts
- precise thermal control
- strong extrusion force
Not many multi-color consumer printers can handle these.
If Anycubic’s thermal management proves stable in real-world tests, this becomes a legitimate “engineering-capable” machine — not just an arts-and-crafts tool.
4) CoreXY Motion System — Essential for Speed and Stability at This Size
On a small printer, motion system quality is about speed.
On a 350 mm printer, motion system quality is about survival.
CoreXY reduces moving mass, improves acceleration efficiency, and keeps the gantry stable even when you’re flinging it around at high speeds.
Benefits include:
- sharper corners
- cleaner bridges
- fewer ghosting artifacts
- more consistent prints on tall models
- reliable high-speed infill
Marketing claims of “600 mm/s” are optimistic — but CoreXY at this size does matter, and it keeps the machine competitive with Creality and Bambu.
5) Smart Features That Actually Reduce Failure Rates, Not Just Add “Convenience”
The S1 Max Combo includes:
- automatic bed leveling
- filament runout detection
- filament tangle sensing
- a built-in camera
- Wi-Fi + mobile app control
These are not “nice extras.”
On a printer this big, a failed print means losing:
- half a spool of filament
- 20+ hours of print time
- a huge part that’s now useless
Smart features are insurance.
They don’t make the machine more “fun” — they make it more viable for long, high-stakes jobs.
Why These Highlights Matter
Individually, none of these features are revolutionary.
But collectively — large format, multi-color support, high-temp capability, CoreXY, and an enclosed chamber — place the S1 Max Combo in a very narrow category:
Large-format multi-material printers that don’t cost over $1,500.
That’s the real story.
Not that it has 16 colors or 600 mm/s speeds, but that it combines:
- size
- versatility
- speed architecture
- and temperature tolerance
in a way few machines in 2025 can match at this price level.
Real-World Insights — What Media and Early Communities Are Saying
Because the Kobra S1 Max Combo is still a fresh release, full long-term user reviews don’t exist yet.
But early impressions from media outlets, 3D-printing communities, and Reddit discussions already reveal a surprisingly consistent pattern — equal parts excitement and skepticism.
Here’s the distilled signal from the noise.
What the Media Is Highlighting
Several major 3D-printing and tech outlets covered the launch, and the narrative is fairly aligned:
1) “Large-format + multi-color in one machine is rare.”
Outlets like All3DP and Notebookcheck emphasize the unusual combination of:
- 350 mm³ build volume
- enclosed chamber
- high-temp printing
- 16-filament support
Most printers can do one or two of these, but rarely all four.
2) “Engineering-grade capability is the big promise.”
Media repeatedly point to the potential to handle PC/PA/ASA/CF because of the 350°C hotend and enclosed chamber.
However, most cautiously note this depends on actual chamber temperature stability during printing.
3) “Anycubic is aiming higher than usual.”
Many reviewers frame this release as Anycubic’s attempt to step into a mid-high segment typically dominated by Creality K2+ and Bambu Lab’s ecosystem.
In other words: this is not an entry-level Kobra anymore.
What Reddit and Community Users Are Saying
While Max-specific user posts are still limited, existing S1/S1 Combo users — plus prospective buyers — are already voicing clear expectations and concerns.
Here are the recurring themes:
1) The size is what people are most excited about.
Comments from makers in r/3Dprinting and r/AnycubicOfficial highlight that a 350 mm CoreXY enclosed printer at this price niche is “unexpected” and “fills a gap” in the market.
2) Multi-color is seen as powerful but potentially messy.
Users are realistic:
They know 16 colors sounds amazing, but filament purging, waste, and profile tuning are unavoidable with single-nozzle multi-material systems.
This isn’t criticism — it’s just acknowledging physics.
3) Long-term reliability is the biggest question mark.
Anycubic has had mixed history:
- Some S1 users report excellent long-term stability
- Others report bed-leveling inconsistency, firmware hiccups, and occasional extrusion issues
This leads to the biggest hesitation we’ve seen:
“Specs look insane, but I want to see real tests before trusting multi-color and high temps on Day One.”
4) Media-concise sentiment: cautiously optimistic.
The community isn’t dismissing the machine; they’re waiting for proof.
If early reviews show reliable chamber temps + smooth multi-color execution, interest will spike.
If not, it will be viewed as “another ambitious spec sheet with trade-offs.”
The Overall Community Pulse
Across all platforms, the sentiment is surprisingly unified:
People want this machine to succeed.
There’s clear hunger for a large-format, multi-material, engineering-capable printer that doesn’t cost $1,500+.
But they also recognize:
- Multi-color systems are inherently complex
- High-temp capability requires real thermal stability
- Big printers amplify small calibration errors
- Anycubic must prove firmware maturity
It’s cautious optimism — not hype, not dismissal.
Who This Printer Is For — And Who Should Skip It
The Kobra S1 Max Combo is not a universal crowd-pleaser.
It’s a specific machine for a specific type of creator — and that’s exactly why this section matters.
Here’s the honest breakdown.
This Printer Is for You If…
1) You print large, functional parts regularly
If your projects routinely push past 200–256 mm constraints — helmets, cosplay props, robotics frames, prosthetics, RC shells, architectural models — then a 350 mm CoreXY enclosed machine is not a luxury.
It’s a workflow upgrade.
2) You want to explore multi-color or multi-material workflows
Multi-color FDM is still imperfect, but when leveraged correctly, it changes what’s possible:
- multi-tone figurines
- brand prototypes
- multi-layer logos
- flexible + rigid assemblies
- color-coded mechanical parts
16 filaments is not a gimmick if you know what to do with it.
3) You work with engineering materials (or want to)
If your projects involve — or will involve — ABS, ASA, PC, PA, or carbon-fiber-infused filaments, you need:
- an enclosed chamber
- a 350°C hotend
- a 120°C bed
- stable thermal behavior
The S1 Max Combo’s hardware theoretically checks these boxes.
4) You want CoreXY performance without entering the Bambu price ecosystem
There’s a huge segment of makers who want:
✔ speed
✔ stability
✔ enclosed printing
✔ multi-material support
…but don’t want a $1,500+ commitment or a locked ecosystem.
The S1 Max Combo exists precisely in that gap.
5) You’re a lab, workshop, school, or maker space
The versatility — size, materials, colors — fits environments where multiple users work on different types of projects.
It has the potential to be a “shared tool that covers many needs.”
This Printer Is Not for You If…
1) You’re a complete beginner
Let’s be blunt:
A large-format, enclosed, multi-color CoreXY machine is not the first printer anyone should buy.
It requires:
- tuning
- profile adjustments
- chamber-aware settings
- understanding multi-material purge behavior
If you just want to print Pokémon models in PLA — this is overkill.
2) You only print small models
If your entire workflow fits inside a 220–256 mm cube, you’re paying for capacity you’ll never use.
A smaller machine will:
- heat faster
- be easier to maintain
- cost less
- take less space
- be quieter
3) You hate calibration or troubleshooting
Multi-color + engineering materials + large-format printing guarantees:
- more variables
- higher stakes
- larger failures
- more fine-tuning
If you want true plug-and-play reliability:
Buy a Bambu Lab P1S or X1C.
4) You need an ecosystem more than raw hardware
This is where Anycubic still lags.
If you prioritize:
- a polished slicer
- seamless multi-material workflow
- advanced automation
- cloud reliability
…then Bambu still holds the crown.
5) Space or noise is a concern
A fully enclosed 350 mm machine is not subtle.
It demands room, ventilation, and tolerance for noise — especially at higher speeds.
The Honest Bottom Line
The Kobra S1 Max Combo is for users who want to grow, not users who want to “start.”
It’s a machine for makers who’ve hit the limits of smaller printers and want more room, more materials, more colors, and more capability.
If that describes you, this machine should be on your shortlist.
If not, you’ll save time (and money) by choosing something simpler.
Buying Considerations — What to Know Before You Commit
Before hitting the preorder button, it’s worth stepping back and thinking through the practical realities of owning a large-format, multi-color, engineering-capable printer.
These aren’t deal-breakers — but they do separate a smart purchase from an impulsive one.
1) Do You Actually Have the Space for a 350 mm Enclosed Machine
A fully enclosed, 350 mm CoreXY printer is not small, not lightweight, and definitely not “desk-friendly.”
Expect:
- a large footprint
- decent height clearance
- heat output into the room
- noise at higher speeds
- vibration on certain tables
If your workspace is limited (bedroom, shared office, tight apartment), space management becomes part of the ownership experience.
This is not a compact P1S or A1 Mini.
2) Multi-Color Printing Requires Workflow Changes
The brochures don’t tell you this, but multi-color FDM introduces:
- purge towers
- additional filament waste
- longer print times
- more slicer profile tuning
- more filament path complexity
- more “first few layers” calibration steps
If you’re new to multi-color printing:
✔ expect a learning curve
✔ expect failed attempts
✔ expect to adjust purge volumes
✔ expect to tweak slicer overrides
This is powerful tech — but it’s still FDM physics.
3) Large-Format = Larger Failures (and Higher Stakes)
A 300 mm-tall print failing at layer 220 feels very different from a Benchy failing at 10%.
Big printers require:
- more precise first layers
- stable temperatures
- consistent extrusion
- periodic checks during long prints
You need to be mentally prepared for:
- 12–24 hour jobs
- significant filament consumption
- higher electricity use
- catastrophic failures if something goes wrong
Smart features help — but they cannot eliminate risk.
4) High-Temperature Materials Are Rewarding but Demanding
If you’re planning to use ABS, ASA, PC, PA, or CF blends, understand that these materials require:
- tight temperature control
- correct chamber environment
- well-tuned slicer profiles
- good ventilation
- bed adhesion expertise
- frequent nozzle inspections
FDM engineering materials offer real performance gains — but they don’t behave like PLA.
You need to commit to tuning your setup.
5) Early-Batch Firmware Maturity Is Always Uncertain
With a first-generation model, you should reasonably expect:
- firmware updates
- slicer patches
- behavioral quirks
- occasional bugs
- tuning suggestions from early adopters
- Anycubic adjusting things during the first few months
This is standard in the industry (even for Creality and Bambu), but it’s important to keep in mind.
If you want an absolutely polished “Apple-like” experience on Day One…
buying a first-release product is never your safest bet.
6) Consumables, Spare Parts, and Ecosystem Support Matter More Than Specs
Specs sell the machine, but consumables run the machine.
Consider:
- nozzle availability
- hardened nozzle options for carbon fiber
- bed sheets / PEI plates
- spare PTFE tubes
- multi-color module spare parts
- filament compatibility
- slicer profiles
- community support
A printer with phenomenal specs but limited spare parts can be frustrating long-term.
7) Pricing vs. Alternatives — Know Where It Stands
As of now, the Kobra S1 Max Combo sits in a price niche between:
- Creality K2 Plus Combo (similar size & multi-color capability)
- Bambu Lab P1S/X1C with AMS (better ecosystem but smaller build volume)
- Flashforge multi-color models (cheaper but more limited)
Before buying, ask yourself:
“Do I need size first, or ecosystem first?”
This question will determine whether the S1 Max Combo is the right machine for you.
The Practical Bottom Line
The S1 Max Combo can be an incredible machine if you buy it for the right reasons:
✔ You need the size
✔ You need the materials
✔ You want multi-color freedom
✔ You enjoy tuning and learning
✔ You’re okay with early-batch firmware updates
If you’re looking for:
✘ a first printer
✘ a low-maintenance setup
✘ effortless multi-color
✘ a polished ecosystem
✘ a quiet, compact machine
…this is not the product for you.
Final Verdict — Should You Buy It?
After breaking down the specs, the hype, the community sentiment, and the realistic trade-offs, here’s the honest conclusion:
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Max Combo is one of the boldest machines Anycubic has ever attempted — a large-format, multi-color, high-temperature, enclosed CoreXY printer aimed at creators who’ve already outgrown the hobby tier.
But boldness doesn’t automatically equal suitability.
So here is the final verdict, with no fluff:
If you need size, materials, and multi-color freedom — this is absolutely worth watching.
The S1 Max Combo is essentially trying to deliver a combination that few consumer printers offer:
- 350 mm³ build volume
- enclosed chamber
- CoreXY speed
- high-temp materials
- up to 16 filaments
- competitive price positioning
If your projects genuinely require these capabilities, this machine has huge potential to become a go-to workhorse in studios, workshops, labs, and maker spaces.
It fills a market gap that Bambu Lab and Flashforge don’t cover — and where Creality sits at a higher price bracket.
But if you’re expecting plug-and-play perfection — this is not it.
The S1 Max Combo is not designed to be a beginner-friendly, zero-effort machine.
Why?
- 350 mm printers magnify calibration issues
- multi-color demands workflow patience
- engineering materials require tuning
- early-batch firmware is always unpredictable
- Anycubic’s ecosystem isn’t as polished as Bambu’s
If simplicity is your priority, the Bambu Lab P1S or X1C is the safer choice.
The Early-Release Reality Check
The truth is:
This printer has massive upside, but much depends on real-world testing over the next 2–3 months.
Three things will determine whether this machine becomes a hit:
- Chamber temperature stability
- Multi-color purging efficiency
- Firmware maturity
If these land well, the S1 Max Combo could be one of the most exciting mid-tier machines of 2025.
If they don’t, it will feel like a “spec sheet that overpromised.”
The Bottom Line
Buy it if:
- You want large-format, enclosed printing
- You plan to explore multi-color workflows
- You need high-temp materials
- You enjoy tuning and learning
- You want CoreXY without a $1,500 ecosystem lock-in
Skip it if:
- You’re buying your first printer
- You want a polished ecosystem and automation
- You prioritize ease-of-use over capability
- You rarely print anything above 200 mm
- You hate calibration and troubleshooting
Final Thought
The Kobra S1 Max Combo is not a “safe” machine — but it is an ambitious one.
And in a market filled with clones and incremental upgrades, ambition matters.
If you’re the kind of creator who finds excitement in new capabilities rather than fear in complexity, this machine might turn out to be one of the most interesting releases of the year.
If not, there are plenty of stable, proven options that will serve you better.
FAQ
1) Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Max Combo suitable for beginners?
No.
This is not a first-printer-friendly machine. With a 350 mm build volume, multi-color workflow, and high-temperature materials, it requires tuning, calibration, and some experience to get the best results. Beginners should start with something simpler (e.g., P1S, A1, Neptune 4, or Kobra S1 standard).
2) How practical is 16-color printing on a single-nozzle system?
It’s powerful — but not effortless.
Expect purge waste, purge towers, longer printing times, and some trial-and-error in slicer profiles. Multi-color is best for advanced users who value visual complexity over pure efficiency.
3) Can the S1 Max Combo really print nylon, PC, or carbon-fiber filaments?
In theory, yes.
The 350°C hotend, 120°C heated bed, and enclosed chamber support these materials.
But real performance will depend on:
- chamber temperature stability
- airflow control
- slicer profiles
- filament quality
Engineering materials always require tuning — even on high-end printers.
4) How does it compare to the Creality K2 Plus Combo?
Both printers target the same niche:
350 mm build volume + high-temp materials + multi-color capability.
Key differences:
- Anycubic may undercut Creality in price
- Creality likely has a more mature multi-color ecosystem
- Anycubic’s slicer and firmware need time to mature
- Both are capable, but the S1 Max Combo is more “raw potential,” while the K2+ is more integrated today
5) How does it compare to Bambu Lab’s X1C or P1S with AMS?
They serve different priorities:
- Bambu = ecosystem, automation, polish, reliability
- Anycubic = size, temperature range, multi-color count, price
If you want plug-and-play performance → Bambu wins.
If you need a 350 mm enclosed CoreXY → Bambu cannot offer that at any price.
6) Does the S1 Max Combo require a lot of space?
Yes.
A fully enclosed 350 mm CoreXY printer has a significant footprint and needs:
- table stability
- airflow
- side clearance
- heat management
Plan your space before buying.
7) Is the “600 mm/s” speed claim realistic?
Not for everyday printing.
It’s achievable under ideal conditions, with lightweight models and tuned profiles.
Realistic functional print speeds will hover around 200–300 mm/s — still fast for a printer of this size.
8) Will multi-color printing consume a lot of filament?
Yes, especially with frequent color changes.
Single-nozzle multi-material systems always generate:
- purge waste
- tower waste
- additional material consumption
It’s the cost of multi-color convenience.
9) How reliable is this machine expected to be on Day One?
Unknown — but typically, first-batch machines require:
- firmware updates
- slicer tuning
- multi-material calibration
- user feedback cycles
If you value stability over new features, you may want to wait for early user reviews.
10) Who is the S1 Max Combo best suited for?
Creators who need:
- large-format prints
- multi-color design capability
- engineering-grade materials
- CoreXY speed + enclosed stability
It’s a machine built for growth and experimentation, not for plug-and-play simplicity.
