Anycubic Kobra Max

⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: The Kobra Max uses a heated nozzle and heated bed. Never touch the nozzle or bed during or immediately after printing. Allow parts to cool before removing.

⚠️ This is an open-frame printer with a large moving gantry and bed. Keep hands, hair, and loose clothing clear of the machine while it is running.

The Anycubic Kobra Max is a large-format, open-frame FDM 3D printer at Grand River Makerspace. Its main draw is its very large build volume, making it GRM's go-to machine for oversized single-piece prints like cosplay props, large enclosures, and scaled-up models that won't fit on the shop's enclosed printers. Because it is open-frame, it is best suited to PLA and PETG.

Specifications

Feature	Detail
Build Volume	400 × 400 × 450 mm
Frame Type	Open frame (Cartesian, bed-slinger)
Nozzle	0.4 mm (Volcano-style)
Extruder	Bowden
Build Plate	Removable carborundum glass plate
Leveling	Anycubic LeviQ automatic (25-point strain gauge)
Z-Axis	Dual, belt-synchronized
Connectivity	MicroSD card only
Interface	4.3" color touchscreen

Overview

The Kobra Max exists for one reason: size. Its 400 × 400 × 450 mm volume lets you print parts that would otherwise need to be split and glued. The LeviQ automatic bed leveling maps 25 points across the large bed to keep the first layer consistent. Note that the stock 0.4 mm nozzle makes full-volume prints very slow (often measured in days) — for large parts, consider a wider nozzle to speed things up. Being open-frame, it has no enclosure or heated chamber, so warp-prone materials like ABS are not recommended.

Software

Prepare files using Cura (with the Kobra Max profile) or Anycubic Slicer.

• See Slicer Basics for GRM's general slicing guidance.
• For large prints, consider a larger nozzle profile to reduce print time.

Getting files to the printer:

Method	How
MicroSD card	Export the sliced file to the microSD card using an adapter on your computer, insert the card into the printer, and select the file from the touchscreen. The Kobra Max does not support Wi-Fi or remote sending — microSD is the only transfer method.

Startup

1. Power on the printer using the switch at the base.
2. Load PLA or PETG filament through the bowden path.
3. Run Control → Auto-level if the bed hasn't been leveled recently; touch the nozzle with a metal tool when prompted (this clears residue and checks the strain gauge).
4. Insert the microSD card and select your file from the touchscreen.
5. Monitor the first layer across the large bed to confirm even adhesion.

Materials

Material	Status	Notes
PLA	✅	Ideal material for this printer; use the glass plate.
PETG	✅	Prints well; tune bed adhesion and Z-offset.
TPU / flexibles	⚠️	Possible but slow and finicky on a bowden extruder; print slowly.
ABS / ASA	❌	Open frame has no enclosure — severe warping. Not recommended.
Carbon-fiber / abrasive filaments	❌	Brass nozzle wears quickly; not recommended without a hardened nozzle.
Filaments with unknown/no temp data	❌	Do not print without verified temperature settings.

Safety

• Never touch the nozzle or bed during or immediately after printing.
• This is an open-frame machine — keep hands, hair, and loose clothing away from the moving gantry and bed.
• The large bed extends well beyond the frame footprint as it moves; keep the surrounding area clear.
• Do not print ABS or other high-fume/warp-prone materials on this open-frame printer.

Troubleshooting

Issue	Fix
Print not sticking	Clean the glass plate with IPA; re-run auto-level; check first-layer Z offset across the large bed.
Uneven first layer	Confirm the dual Z-axis belt is synced; re-run LeviQ auto-leveling.
Filament not extruding	Check the bowden path for clogs; heat to ~230°C and manually purge; confirm the extruder gear is seated.
Very long print times	Expected at full volume with a 0.4 mm nozzle; use a larger nozzle for big parts.
MicroSD not reading	Reformat card to FAT32; confirm the file exported correctly from the slicer.

Resources

• GRM Slicer Basics
• GRM 3D Printing Overview
• Equipment Status Page