u/Walter_Maker_Labs

Anycubic just launched the Kobra 4 and I wanted to break down whether it makes sense to buy one right now, especially if you're already considering the Kobra X.

TL;DR: They're almost the same machine — but the differences matter.

What's actually different?

The Kobra 4 has the exact same frame, print volume (26×26×26 cm), and even the same webcam position as the Kobra X. The only real difference is the print head — the Kobra 4 uses a single PTFE tube input instead of the Kobra X's ACE Gen 2 quad-input head.

Pricing breakdown (with €15 discount code)

Version Price

Kobra 4 (printer only) ~€264

Kobra 4 Combo (with ACE 2) ~€364

Kobra X (printer only) ~€284

The TPU / soft filament problem

Because the Kobra 4 routes filament through the ACE unit's motors before reaching the head, using TPU or other flexible filaments in multi-color mode is going to be a headache. You can load TPU directly bypassing the ACE for single-color prints, but forget about multi-color soft filament combos.

The shipping problem

This might be the biggest issue right now: orders placed today won't ship until July 10–15, meaning you likely won't receive it before August. Meanwhile, the Kobra X ships within 24 hours from European warehouses.

My take

The Kobra X at €284 + a Chitu E1 Filament Partner dryer (€120) gets you to basically the same total cost as the Kobra 4 Combo — but with better soft filament support and you can use the dryer with other printers too.

The Kobra 4 isn't a bad machine — it inherits everything good from the Kobra X — but right now the timing and pricing just don't justify choosing it over the Kobra X.

I made a video going deeper into this comparison (with English auto-translation available) if you want to see the full breakdown — happy to answer questions in the comments too.

What would you pick at this price point?

I’ve been deeply into 3D printing for years, but recently decided to move into CNC and backed a Makera Z1 Pro as my first desktop CNC machine.

One thing I noticed is that many makers coming from 3D printing are interested in CNC, but the learning curve still feels intimidating:

• CAM workflows
• probing
• feeds & speeds
• tooling
• material setup

What attracted me to the Z1 wasn’t necessarily maximum performance, but the focus on reducing friction for beginners:

• auto probing
• quick tool changes
• enclosed design
• simplified workflow

I made a video talking about why I decided to finally make the jump into CNC and how I plan to integrate it with:

• PCB prototyping
• aluminum robotics parts
• hybrid CNC + 3D printing workflows

I’m curious:
For those who already work with CNC regularly, what’s the ONE thing you wish you knew before starting?

(Video link in comments)

After years of only working with 3D printers, I finally decided to jump into CNC and backed the Makera Z1 Pro (#97XX).

What really convinced me wasn’t raw power or industrial specs, but the idea of making CNC more approachable for makers coming from the 3D printing world.

My main goals are:

• PCB prototyping
• aluminum parts for robotics projects
• laser engraving
• integrating CNC into my existing maker workflow

I just published the first video documenting why I decided to take this step and what I hope to build with it over the next months.

This is NOT a review (I’m still waiting for my Pro unit), but the beginning of a real CNC journey from a maker perspective.

I’d genuinely love to hear from people already inside the CNC world:
What do you think is the biggest challenge for someone transitioning from 3D printing to CNC?

(Video link in comments)