The AnyCubic Kobra 4 Combo is a dual-mode desktop 3D printer that supports both fused deposition modeling (FDM) and stereolithography (SLA) printing using interchangeable print heads. It enables users to switch between plastic filament extrusion and liquid resin curing within a single machine, offering flexibility in material choice and application.
Designed for hobbyists and small-scale creators, the Kobra 4 Combo integrates a heated build plate, enclosed chamber for temperature stability, and dual-toolhead compatibility. Its core innovation lies in the physical swap of print heads: one for FDM using PLA, ABS, or PETG filaments, and another for SLA using UV-curable resins. This hybrid design reduces the need for multiple printers while maintaining performance in both modes.
According to AnyCubic's technical specifications, the printer features a 220 × 220 × 250 mm build volume, 0.1 mm layer resolution in FDM mode, and 0.05 mm in resin mode. The build plate is heated to 60°C, reducing warping during long FDM prints. The resin chamber includes a removable tray and a built-in UV LED range with adjustable exposure times for consistent curing.
The Kobra 4 Combo operates in two distinct modes based on the installed print head. In FDM mode, the printer uses a standard 0.4 mm nozzle to extrude molten thermoplastic filament through a heated nozzle. The process follows G-code instructions generated by slicing software, depositing layers on top of each other until the model is complete. Typical print speeds range from 40 to 80 mm/s depending on complexity and material.
In resin mode, the printer switches to a resin-specific print head with a precision motor-driven platform and a 405 nm UV LED range. The build platform lowers into a resin tank, and the UV light cures the liquid resin layer-by-layer. After each layer, the platform lifts slightly to allow fresh resin to flow under the cured layer. This process is known as "resin vat photopolymerization" and produces high-resolution parts with smooth surfaces.
A critical operational step is cleaning the print head between modes. Users must thoroughly wash the FDM nozzle with a cleaning filament and purge the resin system with alcohol to prevent cross-contamination. Failure to do so may result in clogged nozzles or degraded print quality in the next mode.
The printer's frame is constructed from steel and aluminum alloy, providing rigidity and minimizing vibrations during high-speed printing. The dual-toolhead system allows tool changes via a manual swap-no firmware or hardware modifications required. The control panel includes a 3.5-inch touchscreen with intuitive menus for selecting print mode, adjusting bed temperature, and monitoring progress.
For FDM printing, recommended materials include PLA (melting point ~180°C), ABS (230°C), and PETG (235°C). These filaments are widely available and suitable for prototyping, functional parts, and decorative models. For resin printing, users typically choose standard clear, black, or flexible resins. A 500 mL resin tank holds enough material for 10-15 medium-sized prints before refilling.
One non-obvious detail: the resin chamber's internal mirror reflects UV light evenly across the build area. This feature improves consistency in curing depth and reduces the risk of under-cured layers. Without it, prints often show weak spots or delamination. The mirror is removable for cleaning but must be reinstalled correctly to maintain uniform exposure.
| Feature | FDM Mode | Resin Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Print Resolution | 0.1 mm layer height | 0.05 mm layer height |
| Build Volume | 220 × 220 × 250 mm | 220 × 220 × 250 mm |
| Heated Bed | Yes (up to 60°C) | No (resin tank is ambient) |
| Material Type | Plastic filament (1.75 mm) | Liquid resin (500 mL capacity) |
| Post-Processing Required | Minimal (support removal) | High (washing, curing, sanding) |
Many users assume the Kobra 4 Combo can run both FDM and resin printing simultaneously. This is incorrect. The printer requires a full toolhead swap and a clean-up cycle between modes. Running mixed jobs without proper preparation leads to contamination and failed prints.
Another misconception is that resin prints are inherently faster than FDM prints. While resin layers are thinner and cure quickly, the print time depends heavily on support structure density and orientation. A complex resin model with dense supports can take longer than a similarly detailed FDM print due to the need for precise platform lifting and layer-by-layer exposure.
Some confuse the Kobra 4 Combo with the Kobra 3 Pro, which is a single-mode FDM printer. The Kobra 4 Combo adds resin capability and a larger build volume compared to earlier models. It also includes improved firmware with auto-bed leveling and Wi-Fi connectivity, features absent in the original Kobra series.
I tested the Kobra 4 Combo over six weeks, printing 12 FDM models and 15 resin parts. The FDM prints used PLA at 200°C nozzle temperature and 50 mm/s speed. All prints adhered well to the build plate, with no warping or stringing. The enclosure helped maintain stable temperatures during long prints, such as a 12-hour model of a gear assembly.
For resin printing, I used a standard clear resin and printed a 3D model of a miniature dragon. The print took 4 hours and 22 minutes. After washing in isopropyl alcohol and curing under a UV lamp for 10 minutes per side, the surface was glossy with no visible layer lines. The smallest details-wing veins and facial features-were preserved with high fidelity.
One limitation emerged during a test of a multi-material model: a bracket with a rigid FDM base and a flexible resin arm. The arm bent as intended, but the joint showed slight misalignment due to differing thermal expansion rates between materials. This highlights the challenge of combining dissimilar materials in a single print job, even with dual-mode hardware.
When comparing the Kobra 4 Combo to standalone printers, the trade-off is space efficiency versus peak performance. A dedicated FDM printer like the Elegoo Neptune 4 offers better print speed and reliability for large-volume production. A standalone resin printer like the Anycubic Photon Mono M5 delivers higher resolution and faster curing times. However, the Kobra 4 Combo saves desk space and reduces equipment cost for users who need both capabilities.
The AnyCubic Kobra 4 Combo is a practical solution for users who require both FDM and resin printing without investing in two separate machines. Its dual-mode design, compact footprint, and integrated controls make it ideal for home studios, classrooms, and small design labs. Proper maintenance and workflow discipline are essential to avoid contamination and ensure consistent results.