3D Printing with Anycubic Kobra 2 Max 1/3

Using Bambu Studio Slicer Softwarelink copied

Bambu Studio is the dedicated slicer for the Bambu Lab printers. But it can also be used for other manufacturers 3D printers – like Anycubic Kobra Max.

Loading the presets

• Open Bambu Studio.
• Import Presets for Kobra Max: First you need to import the custom printer presets for Kobra printers. We prepared those presets so you can start with the basic settings for your print. You probably have to adjust the settings depending on the 3d model you want to print.
  • You can download them from this tutorial. Go to File > Import > Import Configs… Now select the downloaded .json config files for the Kobra printers, 0.4 and 0.8mm nozzle. Some presets, like the process presets, might not import by themselves. Navigate to C:\Users\…user…\AppData\Roaming\BambuStudio\user\default\ and paste the preset.zip here. Then unzip the file in this location. You should now have 3 additional directories with the filament, machine and process presets.  
    Download presets.zip 
• Printer Selection: After starting a new project, on the left sidebar, select the Anycubic Kobra Max with 0.4 or 0.8 mm nozzle printer. In the user preset section. The Anycubic Kobra max in the system preset has some old standard settings which you shouldn’t use. 

• Filament Selection: Choose the filament type you are using, most likely Generic PLA. If you’d like to use any specific filament of your choice, discuss this with Lab staff first.

• Process Selection (Quality): Under “Process,” choose your desired print quality. Those differ in layer size and settings like speed etc. There are different ones depending on the printer.
  • Optimal : Higher detail, longer print time. Not practical in most cases.
  • Standard: Good balance of speed and detail, suitable for most architectural models.
  • Draft: Fastest print, lowest detail. Great for fast checks or simple prototypes.

Start your 3d print project – select the 3d printer

Because LAMA uses several different 3d printers with different nozzle sizes, it is necessary to select the right machine settings in the Bambu Studio slicing software in line with the 3d printer which will be used as discussed in previous chapter. 

• To begin your project: open Bambu Studio.
• Go to: File >> New Project and select the correct 3Dprinter ass discussed in previous chapter.
• Printer Selection: On the left sidebar, use the arrow to select the preset “Anycubic Kobra  Max with the 0.4 0r 0.8 mm nozzle” from the lists of 3d printers. This will load the right size of the 3d print area, the nozzle size and various other settings for this machine. We have at this moment (2025) 1 Kobra with a 0.4mm nozzle and 4 Kobra’s which use a 0.8mm nozzle. At the top right corner of the frame of the 3D printer a small label mentions the nozzle size of the 3D printer. 

  You can edit the machine setting by hovering your mouse over the 3D printer icon and click on the edit button. This allows you access to the machine settings. You can alter here, for example, the nozzle size.

Select the material of the filament

Bambu Studio has a large library of filament settings. This makes it easy to quicky define the settings for the material which you will be using. Keep in mind, these settings can be a good starting point, you still might to change them depending on the size of the nozzle used and for example the form of the 3d printed object.

• Project filament menu bar: You can define several materials for your project. That doesn’t have to mean that you will use multiple materials in one print. You can define multiple build plates with each their own objects. The set filament to use menu allows you to filter out the materials you probably won’t use. This prevents the material selection list is cluttered with materials you will never use in your project. 

• Project filament: Choose the filament type you want to use by selecting the arrow next to the filament defined in the menu. This will give you access to a wide range of material settings.  At the lab we use White PLA and Transparent PETG and a wide range of other materials. Ask a staff member of the LAMA lab what the material options are and how it will best support your project. 

Project settings

Next to the 3D printer and filament settings we have the process settings. The process settings will define how the model will be printed and therefore are essential for the quality of the print  and the speed of the printing process. These settings highly depend on the shape of your object and often make adjustments in the settings necessary.

• Process Bar: The process bar has some options which relate to the general setup of the print process. 
  • The Global/Objects setting: The global setting gives access to option of organizing multiple prints. The object setting allows the user to define multiple objects to print, this by printing them one by one or distribute them on multiple build plates. The global setting gives access to the slicing setting. You can select a preset of these setting, as described below.  
  • The Advanced setting: The advanced setting gives you access to more settings for slicing the 3d objects. The presets for the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon most of the time will suffice.
  • View all document settings: A useful tool for checking the settings of the sliced 3D model. If you have multiple materials defined it can be wise to check this option to make sure the correct material is selected. Double clicking on the Filament box to show the different materials. 

• Process Selection Preset (Quality): Under “Process,” choose your desired print quality. If you hover your mouse over the various selection options, it will display a text with an explanation of the setting. The layer height of a 3d print has a large influence on the quality of the print. It is however also a major factor in the time it takes to 3d print an object. Finding a correct balance is important.
  • Optimal : High quality print. Due to low layer hight, more detail in z direction and less visible print layers. Is slower and therefore takes more time to print.  Normally used for the objects with tight tolerances or for a presentation print.
  • Standard : A balance between quality and speed. The layer height is higher than the optimal setting resulting in a higher print speed but also more visible layers on the print. This is a good starting point for testing the printability of your 3d model.
  • Draft : Fastest print, less detail. Great for fast checks or prototyping.

Importing Your Model

Once you have selected the right printer, filament and process settings you can import your 3d model. This can be an STL or any of the other file extensions shown in the Import menu. 

• Click the “Add” button (looks like a plus sign) or go to File > Import > Import File(s)… and select your .stl file.
• Your model will appear on the virtual print bed.

Navigation: The navigation in Bambu Studio is straight forward

• Pan:  – Right mouse button
• Rotate: – Left mouse button
• Zoom: – Scroll wheel mouse. 

Model Placement and Manipulation

How you place your model can greatly affect its quality and print time. Below are some tips and things to consider first. More detailed tips can be found in the next sub-chapter. If your model is very simple, you can skip to “Slicing your Model” sub-chapter. 

• Single model per plate is recommended, though multipart prints are manageable if arranged and supported properly. 
• It is always recommended to avoid supports. 
• Orient your model to minimize overhangs and maximize flat surfaces against the build plate. 
• Lay parts flat or at shallow angles instead of vertically. Consider cutting models into pieces when feasible. 
• Print at max ∼45° can reduce support area, though it may require small adhesion features (“kickstands”) to prevent the print detaching early. 

You can perform quick adjustments inside Bambu Lab Studio with commands like: 

• Move (M): Click and drag your model to reposition it on the build plate. 
• Rotate (R): Use the rotation handles to orient your model. 
• Scale (S): Adjust the size of your model, if needed. 
• Auto Arrange: If you have multiple parts, select them all and click the “Arrange” button (the checkerboard icon) to automatically optimize their placement on the build plate. 

Strategic Model Orientation – Avoiding Supports:

This is a critical step for clean prints and saving material! The X1 Carbon handles bridging well but supports are still to be avoided where possible. The printer builds layer by layer from the bottom up. Any part of your model that “hangs in the air” with no material directly beneath it will require supports. Here are some tips on how to Minimize Overhangs and a need for supports: 

• The “45-Degree Rule”: The X1 Carbon can typically print overhangs up to about 45-60 degrees from the vertical without supports. Anything steeper will likely need support. 
• Flat Bases: Always try to orient your model so its largest, flattest surface is in contact with the build plate. This provides maximum adhesion and minimizes the need for supports. 
• Bridge Gaps: For small horizontal gaps (bridges), the X1 Carbon performs well and can go to around 30mm bridge length without visible bend. 
• Split Complex Models: For very complex architectural geometries with many unavoidable overhangs, consider splitting your model into smaller, more easily printable parts in Rhino. You can then print them separately and assemble them later using glue for example. This often results in much cleaner prints than trying to support every complex angle. 
• Think About the Print Path: Imagine how the layers will be laid down. Can you rotate the model, so a previously overhanging feature is now supported by the layers below it? 

If you cannot avoid supports, you can find useful the tips in the following sub-chapter.

Support Settings (If Unavoidable):

You can find the “Supports” tab on the left sidebar. The support options are effective in supporting complex geometry with overhangs. Here are some options worth considering: 

• Enable Support: Check this box if your model requires supports. 
• Support Type:   
  • Normal (Default): Generates standard supports. 
  • Tree (Recommended): Generates tree-like structures that are often easier to remove and leave fewer marks, especially for complex geometries.  
• Support Structure: 
  • Auto: Let the software decide. 
  • Everywhere: Generates supports even on the print bed if needed. 
  • On Build Plate Only: Only generates supports that start from the build plate, not from other parts of your model. This is often preferred for cleaner surfaces. 

Problems with sticking to the bed:

If the contact surface area of the object with the bed is too small, the part can detach from the bed and be dragged around by the nozzle. This result is not only that the print fails but also that the extruder will be covered with extruded material. This has to be avoided. Luckily the Bambu printer has a camera which recognizes this problem and automatically stops the print.  You can increase the surface area of the object by adding a raft or a brim to avoid this problem.  

• Raft/Brim/Skirt:   
  • Raft: Layers printed under your model to improve adhesion. Can be difficult to remove. Generally, avoid unless you have severe adhesion issues. 
  • Brim: An extension of the first layer around the base of your model to increase bed adhesion. Recommended for models with small footprints or tall, thin features to prevent warping. 
  • Skirt: A few lines printed around the model on the first layer, but not touching it. Used to prime the nozzle and check flow. This “pre-extrusion” makes sure that when the print starts with the actual object the material is already following through the nozzle. Always good to have. 

Other Important Settings (Advanced)

In the presets these values are already defined. You might want to increase the strength of an object. Be aware that when you print an object the object is generated with an outer surface and a partially hollow core. Because the material is quite strong a completely filled core can be overkill. It uses a lot of material and will take additional time to print. Therefore, all slice software has an option to reduce the amount of material in the core. It uses a pattern which partially fills the core. The choice of pattern and amount of infill of the core will dictate the strength of the object.  

• Infill: In the “Strength” tab. Determines the internal structure of your print. 
  • 10-20% Infill: Sufficient for most architectural models, providing good strength without excessive material or print time. 
  • Infill Pattern: Grid, Gyroid, and Lightning are common. Gyroid offers good strength in all directions. Lightning is good for speed of printing, and for architectural models in general when only the outer shell needs support. 
• Walls: In the “Strength” tab. 
  • Wall Loops: Typically, 2-3 loops are sufficient for good strength and surface finish. More loops make the part stronger but increase print time. 
• Speeds: In the “Speed” tab. Generally, leave these on default unless you are an advanced user troubleshooting specific issues. 
  

Slicing Your Model and saving the G-Code file

Once you’re happy with the placement and settings, click the “Slice Plate” button (looks like a slicing blade) at the top. Bambu Studio will now calculate the toolpaths and generate the G-code. 

Preview: After slicing, you will enter the “Preview” tab. 

• Layer Slider: Use the vertical slider on the right to scrub through the layers and visualize how your model will be printed. 
• Line Type: The coloured lines indicate different types of print moves (walls, infill, supports). Pay close attention to where supports are generated and if there are any unsupported areas you missed. 
• Check for Issues: Look for areas where supports are inadequate, or where you could have reoriented the model to avoid them. Go back to the “Prepare” tab if necessary and re-slice. 
• Estimated Print Time & Material: The bottom left corner will show you the estimated print time and material usage. 

After reviewing the preview, click arrow beside Print Plate, choose “Export plate sliced file” (or “Export all” if more than one object) select this option and select the SD card destination. Then, with your g-code file ready on an SD card, you can remove it from your computer and proceed to the printer. Printing steps can be found in the next chapter. 

3D Printing with Anycubic Kobra 2 Max 2/3

Print your 3D Modellink copied

Prepare the Printer 

• Ensure the build plate is clean and free of debris. On Kobra build plate you do not have to use glue. 
• Locate the USB slot and insert it (the middle one, not the one on the left with a camera icon). 

Starting the Print 

• On the printer’s touchscreen, navigate to the memory stick tab. 
• You should see a list of .gcode files on your memory stick. 
• Select the .gcode file you want to print. 
• Press “Print”. The printer will now perform its self-calibration routines before starting the print. This is normal and ensures a high-quality print. 
• You can also adjust the speed of the printer at this point, but best to leave it as it is. 
• Monitor the print at start! At least for a couple of initial layers, ensure the filament is adhering well to the build plate and lines are consistent. If it’s not adhering, stop the print and troubleshoot (clean bed, glue stick, adjust Z-offset if available on the printer or in settings). Or ask someone from the lab! 

3D Printing with Anycubic Kobra 2 Max 3/3

Conclusionlink copied

Congratulations! Now you can prepare files for successful 3D printing. The guide can also be helpful for printing with other printers in our LAMA Lab, as the Bambu Studio slicer software is mostly nicely compatible with other manufacturer printer. 

Ask someone in the lab for some tips and directions 😊