Optimal Temperature Settings

Temperature control is critical for PLA success. The Kobra S1’s all-metal hotend handles PLA efficiently, but precision matters. Understanding PLA characteristics compared to other filaments helps optimize these settings.

Nozzle Temperature: 200-210°C

Recommended starting point: 205°C

This range melts PLA completely without degradation. Lower temperatures (200°C) work for slower prints and reduce stringing. Higher temperatures (210°C) improve layer adhesion for functional parts.

Bed Temperature: 55-65°C

Sweet spot: 60°C

The flexible magnetic PEI bed on the Kobra S1 works excellently at 60°C. This prevents warping on corners while allowing easy part removal after cooling. Learn more about filament compatibility and bed adhesion.

Ambient Temperature Adjustments:

• Winter/Cold rooms (below 18°C): Increase bed to 65°C to compensate for faster cooling
• Summer/Warm rooms (above 25°C): Reduce to 55-58°C to prevent elephant’s foot
• Enclosed printing: 55°C sufficient with stable chamber temperature

Cooling: 100% After First Layer

Run part cooling fan at maximum speed from layer 2 onwards. PLA benefits from aggressive cooling to prevent heat creep and improve overhangs. First layer uses 0% fan for proper bed adhesion.

Print Speed and Layer Height

The Kobra S1’s CoreXY kinematics excel at high speeds, but PLA quality benefits from balanced settings. When comparing against competitors like the Creality K1C or Bambu A1, these settings deliver optimal results.

Print Speed: 50-100mm/s

• 60mm/s: Ideal starting point balancing quality and speed
• 80-100mm/s: Possible for simple geometric prints after calibration
• 40-50mm/s: Detailed miniatures, text, or intricate overhangs

Layer Height: 0.12-0.28mm

• 0.2mm: Universal standard for most prints
• 0.12-0.16mm: Fine details, smooth curves, miniatures
• 0.28mm: Fast prototypes, low-detail functional parts

Retraction Settings

• Distance: 6mm (direct drive system)
• Speed: 40-50mm/s
• Minimum travel: 1.5mm to avoid unnecessary retractions

Complete Settings Reference Table

Filament Brand Settings Guide

Different PLA brands require slightly different settings. Here are tested configurations for popular filaments. For comprehensive filament comparisons, check our 45 best filaments guide and ultimate filament tier list.

Advanced Slicer Configuration

Recommended Slicers

• Cura 5.8: Download Anycubic Kobra S1 profile from Marketplace
• PrusaSlicer 2.8: Use generic CoreXY profile, adjust bed size to 250x250mm
• OrcaSlicer 2.2: Excellent for comparing settings between different Anycubic models

Enable These Features

• Scarf Seam: Distributes z-seam for cleaner surfaces
• Arachne Wall Generator: Superior wall quality, especially on curved surfaces
• Arc Welder: Reduces gcode file size, smoother curves
• Adaptive Layer Height: Automatic optimization for curved surfaces

Troubleshooting Guide

Stringing Between Parts

• Lower nozzle temperature by 5°C increments
• Increase retraction distance to 6.5mm (max 7mm)
• Enable “Combing” mode in slicer
• Dry filament – moisture is #1 stringing cause

Poor Layer Adhesion

• Increase nozzle temperature by 5-10°C
• Slow print speed to 40-50mm/s for test
• Verify part cooling isn’t too aggressive on thin walls
• Check for drafts affecting print temperature

Warping Corners

• Increase bed temperature to 65°C
• Add brim or raft in slicer (5-8mm brim width)
• Ensure bed is clean (IPA wipe before prints)
• Check for drafts – close windows near printer

Ringing/Ghosting Artifacts

• Reduce print speed to 60mm/s or lower
• Ensure printer is on stable, solid surface
• Check belt tension – should be tight but not overtightened
• Verify no loose screws or mechanical issues

Winter vs Summer Printing Adjustments

Winter (Below 18°C Ambient)

• Bed: 65°C (increase 5°C from standard)
• First layer speed: 20mm/s (slower for adhesion)
• Enclosure recommended for large prints
• Preheat bed for 5 minutes before printing

Summer (Above 25°C Ambient)

• Bed: 55-58°C (reduce to prevent elephant’s foot)
• Increase cooling fan to maximum immediately
• Watch for heat creep in hotend – PLA may soften early
• Reduce print speed by 10-20% if layers shift

Conclusion: Dialing In Your Perfect Settings

The Anycubic Kobra S1 delivers exceptional PLA print quality when properly configured. Whether you’re deciding between the S1 Combo or Kobra 3 Combo, or comparing against the Kobra 3 Max, these settings provide a solid foundation.

Start with the baseline settings provided – 205°C nozzle, 60°C bed, 60mm/s speed – then fine-tune based on your specific filament brand and environmental conditions. For those considering alternatives, check our comparison with the QIDI Plus4 or the comprehensive three-way comparison.

Remember that PLA is sensitive to moisture and temperature variations. Store filament properly, adjust for seasonal changes, and run calibration tests when switching brands. The investment in proper calibration pays off with consistent, high-quality prints every time.

If you’re exploring different Anycubic models, read about the Kobra 3 Combo vs S1 Combo differences and our S1 vs A1 Combo review.

Next steps: Download the latest slicer profile for your software, run a temperature tower test with your specific PLA brand, and start with conservative settings before pushing speeds higher. Document what works for your setup.