Copper-fill PLA Settings for Anycubic Kobra 3
Recommended slicer settings for printing Copper-fill PLA on the Anycubic Kobra 3 (250 x 250 x 260 mm build volume, 600 mm/s max speed, direct drive extruder).
Slicer Configuration
Copy these values into your slicer (Cura, OrcaSlicer, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio)| Setting | Value | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle Temperature | 208°C | 195-220°C |
| Bed Temperature | 55°C | 50-60°C |
| First Layer Nozzle | 213°C | +5°C above normal |
| First Layer Bed | 60°C | +5°C above normal |
| Print Speed | 30 mm/s | 20-40 mm/s |
| First Layer Speed | 15 mm/s | 25-50% of normal |
| Wall Speed | 23 mm/s | 70-80% of normal |
| Travel Speed | 60 mm/s | 120-150% of print speed |
| Layer Height | 0.2mm | 0.12-0.28mm |
| Infill | 15-20% | 10-30% |
| Wall Count | 2-3 | Perimeters/shells |
| Top/Bottom Layers | 3-4 | Solid layers |
| Cooling Fan | 100% | From layer 2+ |
| Retraction Distance | 0.8-1.2 mm | Direct drive |
| Retraction Speed | 40 mm/s | Direct drive |
Before You Print
Print Quality Profiles
Three presets for common use cases with Copper-fill PLA on the Anycubic Kobra 3.
| Profile | Layer Height | Speed | Infill | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draft | 0.28mm | 40 mm/s | 10-15% | Rapid prototyping, test fits |
| Standard | 0.20mm | 30 mm/s | 15-20% | General purpose, everyday prints |
| Quality | 0.12mm | 20 mm/s | 20-30% | Miniatures, display pieces, fine detail |
Bed Adhesion
Copper-fill PLA adheres like regular PLA but is heavier. A clean PEI sheet works well. For glass beds, use glue stick. The metal particles do not significantly affect adhesion.
Temperature Tuning Guide
Nozzle: 208°C
Range: 195-220°C. Printer max: 300°C.
- Poor layer adhesion? Increase +5°C
- Stringing or oozing? Decrease -5°C
- Print a temperature tower to find your exact sweet spot
Bed: 55°C
Range: 50-60°C. Printer max: 110°C.
- First layer lifting? Increase +5°C
- Elephant's foot? Decrease -5°C
- Let the bed fully preheat before starting
Troubleshooting Copper-fill PLA on Anycubic Kobra 3
Pro Tips for Copper-fill PLA
Use a hardened steel nozzle (0.5mm+) -- metal particles wear brass quickly
Print 5-10°C hotter than standard PLA for better flow of the dense metal-filled material
Post-processing is key: sand with 400-600 grit, then polish with fine steel wool for a metallic finish
Apply liver of sulfur or vinegar patina for an aged copper appearance
Support Settings
For prints requiring supports with Copper-fill PLA, use tree supports for easier removal and less scarring. Set a 0.15-0.2mm Z-distance between support and model. If you have a dual-extruder setup, consider PVA (for PLA/PETG) or HIPS (for ABS) as dedicated water/solvent-soluble support material.
Anycubic Kobra 3 Specs
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 260 mm |
| Max Speed | 600 mm/s |
| Max Nozzle Temp | 300°C |
| Max Bed Temp | 110°C |
| Extruder | Direct Drive |
Copper-fill PLA Properties
| Nozzle Range | 195-220°C |
| Bed Range | 50-60°C |
| Speed Range | 20-40 mm/s |
| Difficulty | intermediate |
| Drying | Not required |
| Enclosure | Not needed |
Copper-fill PLA at a Glance
Strengths
- Contains real copper particles — feels metallic
- Can be polished to a real copper sheen
- Develops natural patina over time
- Much heavier than standard PLA
Weaknesses
- Hardened nozzle recommended (metal particles)
- Must print slowly to avoid clogs
- Expensive (~$40-60/kg)
- Brittle compared to standard PLA
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Try 3DSearch →Sources: Based on manufacturer specifications and community recommendations, community testing data, manufacturer recommended ranges. Values calculated from filament specifications and printer hardware limits.