I did do a little research on the i3 and I get that it's open source, but it's a huge bummer that a ton of the parts are 3D printed from the factory rather than molded or sheet metal. :shock:
The Prusa assembled and calibrated i3 is tempting except for the price. It's a $250 premium over the kit!
First, I'm NOT trying to be negative in what I'm about to say, so, please take this as it's meant...to be helpful. You've, essentially, out down the Prusa printers because they use some parts that are 3D printed, instead of molded...but, did you ever stop to consider the huge BENEFIT these 3D printed parts afford you. Consider this:
You run a small home-business, and have two (or more) 3D printers you used for making the things you sell. One of you printers goes "out of commission" because a part of the printer breaks. Would you rather have to order the replacement part, and wait for it to be shipped, and then received? Or, would you rather be able to print the replacement part yourself? That is one advantage of having printers with certain parts having been 3D printed.
Additionally, as JSterrett pointed out, there are times where a 3D printed part can actually be stronger than a molded part. I just received a pair of slippers, and I was initially surprised that the soles were 3D printed (I won't mention the brand, but I will mention that they don't indicate this...I was able to tell by looking at them closely). In reviews, numerous people had reported how long-lasting the soles were, and that they later longer than other brands that had had.
I like the fact that some of the parts are 3D printed (and, in all likelihood, printed on their own printers), as it helps keep the costs down...and, could very well make part replacement costs lower. If you could print your own replacement parts, wouldn't you consider that a "benefit"?
~ More peace, love, laughter & kindness would make the world a MUCH better place [emoji1690]
