Input Request -- 3D Printer for long term use
Hello everyone,
I am a member of an organization that is seeking to do some high resolution prints over the upcoming year. We are currently in the selection process of a suitable printer and we would like to get some input from the community.
So here's what we're looking for.
These are the ideals we're looking for:
~ 25 x 25 x 25 cm
Heated platform
Layer resolution <= 100 microns
Nozzle <0.4 mm diameter
ABS Plastic (preferred, PLA if it's a good printer
Must be able to to do 100% infill. NO HOLLOW CAVITIES.
Must be sturdy!!
NO OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE.
NO CLOUD BASED SOFTWARE.
Plastic parts are considered a negative.
Good customer support and service (warranties) are considered a HUGE plus to us.
Price <= $4000
We expect to use the printer 3-5 times a week and the largest print we would perform would take about 55 hours continuously (a helmet design) and the average print would take 3-5 hours.
Our current pick is the MakerBot Replicator 2X but we have no information about it's lifespan. My colleagues are concerned that we could buy it and have it die 6 months down the road. If anyone has any experience in using this printer every day over a long period of time, I would very much like to speak with you about your experience. (https://store.makerbot.com/replicator2x) Obviously with this printer we would make our helmet design in two pieces (which we are okay with)
If there are any other printers that the community is fond of I would greatly appreciate your input as well, as we are open to other suggestions.
I thank you all for your input.