I have been ordering 3D prints for prototyping and it was becoming too costly and much too time consuming (given the fact that it took several days) to turn around prints from a service,  so I decided to bite the bullet by in-sourcing knowing that prints can take several hours to "evolve."

After following the calibration instructions this printer worked almost perfectly out of the box.  After a day of tinkering with Cura software, I am now getting PLA prints that rival (in fine detail) the "high quality" ABS prints I was ordering from professional printers.  The regular PLA prints from the printerbot are far more detailed than the medium grade prototypes I ordered.

I am also using very inexpensive "Hatchbox" spools of PLA instead of being locked into a proprietary brand product.

You might ask, How can this $400 machine perform as well, or better than $1,000 to $2,000 printers?  My answer is that this sturdy machine has been cost-quality optimized.  Namely the build plate is small 100mm x100mm x130mm, the machine has a single Z axis motor, and I think the internal CPU is a "teensy" (which I use for lesser purpose in my prototype).  NONE of these considerations, other than the build plate size, are meaningful as to the utility and usability of this printer.  Being cost optimized means that a comparable machine, in terms of functionality,  could easily cost $2000 or more..  This printer is definitely better than the $1000 price point Dremel, the DDD Cube, Makerbot, or "generic open source entry level printer."  The printer is rock solid sheet metal as well that has been bent to provide structural stability.  Optimized is the word.  Great job Printerbot, the prints are exceptional and resolute.

Software is the only other concern.  You are using a previous version of "open" Ultimaker Cura software" and it takes some time and perseverance to tune the software.. Once I started using "rafts" and found the sweet spot temperature I was fine.  You might have to tweak the Z axis height on a command line.  Writing software costs money, providing a totally transparent consumer product costs money.  I would rather have rock solid hardware and use open software..

For $400 you can get a Chinese printer from ebay,  a riprap kit, printer parts, a hobby-king plastic printer.  With the Printerbot you are getting $1000-$2000 in value and if you needed a larger printing platform go for Printerbot plus for $1200.  The plus will be my next printer.
I have been ordering 3D prints for prototyping and it was becoming too costly and much too time consuming (given the fact that it took several days) to turn around prints from a service,  so I decided to bite the bullet by in-sourcing knowing that prints can take several hours to "evolve. "

After following the calibration instructions this printer worked almost perfectly out of the box. After a day of tinkering with Cura software, I am now getting PLA prints that rival (in fine detail) the "high quality" ABS prints I was ordering from professional printers. The regular PLA prints from the printerbot are far more detailed than the medium grade prototypes I ordered. I am also using very inexpensive "Hatchbox" spools of PLA instead of being locked into a proprietary brand product. You might ask, How can this $400 machine perform as well, or better than $1,000 to $2,000 printers? My answer is that this sturdy machine has been cost-quality optimized. Namely the build plate is small 100mm x100mm x130mm, the machine has a single Z axis motor, and I think the internal CPU is a "teensy" (which I use for lesser purpose in my prototype). NONE of these considerations, other than the build plate size, are meaningful as to the utility and usability of this printer. Being cost optimized means that a comparable machine, in terms of functionality,  could easily cost $2000 or more.. This printer is definitely better than the $1000 price point Dremel, the DDD Cube, Makerbot, or "generic open source entry level printer. "  The printer is rock solid sheet metal as well that has been bent to provide structural stability. Optimized is the word. Great job Printerbot, the prints are exceptional and resolute. Software is the only other concern. You are using a previous version of "open" Ultimaker Cura software" and it takes some time and perseverance to tune the software.. Once I started using "rafts" and found the sweet spot temperature I was fine. You might have to tweak the Z axis height on a command line. Writing software costs money, providing a totally transparent consumer product costs money. I would rather have rock solid hardware and use open software.. For $400 you can get a Chinese printer from ebay,  a riprap kit, printer parts, a hobby-king plastic printer. With the Printerbot you are getting $1000-$2000 in value and if you needed a larger printing platform go for Printerbot plus for $1200. The plus will be my next printer.