Prusa i3 mk3 - clones are here
Just an heads up for people looking to buy Prusa MK3 - be aware that triangle labs released clone version for third of the price. There could be some of those clones showing up on eBay at highly elevated prices disguised as "original Prusa".
RE: Prusa i3 mk3 - clones are here
Those have been out for a while. The Prusa kit is $750 while the TriangleLab clone is $360. The clone is still described as lacking the Einsy Rambo, so the price is artificially low by about $90. AliExpress shows shipping as $115 to the US versus $70 (IIRC) for Prusa. By the time you get one in your hands, it's more like 70% the price of a Prusa. Reviews indicate you'll want to re-print PETG parts, replace bearings and cable wrap, so the savings to someone buying direct is even less if you add those costs (and labor).
So far as buying from anywhere but Prusa, they've cheekily copied the "Original Prusa" markings, although the extruder motor markings appear different. Their powder-coated textured spring steel sheet looks different, and the pictures on AliExpress show the silver power supply. Looks like cable management is a bit iffy. Reviews indicate cable looms are both same size. Those may be additional visual cues. Although someone could easily swap these out for originals, they'd be cutting further into their profit margin.
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He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
RE: Prusa i3 mk3 - clones are here
I am building on right now based on the Bear Prusa. I bought the parts individually and some were parts I replaced over time. I chose to buy the Bearings, Power supply, and Einsy from Prusa. We will see how well it works. It cost me a little more than the Alipress, but I think it works better.
I am upgrading my Original to a Bondtech and Mosquito.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog