Machine idea
Why not making a cheap machine?
Would be an mk2 with aluminium extrusions instead of the threaded rods, possibly even a cr10 type of frame if it is cheaper than the aluminium plate, the mk42 heated bed and a new board with silent stepper drivers. Sell it for 400-450€ maximum. Kit only. I would be a success.
Re: Machine idea
That's the race-to-the-bottom that plenty of firms are already engaged in. It's not a long-term profitable strategy. Prusa is in the enviable and uncommon position of being able to sell an open-source product at scale to the point at they are having a tough time meeting demand. They are expanding and hopefully paying their talented team well. Why change that?
Re: Machine idea
Race to the bottom? I´d call it an entry level machine.
The Mk2 it´s a good machine but its noisy and uses the threaded rods that are a nuisance to assemble, heavy to ship and more time consuming to pack. Using the best the mk2 already has and some simpler solutions and a board with silent stepper drivers would solve many problems.
Having this machine at a slightly higher price than the chinese machines would make the consumers think twice before buying a chinese machine.