Our 3D printer from Monoprice was on sale for $299 shipped.  It uses standard 1.75mm PLA and has great reviews.   The Ekocycle printer that we won required proprietary plastic that is just too soft for our applications.  The K8200 we originally use is Mr. Westin’s printer and he was carrying it back and forth from his home.  We've made this page as a reference because when we mentioned it at the Gwinnett County Qualifier (12/12/15) and explained that it cost $299, takes standard plastic, and prints very nicely we had lots of inquiries about the printer and where to order it.  Here is our reference page for people.  The printer is no longer available so we have updated the pate with the newer option from Monoprice.  We've been very pleased with them and like what we have and see improvements in the specifications on the new printer too.  We also learned that Monoprice often has sales and online coupons so it's best to Google "Monoprice Coupon" before you decide to buy!

 

We  recommend using MatterControl software to drive the printer (version 1.4 works, using this as a MakerBot Replicator 2 with additional settings from the Monoprice manual). It is MUCH easier to use than the default software recommended for the machine.  The installation instructions did not include adding the 3M sheet (included) onto the acrylic bed.  Make sure you add it, because without it we had to almost chisel off the first part (the raft really stuck!).  Once the 3M sheet is installed, AquaNet Extra Super Hold hairspray may be useful to get some parts to really stick.

 

Simple to set up, great print quality, amazing price. Any home hobby builder or robotics team would do great with this printer!