Update.
We are now proudly running an Ultimaker 2+.
The machine has so far exceeded my expectations. It has been printing 3 prototypes within the last week. And so far we had only one (severe) crash during unattended night running… It really clogged its printhead with smoldering PLA. But the error was on my side, as I made some designchanges, which rendered the object unprintable. (Edge radii, which led to warping and shrinking.)
But as the machine is built as sturdy and user friendly as a 1950 Ford I was able to clean up the mess and have it running again with only 1 hour downtime. Spareparts are readily available and the results of the prints over all are rather pleasing.
The hint on potential ABS fumes was well placed, though.
Even when only printing PLA the constant odor and grinding noise are going onto my nerves, already. I’ll have to relocate it to the shed, that houses cleansing agents right now. That should provide a sound insulating and climate stable chamber for the new “colleage”.
I’ll keep you posted.
mo-i