I am new to the 3d printing/build community, this is my first 3d printer. Had this machine about a month now, so I don't have a long term impression to provide, but I can give impressions so far. First, the machine seems well built, and the user interface, while overly simple, gets the job done. The inclusion of auto-leveling and Z-gap setting is pretty cool, as long as it sets them correctly. Their slicing software seems ok, but I don't really have anything to compare it to. They designed the Cube3 to be a consumer level machine with simplicity, reliability and ease of use in mind - they missed, badly, I would not recommend this to someone that is not mechanically inclined, patient, or willing to research how to deal with some common issues most 3d printers have.
Issues encountered thus far:
Lousy firmware. Auto z-gap setting incorrectly. I have nozzle indentations in my print pad from it running the print bed up too high. This also caused major failures of prints and nozzle clogging, which in turn also caused their cheap and brittle filaments to break in the cartridge, requiring partial dismantling of the cartridge to get the broken filament out of the nozzle and feed tube. Since I have started manually setting the gap I no longer have that issue. Also, when you select your filament color and type in their slicer software Cube Print you have to make sure you select which side of the printer the cartridge for that filament is installed on. If it is incorrect when you go to print the file it will give you an error and won't print it. For some reason the firmware is not smart enough to recognize the correct filament cartridge is mounted on the other side of the machine. So you either have to rebuild the file, or do their drawn out cartridge replacement utility, which also wastes filament.
Filament system WAY too expensive. 3d Systems filament used for the Cube 3D is not very good according to a lot of online forums and reviews I read, especially for the price. I have had numerous issues with the filament, and have read all kinds of things about humidity affecting it, especially the PLA. I have invested in vacuum seal bags and dessicant cans to keep the cartridges stored in. I have noticed that their PLA does not adhere well to itself once the below layer starts to cool. This is especially an issue with the layer laid down first, as the Cube 3d print pad is not heated at all. Now that they have discontinued the model, finding replacement cartridges for it is going to get difficult soon, and presumably more expensive, even if ordering directly from the 3d Systems website. I intend to refill the cartridges myself when they run out, and with better quality filament. Hopefully that works well.
Overall an ok machine, if you can figure out its quirks and get it to cooperate. I have only dealt with their support via email thus far, but they seem very interested in assisting.