We had our blade assembly fail after 1.6 million cuts. We figured since the moving parts had to be replaced we'd just replace the blade as well. Was surprised to see that they sell the blade 2 different ways. One way is by itself and the other is as an assembly with all the moving parts. I think our total cost with the tech fees was close to $3K when all was said and done.
I will have to say though, now that we have our Polar cutter, we don't use the 618 anymore, it just sits there as a backup. I can cut faster on the Polar and more accuratley. Even when using the registration mark to move the blades for digital prints that tend to jump around. Our folding jobs have been less problematic now that we don't use it. Not getting rid of it though.