Can an artificer replicate their chosen item any time, aiming materials, time, and having one of the items in their inventory?

I've been taking time (3rd level artificer) to replicate alchemy jugs, my chosen item. Someone, not the DM, is saying I can't just decide to replicate my alchemy jug once a day. I've read the rules several Times.

I am not using infusion slots to do this because it seems the RAW doesn't require it. Can I do this?