[2ndDivisionVet]

That's about $816 dollars.

[Paladin2]

Ti replacement parts has a certain attraction.

[wally_bert]

In a couple of years, the same amount will buy groceries for two for a week at the rate things are going.

In all seriousness, I’m impressed.

[freeandfreezing]

Its a long way from a CNC Tig welder to a machine which can generate sizable 3D structures of steel or titanium which have similar grain structure and strength to structures made using traditional techniques.

There isn't a revolutionary benefit to being able to 3D print in steel if the resulting part has the strength of aluminum, or plastic.

However making a good robot Tig welder does seem like a worthwhile project...

[Hardastarboard]

the printer will be capable of printing with a layer thickness of 2mm

Hmmm . . . about as thick as the slide / frame on a .45 auto, or the receiver on a stamped AK47 . . .

[Captain Rhino]

Althought I’m sure it costs a bit more than $816.00, a commercial company is already doing this:

http://www.engineering.com/3DPrinting/3DPrintingArticles/ArticleID/7618/ExOne-M-Flex-Production-Metal-3D-Printer.aspx

The issue/question is: Can the technology be developed to the point where we can send a machine to a moon or planet and have it manufacture items using only the raw materials on hand?