These machines have allready transformed my industry. I design engines, the first couple of prototypes are often made using this technology. Some of these machines can print directly in sand, so they can make the cores for sand casting.

When you are making low numbers for racing etc, they can be very economical. The other huge advantage is that you don't have to worry about draft angles, split lines or undercuts, this means you are able to design things that were impossible in the past.

That scanning machine is great for the price, the cutting edge of scanners is 3D xray machines (MRI scanners) that can scan inside some parts, so you don't have to cut up hollow components.

Gareth