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[Reply #15 on:]

I have a CNC machine.
I use it for making cases, front panel, back panel.

3D printing seems to be one of the big things forecast for 2013-14,

3D printing is great for making a one-off prototype, or a one-off custom job.
It's very useful in visualizing something and holding the part in your hand. Then you can test it's actual fit in your project in all 3 dimensions (X,Y,Z).

3D printing is not the answer to everything.
It's slow, it's expensive, and the part it produces is weak (because it's only plastic, and not metal).

Once the 3D part is verified to fit/work, then traditional methods are used to mass produce it (stamping, pressing, injection molding, CNC, etc).

[Reply #16 on:]

There's 3D printers that fuse sintered metal to make strong parts. There's one that prints complete working bicycles with bearings in place. I've asked when they will start using ABS plastic with glass or carbon fiber core because wow the strength you could build in!

If they can handle fiber core plastic then maybe they could lay wire?