Yes, but in my experience, ProtoLabs is the exact opposite of everything available for <$1 -- they specialize in rapid turnaround, and they want all the money f

Yes, but in my experience, ProtoLabs is the exact opposite of everything available for <$1 -- they specialize in rapid turnaround, and they want all the money for that kind of rush. I also found that they aren't all that amenable to finding the most efficient route using stock material. E.g., on one job, I just wanted a stamped or laser-cut hole pattern in stock aluminum, so I specified the stock thickness in that field and commented in the notes what I was seeking. I got back a quote for basically CNC milling the exact part out of billet. Lovely, but completely unnecessary, and it didn't improve chatting with the rep. I would up fabricating the parts out of carbon fiber and CNC cutting the shapes/holes myself (all in-house). So, yes, I'd say that the Shenzen flea-market mentioned above could be really cool, is definitely not here yet, and is sadly unlikely... (Edit: typo, dropped words)