There are online laser/waterjet cutting services with relatively cheap prices. Just did quick experiment with online quote calculators for pcb and laser cut app

There are online laser/waterjet cutting services with relatively cheap prices. Just did quick experiment with online quote calculators for pcb and laser cut approaches. With somewhat default config and 5 50mmx150mm parts I got 35$ for PCB (1.6mm default thicknes) and 22€ for laser cut aluminium part (1.5mm). The difference was as soon as you moved away from default PCB params and tried to choose thicker aluminum price quickly skyrocketed 2mm->60$, 3mm -> 200$. Laser cutting service didn't care about what they cut too much, increasing thickness up to 6mm, price slowly raised to 30€. Cutting service also had the benefit of specifying what kind of aluminum alloy they will use and choosing between various surface finishes. On the other hand for PCB you get silkscreen at no additional cost. Looking at different metal cutting service they offered even cheaper price 2x5$ - 7x5$ (depending on thickness) for same parts and choice between different aluminum alloys.