Rapid prototyping (both additive 3d printing and subtractive machining) has been readily available for decades. What's "new" in the last 10 years is the accessi

Rapid prototyping (both additive 3d printing and subtractive machining) has been readily available for decades. What's "new" in the last 10 years is the accessibility and cost of it. 15 years ago I could place an order with a local rapid prototyping company at 3pm and have the part (3d printed) on my desk by lunchtime the next day for under £100 (or much less for very small parts). But those printers were tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. Now for well under 1k you can have a 3d printer yourself.