Also, if one needs quality not acheivable on current cheap machines there are still valid reasons to get one: - Use your cheap printer to prototype/iterate/validate your model - Then send it off to a printing service, to have it made in high-quality plastic/metal/clay

This way you can combine rapid iteration with high-quality production. When designing new parts, I often do up to 5 iterations a day. Sometimes engaging up 3x 500 USD printers at the same time, to keep iteration time down.