&gt; CNC machining technologies are becoming much more affordable and easier to use<p>I disagree with this.  The first level of decent CNC machines has been in the $7,000-$10,000 range for quite some time now.  As they generally require 3-phase power and flood liquid (generally something which requires a non-trivial MSDS) over the part being cut, they require a dedicated space in a relatively dedicated shop.  The &quot;rent&quot; to house the machine exceeds the cost of the machine very quickly.<p>I would rather have an affordable SLS machine which could print nylon.