This is just a quick 3D Printing Video to show that yes, we can now use metal in our 3D Printers. So far, 3D printers have used primarily plastic to create images, because it’s an easy material to work with. But last month, 3D printing took another leap forward when Michigan Technological University scientists invented a 3D metal printer available at a relatively affordable price — around $1,500. Oh, and they made the instructions for building the machine, as well as the operating software and firmware, available online for anyone to download.

It opens up the possibility of 3D metal printing for medium and small businesses, and even dedicated hobbyists. Here are some possible pros and cons that result from affordable, open-source 3D metal printers.