Researchers 3D Print Objects with Multiple Metal Alloys and Properties, in One Piece

Researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab have come up with what may end up being a major new technique of 3D printing metal alloys. What they have managed to do is print using up to 4 different metal alloys at one time, without the need to change the powder. The method can be used to print objects which have several different properties, based on the metals used in different areas of that object. The printing process is nonstop, and enables the production of complex multimaterial parts printed in one piece. More details on this research can be found in the article here: http://3dprint.com/10602/3d-print-multiple-metals/

What are you thoughts? Could this lead to widespread adoption of metal additive manufacturing, and what are the implications within the manufacturing industry? Check out one of the printed gradient pieces below, consisting of several different metal alloys.
http://3dprint.com/wp-content/upload...07/metal-3.jpg