How low will 3D Printer Prices drop?

[jfkansas]

I don't see any printers ever under 100, maybe 500 or so will be the price floor. If the "only make money on the consumables" model takes hold, then we might see some sub $500 models that are of good quality. Just the parts alone for a printer would run $100-$200 minimum. A single head printer requires a 4 steppers, wiring, frame, belts/pulleys or gears. Add in the hot end and power supplies, temp monitors, LCD panels, SD card readers, etc. and it all adds up. Then labor, some margin for profit, shipping, manf overhead...add more for Customer Care and warehousing.

[DrLuigi]

I don't see any printers ever under 100, maybe 500 or so will be the price floor. If the "only make money on the consumables" model takes hold, then we might see some sub $500 models that are of good quality. Just the parts alone for a printer would run $100-$200 minimum. A single head printer requires a 4 steppers, wiring, frame, belts/pulleys or gears. Add in the hot end and power supplies, temp monitors, LCD panels, SD card readers, etc. and it all adds up. Then labor, some margin for profit, shipping, manf overhead...add more for Customer Care and warehousing.

Ye but FDM wont be forever, There will be new methods like SLA, or something else that would make the prices drop,
However this is betting and nobody can be sure, thats why i kinda dislike these kind of predict topics. If you want predictions goto the city and talk to a fortune teller :P