The way things are shaping up, it looks like 2014 may just be the year that we begin seeing affordable Metal based 3D Printers released for consumers. Why do I say this:

1) Several major metal 3D printer patents are set to expire in 2014
2) Michigan Technical University has recently created an affordable way to print with metal in 3D, and has just announce a deal with Sigma Labs inc. "Sigma Labs has a unique knowledge base in advanced sensing and process control for gas metal arc welding"

I expect to see several Metal printers coming out in late 2014, early 2015.