A Kickstarter version is shipping from the Netherlands
metal-base.com/
and uses a commercially available laser from Amazon for about $1000.
The rest of the cost is gantry, frame, box, powder spreader, inert gas handling, etc.
Buildout is around 2.5K to 2.8K, multiply 4 or 5 times to get a production price, you're still in the the 10K to 15K range for laser sintering 3D metal printer.
60 W 445 nm Laser $900โ1,200
XY Gantry $400โ700
Aluminum extrusion 40mmx20mm, linear rails, belts, steppers (NEMA 17/23)
Z Pistons Leadscrews $250โ450
Machined or printed cylinders, ball screws, steppers, Re coater Mechanism $150โ300
Linear rail blade/roller dedicated stepper
Chamber Enclosure $300โ600
Extrusion frame, acrylic/metal panels, seals, interlocks. Inert Gas System $350โ700
Argon regulator, flowmeter, Oโ sensor, diffuser (your design), tubing
Electronics Control $200โ400
It's coming. Opportunities abound.