Colm:

You must not have read very much of the article.

The whole point of the article was that some people set up a project where you can now make your own for around $2,400.

It was in the very next paragraph after the paragraph with the amounts you quoted:

"The standard version of their Freeform fabricator – or "fabber" – is about the size of a microwave oven and can be assembled for around $2400 (£1200). It can generate 3D objects from plastic and various other materials. Full documentation on how to build and operate the machine, along with all the software required, are available on the Fab@Home website, and all designs, documents and software have been released for free."

Then again, maybe you just wanted to come buy to post your link.