3D printing your 3d models?

Have you guys ever heard of 3D printing? Basically, artists can create 3D models, and they can be printed into real figurines made out of lots of materials, from ABS plastic, to sandstone, to stainless steel, to sterling silver, or even gold. I had a buddy on my last team upload one of his base models to a 3D printing company.

Check out his model "Red Man"

Have you guys ever done anything similar to this?