Machines that print three-dimensional plastic models have been too expensive for all but the biggest businesses — until now.

A new announcement from Hewlett-Packard, has started to open up that specialized market.

The new products distributed by HP will be targeted at design and engineering professionals, and will cost in the range of $15,000 to $20,000 — not cheap but a bargain compared to older prototyping machines. The company will distribute and support an existing set of machines from Stratasys, a Minnesota company.

HP will be able to sell into design and architecture markets where it’s already the market leader.

Using inexpensive and very good computer-aided design (CAD) systems, users will be able to prototype designs of everything from automotive tools to prosthetic limbs, plastic toys to architectural designs, even create prototypes of sculptures. HP won’t be adding anything to the technology, at least at first. But it will provide a marketing, sales, and support powerhouse that will take the whole industry to the next level.

Tags: 3-D printer, HP