Material Precedents for DSDN104 "Grow"

I investigated the different capabilities of modelling using a 3D prototyping machine and it's limitations, and so far as I've seen the objects that can come out of such machines would be extraordinarily tricky to make in any other way. Take a look at these for instance:

So as far as limitations go.... I don't think there really are many limitations! Well, not so far anyway. I'm going to crack right into making some 3D forms and see if there are problems later. I also had a look at some textures that I could use for my models in 3DS Max, and come out with a mixture of natural and fractal images I'm willing to try: