3-D Printing as Proto Von Neumann Probes?

In a recent article, the European Space Agency is investigating the use of 3D printing to print moonbase structures from lunar materials.  This appears to be the first inklings of a machine capable of replicating itself with materials that it finds in situ.  Several generations from now, 3D printing will be seen as the Granddaddy of these von Neumann probes which will be sent out to explore the heavens.