The 3D Printing Advances That Changed The World In 2015

2015 was a year of tremendous strides for the innovative industry of 3D printing, proving it has the potential to change everything around us — and soon. From cool construction projects to life-changing surgeries, this year’s advances gave the world just a small glimpse of its revolutionizing capabilities.

Some of 2015’s biggest 3D-printing stories include groundbreaking medical breakthroughs like a 3D-printed ribcage, a printer that uses human flesh as ink, a replacement beak for a mutilated toucan, and the ability to offer a far cheaper and quicker alternative to expensive prosthetics. Arguably the most heartwarming 3D printing story, though, was when a couple students who designed and printed a custom wheelchair for a kitten with no back legs.

3D printing has also opened up exciting possibilities on the architecture front. This year, robots started building bridges with no human assistance. In Dubai, they’re printing entire office buildings. An Italian company even developed a 40-foot tall 3D printer that builds low-cost disaster relief housing. And engineers are already brainstorming how to print 3D structures on Mars.

If 2015 was any indication, 3D printing offers limitless opportunities and innovations across almost all facets of life. It’s hard not to get excited for what’s next.