An aerospace manufacturer set out to minimize weightusing 3D printing. They lowered the number of components required in a 3D printed component assembly resulting in a lighter overallcomponent—a seemingly tiny change to production has created signfiicant benefits including payload, emissions, fuel consumption and speed while also significantly reducing manufacturing waste.

3D printers are being designed to print complex meals or desserts that can be created through a combination of powdered ingredients and water. Though researchers have been experimenting with printing food products since the 1980s, current trends suggest that this technology will soon become more mainstream.

3D printing can be used for rapid prototyping, which can save time and money by speeding up the process of model making. This prototyping technique is especially popular in design studios where the creation of prototypes speed up the design process. Furthermore, it enables designers to quickly modify designs based on feedback from others, including clients.

The company Fripp Design in London creates customized 3D printed products, including prostheses that are modeled on individuals' bodies. As the technology has become more widespread, there is a growing number of people who have lost limbs in accidents with access to this technology. Those people can now benefit from replacement limbs designed specifically for their bodies rather than having to wear passive leg stilts or an uncomfortable prosthesis which doesn't fit their bodies well.

3D printers allow engineers to creat custom tools with hard-wearing tips for several functions, such as engraving circuit boards, milling (addition of material) or screwdriving work.