Will future historians have to define a new age i.e. Stonge Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age & now the 3D print Age. Perhaps looking back in the future to any methods of metal forming pre 3D printing will look primitive.
It does have some limitations though. Maximum density is around 90% of the normal metal, so strength suffers a bit. I guess if you are using titanium it's a bit trivial anyway
Read The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson.
Set in the not too distant future. 3D printers have become matter compilers.
Written in 1997.
A predictive look at where nanotech will be heading.
I dont read much fiction but this is a great book
The adaptability of materials used angle should start to make interesting replacement joints for humans for I suspect that in the not too far distnt future it will be possible to CAD a complete permanantly interlocking full range joint such as a knee shoulder or hip .
Form it and then slip some bearing surfaces into both components so it can never come apart , just get a key hole surgery replacement of bearing surfaces every 15 yrs or so