Human skulls and bones can now be created with 3D-printing, with 75% of a human skull implant now approved in the US. Oxford Performance Materials in Connecticut  developed the technology. Their president says “We see no part of the orthopedic industry being untouched by this.”
3D printing’s advantage comes from taking the digitally scanned model of a patient’s skull and “printing” out a matching 3D object layer by layer. The precise manufacturing technique can even make tiny surface or edge details on the replacement part that encourage the growth of cells and allow bone to attach more easily.
Oxford is submitting other 3D printed bone types to the FDA for approval.