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A 3D-Printed Future, Built at NC State

A laser moves back and forth on a 3D printer on NC State's campus.
A 3D printer at work in NC State's Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics.

In 2003, our university blazed a new frontier in 3D printing with the purchase of the nation’s first commercial metal 3D printer. More than 15 years later, we’re still pushing the technology’s limits to solve some of society’s biggest challenges.

From veterinary medicine to textiles to plant sciences, NC State researchers are bridging disciplines and working together to find groundbreaking uses for 3D printing in their work.

Meet some of our faculty printing their way to a better future.


Ross Sozzani next to a 3D bioprinter she uses for her research

Seeding the Next Generation of Plant Science

Major agricultural innovation is needed to meet our world’s ever-increasing need for food, fuel and fiber. And one NC State researcher sees an innovative way to get there: 3D-printed plants.

Tim Horn examines a monitor in NC State's 3D printing lab.

Inside NC State’s 3D Printing Hub

Discover a state-of-the-art center that’s pushing the boundaries of 3D printing — and helping faculty and industry take their work to the next level.

Regenerative scaffolding created with an advanced 3D printer developed by NC State researchers.

A Revolution in Regenerative Medicine

An interdisciplinary team of researchers is exploring how to apply 3D printing and nonwoven fiber manufacturing to create new tissues that can grow in the human body.