This video describes the advances in 3D printing. http://video.pbs.org/video/2339671486/ You can now design an object on your computer at home, upload the data and receive the 3D printed item in the post.
This may make the restoration of an item practical where it would have otherwise been simply too difficult to manufacture parts using traditional methods.
NASA are even printing rocket engine parts http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/140084-nasa-3d-prints-rocket-parts-with-steel-not-plastic though it's a slightly different technique.
Enjoy,
Clive