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The sky's the limit for 3D-printed goodies at CES 2016 (pictures)

If you think 3D printers are for making "useless toys," you're wrong. At CES 2016, 3D printing proved to be quite a handy technology to make objects that you can really use. Most importantly, it can be used to make stuff that you can't find ready-made at the store.

Dong Ngo
CNET editor Dong Ngo has been involved with technology since 2000, starting with testing gadgets and writing code for CNET Labs' benchmarks. He now manages CNET San Francisco Labs, reviews 3D printers, networking/storage devices, and also writes about other topics from online security to new gadgets and how technology impacts the life of people around the world.
Dong Ngo
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1 of 12 Sarah Tew/CNET

Bike Helmet

This life-size bike helmet can protect cyclist against minor accidents.

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2 of 12 Sarah Tew/CNET

Shoe parts

Need to feel more comfortable inside your shoes? You can make yourself a perfect-fitting insole.

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3 of 12 Sarah Tew/CNET

Flipper

Using flexible material, you can even make yourself perfect-fitting swimming fins, too.

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4 of 12 Sarah Tew/CNET

Hair dryer accessories

Or you can custom-make accessories for your gadgets -- like say, for your hair dryer.

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5 of 12 Sarah Tew/CNET

Cadaver

You can't really use these body parts as replacements, but they will come in handy if you need to study anatomy.

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6 of 12 Sarah Tew/CNET

Jewelry

3D printing is an excellent tool for making jewelry, helping you to be creative while saving a lot of time.

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7 of 12 Sarah Tew/CNET

Eyeglass frames

These 3D-printed eyeglass frames can actually be used in real life.

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8 of 12 Sarah Tew/CNET

Prosthetic arm

This unique prosthetic bionic arm can't be bought at the store.

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9 of 12 Sarah Tew/CNET

Saddle bags

You can 3D print quite large objects, such as accessories for your ride.

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Iron Man helmet

Or this Iron Man helmet.

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Portraits

And you can make small objects, too, of course, like action figures of yourself, or your loved ones.

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12 of 12 Sarah Tew/CNET

3D objects

Basically, with a 3D printer, your imagination is your limit. With a variety of materials, objects you make are not only unique but can also be useful in real-life.

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